West Palm Beach Divorce Lawyers
Divorce takes on many forms. Children, alimony, significant assets, generational wealth, business ownership, retirement plans, and other issues can further complicate it. No formal blueprint exists for your divorce, and no one-size-fits-all mindset works in every case. What brings you to us? What do you want to accomplish? At Beebe Law, this is where our strategies on your behalf begin.
We explore all options in working to bring you to your desired outcome. We outline our entire approach and every step with the expectations you should have for their ramifications. Our team helps you prepare by understanding your issues, crucial to achieving a fair and equitable resolution.
Find out how we can help by discussing your case with a West Palm Beach divorce attorney. Call (561) 677-9147 or send us your completed online contact form to begin the process.
You're Our Priority
At Beebe Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Caring & Proficient"Abigail Beebe is a very caring, proficient attorney. She will guide you and advise you no matter how difficult your family issues may be. My family is very appreciative of her kindness and professionalism.- Former Client
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"They Saved My Life"Abigail Beebe saved my life literally! They are very knowledgeable In Domestic Violence and custody law. They listened to my needs and went to bat for me, I highly recommend to anyone who may be going through a difficult divorce.- Carly S.
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"Great Experience"She handled my case professionally and with my interests and best options in mind. Promptly responded to questions and made sure I understood what to expect during the whole divorce process.- Former Client
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"Exceptional Work"Abby and her great staff helped me through a very difficult divorce. Her advice and work are exceptional. I highly recommend her firm.- Former Client
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"Excellent Experience"Abigail Beebe and her legal team were very professional throughout the course of my divorce. Abigail and her team responded in a timely manner, and I was not billed unnecessarily. Most importantly, I was extremely satisfied with the results!- Edgar M.
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"She is Excellent"I am very blessed to have Abby and her staff on my side. I could write on and on but not much more is needed other than she is EXCELLENT.- Former Client
Overview of Divorce in Florida
Resolving a Florida divorce requires addressing several key issues.
These include:
- The division of marital property and debt.
- Child custody, referred to as “timesharing” in our state
- Child support
- Alimony
Is Florida a Community Property State?
This is a common question, but it is important to recognize that Florida is not a community property state. Florida is an "equitable distribution" state, which means marital assets and liabilities are divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Factors such as each spouse's financial situation, the length of the marriage, and each spouse's contribution to the household are considered in this division.
Child timesharing is another critical aspect of divorce proceedings. The court's primary concern is always the best interests of the child. Factors such as parental mental and physical health, moral fitness, willingness to facilitate a relationship between the child and the other parent, parenting ability, and more are all considered when determining custody arrangements.
Child support is mandated by law in which one parent provides financial support to the other based on state guidelines. These guidelines are used to calculate these payments per a formula. This type of support is the right of a child who will benefit from both parental incomes in sharing the cost of raising the child.
Alimony may or may not be awarded in a divorce based on the case’s unique circumstances.
What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Florida?
Florida is a “no-fault” divorce state. No-fault means that neither spouse has to prove in court that marital misconduct on the part of the other spouse caused the marriage to fail. No-fault divorce can proceed faster if the parties agree on all the issues relevant to their case.
No fault is based on an “ irretrievably broken” marriage, meaning the relationship is beyond repair with no hope for reconciliation. It is the most common form of divorce in the state. However, where couples cannot agree on all the issues or terms of their divorce, it may lead to mediation or litigation in court to achieve a resolution.
The other ground for divorce in Florida is when one of the spouses has been mentally incapacitated for a period exceeding three years. This rule is less commonly used due to the stringent criteria involved, such as the need for a medical diagnosis of mental incapacity.
When you need expert advice on your divorce case, contact our West Palm Beach attorneys today for a consultation. Call (561) 677-9147 or fill out our online contact form.
What Types of Divorce Are Available in Florida?
In Florida, divorce cases can be typically categorized into three types: uncontested, contested, and simplified.
