Jacksonville Divorce Attorney

Compassionate Guidance Through Divorce in Northeast Florida

Thinking about ending a marriage is never easy. The emotional strain, financial questions, and worries about children can feel like too much to manage at once. Our attorneys at Owenby Law, P.A. understand how serious this decision is, and we are here to provide clear guidance and steady support from the moment you reach out.

For more than 20 years, our firm has represented individuals and families in this region in divorce and other family law matters. Our team brings over 125 years of combined legal experience, and we have helped thousands of clients work through contested and uncontested cases, modifications, child support, and related issues. When you work with us, you work with a seasoned group that understands both Florida law and how courts in this area handle these sensitive cases.

We know that cost is a major concern at a time when your financial life may be changing. That is why we offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your situation and flexible payment options that can make quality representation more accessible. Our goal is to listen, explain your options in plain language, and help you decide on a path forward that fits your needs and your long-term goals.

Why Choose Our Team To Handle Your Divorce

When you are choosing someone to guide you through divorce, you are not just hiring a lawyer. You are trusting a team with your future, your finances, and often your relationship with your children. At Owenby Law, P.A., we take that trust seriously and build every case around your specific concerns and priorities.

Our firm is led by Senior Attorney Joy Owenby, who holds a Superb 10 out of 10 Avvo rating and maintains active memberships in the Jacksonville Bar Association and the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. She is joined by senior attorneys who focus their work on family law and related areas, including attorneys who are members of the Florida Family Law American Inn of Court. This level of involvement in the family law community reflects our commitment to staying current with Florida’s laws and local court practices.

We use a team-based approach. That means multiple attorneys can contribute their perspectives to your strategy, which is especially valuable in complex or contested cases. Some matters involve questions about child support enforcement, premarital property, business interests, or criminal allegations. Because our attorneys handle family law, estate planning, and criminal defense, we are able to look at your situation from several angles and help you plan for both your case and life after the divorce is final.

Above all, we focus on personalized counsel and compassionate advocacy. We take time to understand what matters most to you, whether that is a stable parenting plan, keeping a family home, planning for retirement accounts, or reducing conflict. Then we design a strategy that reflects those priorities instead of forcing your case into a rigid template.

How Divorce Works Under Florida Law

In Florida, divorce is legally called a dissolution of marriage. It is the court process that ends the legal relationship between spouses and sets out each person’s rights and obligations going forward. This includes parenting arrangements for children, financial support, and how assets and debts are divided.

Florida is a no fault state. This means you do not have to prove adultery, domestic violence, or any other kind of wrongdoing in order to obtain a divorce. The usual requirement is that at least one spouse states that the marriage is irretrievably broken and meets the residency rule, which typically involves living in Florida for at least six months before filing.

Even in a no fault system, the facts of what happened in the marriage can still matter in some situations. For example, evidence that one spouse spent significant marital funds on an affair or other misconduct may be relevant when a judge decides how to divide property or address support. Our attorneys can help you understand how these kinds of details may or may not affect your specific case.

Florida follows equitable distribution for dividing marital property and debts. In general, assets and obligations that were acquired between the date of marriage and the date someone files for divorce are considered marital. The court usually aims for a fair division, which may be close to half to each spouse, although the final result can vary based on many factors.

Some property is considered non marital. Common examples include assets you owned before the marriage that you did not mix with joint accounts, and certain gifts or inheritances from someone outside the marriage. It is important to review your financial records carefully so that non marital assets can be identified and properly presented to the court. We work with clients to sort through bank statements, deeds, account records, and other documents so that the line between marital and non marital property is as clear as possible.

Key Issues To Resolve In a Florida Divorce

Every divorce involves a different mix of personal and financial questions, but the law generally requires the same core issues to be addressed. Understanding these topics can help you think through your priorities and what you hope to achieve as you move forward.

Parenting & Time Sharing

If you have children, one major focus will be how parental responsibility and time sharing are arranged. Florida courts look to the best interests of the child and usually require a detailed parenting plan. This plan addresses where the children will spend time, how holidays and school breaks will be shared, and how major decisions about education, health care, and activities will be made. Our attorneys work with parents to create proposals that support stability for children while reflecting each parent’s role and schedule.

