Do You Have to Go to Court for a Divorce in Broward County?

When getting a divorce in Fort Lauderdale, the thought of stepping into a courtroom can be nerve-wracking. You may be worried about the loss of privacy, contentious legal proceedings, or long delays in getting a final order.

The good news is that not every Broward County divorce requires a court battle. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer explains the options available.

When Can You Settle A Broward County Divorce Without Going to Court?

Feeling anxious about court appearances is common when getting a divorce in Fort Lauderdale, and for good reason. Legal proceedings are intimidating, have the potential to be contentious, and the public nature of divorce proceedings jeopardizes your privacy.

Fortunately, when filing a divorce petition through the Broward County Family Court, you only have to appear before a judge if there are unresolved issues between you and your spouse. Situations where a court appearance may be limited or avoided entirely:

• Under Section 61.052 of the Florida Statutes, a simplified dissolution of marriage may be an option if you have limited assets and no children or other complications.
• An uncontested divorce may be an option if you and your spouse agree on all divorce-related terms.
• You may be able to resolve disputes through mediation, avoiding potentially contentious court hearings.
• A collaborative divorce is when each spouse works with their own lawyer to negotiate a settlement privately and outside of court.
• A default divorce is an option and helps you avoid hearings if your spouse fails to respond to the divorce petition.

While you may still need to sign documents in person at the Broward County Courthouse or attend a short final hearing, these are usually quick, routine appearances lasting just minutes.

When You’ll Need to Go to Court To Get A Divorce in Broward County

Some divorces require legal proceedings due to conflicts, financial complexity, or safety concerns. You can expect more formal court proceedings in the following situations:

• There’s a disagreement over parental responsibility and child time-sharing.
• Either spouse disputes alimony calculations, claims the other is hiding income, assets, or debt, or can’t agree on how to divide marital property, retirement accounts, or business interests.
• One party refuses to cooperate, fails to comply with mandatory financial disclosure rules, or won’t respond to settlement offers.
• There’s documented evidence of domestic violence, substance abuse, or other risk factors that require protective orders.

When these or other issues exist, our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer can protect your rights, represent you at hearings, and help you get the best possible settlement.

Contact Us Today To Schedule A Consultation With Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer

Settling your divorce out of court can protect your privacy and prevent the stress of public court hearings. At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, we protect your rights, thoroughly review your case, and advise you on the available options.

To minimize your stress and get the best possible outcome, contact our office today. 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