family law

Top Attorneys Representing Your Family Law Case: Divorce

Here in the Sunshine State of Florida, Family Law matters cover a broad group of subjects which include divorce, child custody, payment of or receipt of child support, equitable or unequal distribution of assets and debts, spousal support or alimony, rights for fathers, adoption by step parents, adult adoptions, grandparent rights, and many more. A common reason for someone to seek Florida Family Law assistance is divorce.  However Divorce or Dissolution of Marriage is a large topic and there are many facets to such a matter requiring attention from you and your divorce lawyer. 

A knowledgeable and attentive attorney will answer your questions at our firm – you can call and have a consultation to get the information you need to understand the process of divorce.  This is a great way to learn what your rights are , what you should receive, your share of the marital belongings and property, and responsibility / rights to your shared children. There are no Family Law matters too complex for our family law attorneys. 

We all have friends or family with a horror story regarding their personal family law matter. It is hard to know the right course of action.  Our family lawyers do know the proper path for your case and they will help you through the process. Laws in Florida pertaining to dissolution of marriage and its many facets are complex and lawyers who do not concentrate in the areas of family law will find things difficult.  Choose an experienced family law firm with knowledgeable attorneys to help you navigate the many steps ahead – speak to a local family lawyer about your matter to be sure your rights are protected! 

Read the Top 10 Things you can do if divorce is possible.

Florida’s divorce statutes are complicated and recent changes to the laws governing our divorce processes continue the complexity.   Changes to the direction of the courts creates new case law to follow and these cases are decided on a daily basis and those decisions can make it even harder to understand or know what the parties’ rights may be unless you are a family law attorney keeping up on the latest changes to laws, cases, and rules. 

Read about Equitable Distribution and the underlying family law statute.

Here in Florida we have only “No Fault” divorces meaning there is no place for faulty behavior in determining a dissolution of marriage.  If one party cheats or conducts some other type of fault behavior it is not required to prove in order to get a divorce. Some parties can undertake a simplified divorce or an uncontested divorce and have the process done properly and quickly.   Other cases are adversarial and the parties fight over property, debts, the family pet, and yes, the children. The best defense in is a good offense when you are involved in a contested dissolution of marriage. With the best Florida divorce attorney you will have the tools you need to get through the process and move on with your life afterward. 

Contested Versus Uncontested Divorce in Florida 

There are two main categories of divorce in Florida:  Uncontested and Contested. 

Uncontested Divorce in Central Florida

By participating in an uncontested divorce both parties have the opportunity to work together on an agreement as to who the children will live with, how property is divided, debt assigned, and alimony issues. If the parties to a divorce can work together – along with the help of an expert Florida Divorce Lawyer from Rhoden Law Group, the process can be done quickly and that means for less cost to the parties. Simplified dissolutions are also a good option for parties who have limited assets or a desire for high privacy.

Contested Divorces in Florida

If the parties cannot work together to use the uncontested process they will be divorcing using the Florida Contested Dissolution of Marriage. This is a complex set of laws and rules for a layperson to navigate. The parties may disagree about major points, about minor issues, or about everything. The contested divorce process in Florida provides for a mediation to give the parties an opportunity to use an objective third person, the mediator, to help them resolve some of the disagreements.  Maybe the issues are related to child timesharing, alimony or spousal support, the division of retirement funds, or the kitchen appliances. If mediation does not work for the parties the Judge assigned to the case will decide the issues. Having a solid, successful family law attorney on your case will make a big difference from trying your matter on your own or with an inexperienced person.

PATERNITY

Paternity actions in the State of Florida are common however they are as unique in their purpose as the children are at the heart of each case. Fathers, mothers, or children can bring a request to determine paternity to the court in the Brevard County court. Each year hundreds of such cases are submitted and heard before Judges serving Melbourne, Cocoa, PAFB, Rockledge, Suntree, Viera, Indialantic. There are many procedures to follow in such cases and the laws of Florida have a significant impact on the potential result of each case.

POST DISSOLUTION or POST PATERNITY ACTIONS

In many situations the Final Judgment or Final Order is not the end of your visits to the court. When issues arise after the divorce is over or the paternity and timesharing is established what are parties to do? There are many types of remedies available to parties after the gavel sounds. Consider the need for name changes after divorce, step-parent adoptions, changes in timesharing or custody arrangements, alimony modifications, contempt and/or enforcement of court orders, and others.

Adoptions in Florida

Adult adoptions require some special skills. Read more about how Rhoden Law Group can help you adopt your adult step child, niece/nephew, or other adult

Step parents often want to adopt their spouse’s children while the children are minors. Step parent adoption is a specific area of family law and you need an attorney well versed in the procedures, requirements, and caselaw.

Read Three Reasons for Adult Adoptions in Melbourne, Florida.

Grandparent Rights to visitation

Grandparents do have rights to visitation in Florida under particular circumstances. You can learn more about the history of grandparents’ rights to see their grandchildren and how you may be able to use the legal processes in Florida to participate in your grand child(ren)’s life.

Guardian Ad Litem in Family Court Cases

A guardian ad litem can add tremendous value to your child custody or timesharing matter in family court. Rhoden Law Group will support your case by assisting you in retaining a GAL or the experienced attorneys are qualified to serve as an impartial GAL in your matter with another local primary attorney.

Dependency Cases / DCF Court

Dependency matters are complex and confusing. Learn more on our site with a special article by Attorney Bonnie Rhoden.