Child Support & Spousal Support

Child support is another key issue. Florida uses guidelines that are based on each parent’s income, the number of children, health insurance costs, work-related childcare, and the amount of overnight time children spend with each parent. The court typically starts with the guideline amount, then considers whether any adjustments are appropriate. We help clients prepare accurate financial information and understand how those numbers affect potential support orders.

Spousal support, often called alimony, may be considered when one spouse has a financial need and the other has an ability to contribute. The court looks at many factors, such as the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, each person’s income and earning capacity, and contributions made to the household or to the other spouse’s career. We help clients evaluate whether alimony is likely to be an issue in their case and what forms it might take.

Property & Debt Division

Property and debt division completes the picture. This involves identifying all marital assets and obligations, valuing them, and then determining how they will be distributed between the parties. Homes, retirement accounts, investment portfolios, business interests, vehicles, and credit card debt may all be part of this analysis. Our goal is to help you understand the options and long-term impact of different settlement scenarios so you can make informed choices rather than rushed decisions.

The Divorce Process From Filing To Final Judgment

Knowing what to expect from the process can ease some of the anxiety that often comes with divorce. While no two cases follow the exact same path, most Florida dissolutions involve a similar sequence of steps. We guide clients through each stage and explain what will be required along the way.

Initial Planning & Filing

The process generally begins with an initial consultation and planning. You meet with one of our attorneys to discuss your situation, your goals, and any urgent concerns, such as temporary support or immediate issues involving children. We talk through your options, answer questions about Florida law, and outline the information we will need to move forward.

The formal case opens when a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed with the appropriate circuit court. The petition is then served on the other spouse, who has an opportunity to respond. After that, both sides usually complete financial disclosure. This involves exchanging documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, retirement account records, and information about debts. This step can feel overwhelming, but our team helps you organize the materials and understand how they are used.

Negotiation, Mediation & Hearings

Once financial information is on the table, many cases move into negotiation and mediation. Courts in this part of Florida often require mediation before a case can go to trial. Mediation is a structured meeting with a neutral third party who works with both spouses and their attorneys to see if agreements can be reached on parenting, support, and property issues. We prepare clients for mediation, attend with them, and help evaluate any proposals that are made so that short-term compromises do not create long-term problems.

If agreement is reached on all major issues, the terms are written into a settlement document and presented to the court for approval. If some or all issues remain unresolved, hearings or a trial may be scheduled, and a judge will make the final decisions after hearing evidence. Throughout this process, we work to keep you informed about what is happening, what comes next, and what choices you have at each step.

Common Mistakes To Avoid During Divorce

Divorce is stressful, and it can be easy to react quickly rather than thoughtfully. Certain choices, however, can cause serious damage to your case and your future. We regularly counsel clients on how to avoid missteps that may be difficult or impossible to undo later.

One common mistake is trying to hide assets or income. Courts take financial disclosure seriously, and attempts to conceal money or property can hurt your credibility and lead to penalties or an unfavorable outcome. Another issue is making large financial decisions, such as cashing out retirement accounts or transferring property, without understanding how those actions might be viewed during equitable distribution.

It is also important to follow court orders, even when you disagree with them, while your attorney works through the correct legal channels to request any changes. Ignoring orders about support, time sharing, or communication can reflect poorly on you and may influence future rulings. We help clients understand what orders mean, what flexibility exists, and how to address problems the right way.

Social media and electronic communication can create additional risk. Posts, messages, or photos taken out of context can be used in a case. We often advise clients to be cautious about what they share online and to avoid discussing the case or their spouse on social platforms. Before agreeing to any informal or verbal arrangements with your spouse, it is wise to speak with a divorce attorney so that you do not unintentionally accept terms that work against your interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have To Prove Fault To Get Divorced In Florida?

