FAQs

Family law in Florida focuses on legal issues involving marriage, children, and domestic relationships. In some cases, it can involve the division or distribution of property, assets, and finances between two divorcing or separating people. Some of the common disputes and matters that family law can help settle or facilitate include:

• Dissolution of marriage (or “divorce”)
• Timesharing
• Child support
• Alimony
• Adoption
• Paternity
• Domestic violence matters

In general, family law cases in Florida are part of the public record, which means court filings and many case details may be available through the clerk of court. That said, not every piece of information is open for public viewing. For example, highly sensitive information, like Social Security numbers and some information involving minor children, is typically protected or redacted. Your lawyer can help you navigate the state’s privacy laws and determine what information can be shared or withheld.

Are you searching for the right family law attorney? When meeting and reviewing your list of candidates, ask them directly and candidly about their experience with cases like yours and how familiar they are with the local court system. It is also wise to ask whether they expect your case to be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. If they answer these questions or address these topics clearly and professionally, and without any big promises or guarantees, then they are likely a good candidate for taking on your case.

An initial consultation is a good opportunity to see whether an attorney is the right match for your needs and communication style. As you talk with them, focus on how they interact with you just as much as what they say about the law or your case. Here are a few things that you should pay attention to and make note of during your first meeting:

• Does the attorney listen closely to your concerns?
• Do they answer your questions in clear, plain language?
• Do they explain the next steps in your case in a way you can easily understand?
• Have they made unrealistic promises or guarantees about the outcome?

The divorce process begins with filing a Petition for a Dissolution of Marriage. To be eligible, either you or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months before filing. After the petition is filed, the spouse being served has 20 days to respond with an acceptance or a counterpetition for Dissolution of Marriage. Some of the factors that can be outlined in the Petition for Dissolution include the following:

• Alimony
• Timesharing
• Child support
• Division of debts
• Payment of attorney fees and costs
• Property division

An appeal is a request for a higher court to review a lower court’s decision for legal error. If you believe that mistakes have been made in your case, you must file a notice of appeal, typically within 30 days of the final judgment. This 30-day deadline is often strict and non-negotiable. So, if you want to file an appeal, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible to determine if you have valid legal grounds for doing so.