Contested Divorce Lawyer

At Griffin Family Law, PLLC, we understand that every marriage has its unique story, and sometimes, despite every effort, parting ways becomes the only path forward. Navigating the waters of a contested divorce in Florida can be complicated, emotionally taxing, and overwhelming.

That’s why we’re here—to guide you through every step with empathy, expertise, and a commitment to your well-being. Our approach is not just about legal strategy; it’s about understanding the human side of these challenging moments, offering support, and ensuring your voice is heard.

Whether it’s asset division, child custody, or support arrangements, our experienced team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Understanding Contested Divorce

In a contested divorce, disagreements on one or more pivotal aspects of the marriage dissolution process prevent an amicable settlement. This type of divorce steps away from the simpler, uncontested route, requiring thorough judicial examination to untangle disputes over finances, child custody, or other contentious matters.

The Journey Through Contested Divorce

The pathway through a contested divorce is complex and often full of procedural and emotional hurdles. In many contested divorces, traditional negotiations are not effective. Instead, decisions must be made through litigation.

The process unfolds through several legal steps, including petitions, document exchanges, evidence gathering, and, potentially, a court trial. Here, a judge makes the ultimate decisions on disputed subjects, adding a layer of unpredictability to the outcome.

While this can be a stressful time, we are here to help. Thanks to our decades of experience in the field, our clients can feel confident we will help them achieve the best possible outcome for their divorce case.

Understanding the Florida Divorce Process

Initiating a divorce in Florida begins with one spouse filing a petition for dissolution of marriage in the family division of the local circuit court. This legal document outlines the grounds for divorce and any initial requests for matters such as child custody, support, and division of assets and debts.

Florida recognizes a “no-fault” divorce approach, meaning the filing spouse doesn’t need to prove the other party’s wrongdoing; instead, the marriage must be irretrievably broken, or one of the spouses must be mentally incapacitated.

Navigating Legal Requirements

Florida law mandates a residency requirement: At least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months before filing for divorce.

After the petition is filed and served to the other spouse, they have 20 days to respond. This response can either agree to the terms, disagree and outline alternative requests, or seek to dismiss the claims made.

In contested cases where disagreements persist, the court may require mediation or set a trial date to resolve the issues.

The Role of Mediation and Trial

Mediation is often a compulsory step in the Florida divorce process. It is designed to help both parties reach an amicable resolution without going to trial. A neutral mediator assists the spouses in negotiating an agreement on disputed matters.

If mediation fails to produce a settlement, the case will proceed to trial, where a judge will make the final decisions on all contested issues.

Challenges in Contested Divorces

Compared to an uncontested divorce, contested divorces mean several potential challenges. Understanding what these are is essential.

Complexity and Emotional Strain

Contested divorces are inherently complex, often magnified by the emotional strain of untangling a shared life. Such cases demand legal knowledge and negotiation skills, which we offer at Griffin Family Law, PLLC.

Disputes over child custody, asset division, and alimony can escalate into lengthy legal battles, causing stress and anxiety for all parties involved.

Legal and Financial Implications

The financial stakes in a contested divorce are high, requiring a detailed understanding of both parties’ assets and debts. A Neptune Beach contested divorce attorney ensures an equitable division of property, fair child support arrangements, and appropriate alimony settlements.

The costs associated with contested divorces, including attorney fees, court costs, and the expenses of gathering evidence, add another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation.

Navigating the Legal System

With its specific procedures and legal requirements for contested divorces, the Florida court system poses a formidable challenge to those unfamiliar with the legal domain. Effective navigation through this legal labyrinth is essential for a positive outcome.

Our team will guide our clients through each step, leveraging our understanding of local laws and court dynamics to advocate effectively for our clients’ interests.

Contact Griffin Family Law, PLLC, for Dedicated Support

At Griffin Family Law, PLLC, we are committed to mitigating the challenges of contested divorces. By offering strategic legal counsel, emotional support, and personalized attention, we aim to streamline the legal process.

We work to safeguard your interests, minimize the emotional and financial toll, and prepare you for a new start.

The first step is to call our office to schedule an initial consultation. We can discuss your situation and needs.