The Challenges of Filing for Divorce in Florida
Although divorce is not usually a pleasant process, it is not always a negative one, as dissolving a marriage can give unhappy couples the chance to start over and can also save people from unhealthy or abusive relationships. This does not mean, however, that obtaining a divorce is a simple process in Florida, or in any state for that matter. In fact, there are a number of challenges that most couples face when filing for divorce, so if you have decided to end your marriage, it is important to speak with an experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney about how to address these difficulties.
Contested Divorces
Divorces in Florida can either be contested or uncontested, with the former referring to dissolutions where a couple does not agree about one or more divorce-related issues, such as property division and alimony, while the latter refers to situations where a couple agrees on all of these issues and so can proceed more quickly with the dissolution. While uncontested divorces can still be challenging, contested divorces are notorious for being much more difficult to navigate, as they can be time-consuming, require couples to pay hefty fees, and are often much more stressful for the parties involved.
Time Consuming
One of the most difficult challenges faced by divorcing couples in Florida is the amount of time that it takes to finalize a divorce. While it is not always true that obtaining a divorce takes a long time, in most cases, it takes a number of months or even years. Contested divorces, in particular, tend to be time-consuming, as the parties involved must abide by a series of legal deadlines and waiting periods and must at least attempt mediation, in addition to going through a potentially months or years long trial.
It is also not uncommon for cases to be delayed for the filing of additional motions, especially for those who do not have legal representation and may not be aware of the filing rules and deadlines, all of which means that divorcing couples must wait for an indeterminate amount of time before being able to move on with the next phase of their lives.
Fees
Obtaining a divorce can also be a costly process, as couples are often required to pay for everything from filing the initial divorce petition with the court and having the petition served on their spouses to hiring experts to appraise their property and retaining attorneys. One of the best ways to avoid paying so much in fees is to file for a simplified divorce, which can save couples thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, not all couples are eligible for this type of divorce, which is only available to those who have no children, are not seeking alimony, have lived in Florida for at least six months, and have already decided how their assets and liabilities will be divided. Even those who qualify for a simplified divorce, however, must still pay a filing fee of $418.00.
Call Our Legal Team Today
Although the process of obtaining a divorce is fraught with difficulties, it is still often the best choice for couples and their families. To learn more about avoiding common divorce-related pitfalls, please call dedicated Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. at 954-945-7591 today.
