815 Orienta Ave. Suite 1030 Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
815 Orienta Ave. Suite 1030 Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Family law is the area of the legal system that deals with family relationships, rights, and duties. It is not just about ending a marriage; it covers a broad spectrum of domestic matters, including how you protect your assets, how you care for your children, and how you ensure your safety.
Whether you live near Orienta Avenue or closer to the Seminole County line, understanding these laws is the first step toward regaining control of your future. As a dedicated family law practice Altamonte Springs residents rely on, we are here to break down exactly what this legal field entails so you can make informed decisions for your family.
Florida is a "no-fault" divorce state, meaning you do not need to prove your spouse did something wrong, like adultery or abandonment, to file for a dissolution of marriage. You simply must state that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." While this removes some of the emotional mudslinging from the legal filing, the process still involves critical decisions about your future.
Generally, there are two types of divorces: uncontested and contested. If you and your spouse agree on everything—from who gets the house in Maitland to who pays for the car—you may have an uncontested divorce. However, if there are disagreements, the court intervenes to make those final decisions.
If you're facing a contested divorce, the timeline includes filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Once served, the other party has a strict timeframe to file a response. In Florida, the respondent typically has 20 calendar days to file a written response after being served. Missing this deadline can result in a default judgment, which is why having a skilled divorce attorney by your side early in the process is essential to protecting your rights.
Florida follows the rule of "equitable distribution," which means that marital assets and debts should be divided fairly, though not always equally (50/50). This distinction matters because the court looks at various factors to determine what is fair.
Marital assets typically include anything acquired during the marriage, such as:
Debts are treated the same way. If your spouse ran up credit card debt during the marriage, that is often considered marital debt. Valuing these assets correctly is a complex part of our family law practice Altamonte Springs clients often need help with. We look at the full financial picture to ensure you aren't left shouldering an unfair burden or walking away with less than you deserve.
One of the biggest misconceptions in Florida family law is the term "custody." Florida courts no longer use the terms "custody" or "visitation." Instead, the law uses the term "time-sharing." This change matters because it shifts the focus away from winning and losing and toward what is in the best interest of the child.
Parents must develop a parenting plan that outlines how they will share the responsibilities of raising their children. This includes:
Child support is calculated based on statutory guidelines that consider the net income of both parents, the cost of health insurance and daycare, and the number of overnights each parent has with the child.
Yes, for couples who want to resolve their disputes with dignity and privacy, there is an alternative called collaborative law. This is a highly evolved process designed to help families resolve disputes without the adversarial tactics of a courtroom battle.
In the collaborative process, you, your spouse, and your respective attorneys sign an agreement to stay out of court. You work with a team that often includes a neutral mental health professional and a neutral financial professional. This team approach allows you to craft creative solutions for your unique situation.
For example, the average collaborative case resolves in just 4 to 5 meetings, which can save considerable emotional stress compared to months or years of litigation.
While divorce is a major component, a comprehensive family law practice Altamonte Springs offers goes beyond ending marriages. It includes legal protections for various stages of life.
For unmarried parents, establishing paternity is crucial. Without a legal order, a biological father may not have enforceable time-sharing rights, and a mother may not be able to collect child support. A paternity action legally establishes the father-child relationship.
Safety is paramount. If you or your children are in danger, family law allows you to seek a "Restraining Order," legally known as an Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence. This can provide immediate legal protection and temporary exclusive use of the home.
These are not just for the wealthy; they are practical tools for any couple. By determining how assets and debts would be handled in the event of a divorce or death, you can enter (or continue) a marriage with financial transparency and peace of mind.
Family law matters are deeply personal and can affect your finances and relationships for years to come. Whether you're dealing with a complex division of assets in Longwood or a time-sharing dispute in Oviedo, the outcome depends on accurate legal guidance.
Attempting to navigate Florida's legal system alone can lead to costly mistakes. You need a team that understands the local court procedures in Orange and Seminole counties and treats your family with the compassion you deserve.
If you're facing a legal family matter, do not wait until the situation becomes unmanageable. Call Frank Family Law Practice today at (407) 629-2208 or contact Frank Family Law Practice online to schedule a consultation. Let us help you find the best path forward for your future.