Fort Lauderdale Divorce Attorney

Divorce reshapes everything. The home you shared, the finances you built together, the routines your children depend on. For people in Broward County, the decision to end a marriage rarely comes easily, and the path forward rarely comes clearly. What you need at that point is not a law firm that treats your case like a numbered file, but an attorney who understands both the law and what is actually at stake for your family. At Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A., that is the standard of representation we hold ourselves to for every client we serve.

As a Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney serving clients throughout Broward County and St. Johns County, Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. focuses on resolving divorce and family law matters through approaches that minimize damage and maximize cooperation. Our practice centers on uncontested divorce, mediation, and collaborative law, pathways that allow spouses to reach lasting agreements without courtroom battles. That said, our clients come to us with complicated situations, and we know that the right resolution looks different for every family.

Fort Lauderdale has its own financial landscape, its own real estate market, and its own mix of families. Waterfront properties, business ownership, retirement accounts built over long marriages, and co-parenting arrangements that span multiple counties or states. These are real factors in Broward County divorces, and a divorce law firm in Fort Lauderdale worth working with understands that the law has to meet those facts on the ground.

What Florida Divorce Law Actually Requires

Florida is a no-fault divorce state, which means either spouse can file for divorce without proving wrongdoing. The only legal grounds required are that the marriage is irretrievably broken. But no-fault does not mean uncomplicated. Florida law still requires a full financial disclosure from both parties, a valid parenting plan if minor children are involved, and a marital settlement agreement that resolves all outstanding issues before a judge will finalize the divorce.

Florida also follows the principle of equitable distribution when dividing marital assets and liabilities. Equitable does not automatically mean equal. Courts look at factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s economic circumstances, contributions to the marriage including homemaking and child rearing, and any intentional dissipation of marital assets. For couples going through mediation or an uncontested process, equitable distribution is something they negotiate together rather than leaving to a judge. That negotiated agreement then becomes part of the marital settlement agreement submitted to the court.

Spousal support in Florida was significantly restructured in recent years. Florida now recognizes bridge-the-gap alimony, rehabilitative alimony, and durational alimony. Each type has specific eligibility criteria and duration limits tied to the length of the marriage. The goal of modern Florida alimony law is to give lower-earning spouses time and support to become financially self-sufficient, not to create indefinite obligations. An attorney familiar with the current framework can help you understand what is realistic in your circumstances and negotiate terms that reflect that honestly.

Divorce Issues Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. Handles in Broward County

• Uncontested Divorce: When both spouses agree on all major issues, including property, debt, support, and custody, an uncontested divorce offers the fastest and most cost-effective path to resolution. Cases handled through the Broward County Courthouse at 201 SE 6th Street can often be finalized in weeks rather than months.
• Divorce Mediation: A neutral mediator facilitates structured negotiation between spouses who are not yet aligned on every issue. Mediation is especially valuable when children are involved, because it keeps both parents in control of the co-parenting arrangement rather than handing those decisions to a judge.
• Collaborative Divorce: Both spouses, their attorneys, and any necessary professionals such as financial advisors or family counselors work together to resolve all issues outside of court. The collaborative process prioritizes dialogue over dispute.
• Property and Debt Division: Fort Lauderdale’s real estate market makes property division a particularly significant issue in many divorces. Marital homes, investment properties, vacation homes, and mortgages all require careful analysis under Florida’s equitable distribution framework.
• Parenting Plans and Time-Sharing: Florida courts do not use the term “custody” in the traditional sense. Instead, parents establish a parenting plan that addresses decision-making authority and a time-sharing schedule. These plans must serve the child’s best interests and be detailed enough to minimize future conflict.
• Spousal Support Negotiation: Whether you are seeking support or concerned about paying it, understanding what Florida’s current alimony framework allows is essential before entering any negotiation. Duration, amount, and modification rights all require careful legal analysis.
• High-Asset Divorce: Broward County households with significant assets, business interests, or complex financial portfolios require thorough documentation and informed negotiation to reach a fair outcome. This includes retirement account division through qualified domestic relations orders, business valuation, and hidden asset considerations.

