First Visit to a Family Law Practice Altamonte Springs, Florida

Walking into a lawyer's office for the first time feels overwhelming. You probably have a knot in your stomach and a thousand questions about your kids, your house, and your bank account. At our family law practice Altamonte Springs, Florida, we see this anxiety every day, and our first goal is simply to help you breathe easier.

What Should I Bring to My First Meeting?

Bring your last three years of tax returns, three months of pay stubs, and a list of your major assets and debts. You don't need to have every single receipt organized perfectly, but having a clear snapshot of your finances saves time. If you have been served with papers, bring those immediately.

We know digging through old files is stressful. But in Florida, mandatory disclosure rules require these documents within 45 days of filing anyway. Getting a head start now allows your divorce attorney to give you accurate advice rather than guesses. If you own a business in Winter Park or have retirement accounts from a job at AdventHealth, bring statements for those, too. The more we know in that first hour, the better we can protect you.

How Much Does a Consultation and Retainer Cost?

Expect to pay between $200 and $400 for an initial one-hour consultation in Central Florida. If you decide to hire a firm, retainers generally range from $3,500 to $7,50,0 depending on the complexity of your case. A simple uncontested case costs significantly less than a battle over custody or complex assets.

We believe in being transparent about money because surprise bills only add to the stress of a breakup. Your retainer goes into a trust account, and we bill hourly against it. In our experience serving Seminole and Orange counties, cases involving forensic accountants or child custody evaluators will push costs higher. We will map out a projected budget during our first meeting so you aren't blindsided later.

What Happens During the Consultation?

During this 60-minute meeting, we listen to your story and explain how Florida law applies to your specific situation. We will discuss parental responsibility, time-sharing (custody), equitable distribution of assets, and alimony. This isn't just a legal lecture; it's a strategy session.

We will also determine which legal path fits your goals. Not every case needs a courtroom brawl. Many of our clients near Cranes Roost Park prefer collaborative law, where couples work together to settle disputes privately. This approach often saves money and keeps your personal business off the public record. If that's not an option, we prepare a strategy for litigation. By the time you leave our office, you will have a clear roadmap of the next 3 to 12 months.

How Long Does the Process Take?

An uncontested divorce in Florida typically takes 4 to 6 weeks once everyone signs the paperwork. If the case is contested, expect the process to last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, or longer if a trial is necessary. The courts in Seminole County are busy, and scheduling hearings takes time.

Florida has a mandatory 20-day waiting period after filing, but the real timeline depends on cooperation. If you and your spouse agree on everything quickly, a judge can sign the Final Judgment relatively fast. If we have to fight over every piece of furniture or holiday schedule, it drags out. We always aim to resolve cases efficiently so you can move on, but we never rush if it means sacrificing your financial security or time with your children.

Why Choose a Local Family Law Practice Altamonte Springs, Florida?

Choosing a local firm means you get an advocate who knows the local judges, opposing counsel, and court procedures. We know that a judge in Sanford might view alimony differently than a judge in downtown Orlando. That local insight is invaluable when building your case strategy.

We also understand the local lifestyle. Whether you're worried about keeping the house in Brantley Estates or managing school pickups at Lake Brantley High, we get it. We are your neighbors. We drive on I-4, we shop at the Altamonte Mall, and we understand the specific challenges families in our community face. You need a family law practice Altamonte Springs, Florida that treats you like a person, not a case number.

Ready to Discuss Your Case?

You don't have to figure this out alone. We have helped hundreds of people in your shoes find their footing again.

Contact Frank Family Law Practice today at (407) 629-2208 to schedule your consultation. Let's protect your future.