An uncontested divorce is when both spouses agree on all issues, including property and assets, debts, child-related matters, and alimony. The process is generally quicker and less stressful compared to a contested divorce. However, both parties must be fully informed and agreeable to all terms and conditions of the divorce.
Contested divorce is the most complex type of divorce and is common when spouses can't agree on one or more issues. Disputes may arise over any one or more of the financial or child-related issues and require extended legal counsel, negotiations, mediation, and potentially a trial in court.
Simplified divorce, a simplified dissolution of marriage, is a streamlined process available to couples meeting specific criteria. These criteria include agreement on the division of property and debts, the absence of minor children, and the understanding that neither party will receive alimony.
The simplified divorce process is quicker and less expensive than the traditional divorce process but requires complete agreement and cooperation from both parties.
How Does the Florida Divorce Process Work?
The divorce process in Florida begins with filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This petition is filed by one spouse (the petitioner) in the Circuit Court in the county where either spouse resides. The petition outlines the grounds for divorce and the desired terms for all pertinent issues. Following this, the other spouse (the respondent) is served with the petition and has 20 days to file a response.
The State of Florida requires that at least one spouse has been a resident for six months immediately before filing the petition. This residency requirement is in place to ensure that Florida courts have jurisdiction over the divorce.
After the initial filing and response, the court schedules a Case Management Conference to discuss the issues and the course of action. This phase may involve discovery – exchanging financial and other relevant information between spouses. The court may order mediation if there are disputes over child custody or visitation.
If all issues are resolved, the court will review and approve the settlement agreement and issue a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. If disagreements persist, the case will go to trial, where the court will decide.
Preparing for Divorce
Divorce is a series of steps. Preparing for divorce is no different. Critical document collection can be made complex, if not impossible, by a motivated spouse. You won’t know how your spouse will react when confronted with the reality of your intention to divorce until that moment arrives. Prepare.
Daunting concerns will come into focus. Where will you live? What quality of life should you expect or maintain between starting this process and its culmination? Many considerations can impact your preparation and even your ability to prepare.
Though they are valid, your fears need not overwhelm you. The first next step is a conversation. Beebe Law provides the resources and counsel to help you start the process confidently. We explain every next step.
We aim to help you move through your divorce as smoothly as possible with the least worry, pain, and stress. We are here to help you transition into the next stage of your life with optimized security and confidence.
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Divorce in Florida
Navigating a divorce in Florida can be complex, and while it is not a legal requirement to hire a lawyer, having experienced legal representation is highly advisable for several reasons. A skilled West Palm Beach divorce attorney can provide invaluable assistance in ensuring your rights are protected and that the process unfolds as smoothly as possible.
1. Legal Expertise: Family law in Florida is intricate and subject to constant changes. Our experienced divorce lawyer possesses in-depth knowledge of Florida's divorce laws, ensuring that you understand your rights and obligations.
2. Objective Guidance: Emotions often run high during divorce proceedings, making it challenging to make clear-headed decisions. Our compassionate lawyer provides objective guidance, helping you make informed choices that align with your best interests.
3. Paperwork and Procedures: The legal paperwork and procedures involved in a divorce tend to be overwhelming. Our experienced lawyer is well-versed in the required documentation, ensuring that all paperwork is accurately prepared and submitted promptly.
4. Negotiation and Mediation: Many divorces involve negotiations and, in some cases, mediation. Having a lawyer by your side ensures effective representation and advocacy during these processes, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
5. Avoiding Costly Mistakes: DIY divorces may lead to costly mistakes, especially regarding property division, alimony, and child custody. Our experienced Florida lawyer helps you avoid these pitfalls, ensuring that your rights and assets are protected.
A divorce can be handled by yourself technically, but the complexities of Florida family law make it risky. Consulting with our knowledgeable West Palm Beachdivorce attorney is a proactive step to safeguard your interests and facilitate a smoother transition through the divorce process.
Contact us online or at (561) 677-9147 today.
