Kissimmee may be “the vacation capital of the world,” with easy access to Disney World, Legoland, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios, but still, in Kissimmee, couples divorce. At Orlando Family Team, our family law attorneys have been successfully assisting Kissimmee clients with divorce matters for more than 20 years. Because we know that each divorce case is unique, we will listen carefully to the details of your case so that we can guide you to the best outcome — both financially and emotionally.
While the circumstances of individual divorces vary, the same issues must be resolved. Contact us now so that we can meet with you to discuss your options. In many cases, divorce can be settled through negotiation or mediation, saving you time and money. If the situation warrants it, however, our skilled divorce attorneys are always prepared to take your case to court.
Grounds for Divorce in Kissimmee
In Florida, there are only two legal grounds for divorce: [1] the marriage is irretrievably broken or [2] one of the parties is mentally incapacitated. This simplifies matters since it means that there is no necessity to prove the misconduct of either spouse. Nonetheless, you will need one of our capable divorce attorneys to make sure that your rights are protected when the divorce is being negotiated, whether in or out of the courtroom.
The Difference Between Marital and Separate Property
In a Kissimmee divorce, only marital property must be divided. Property that belonged to either spouse before the marriage, or was designated for that individual as a personal gift, inheritance or lawsuit settlement during the marriage, is considered separate and owned by only one party.
All property accumulated by a couple during the marriage, however, is considered marital property. This includes the family home, other real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and businesses. Debts incurred during the marriage must also be divided according to Florida state laws of equitable distribution.
While this may sound like a simple matter, there are often complications to dividing assets, such as commingled or concealed assets or the existence of a prenuptial agreement. Even without these complexities, couples often dispute what is fair in dividing property. This is when having a keen but diplomatic divorce attorney is critical.
Determining Child Custody and Parenting Time
For couples with children, child custody is frequently the most contentious and distressing issue in divorce negotiations. At Orlando Family Team, we are well aware of this and work hard to keep negotiations civil, always making the best interests of your children our top priority. The divorce attorney who handles your case will do everything possible to arrange child custody in a way that protects the safety, comfort, and security of your child, and that takes the restrictions of your schedule into account.
In the event that accusations of neglect or abuse are raised, we will be on your side, whether you fear for your child’s safety or fear being denied access to your child due to false accusations. Though we are highly competent negotiators, we hone our arguments to stand up well in a court of law if that becomes necessary.
Child Support in Kissimmee
In matters of child support, though both parents are legally obligated to support their children, in most cases, the parent with a higher income will be expected to pay child support to the other parent to level the playing field. There are, however, a number of factors that must be considered, including:
- Whether there is joint or sole custody
- Whether a child has special needs
- How many children each parent has
Your Orlando Family Team child support attorney recognizes that, whether you are the payor or the payee in a child support matter, you deserve to be treated fairly and your child must have the resources needed to remain healthy and comfortable. If we are unable to negotiate a reasonable agreement through negotiations, we will fight aggressively for your rights and your child’s well-being at trial.
Spousal Maintenance in Kissimmee
In spite of the fact that spousal maintenance (alimony) is not as common as it once was, in certain cases, it is crucial to sustain one spouse after the divorce. This necessity may be the result of the age of the spouse, a health problem, a disability, or simply the fact that the individual was a childcare provider for years and has no qualifications for employment without further education or training.
On the other hand, one spouse may be trying to take advantage of the other spouse’s resources to avoid having to work, to live more lavishly, or just for revenge. In any case, our strong divorce attorney will sort things out so that, depending on the circumstances, you obtain a just settlement or are protected from being milked dry.
Divorce Mediation in Kissimmee
For couples who are able to approach divorce pragmatically and want to avoid the expensive and time-consuming process of litigation, mediation may be an excellent alternative. After all, it provides a cost-effective, less adversarial approach to the agreement that will shape your newly structured family’s future. Not only will mediation tone down the stress level for the two parties negotiating; but it is also likely to keep any children in the family calmer and more accepting of the inevitable changes to their lives.
However, because the mediator is a neutral party in this process, it is wise for each spouse to have a divorce attorney on their side to make sure they receive advice that the mediator cannot dispense. Also, it should be remembered that mediation is not appropriate or desirable in cases involving hidden finances, domestic abuse, or other criminal behavior.
Contact Our Experienced Kissimmee Divorce Attorneys Today
Whether your divorce is high-net-worth, involves a blended family, or is complicated by the special needs of a child or the illness of a parent, Orlando Family Team is here for you. Our divorce attorneys have the experience to meet your needs. Contact us now for excellent legal representation by compassionate professionals.
