Orlando Family Attorneys
Experienced and dedicated Orlando family law attorneys for all your family law & divorce needs
In Orlando and all surrounding areas, Greater Orlando Family Law is here for you for all your family law needs. Whether you are going through a divorce, child custody dispute, or paternity proceeding, we’ll get you through this. If you’re looking to adopt your stepchildren, relocate to start a new life, or modify a court order, our team of compassionate Orlando family attorneys have the answers to your questions and know what steps to take. Life is full of changes, and when these changes touch on aspects of family law, our lawyers are here to keep you moving forward to the next stage in your life.
Understanding Family Law in Orlando
Family law in Orlando is governed by Florida state law, with statutes designed to address the unique needs of families. These laws cover various aspects:
Marriage and Civil Unions: Florida recognizes both marriages and civil unions, providing legal frameworks for these partnerships.
Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage): Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that either spouse can file for divorce without proving wrongdoing. The primary requirement is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
Child Custody and Support: Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, with the court favoring shared parental responsibility unless one parent is deemed unfit. Child support is calculated using state guidelines, considering the income of both parents and the needs of the child.
Alimony: Spousal support may be awarded based on factors such as the duration of the marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, and the financial resources of each spouse.
Property Division: Florida follows equitable distribution laws, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Factors influencing division include the length of the marriage, the economic circumstances of each spouse, and contributions to the marriage (including homemaking and child care).
The Divorce Process in Orlando
- Filing for Divorce: One spouse (the petitioner) files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the local family court. The other spouse (the respondent) is then served with the divorce papers.
- Response: The respondent has 20 days to file an answer, either agreeing to the terms or contesting them.
- Temporary Orders: Either party can request temporary orders for issues like child custody, support, and spousal support while the divorce is pending.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange information and documents relevant to the divorce, including financial records and evidence supporting custody arrangements.
- Mediation: Florida requires mediation for most contested divorce cases to encourage settlement without a trial. A neutral mediator helps the parties negotiate an agreement.
- Trial: If mediation fails, the case goes to trial. A judge will make final decisions on all contested issues, including custody, support, and property division.
- Final Judgment: The divorce is finalized when the judge signs the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. This document outlines the terms of the divorce.
Child Custody and Support in Detail
Child custody arrangements in Orlando are centered around the child’s best interests. Courts consider factors such as the parents’ ability to provide for the child’s needs, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s home, school, and community environment. Parenting plans are often required, detailing how parents will share responsibilities and time with the child.
Child support is determined using Florida’s Child Support Guidelines, which consider both parents’ incomes, the number of overnight stays with each parent, and the child’s needs. The goal is to ensure that children receive adequate financial support regardless of their parents’ marital status.
Alimony Considerations
Alimony, or spousal support, is awarded based on the recipient’s need and the payer’s ability to pay. Florida law recognizes several types of alimony, including:
- Temporary Alimony: Awarded during the divorce process.
- Bridge-the-Gap Alimony: Short-term support to help a spouse transition to single life.
- Rehabilitative Alimony: Support to help a spouse gain education or training for employment.
- Durational Alimony: Awarded for a set period, usually in shorter marriages.
- Permanent Alimony: Granted in long-term marriages when a spouse cannot become self-sustaining.
Property Division
The equitable distribution of property involves dividing marital assets and debts acquired during the marriage. Non-marital property, such as assets owned before marriage or inheritances, typically remains with the original owner. The court considers various factors, including each spouse’s economic situation, contributions to the marriage, and the desirability of retaining the family home for the primary caregiver of children.
The strength and support of a large family law firm
Most family law attorneys maintain a solo practice or work in small firms of only a couple of lawyers; there just aren’t that many large family law firms around. With Greater Orlando Family Law, you get the benefit of a large law firm concentrating on your case. With our team approach, you don’t just hire one attorney; you hire the firm. Of course, you’ll have your own personal Orlando family attorney whom you hire to work with you, and your case and won’t be handed around the office from lawyer to lawyer. But whether you are working with an attorney with decades of experience or one of Orlando’s rising stars, you’ll have the knowledge and support of our entire staff behind your case, finding creative approaches and effective solutions to your family law needs.
Compassionate yet aggressive to get the job done
At Greater Orlando Family Law, we understand that although a divorce may be the final dissolution of a marriage, it is not the end of your relationship with your former spouse. If there are ongoing court orders for support, or if you share children together, the end of a marriage is the closing of one chapter yet the start of a new one for you and your family.
We understand the importance of getting along and getting a result that meets your needs without leaving behind a scorched earth battleground that permanently damages important family relationships. At the same time, we also recognize the need to protect your rights and see that your interests are fully represented in any divorce, child custody order or other family law resolution. Whether working collaboratively at the negotiating table or litigating in court, our Orlando divorce attorneys have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to get the best result for you and your family.
A commitment to the Orlando community as strong as our commitment to the legal community
Navigating family law and divorce in Orlando can be complex and emotionally taxing. Consulting with our experienced Orlando family lawyers is crucial to protect your rights and interests. We provide valuable guidance, represent you in negotiations and court proceedings, and ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
From donating our time to the wonderful works of the Rotary Club of Orlando to mentoring and being mentored at the Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court, our firm maintains a strong commitment to the people of Orlando and the practice of family law. Most importantly, our strongest commitment is to our clients and to providing you with the highest quality of legal services with personal service and professional excellence.
The Orlando family attorneys at Greater Orlando Family Law are here for you when you need us, with same day consultations and after-hours consultations available. Our attorneys and staff speak English, Spanish, and Mandarin and we are proud to serve everyone throughout greater Orlando and surrounding areas. We provide a free, 30-minute consultation to learn about your situation and let you know how we can help, so call Greater Orlando Family Law today at 407-377-6399. We’d love to hear from you, meet you and help you with all your Orlando family law needs.
