Longwood is a Central Florida city that dates back to the age of coastal tribes and colonists. The community was hit hard by the Great Depression but experienced massive growth in the 1960s and 1970s due to the space industry and Walt Disney World. One of the oldest trees in America, Lady Liberty, is located here in Longwood. At over 2,000 years old, it’s a testament to the city’s enduring history and promise for the future. For many families living in Longwood, the future looks bleak in light of divorce. It’s easy to be discouraged and even scared by the uncertainties that divorce will bring to your life. In times of conflict and change, you need a steady advocate for what you value most. Turn to our Longwood divorce attorney at Orlando Family Team.

How To Handle Divorce In Longwood

Divorce involves more than just the legal dissolution of a marriage. In fact, this aspect of divorce is usually the least controversial. Spouses must also deal with far more emotional matters like child support and child custody. If you have children and you separate from the other parent – whether you are married or not – you have to resolve these issues. Married couples must also deal with equitable distribution (property and debts) and alimony.

More often than not, divorce and family law are equated with hostile courtroom proceedings, incessant arguments, and constant battles over the children. Contested matters like this require the judge to weigh in and decide for the parties. Although this may be necessary to resolve the case, it means that a complete stranger will be trying his or her best to decide some of the most important issues in your life.

Your divorce or family law case does not have to end up this way. Spouses can use what is known as a separation agreement to decide most issues for themselves. Not only do these agreements allow spouses to determine what is best for them and their children, they tend to be less expensive and less time-consuming.

Parents of children, including parents who were never married, can develop a parenting schedule to decide how custody will be shared. Among other things, this schedule will address regular, ongoing custody as well as holidays, vacations, and other special events. Parents can also resolve child support by working with their attorneys to determine an appropriate amount under Florida’s child support guidelines. Bear in mind that any agreement affecting children can be set aside by a judge if the terms are deemed to harm their best interests. That’s why an experienced family law attorney is always essential, no matter what type of domestic case you have.

Understanding The Issues

Equitable distribution is the process by which property and debts are divided between spouses. It’s unique to married couples, who must determine which property belongs to the marriage and which is owned separately by each party. Once all property and debts are categorized appropriately, they are then assigned a value and distributed to the spouses. The court uses a variety of statutory factors to effectuate a fair, or equitable, distribution.

Like equitable distribution, alimony is limited to married couples who are divorcing. There are also several criteria a court evaluates to determine the amount and duration of alimony. A spouse is not automatically entitled to alimony. Rather, the judge must consider both spouse’s monthly needs and expenses, the parties’ relative incomes, and more.

Child support is necessary when parents split up or decide to no longer raise a child together, regardless of whether they were married. Florida uses child support guidelines which take into account certain expenses for the child, the parents’ relative incomes, and other factors. A parent cannot avoid paying child support by quitting their job, earning less money, or inaccurately reporting their income.

Finally, child custody must be addressed. As mentioned above, there are a number of issues that custody entails. Parents are often concerned with how their child will be raised by the other person. Custody cases sometimes bring out issues involving drug abuse, neglect, and other behaviors that harm the child. Taking action is critical if you suspect the other party is unfit to parent, and you should raise these custody concerns with your attorney.

Of course, there are other issues that couples must address in family law. Our firm is experienced in these and other matters:

  • Father’s rights
  • Agreement modifications
  • Contempt of court
  • High net worth divorces
  • Mediation
  • Paternity issues
  • Domestic violence
  • Name changes
  • Step parent adoption

What to Look For in a Longwood Divorce Attorney

Divorce and family law matters are complicated, and while you can handle your case yourself, you’re taking a chance on your future. An experienced family law attorney doesn’t just understand the laws and rules that govern your case. The right attorney will represent you with an eye towards resolving the issue in a way that benefits everyone.

Orlando Family Team is client-focused. Our goal is not to run up your bills, engage in unnecessary fights, or waste your time. We know your time is better spent living your life than arguing in a courtroom. Of course, if the other party is not being reasonable or there’s simply no way to settle an issue, we’ll take your case before the judge and fight for you. But where possible, we try to save time, money, and stress by negotiating a solution with the other party.

Our firm also works one on one with clients to develop customized solutions. Your life is not cookie-cutter, so your divorce or family law solution shouldn’t be, either. We will meet with you to understand your values and interests and come up with a result that works for you.

Contact Our Longwood Divorce Attorney

Orlando Family Team handles only family law matters, and we will represent you with the dedication and professionalism you deserve. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation.