Our Brandon divorce attorney will be next to you to address any questions that you may have and to help ensure that you have all of the legal advice and support that you need during this challenging time. A divorce lawyer can help you by:

• Filing your paperwork and making sure that it is completed correctly
• Helping you avoid mistakes that could potentially cost you time or money
• Helping to ensure a smooth divorce process for both parties
• Being there to support you emotionally
• Providing you with important legal information to protect your rights
• Representing you if your divorce case gets taken to court

Residency Requirements for Divorce in Brandon

If you wish to file for divorce in the Tampa area, you must first meet a residency requirement:

You or your ex-spouse must have been a Florida resident for at least six months before filing.

To qualify as a Florida resident, you must maintain a legal residence for at least six months. A legal residence is not just a house—it’s a permanent home. A Florida driver’s license, for example, is not enough to qualify as proof of residency. If you try to file without meeting the residency requirement, the court may not accept your case or dismiss it.

How to Get Divorced in Florida

All divorce cases are unique, which is why we offer a personalized approach to FL divorce law. 

That being said, these are generally the steps one must take to get divorced in Florida: 

1. Meet the Florida residency requirement. At least one party must have lived in Florida for six months prior to filing for divorce.
2. Determine the type of divorce you will be filing. You and your spouse will pursue either a simplified dissolution of marriage or a regular dissolution of marriage. On occasion, a simplified dissolution will turn into a regular dissolution, however it does help the process if this can be determined before filing.
3. File the petition in the circuit court of your county. The party filing for the divorce must file a petition in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides.
4. Serve your spouse with a formal notice of divorce. Formal notice of the divorce proceeding must be served to the other spouse, either by a sheriff’s deputy or by certified mail. If you are unsure of how to handle this step, our Brandon divorce attorney can help you.
5. Disclose all financial assets and debts. A full and accurate disclosure of all financial matters, debts, real estate, benefits, and retirement accounts must be made along with the affidavit.
6. Reach a settlement agreement. You and your spouse, along with your attorneys, can negotiate a settlement agreement that leaves little to contest at trial. The settlement agreement will contain such issues as spousal support, property division, child custody, and child support.
7. Attend the final court hearing. If a settlement agreement cannot be reached, you must attend a final hearing before a judge to determine the outcome of the divorce.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Florida

In Florida, as in many other states, divorce proceedings can be broadly categorized into two types: contested and uncontested divorces. These two approaches have significant differences, each with its own implications and considerations.

• Uncontested Divorce: An uncontested divorce is typically the smoother and less adversarial option. In this scenario, both spouses agree on all major issues, such as property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. They've reached a settlement and simply need the court's approval. Uncontested, collaborative divorces are generally faster, more cost-effective, and less emotionally taxing for both parties involved.
• Contested Divorce: A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more crucial issues. These disputes may require litigation to resolve, with each party presenting their case in court. Contested divorces tend to be more time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining, as they often involve a protracted legal battle.

In Florida, there's a mandatory mediation requirement for contested divorces to encourage resolution outside the courtroom. However, if mediation fails, the case will proceed to trial.

Ultimately, the choice between contested and uncontested divorce in Florida hinges on the level of agreement between spouses. Uncontested divorces offer a smoother and more amicable route, while contested divorces are necessary when disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation. Consulting with an experienced Brandon divorce lawyer is essential to understanding your rights and options and making an informed decision based on your unique circumstances.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Florida?

The duration of a divorce in Florida can vary significantly based on various factors. Florida law provides for both simplified and regular dissolution of marriage processes, each with its own timeframe.

In a standard divorce proceeding, the duration is shaped by the intricacy of the case and the court's timetable: 

• Typically, uncontested divorces may conclude within approximately three to four months from the initiation to the completion of the process. 
• Conversely, contested divorces, involving disagreements on significant matters, may prolong the timeline considerably, occasionally stretching to a year or more.

Factors contributing to a longer divorce process include disputes over asset division, child custody arrangements, and alimony. Additionally, court backlogs and scheduling availability can impact the overall duration. Individuals navigating a divorce in Florida need to seek legal guidance to understand their rights, expedite the process when possible, and work toward a fair and equitable resolution. Our Brandon divorce attorneys can help. 

Contact our Brandon divorce lawyer online or give us a call at (813) 305-0353 today to schedule a consultation and begin discussing your case.