Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Fort Lauderdale: Determining Which Is Right For You

When ending a marriage in Fort Lauderdale, you have two options. Filing for an uncontested divorce through the Broward County Court is generally easier and less expensive. However, there are cases in which filing a contested divorce is the best option for getting what you are entitled to in a settlement. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer helps clients in these cases and explains what you need to know about each.

Filing For An Uncontested Divorce In Fort Lauderdale

If you are getting a divorce in Fort Lauderdale, an uncontested case is the faster, simpler option. It means both spouses agree on all divorce-related issues. Under the Florida Statutes, this includes:

• Division of marital property, assets, and debts;
• Alimony payments;
• Parenting plans and time-sharing schedules;
• Child support amounts and payment methods.

As they require minimal hearings and avoid the need to go to trial, uncontested divorces generally move quickly through the Broward County Family Court and can often be resolved in as little as a month or two. In addition to saving you time, filing for an uncontested divorce in Fort Lauderdale can also save you money in court costs and legal fees.

When Filing for a Contested Divorce in Fort Lauderdale is Your Best Option

Filing for an uncontested divorce in Fort Lauderdale can save time and money, provided both parties agree to all the terms. Unfortunately, this often fails to happen, and the circumstances surrounding your breakup may make filing for a contested divorce necessary.

A contested divorce doesn’t necessarily mean drawn-out battles in a courtroom. However, it typically does involve formal discovery, potentially lengthy legal negotiations, mediation, or even having to go to trial. This can extend the time it takes to get a final divorce order from several months to a year or more.

Despite the potential drawbacks, there are circumstances in which filing a contested divorce through the Broward County Family Court is your best option. These include:

• If you and your spouse own significant property and assets.
• If you are unable to negotiate a reasonable settlement on your own.
• If you suspect your spouse is squandering or hiding assets.
• If they engaged in marital misconduct, such as adultery or addiction.
• If domestic violence or neglect is an issue.

Contested divorces require a strong legal strategy to protect your interests and get what you are legally entitled to in a divorce settlement.

To Determine Whether You Have A Contested Or Uncontested Case, Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer

When getting a divorce in Fort Lauderdale, you need to know what’s at stake and how Florida law applies.  At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, we can review the circumstances surrounding your situation and advise you on whether filing for a contested or uncontested divorce is the better option.

To protect your rights throughout the process and get the maximum amount in your divorce settlement, call or contact us online. Request a confidential consultation today with our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.052.html

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family