Lake County, Florida is aptly named since it has over 1,000 lovely lakes, more than any other county in the state. In spite of the calm and enjoyment these lakes provide, however, families in Lake County, like families everywhere, sometimes need the services of effective, compassionate family lawyers like those at Orlando Family Team.
Our lead attorneys, Andrew Nickolaou, Esq. and Ophelia Bernal-Mora, Esq., B.C.S. are a married couple, dedicated to providing legal advocacy that is caring as well as professional. Whatever family law matter brings you to our door — paternity issues, divorce, adoption, domestic violence — you can depend on us to protect your interests and the interests of your children. Contact us now and let our family help yours.
Every Lake County Family Can Feel Confident With Orlando Family Team
Our family law practice is as inclusive as they come. We routinely work with all kinds of families and always focus on their unique, as well as their universal, needs. Whether your family is
traditional, blended, same-sex, military, moderate-income, or high-net-worth, we are committed to giving you the strong representation you deserve.
If you are a military family, rest assured that we are well-versed in federal, military, and administrative law as well as in Florida divorce law, and so are capable of handling the complex issues that may arise in a military divorce.
On the other hand, if you are a same-sex couple dealing with the special complications a same-sex divorce may involve in regard to divorce, child custody, stepparent adoptions or domestic violence, our team offers skilled legal counsel and, if required, excellent courtroom representation.
Of course, not all of our services involve divorce. Whatever family law matter you’re dealing with, whether as joyful as adoption or as distressing as domestic violence, we are well-prepared to assist you. Beyond our impressive credentials and years of experience, we have a history of successful outcomes, having helped a great many families navigate emotional and financial challenges and legal bureaucracy to move forward into bright futures.
Legal Services Our Family Law Attorneys Provide in Lake County
Orlando Family Team offers a full complement of family law services, including such matters as:
- Divorce
- Child support
- Division of property
- Domestic violence
- Visitation (parental timesharing)
- Paternity disputes
- Paternal rights
- Separation agreements
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Stepparent adoptions
We are well aware that no two family situations are identical and never make the mistake of thinking that all problems can be resolved in the same way. Family dynamics are complex and must be worked out on an individual basis. At Orlando Family Team, we know how important it is to be good listeners. Once we understand your goals and fears, and the circumstances that make your situation unique, we will customize a strategy that will work best for you, always keeping our eyes on what is best for your children.
Division of Marital Assets in Lake County
Dividing marital assets can be a contentious issue for divorcing couples. It is important to understand that all property owned by either spouse is not included in the definition of “marital assets.” The term applies only to property accumulated during the marriage, typically including savings, pension and retirement accounts, investments, real estate, and business interests. Marital debts, too, must be divided.
By contrast, the following property in possession of one spouse or the other is considered personal, not marital, property. Personal property includes:
- Assets owned before the marriage
- Inheritances
- Gifts to one party
- Lawsuit settlements for one spouse alone.
In Florida, the law requires that marital property be divided according to the state rules of equitable distribution, rather than split 50-50. Because “equitable distribution” is a vague term,
it is essential to have a savvy family law attorney who knows how to negotiate a fair distribution without added stress. This is especially important if there is a large discrepancy between the income levels of the two spouses.
Domestic Violence in Lake County
Whether or not divorce looms, domestic violence is frightening. You needn’t be actually assaulted to be a victim. If you have experienced verbal abuse, stalking, or physical or sexual abuse, you need urgent counseling and advice on how to keep you and your children safe. Most domestic violence victims feel isolated and helpless, but our family law attorneys will offer you prompt assistance in your time of trouble by:
- Assisting you in obtaining a restraining order
- Getting you in touch with agencies that can provide a safe haven
for you and your children
- Modifying a child custody or visitation order to protect your children
However, we are also aware that false accusations of domestic violence can be used as weapons during acrimonious divorce negotiations. If your spouse is using false accusations of domestic violence as leverage in divorce negotiations, our family law attorneys will expose the deception and vigorously defend your parental rights, your reputation, and your freedom.
Divorce Mediation in Lake County
Fortunately, not all divorces are viewed as battles. A great many couples want to end their marriage amicably, with as little stress for themselves and their children as possible. When divorcing couples agree on most issues and are looking to divorce with dignity, divorce mediation may be the way to go. As an alternative form of dispute resolution, divorce mediation offers a way to resolve differences without aggressive confrontations.
In divorce mediation, the couple works with a neutral third party. That individual is the mediator, a person, usually a lawyer, who has been specially trained to assist both spouses in finding common ground so they can settle their differences regarding asset distribution, child custody and visitation, and other major issues with relative calm.
It should be remembered that the mediator, is not permitted to give either spouse advice, but rather introduce them to workable options. For this reason, it is wise for each spouse to have their own family lawyer to make certain their individual rights are protected.
Contact Our Experienced Lake County Family Law Attorneys Today
Having the right family law attorney can make all the difference when you are faced with a family issue that requires not only legal knowledge and a high level of proficiency, but sensitivity to the feelings of those concerned. Contact Orlando Family Team where we will always treat you with the empathy and respect you deserve.
