Florida Divorce Process
Serving Palm Beach County for Over 30 Years
How to Get a Divorce in Florida
In Florida, anyone who seeks a divorce must file a petition for a Dissolution of Marriage. But this is only the first step in the Florida divorce process. In some instances, both parties quickly come to terms on all major issues to be resolved. In other instances, there are real disagreements that may require mediation or even a trial. Understanding the steps you must take to achieve an equitable resolution can help prepare you for success.
What Are the Steps to File for Divorce in Florida?
After you have decided that your marriage is irretrievably broken and you want to know how to start the divorce process in Florida, state law requires that you do the following:
- File a Petition – You must file a petition with the Clerk of the Court for a formal Dissolution of Marriage.
- Give Formal Notice To Your Spouse – A licensed process server will serve your petition to your spouse, who has 20 days to respond. In many uncontested divorces, this is a mere formality, as couples have already reached an agreement on major issues. In contested divorces, where major issues are likely to be disputed, the other party’s response usually contains a counterpetition. You have 20 days to answer your spouse's counterpetition in Florida.
- File Motions – You or your spouse may file motions, which are formal requests to the court to initiate some kind of action. In divorce petitions that involve children, common motions are to request temporary custody, and temporary spousal support. It’s important to understand that motions are merely requests, and there’s no guarantee that a judge will agree to them.
- Work Through The Discovery Process – In most legal actions, there is a discovery phase, which allows both parties to obtain documents and evidence to bolster the claims they will make during the divorce trial itself. Discovery also allows both sides to view a witness list, depose witnesses, and request financial documents.
- Attend The Hearing – Unlike a full trial, a hearing is a shorter session in which a judge listens to the reasons for the motions that were previously filed. These motions are usually requests for court orders that will only last through the duration of the divorce. Examples include temporary child support and temporary custody.
- Go Through Mediation – All contested divorces must go through mediation, in which a neutral third party tries to get both sides to compromise and reach a Marital Settlement Agreement, which is a legally binding document that details how all major issues of the divorce have been resolved. A Parenting Plan will also be negotiated during this time, if children are involved. You can – and should – bring an experienced family lawyer to all mediation sessions to ensure that your rights, and your children’s rights, are protected.
- Head To Trial – If major issues cannot be resolved during mediation, the divorce will proceed to a bench trial, which means that a judge – not a jury – will make all final decisions. A divorce trial follows the same rules as any other type of trial; a lawyer can call witnesses, cross examine witnesses, present evidence, and make opening and closing arguments.
- Receive The Final Judgment – The family court judge makes a final ruling on all the major issues of the divorce and orders the judgment to be filed with the Clerk of the Court. Although this is referred to as the Final Judgment, either party can appeal the decision.
What Our Clients Have to Say
-
"You can too trust him!"I am using Eric for the second time, he saved this child the first time when she needed it the most. I know God’s will placed him in my life and when an incident came up again I didn’t hesitate to call Eric Cheshire. He is a Godly Man that gets at the truth to help in the best way he can with the will of God. I trust him with the most precious gift God gave me, you can too trust him.- Former Client
-
"A true gentleman and professional!"As a woman of God, I would never have dreamt I needed Eric and his firm’s services. Fortunately, it was one of my better decisions. For his professionalism and kind heart made me feel that I was not in this alone. He was walking with me during the entire ordeal and I am very blessed to have a Christian man such as himself to guide me and explain everything to me. A true gentleman and professional! Thanks Eric!- Former Client
-
"He genuinely cares!"Mr. Cheshire is one of the good guys. He genuinely cares about his clients and what is important to them.- Former Client
-
"I am so thankful to have found someone who was so knowledgeable and considerate."As you might imagine this was a difficult time in my life. I am so thankful to have found someone who was so knowledgeable and considerate to help me through my divorce.- Former Client
-
"Will hire him again if I ever need an attorney for my legal needs"I’ve used Eric Cheshire, PA over the years for my divorce and he handled it in an understanding but prompt manner. I’ve recommended him to other family and friends and they’ve been elated with his representation also. Will hire him again if I ever need an attorney for my legal needs.- Former Client
-
"Great Service!"Great Service! He was kind, understanding and easy to work with.- Former Client
-
"Eric fought for our family to be together."Very nice and helpful. Give my husband his legal rights as a father to be able to see his son. Eric fought for our family to be together and he always checked in with us to see how things were going. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer and family man. He loves his family and he loves his clients too.- Former Client
-
"Very grateful!"Atty Cheshire reviewed the case carefully with my daughter and communicated with other lawyers in Missouri where she lives. We spoke with him to give other pertinent info and he kept us posted. He spent we suppose several hours on her case which helped prevent some financial pitfalls on her part. My daughter and us parents are very grateful for his foresight and timely advice. We highly recommend Atty Cheshire. (Reviewed from a potential client who consulted with Attorney Cheshire).- Former Client
Residency Requirements for Divorce in Florida
Yes, in order to file for a divorce in the state of Florida, at least one of the spouses must have lived in the state for six months prior to filing for the divorce, according to Fla. Stat. § 61.021.
Do You Need Grounds for Divorce in Florida?
Yes, you must have grounds for divorce, including one of the following reasons:
- The marriage is “irretrievably broken"
- One of the spouses has been declared by a judge to be mentally incapacitated for at least three years
Compassionate Support During Your Divorce Journey
The legal actions related to contested and uncontested divorces can be complex. The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire P.A. has more than 30 years of experience handling every kind of divorce and is committed to providing compassionate service to help you get through such trying times.
Please call (561) 677-8090 today, to schedule your legal consultation with Florida divorce attorney, Eric Cheshire.