Aggressive Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer Fights for Your Rights
Dedicated legal assistance for South Florida residents in marriage dissolutions
A divorce is often more than just the end of a marriage. It can involve legal issues that impact your finances, children and family relationships for years to come. With such high stakes involved, you can’t afford to leave anything to chance. A comprehensive handling of your divorce means attending to every detail from the standpoint of protecting your legal rights now and for years to come. At Kim L. Picazio, P.A., we focus exclusively on family law and can provide the insights and understanding you need for an optimal outcome in your case. Based in Fort Lauderdale, we serve clients throughout South Florida.
Experienced advocate explains Florida divorce grounds
To file a divorce in Florida, at least one of the spouses must have been resident here for at least six months. Florida recognizes only two grounds for divorce: irretrievable breakdown of the marriage or mental incapacity of one of the spouses. It has eradicated all fault-based grounds. Nevertheless, a divorce may be contested on such issues as alimony, property division and child custody and support, and any misconduct by either spouse may be considered by the court in its decision-making.
Understanding the options for marriage dissolution
A divorce can be quick and painless or protracted and costly, depending on the parties’ circumstances and willingness to cooperate with each other.
Florida has a simplified divorce procedure available for couples who:
- Have no minor or dependent children
- Are not seeking alimony
- Agree that their marriage is irretrievably broken
- Agree on the allocation of their assets and debts
A simplified divorce takes about 30 days. However, the parties give up their right to trial.
If there are children of the marriage, the spouses must use the regular divorce process, which includes submitting written disclosures of their financial information. The divorce will be considered uncontested as long as the parties agree on all issues of alimony, property division and child custody and support. Although an uncontested divorce requires court approval, it can be completed in four to five months.
If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the divorce goes on track for trial unless a settlement can be achieved. A contested divorce may take six months to a year.
Skilled lawyer helps resolve all issues that arise in a divorce
The legal team at Kim L. Picazio, P.A. will guide you through the divorce process efficiently while protecting your rights and working to obtain the best results possible. We can help you reach an agreement on all contested financial and parenting issues through negotiation or through mediation, if that method is suitable to your case. Going to trial on any contested issue is always the last resort, but if it is needed, we will not hesitate to litigate zealously on your behalf.
Contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale law firm today
At Kim L. Picazio, P.A., in Fort Lauderdale, we take all steps necessary to protect your financial and parental rights throughout the divorce process. We represent clients throughout South Florida. Schedule a confidential consultation by calling us at 954-947-2756 or contacting us online.