Types of Divorce in Florida
Today, many couples look for options to avoid a courtroom divorce. At Sandra Bonfiglio P.A. in Fort Lauderdale, our divorce law firm helps clients make the right choices for dissolving their marriage.
Uncontested divorce
When a couple goes through a Fort Lauderdale uncontested divorce, it means that they agree on all divorce issues, including:
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Florida is a no-fault divorce state. The only grounds for divorce are irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. An uncontested divorce involves filing a number of legal documents, such as:
- A petition for divorce
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Affidavit
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
- Family Law Financial Affidavits (full financial disclosure by both spouses)
- Marital Agreement (states the divorce terms)
- Notice of Security (Social Security numbers)
It is wise to have a lawyer help you with all the legal documents to make sure they are properly filled out and meet the court’s requirements.
Contested divorce
When a couple cannot agree on one or more issues, their divorce is contested. Whatever issues are in dispute must either be resolved through mediation, collaborative divorce, or a negotiated settlement—otherwise the couple must go to trial and have the court decide for them. Depending on what issues are in dispute, various legal actions must be taken. For example, if property division is disputed and one spouse does not disclose financial information, the other’s spouse’s lawyer may have to file a subpoena to obtain documents.
Collaborative divorce
During collaborative divorce, spouses and their divorce lawyers in Fort Lauderdale work together as a team to resolve the couple’s divorce issues. All parties sign a participation agreement that confirms their commitment to resolving issues outside of court. Other professionals may be asked to participate and offer constructive solutions. For example, financial appraisers, accountants, or financial advisers can provide information and options for dividing property in a way that minimizes taxation and preserves assets. If either spouse decides to end the collaborative divorce process and take their issues to trial, then both spouses’ attorneys must withdraw and the couple must obtain new lawyers.
Discuss your divorce in a private consultation
Sandra Bonfiglio can look out for your best interests and advise you about your divorce options. Call (954) 828-9933 or contact Sandra Bonfiglio, P.C. online.
