815 Orienta Ave. Suite 1030 Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
815 Orienta Ave. Suite 1030 Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
A family lawyer does far more than handle divorce—they help Central Florida families protect their rights through every stage of life. From child custody and support to prenuptial agreements and post-judgment modifications, family law focuses on providing legal stability when relationships, finances, or circumstances change.
Whether you're living in a bungalow in Winter Park or settling into a new build in Lake Nona, understanding your legal rights is the first step toward peace of mind. A dedicated family law practice Orlando residents trust isn't just there for the end of a relationship; they are there to help structure your future.
Think of a family law attorney as a navigator for your personal life’s legal challenges. Much like you wouldn't try to fix your own transmission without a mechanic, you shouldn't try to untangle complex domestic issues without a legal expert.
Family lawyers handle the legal relationships between people. This includes marriage dissolution, paternity, child support, and dividing assets. But beyond the paperwork, we act as a buffer between you and the conflict. We handle the difficult conversations and the complex court procedures so you can focus on your emotional well-being and your children.
If you have reached the difficult decision to end your marriage, the first person you should speak to is a qualified divorce attorney. In Florida, the process is categorized generally into two types: uncontested and contested.
An uncontested divorce is the "best-case scenario." This happens when you and your spouse agree on all major issues, such as how to split the bank accounts, who gets the house, and how you will share time with the children. If you agree, the process is faster, less expensive, and keeps the court out of your personal business.
However, if you cannot agree, you enter a contested divorce. This involves court intervention where a judge makes the final decisions for you. This timeline usually starts with filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Once served, the other party has a strict timeline of 20 days to file a written response. If that deadline is missed, the court may grant a default judgment, meaning you lose your say in the outcome.
If you're a parent, your biggest worry is likely your children. You might be wondering, "Who gets custody?" It surprises many parents to learn that Florida law no longer uses the term "custody" in the traditional sense. Instead, the courts use the term "time-sharing."
This isn't just a change in vocabulary; it's a change in mindset. The court starts with the presumption that it's in a child's best interest to have frequent and continuing contact with both parents. We work to create a parenting plan that outlines exactly when the children are with each parent, including holidays and school breaks.
Whether you're in Altamonte Springs or down in Kissimmee, the goal is stability for the kids. We help you negotiate a schedule that works for your real life—accounting for work schedules, school runs, and extracurriculars—rather than just accepting a generic schedule that doesn't fit your family.
Florida is an "equitable distribution" state. This means the court divides marital assets and debts fairly, though not always exactly 50/50. This covers everything acquired during the marriage, from the family home and cars to retirement accounts and credit card debt.
This gets complicated quickly. What if you own a business? What if one spouse has a high-value pension? A skilled family law practice Orlando locals rely on will help identify what is actually "marital" property and what is "non-marital" (assets you owned before the marriage). We ensure you don't walk away with less than you deserve, or with more debt than is fair.
Absolutely. If you want to avoid the stress and public nature of a courtroom, you might consider collaborative law. This is a voluntary process where you, your spouse, and your respective attorneys sign an agreement to resolve your disputes outside of court.
In the collaborative model, we often bring in a neutral team, including a mental health professional (MHP) to help manage communication and a financial professional to help crunch the numbers. It is a dignified, private way to restructure your family without the war-like mentality of litigation. It is particularly popular for families who want to maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship for their children long after the papers are signed.
Alimony, or spousal support, is one of the most misunderstood aspects of family law. It is not guaranteed in every divorce. The court looks at two main factors: one spouse's need for support and the other spouse's ability to pay.
There are different types of alimony, ranging from temporary support while the divorce is pending to durational alimony for a set number of years. For example, if you stayed home to raise children in Maitland while your spouse built a career, you might be entitled to support to help you get back on your feet financially. We help you understand realistic expectations regarding numbers and duration so you can plan for your financial future.
Life moves fast. You might get a new job in another state, or your ex-spouse might lose theirs. When circumstances change substantially, your original court orders regarding child support, alimony, or time-sharing may need to be modified.
A family law practice Orlando residents use for modifications can help you petition the court to adjust these orders. You cannot simply stop paying support or change the visitation schedule on a handshake agreement; you must go through the proper legal channels to ensure the changes are enforceable. If an ex-spouse isn't following the rules—perhaps they aren't paying support or they are refusing to return the children on time—we also help with enforcement actions to hold them accountable.
Dealing with legal issues involving your family is stressful. You are worried about your children, your finances, and where you're going to be a year from now. You don't have to navigate that uncertainty alone.
We are not just lawyers; we are your neighbors. We understand the unique challenges families face in Central Florida, from the traffic on I-4 complicating drop-off times to the specific values of local real estate. We strive to make this process as smooth as possible, offering competent, family-oriented representation.
If you're facing a divorce, need to modify a parenting plan, or just have questions about your rights, reach out to Frank Family Law Practice at (407) 629-2208. Let us help you protect your future and your family.