Trust An Experienced Clearwater Divorce Attorney And Move Forward
The hurricane of emotions that comes with ending a marriage in Florida can make it difficult for even the most rational thinkers to make the right decisions. Sometimes, it can be hard to look beyond right now and consider how your decisions will affect your future. Having a knowledgeable and empathetic divorce lawyer is the best way to get through the process with no regrets once the emotional pain subsides.
Our divorce attorney, Julie Beth Jouben, has dedicated her legal career to helping Florida families. Our firm, Julie Beth Jouben, P.A., helps people move through the transition of divorce. We have a team of people who want to make sure that you make decisions that are right for you, both today and tomorrow.
What Can You Expect When Working With Us?
No one can help you unless they first get to know you, understand your situation and carefully determine what you would like to happen in the future. A competent divorce attorney will make it a priority to listen to you carefully before giving you any advice.
Each couple is in a different situation and needs to go about this process in a way that will align with their future goals. It may be painful to reflect on your past choices and sort out the consequences, but doing so will help you move forward with your life.
How Should You Prepare For Your First Meeting With A Divorce Lawyer?
Think about your situation and jot down a few notes about important details that you would like to share with your divorce attorney. Sometimes, it is hard to remember everything during a conversation, and most of our clients find that having notes on hand allows them to present their cases more clearly. We also recommend doing some visualizing to understand what you would like from the settlement, how you would like to split assets, and where you plan to live once the dissolution is finalized. Having a clear mental picture of what you want for your future is the best road map for getting there.
Conduct An Unofficial Asset And Property Assessment
Conducting a quick, unofficial asset assessment of your property will go a long way for our first meeting. Doing so will help your divorce attorney understand your situation, and you will have a clearer picture of where you stand and what to expect when we start talking about the division of marital property and spousal maintenance expectations.
We do not ask you to get exact property appraisals and investment information, just a general overview of what will need to be assessed and divided during the marital dissolution process. This is beneficial information that will allow us to make the most of our consultation time together.
Consider What Is Best For Your Children
If there are children involved, make them a priority. Separating from children is the most challenging aspect of marriage dissolution, but facing reality cannot be avoided. Your child’s future in Clearwater must take precedence over your desires. Try to think about the kids from their perspective, not just your own, and decide on what will be fair for them, you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse.
The more realistic you are, the better your divorce attorney will be able to help you get what you want without further disappointment and emotional pain. Remember, also, that Clearwater judges are looking out for the best interests of your child, and will rule on child custody, parenting time and child support issues in your case accordingly.
What Is The Florida Divorce Process?
The Florida divorce process generally involves:
- Filing a petition for dissolution of marriage
- Serving the other spouse with divorce papers
- The other spouse responding within 20 days
- Discovery of financial information and other details
- Alternative dispute resolution, such as divorce mediation
If the parties reach an agreement, they can finalize the divorce relatively quickly. Otherwise, the case may proceed to a trial.
Even if you are feeling lost, our team is here to help you through this troubling time. Remember that you are not alone. There are many ways to go about marriage dissolution, and we can help you understand your options and walk you through each step of the process.
What Is The Difference Between Contested And Uncontested Divorce?
In a contested divorce, spouses disagree on the major issues, requiring court intervention for a resolution. This often involves lengthy legal proceedings and can be more costly. An uncontested divorce, on the other hand, occurs when both spouses agree on all terms of the divorce, allowing for a smoother and faster process. Uncontested divorces typically require less time and legal fees, as they circumvent court battles.
How Long Does A Florida Divorce Take?
The duration of a Florida divorce varies based on whether it is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on court schedules and paperwork. Contested divorces may last several months to over a year due to negotiations and court hearings. The complexity of the case and cooperation between parties significantly influence the timeline.
Consult A Tampa Bay Divorce Lawyer Today
You are the only one who knows your situation and what you would like for your future. Once you have a solid grasp of where you are and what you want, give us a call to schedule your consultation at 727-614-0070.