Preparing for the Divorce Process in Florida

So, you’ve made the decision to divorce in Florida. After several years of marriage, you’re no longer willing to stay in a relationship that doesn’t fulfill you spiritually and emotionally. Now is the time to prepare. You will need to make several important decisions such as whether you want to mediate or litigate your divorce, and you’ll want to educate yourself on the various Florida laws that apply to divorce. Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, the Florida divorce lawyers at Cairns Law, P.A. will discuss how to prepare for your upcoming divorce.

Gathering the necessary documents 

You will need to gather essential financial documents as you prepare for your divorce. These include financial records such as tax returns, bank statements, and pay stubs, as well as personal documents like marriage certificates and prenuptial agreements. Having these documents readily accessible can streamline the process of filing and provide you with clarity concerning your finances.

Not only are these documents crucial to the divorce process, they also provide you with excellent information concerning your divorce. By having a full understanding of your assets and debts, you can make informed decisions during divorce mediation. You should consider making a checklist to ensure you have all the documents you need. This will also help your attorney build a stronger case for your interests.

Choosing a divorce lawyer 

While you can represent yourself during the divorce process, divorce as a legal process is a complex affair. Representing yourself may seem cost-effective in the short term, but it could end up costing you money and assets when it comes to dividing the marital estate. An experienced attorney can help you advocate for alimony, a fair division of the marital estate, and represent your interests when it comes to child custody.

Filing the petition and serving the divorce papers 

Now that you have your documents and an attorney, you’re ready to file your divorce papers. Filing the Petition for the Dissolution of Marriage is the first step of the divorce process. It involves completing the necessary forms, which include information about both spouses, their children, and their desired outcomes when it comes to property division and custody. It’s important to ensure that all forms are filled out accurately to avoid unnecessary delays.

Once the forms are completed, they must be filed with the local circuit court in your county. The papers must then be served to the other spouse. Florida requires these documents be delivered by a process server or sheriff’s deputy. This is to officially notify your spouse of your intent to divorce. Once this happens, your divorce is underway and the official proceedings can begin.

Talk to a Largo, FL Divorce Lawyer Today 

Are you seeking a divorce in Largo, FL? If so, the Clearwater family attorneys at Cairns Law, P.A. are ready to help you throughout the process, file your papers, and advocate on your behalf. Call our office today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.