Orange Park Contested Divorce Attorneys

Aggressive Representation for Your Contested Divorce in Florida

Divorce is never easy. It can be even more complicated if you and your spouse are not in agreement about how to end your marriage. At Owenby Law, P.A., we understand that many people face significant financial, parenting, and property concerns when they decide to divorce. These issues can be even more complicated if they are not resolved in a way that makes you feel comfortable with your final settlement.

Our team is here to help you through this process and to ensure that you are protected and have the best possible outcome for your situation. We offer compassionate and personalized legal representation to all of our clients.

Call (904) 770-3141 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation to learn how we can help you.

What is a Contested Divorce?

In Florida, a contested divorce is a type of divorce where the spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues related to the dissolution of their marriage.

These key issues typically include:

• Division of Property and Assets: This involves deciding how to divide the marital property and assets, such as homes, vehicles, bank accounts, and personal belongings. Florida follows an equitable distribution system, which means that property and assets should be divided fairly but not necessarily equally.
• Alimony (Spousal Support): Determining whether one spouse should pay alimony to the other and, if so, the amount and duration of the payments. This is often influenced by factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation, and their contributions to the marriage.
• Child Custody and Visitation: If the divorcing couple has children, they must work out a parenting plan that includes child custody (timesharing) and visitation (parental responsibility). The best interests of the child are considered in making these determinations.
• Child Support: Deciding on the amount of child support that one parent will pay to the other for the financial support of the children. Child support in Florida is typically calculated based on state guidelines that take into account the parents' incomes and the children's needs.

In contrast to an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on these matters, a contested divorce involves legal proceedings and negotiations to resolve these conflicts.

The Process of a Contested Divorce in Florida

In a contested divorce, the spouses are unable to reach an agreement on one or more of these issues, which can lead to a more complex and time-consuming legal process.

Here's what typically happens in a contested divorce in Florida:

1. Filing a Petition: One spouse initiates the divorce process by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court. This legal document outlines the grounds for divorce and the specific issues in dispute.
2. Response: The other spouse must respond to the petition within a specified time frame, typically 20 days, by filing an Answer. This document can include their counterclaims and positions on the contested issues.
3. Discovery: Both parties exchange information and documents related to the contested issues, which can involve financial records, witness statements, and other evidence.
4. Mediation: In many Florida divorce cases, the court may require mediation to help the parties reach a settlement on contested issues. Mediation involves a neutral third party (the mediator) who helps facilitate negotiations between the spouses.
5. Court Proceedings: If mediation is unsuccessful, the case may proceed to court, where a judge will make decisions on the contested issues. This can involve presenting evidence and witnesses to support each party's arguments.
6. Final Judgment: Once the court makes decisions on the contested issues, it issues a final judgment of divorce, which outlines the terms of the divorce, including property division, alimony, child custody, and child support.

Contested divorces can be emotionally and financially draining, so it's often recommended to seek legal counsel to navigate the process effectively. It's also worth noting that the specific procedures and requirements for a contested divorce in Florida may vary depending on the circumstances and the local court rules, so consulting with an attorney is essential to ensure you comply with all legal requirements.

Why Choose Our Firm?

A contested divorce can be a challenging and emotionally draining experience, but with the right legal representation, you can navigate this difficult process more effectively. If you are facing a contested divorce in Orange Park, FL, the attorneys at Owenby Law, P.A. are here to provide you with the guidance and support you need. We are dedicated to advocating for your rights and working toward the best possible resolution for your case.

Here are some reasons why legal representation is crucial in contested divorces:

• Legal Expertise: Our attorneys are well-versed in Florida divorce laws and can help you understand your rights and responsibilities. They will ensure that your interests are protected throughout the legal process.
• Objective Advice: Emotions can run high during contested divorces. Having a lawyer by your side provides a level of objectivity and helps you make informed decisions based on your best interests.
• Negotiation Skills: Negotiating the terms of a divorce can be complex. Our attorneys have the negotiation skills to work towards a favorable settlement, saving you time, money, and stress.
• Courtroom Experience: If an agreement cannot be reached through negotiation, your case may go to trial. Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and can effectively represent your interests before a judge.

For a consultation with an experienced contested divorce attorney in Orange Park, call Owenby Law, P.A. at (904) 770-3141.