Why Choose Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. for Your Fort Lauderdale Divorce

Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. is built around a specific philosophy: that the most constructive divorces are the ones where both parties emerge with their dignity and their futures intact. Our practice is concentrated on uncontested divorce, mediation, and collaborative approaches because we have seen how much better outcomes are when families avoid the financial and emotional cost of litigation. That focus is not accidental. It reflects a deliberate choice about the kind of legal work we do and the kind of results we believe clients deserve.

The firm serves clients in both Fort Lauderdale and St. Augustine, giving us direct experience with two distinct Florida court systems. In Broward County, we work regularly within the local procedures at the courthouse on SE 6th Street, and we understand the practical timelines and filing expectations that govern uncontested and mediated divorces there. For clients in the St. Augustine area, we navigate the St. Johns County Courthouse system with the same familiarity. That dual-market experience means our clients are not learning alongside us. We already know the terrain.

Our approach keeps clients informed and involved throughout. A divorce attorney in Fort Lauderdale who genuinely understands your goals is better positioned to negotiate an agreement that reflects them, whether that means a creative parenting schedule, a specific property arrangement, or a fair spousal support structure. We work with clients to document their financial positions thoroughly, identify the issues most likely to create friction, and build agreements built to last.

How to Move Forward When You Are Ready to File

The practical starting point for most divorces in Fort Lauderdale is gathering financial documentation. Before you can negotiate a marital settlement agreement, both spouses need a clear picture of what the marriage accumulated and owes. That means bank statements from all accounts, mortgage documents, retirement account statements, tax returns from recent years, and records of any significant debts. Even if you plan to file an uncontested divorce, financial disclosure is mandatory under Florida law.

Once your documents are in order, an initial consultation with a Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney gives you a clear picture of your options. In many cases, an uncontested process is entirely feasible even when spouses have not yet agreed on every detail. Mediation can bridge those gaps before any formal filing occurs. If you and your spouse are already aligned on the major issues, you may be close to ready for the formal filing process than you realize.

In Broward County, divorce cases are filed at the Broward County Courthouse, 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale. Filing involves submitting a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage along with the required financial affidavit and, if children are involved, a proposed parenting plan. For truly uncontested cases without minor children or alimony issues, Florida’s Simplified Dissolution of Marriage process may be available, though this pathway has specific eligibility requirements. Most divorces involving children or financial complexity proceed through the standard process.

One common mistake people make is assuming they do not need an attorney for an uncontested divorce because both spouses agree. The risk is not the agreement itself but the paperwork. A marital settlement agreement that is ambiguous, incomplete, or legally deficient can be rejected by the court or, worse, enforced in a way you did not intend. Having a divorce attorney in Fort Lauderdale draft or review those documents is not an unnecessary expense. It is protection for everything you negotiated.

Questions Fort Lauderdale Divorce Clients Ask Most

How long does a divorce take in Broward County?

An uncontested divorce in Broward County can often be finalized in a matter of weeks once all paperwork is correctly filed and processed. Contested divorces take substantially longer, sometimes a year or more, depending on the complexity of the disputes and the court’s docket. The fastest resolution typically comes when both parties work with attorneys to reach agreement before filing.

Does it matter who files for divorce first in Florida?

In most uncontested and mediated cases, it does not matter significantly. The petitioner, the spouse who files first, does have to list the grounds in the petition and serve the other spouse, but in cooperative proceedings, this is usually a logistical distinction rather than a strategic advantage. In contested cases, filing first may allow the petitioner to present their case first at hearings, which some attorneys believe carries modest advantage.

How does Florida handle property that was owned before marriage?

Property owned by one spouse before the marriage is generally considered separate and not subject to equitable distribution. However, separate property can become marital property through commingling, such as using a joint account to pay a mortgage on a premarital home, or by adding a spouse’s name to the title. Tracing the character of assets over a long marriage can require detailed financial records and, sometimes, forensic accounting assistance.

What happens to the family home if neither spouse can afford to buy the other out?

This is a common issue in Broward County, where property values have increased significantly. Options include selling the home and dividing the proceeds according to each spouse’s equity share, refinancing in one spouse’s name if they qualify, or a deferred sale arrangement where one parent remains in the home with the children until a specified milestone such as the youngest child reaching adulthood. The right solution depends on both the financial situation and the parenting arrangement.

