Divorce Lawyers in Polk County

We're Available Weekends & Evenings 

Choosing to end your marriage is not an easy decision, but it is often the right decision for everyone involved. However, the divorce process can become emotionally charged and overwhelming. If you are ready to file for divorce, you need to speak with a caring and effective Lakeland divorce attorney like myself.

I, Melissa A. Wilson, have been guiding countless couples through divorce for more than 20 years. Should you choose to hire me as your legal advocate to help with your divorce, you can be confident that I will be the strong voice of reason you need to make intelligent and level-headed decisions.

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Florida?

In order to file for divorce in Florida, you must first meet a residency requirement. The requirement states that you or your spouse must have been a resident of Florida for at least six months before you can file.

Florida is a no-fault divorce state, which means that you do not need to provide grounds for filing for divorce. Instead, you only need to testify that your marriage is irretrievably broken. With this type of divorce, you don’t need to prove that your spouse is at fault for the breakdown of your marriage.

A simplified divorce is an option for spouses that have minimal assets and don’t have children. This streamlined divorce allows for less time in court negotiations and less paperwork. The stipulations for a simplified divorce are:

• No children under the age of 18 (adopted or biological)
• The wife cannot be pregnant
• One or both parties have lived in Florida for 6 months or more
• Both parties have agreed on asset and debt division
• Both parties agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken

Understanding the full scope of the grounds for divorce in Florida can significantly affect the speed and efficiency of the process. It's essential to be aware of all legal obligations and potential impacts these grounds may have on alimony and child custody arrangements. Legal guidance can be invaluable in navigating these complexities to ensure that the divorce process aligns with your best interests.

How To File For Divorce in Florida

Filing for divorce in Florida involves several steps and requirements. Here is a general guide to help you understand the process:

• Residency Requirements: Before filing for divorce in Florida, either you or your spouse must meet the state's residency requirements. At least one of you must have been a resident of Florida for at least six months before filing the petition.
• Grounds for Divorce: Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you don't need to prove fault or wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. The only ground for divorce in Florida is that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
• Prepare the Petition: The divorce process begins with filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This legal document outlines the details of your marriage, including property division, alimony, child custody, and child support if applicable. You can obtain the forms from the Florida State Courts website or your county courthouse.
• Serve the Petition: After preparing the petition, you must serve it to your spouse. This involves delivering the documents to them through an authorized method, such as using a process server or a sheriff's deputy.
• Response from Spouse: Once served, your spouse has 20 days to respond to the petition. They can either agree or disagree with the terms laid out in the petition. If they disagree, the divorce may become contested, leading to further legal proceedings.
• Financial Disclosure: Both parties are required to disclose their financial information, including assets, debts, income, and expenses, within 45 days of serving the petition. This helps ensure equitable distribution of marital property.
• Negotiate and Mediate: If there are disagreements between you and your spouse, negotiation and mediation are often used to reach an agreement on issues such as property division, alimony, and child custody. If successful, a Marital Settlement Agreement is drafted and submitted to the court.
• Finalizing the Divorce: Once all issues are resolved, the court will review the agreement and, if it meets the legal requirements, issue a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. This finalizes the divorce, and both parties are legally divorced.

Navigating the divorce process in Florida can be complex, so it's crucial to consider consulting with an experienced family law attorney to ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the proceedings.

Additional steps to consider involve seeking preliminary legal advice to understand potential outcomes based on your specific circumstances. It's vital to keep abreast of any legal changes that could affect your situation. Moreover, exploring the benefits of psychotherapy during this process may provide emotional support and clarity, both of which are critical when making significant decisions related to your future and well-being.

Ever Argue With a Woman? ™ Protect Your Rights with My Help

Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, I am always aggressive and determined to obtain the most favorable outcome for my clients. I am relentless when it comes to safeguarding the rights of the individuals I represent, both inside and outside of the courtroom. My strong litigation skills and diligent approach have secured numerous successful outcomes for many of my past clients.

As your personal legal advocate, my mission is to lighten your load as much as possible so you can focus on spending time with your loved ones and on healing. To do this, I offer after-hour and emergency services for those who need to talk with me outside of normal business hours. I can also help you with other divorce-related matters such as child support, child custody, and division of marital property.

My approach is not only about legal representation but also about empowering you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. I provide guidance on the legal and practical implications of divorce settlements, ensuring you are aware of all possible scenarios. It's about building a strategy that looks beyond the immediate difficult situations and plans for a sustainable and hopeful future.

Understanding the Impact of Marital Property Laws in Florida

In Florida, the concept of equitable distribution governs the division of marital property. This means that the court aims to divide property fairly rather than equally. Factors considered include the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation, contributions to marital assets, and any disruptions to career or educational opportunities due to family obligations. Understanding these aspects can empower you in negotiations or court proceedings, ensuring a distribution that truly reflects your contributions and needs.

Engaging an experienced Lakeland divorce lawyer familiar with local court practices can be crucial in navigating these intricacies. Legal guidance is invaluable in understanding which assets classify as marital property and how to present arguments for fair division. Additionally, proactive planning and documentation can significantly influence outcomes, making it essential to create a comprehensive inventory of assets, debts, and contributions early in the divorce process.

Navigating Child Custody & Support in Lakeland

Child custody and support are essential considerations for divorcing parents in Lakeland. Florida law prioritizes the best interests of the child, assessing factors like the child's needs, each parent's ability to provide, and the child’s relationship with each parent. Establishing a parenting plan that reflects these priorities is crucial. This includes time-sharing schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and child support arrangements that maintain the child's standard of living post-divorce.

Our firm is dedicated to crafting personalized strategies to achieve optimal custody outcomes. By working closely with our clients, we ensure that parenting plans reflect realistic and beneficial arrangements for both the child and parents. Our focus on personalized service means addressing specific concerns related to the child's schooling, healthcare, and extracurricular activities, offering comprehensive support that aligns with family dynamics and children's well-being.