The First Steps Of The Florida Divorce Process

Deciding to get divorced can feel like the first major hurdle of the divorce process. While it is an important one, there are still a lot of steps that couples will need to take before they can finalize their dissolution and move on with their post-divorce lives. If you are thinking about divorce, consider the following suggestions, which can help you make informed decisions that will best serve your family.

Find Quality Legal Support

One of the first things you should consider doing when you have decided to file for divorce is to find quality legal support. Having an experienced and compassionate lawyer on your side can make all the difference when navigating the divorce process. An attorney will be well-versed in the intricacies of Florida family law and can help you come up with a settlement agreement that carefully accounts for your unique situation and doesn’t leave one party with an unfair property division, alimony, or child custody agreement.

Seek Emotional Support

Ending a marriage isn’t only legally complex, but often raises a host of emotional issues for the parties involved. By seeking counseling early in the process, couples can begin to contend with these issues. A trained specialist can, for instance, offer emotional advice and coping mechanisms for those who struggle with anxiety or depression. This often proves particularly important for those with children, as counselors can help communicate the situation in a positive and calm manner that doesn’t leave the children confused.

Be Honest with Your Partner

Before couples get too far into the divorce process, it’s important to have an honest conversation about each other’s feelings. By taking this step and avoiding critical or harsh language while doing so, both parties will gain a better understanding of each other’s goals and can avoid contention and confusion down the road.

Consider Your Legal Options

This is also a good time to think about the best approach to divorce. Traditional litigation, for instance, isn’t always necessary. Instead, a couple may be able to engage in a collaborative divorce and avoid litigation entirely if they are able to communicate effectively and work through their differences. Mediation could also help a couple work through their issues in an out-of-court setting, which could save them both time and money, while leaving the responsibility for making divorce-related decisions firmly in the hands of the parties involved. With these approaches, couples can work together to reach agreements that are best for their families.

Learn More About the Process

While a divorce attorney will be tasked with grappling with the most complicated parts of divorce, it’s still a good idea for couples to try and gain a better understanding of the divorce process in Florida. By learning more about deadlines, important legal standards, and filing requirements, couples can feel more confident in their decision-making process and can avoid costly delays.

Set Up a Free Case Review Today

To get started on your own divorce, call 954-945-7591 and set up an appointment with dedicated and compassionate Florida divorce lawyer Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. today.

Sources:

floridabar.org/public/consumer/pamphlet010/

floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-journal/the-collaborative-law-process-rules-this-is-how-we-do-it/