Can a Florida parenting plan be modified after the divorce is final?

Yes, but modification requires demonstrating a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances since the original plan was entered. Courts do not modify parenting plans simply because one parent prefers a different arrangement. Common grounds include a parent relocating, a significant change in a child’s needs, or a documented change in a parent’s fitness. The best way to reduce modification disputes is to draft a detailed, realistic parenting plan at the outset.

What if my spouse is hiding assets during our Fort Lauderdale divorce?

Florida requires full financial disclosure, and intentional concealment of marital assets is taken seriously by courts. Discovery tools available in divorce proceedings include interrogatories, subpoenas for financial records, depositions, and forensic accounting review. A judge who finds that one spouse deliberately hid or dissipated assets may factor that conduct into the equitable distribution award. If you suspect concealment, document any unusual financial activity you have noticed and raise it with your attorney early.

Is divorce mediation required in Florida?

Mediation is often ordered by the court in contested divorce cases before the matter proceeds to trial. Even in cases that are not yet contested, voluntary mediation can be an effective way for spouses to reach agreement without prolonged litigation. In Fort Lauderdale, courts frequently encourage or require mediation as a step in the process, particularly in cases involving children. The mediator does not make decisions for the parties but facilitates productive negotiation.

How is child support calculated in Florida divorces?

Florida uses an income-shares model for child support. Both parents’ net incomes are combined, and the total child support obligation is determined from statutory guidelines based on that combined income and the number of children. The obligation is then allocated between parents proportionally to their respective incomes. Time-sharing percentages also factor into the calculation. Deviations from the guideline amount are possible but require specific justification recognized by Florida law.

What if my spouse and I agree on everything but I am concerned the agreement is not fair to me?

Agreement does not automatically mean fairness, particularly if one spouse had more access to financial information, greater negotiating leverage, or simply more familiarity with the family’s assets. Having an attorney review any proposed marital settlement agreement before you sign ensures that you understand what you are agreeing to, whether the terms reflect Florida law, and whether there are issues the agreement fails to address. Reviewing a draft agreement is far simpler and less expensive than trying to challenge one after it has been entered by the court.

Can a collaborative divorce work if there is significant tension between us?

Collaborative divorce does not require that spouses like each other or agree on everything at the outset. It requires a commitment from both parties to resolve issues outside of court with the support of their respective attorneys and any additional professionals brought in for the process. The structured nature of collaborative meetings often helps reduce unproductive conflict by keeping discussions focused on practical outcomes. That said, if one spouse is unwilling to participate in good faith, litigation may ultimately be necessary.

Serving Divorcing Clients Across Fort Lauderdale and Broward County

Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. represents clients throughout Fort Lauderdale and the broader Broward County region. Whether you live in Victoria Park, Flagler Village, Rio Vista, Coral Ridge, or the barrier island communities of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Fort Lauderdale Beach, we are familiar with the courts and procedures that govern your divorce. Our practice extends to clients in Plantation, Davie, Cooper City, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Weston, Sunrise, Tamarac, Lauderhill, Deerfield Beach, and Pompano Beach. We also serve families in the western communities of Southwest Ranches and Parkland, as well as Hollywood and Hallandale Beach to the south.

Beyond Broward County, the firm also serves clients in the St. Augustine area and throughout St. Johns County, including the communities of Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, and Palm Valley. Clients navigating divorce in either market benefit from our direct knowledge of both the Broward County Courthouse and the St. Johns County Courthouse systems. No matter where in our service area you are located, the approach remains the same: grounded legal guidance, honest assessment, and a genuine commitment to reaching the right outcome for your family.

Speak with a Fort Lauderdale Divorce Attorney at Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A.

Divorce is not just a legal process. It is a transition that affects every part of your life. Working with a Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney who understands both the legal framework and what real families are going through makes that transition less uncertain. At Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A., we bring clarity to complicated situations and help our clients reach agreements that hold up over time.

If you are considering divorce in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in Broward County, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our office. There is no obligation, and there are no commitments required before we talk through your situation. Call Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. today to get started.