No, you do not have to prove fault to get divorced in Florida. The state uses a no fault system, which generally means it is enough to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken and meet the residency requirement. Facts related to adultery, financial misconduct, or other behavior can still be relevant, however, when a court considers property division or support. Our attorneys help clients understand how these details may play a role in their specific situation. Talking with us early can prevent misunderstandings about what you do and do not need to show the court.

How Long Will My Divorce Likely Take?

The length of a divorce case depends largely on whether it is contested and how complex the issues are. When spouses agree on all major points, and paperwork is completed promptly, a case may move through the court system in a matter of a few months. When there are disagreements about parenting, support, or property, the process can take longer, particularly if hearings or a trial become necessary. Local court schedules and the need for mediation also affect timing. During your consultation, we can discuss the factors that may influence the timeline in your case and how we work to move matters forward while protecting your interests.

What Should I Bring To My First Meeting With Your Team?

Bringing basic financial and family information to your first meeting can help us give you more specific guidance. Useful items include recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank and retirement account statements, information about debts such as mortgages or credit cards, and any prior court orders involving you and your spouse or your children. A simple list of assets and debts, along with an outline of your main concerns and goals, can also be very helpful. If you do not have all of this available, do not worry. We can still talk through your questions during the free 30-minute consultation and outline what documents to gather next.

Will I Lose Everything I Owned Before The Marriage?

In many cases, you do not lose everything you owned before the marriage. Florida law generally treats property you brought into the marriage as non marital, as long as you did not mix it with joint assets to a degree that makes it impossible to separate. Certain gifts or inheritances from someone outside the marriage may also be considered non marital. The key is documentation and careful review of financial records. Our attorneys work with clients to trace the history of significant assets, such as real estate and investment accounts, so we can present a clear picture of what should be treated as marital and what should not.

How Will You Help Protect My Relationship With My Children?

Protecting the parent child relationship is one of the most important parts of our work in divorce cases. Florida courts focus on the best interests of the child, and they generally expect parents to support ongoing relationships with both sides of the family when it is safe to do so. We help parents prepare thoughtful parenting plans that address schedules, holidays, communication, and decision-making about school, health care, and activities. When disagreements arise, we work to present your involvement and strengths as a parent in a clear, respectful way. Our goal is to support arrangements that provide stability for your children and preserve your meaningful role in their lives.

Can I Change Attorneys In The Middle Of My Divorce?

Yes, it is often possible to change attorneys while your case is still pending. The court typically needs to approve the change so that your new attorney is officially recognized in the case. People decide to switch counsel for many reasons, such as communication concerns or differing views about strategy. If you are considering a change, we can review your current status, explain what would be involved in transferring the file, and discuss how we would approach your matter. Our team works to make any transition as smooth as possible so that your case can continue without unnecessary disruption.

How Much Does It Cost To Work With Your Divorce Attorneys?

The total cost of a divorce depends on many factors, including whether the case is contested, how complex the financial picture is, and how much negotiation or court time is needed. Some matters resolve relatively quickly, while others require more extensive work. At Owenby Law, P.A., we start with a free 30-minute consultation so you can discuss your situation and ask questions about fees. We offer flexible payment plans and talk openly about expected costs and how they may change if the case becomes more involved. Our goal is to help you plan for legal expenses so there are fewer surprises along the way.

Talk With Our Divorce Attorneys About Your Next Steps

Deciding what to do about your marriage is one of the most personal choices you will ever make. You do not have to sort through Florida law, court procedures, and financial questions on your own. When you contact our team at Owenby Law, P.A., you gain access to attorneys who bring many years of experience to divorce and family law matters and who are committed to guiding you with care.

We take the time to understand your goals, explain how the law applies to your situation, and build a strategy that reflects what matters most to you. You will not receive a one size fits all plan. Instead, our attorneys collaborate, draw on their knowledge of related areas such as estate planning and criminal defense when needed, and work to position you for stability after the case is over. With a free 30-minute consultation and flexible payment options, taking the first step does not have to add more stress to an already difficult time.

To discuss your situation with a Jacksonville Divorce Lawyer at Owenby Law, P.A., call (904) 770-3141 or contact us online today.