The Importance of Legal Representation for a Divorce If You Have Assets and Children

Dissolving a marriage can be a stressful experience regardless of whether you’re the one receiving papers filed by your spouse or you are the one initiating the divorce process. Florida recognizes three types of divorce: simplified dissolution of marriage, uncontested divorce, and contested divorce. A simplified dissolution of marriage sounds ideal; it’s straightforward and only typically takes 30 days. However, if you have assets and children, you’re not eligible for a “quick” divorce.  You will need to prepare yourself for an uncontested or contested divorce.  It is highly recommended in order to protect your interests during a divorce and ensure the best outcome to seek the representation of an experienced family law attorney.

Here’s why:

Experience

For most people, the extent of what they know about the law, including divorce law, is what they see on television or what they find on the internet. However, courtroom dramas are not real life. You likely have a basic idea of the language used to discuss alimony, child support, settlement agreements, modifications, parenting plans, and division of assets. An experienced family lawyer will support and guide you throughout the divorce process, ensuring that your minimal or lack of knowledge in divorce law is not taken advantage of.

Avoid future conflict

You may agree to something because it sounds reasonable at the moment, not realizing that it may result in a conflict later on. An experienced lawyer will cover all aspects of your divorce thoroughly and try to ensure that no new problems will arise in the future.  Getting legal advice early on can prevent issues later.

Meet deadlines

Divorce that involves assets and children involves a lot of other processes to prepare for, such as preparing all your assets documentation, parenting plans, alimony, child support, and so on. For your divorce to go smoothly and be resolved in the quickest time possible, you need to stay on track. Your lawyer can help ensure that you meet all your requirements and deadlines so that there are no delays. The divorce process will involve a lot of paperwork, and incorrect filing can delay your timeline. Your lawyer will help ensure you have all the necessary paperwork and file it correctly and on time.

Objective decision-making

Emotions run high during a divorce, especially when children are involved. Florida is a no-fault state. However, your actions during the divorce process may impact time-sharing or custody decisions, potentially affecting your time-sharing with your children. While your divorce lawyer is there to support and guide you, they will follow the rules of law.  They will provide unbiased and practical advice to help you make sound decisions and avoid actions that may hurt your case.

Save money 

All the moving parts in a divorce cost time and money. Without a lawyer, you may not be approaching your divorce in the most efficient way possible. Mistakes and lack of legal experience can cause delays and cost money. And what’s worse, you may end up without your fair share. 

If you would like to discuss the specifics of your case or need help with understanding divorce and time-sharing, call Debora A. Diaz Esquire at 727-846-1802 to schedule a consultation or use the Scheduling Link: https://deboradiazlawscheduling.as.me/.

Debora A. Diaz is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator. 

For convenience, all consultations are by telephone or video conferencing. Attorney Diaz practices exclusively in divorce and family law issues in Florida.