Tampa Divorce Attorney

Offering Sound Legal Guidance & Counsel

In Tampa, Florida, divorce changes a person’s legal status from married to unmarried and resolves issues like alimony, property division, and child custody. Our Tampa divorce attorney at the Devolder Law Firm works to provide efficient, compassionate divorce representation for clients in the Tampa Bay area.

For Detailed Information on How Our Family Law Attorneys Can Help You With Your Divorce Case, Call Our Tampa Law Office at (813) 773-8233 Directly!

Grounds for a Divorce in Florida

Florida is a no-fault divorce state. There are only two grounds for divorce in FL: irreconcilable differences and mental incompetence lasting three years or more. Most couples who successfully divorce in Tampa, FL, do so based on the grounds of irreconcilable differences.

The spouse who files the petition for divorce will allege that the marriage is irretrievably broken, but the spouse who responds can deny this claim. In response, the family court may order counseling or allow some time (up to 3 months) for a reconciliation.

Devolder Law Firm works with counselors and related businesses to allow for the possibility of reconciliation and to minimize any period of tumultuous indecision. Our attorneys never feel disappointed when a client decides not to move forward with a divorce case — our attorneys strive to give our clients in the Tampa Bay area the information they need to make the best decision for themselves and their families.

Then we support them throughout the divorce process, no matter their decision. If divorce turns out to be the answer, our Tampa family law attorneys protect our client and their interests with great care.

The Divorce Process in Tampa

The standard legal process to get divorced in Tampa begins when one spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage. In this document, the petitioner alleges that the marriage is irretrievably broken and sets out what they want from the family court. The other spouse — the respondent — must file an answer within 20 days of being served.

This document needs to address all the allegations from the initial petition and, if necessary, raise any additional issues the respondent wants the court to address in a counter-petition.

If either party seeks financial relief, the family court requires that each party provide a complete financial affidavit within 45 days of the service of the petition or several days before any temporary hearing, whichever comes first. If a party fails to provide this affidavit, the family court may dismiss the divorce case or refuse to consider that party’s requests.

Additionally, either party must reside in Florida for the 6 months leading up to the filing of the petition.

Note that residence in Florida refers to your primary residence (or, as the court calls it, your domicile). To reside here, you must be physically present in the state of FL and intend to make a home or live here permanently or indefinitely.

If you leave the state, Florida remains your residence as long as you intended to return here and, despite a temporary absence, you had no present purpose of leaving the state permanently (this means that even if you travel up North every year for three months, Florida remains your state of residence — assuming you always return to your home here afterward).

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Florida?

The cost of getting divorced in Florida depends on the complexity of your case. Generally, an uncontested divorce can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500 in attorney's fees and court costs. If the divorce is contested, the cost could range from a few thousand to tens of thousands. Additional expenses, such as filing fees and other debts related to the marriage, must be accounted for when calculating a divorce's cost in Florida.

A few other costs associated with getting a divorce in Florida are:

• Child support and alimony payments (if applicable)
• Taxes on any property transferred during the divorce
• Property division costs, including real estate appraisals and legal fees for filing documents
• Legal fees for representation in court or negotiation sessions
• Travel expenses for mediation (if applicable)
• Miscellaneous costs related to hiring experts to help negotiate a settlement or serve as witnesses in court

Does My Husband Have to Pay for My Divorce Lawyer in Florida?

As a rule of thumb, the more aggressive the divorce case, the more your divorce attorney will charge you. Fortunately, Florida law allows spouses to make their ex-spouse pay their divorce lawyer's fees.

Neither the parties involved, nor the court, can waive any of these divorce requirements.

For Skilled & Compassionate Legal Services, Contact Our Family Law Office in the Tampa Bay Area Today

Whether you are considering filing a petition or have been served with divorce papers, Devolder Law Firm’s Tampa divorce lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and assist you in choosing the best timeframe and method for moving forward.

As a family law firm that strives to meet all the legal needs of suburban families, our Tampa Bay attorneys can handle many related family law matters that divorce tends to bring up, including selling your marital home.

Complete Our Online Contact Form or Call Our Tampa Law Office at (813) 773-8233 to Schedule Your Initial Consultation!