Do You Have to Go to Court for a Divorce in Fort Lauderdale?

If you are filing for a divorce in Fort Lauderdale or just considering it as an option, you may be wondering, “Will I have to appear in court?” Hearings can be intimidating, and revealing sensitive information in court results in loss of privacy.

Fortunately, not all divorces end up in court. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer explains when you can bypass legal proceedings and when Broward County court hearings are required.

When You May Be Able To Avoid Court Appearances In A Fort Lauderdale Divorce

Getting a divorce is never easy, and having to attend multiple court hearings can make the situation more difficult. Aside from being contentious, divorce proceedings are open to the public, which means that any information revealed in court, such as regarding marital problems or assets the couple shares, can be easily accessed through court records.

Filing for a simplified and uncontested divorce in Fort Lauderdale allows you to bypass court hearings. Under the Florida Statutes, situations in which this may be an option include:

• Both parties agree on getting a divorce.
• They have no children or considerable assets.
• The parties agree on divorce-related matters, such as property division, alimony, and child custody.
• The couple can reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation, rather than battling it out in court.

In simplified and uncontested cases, the court’s role is mainly administrative. A judge reviews your filings, ensures the agreement complies with Florida law, and enters the final divorce order.

When Broward County Court Hearings Are Needed To Get A Fort Lauderdale Divorce

While some couples can resolve divorce-related issues on their own or with the help of their lawyers or a court-appointed mediator, others require more work. Situations in which you may have to attend multiple hearings in the Broward County Family Court include:

• One of the spouses does not want the divorce.
• They refuse to submit financial disclosures or attempt to hide assets.
• They make unreasonable demands regarding marital property division.
• They disagree over parenting rights and child time-sharing arrangements.
• They refuse to pay alimony or child support.
• There are claims of marital misconduct or domestic violence.
• The couple fails to reach an agreement through mediation.

In these and other contested cases, you may need to attend multiple court hearings before a judge can issue a final order.

To Protect Your Rights In Court, Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer

The circumstances surrounding your situation dictate whether a simplified or uncontested divorce is an option, or when you may have to attend multiple court hearings. In either case, get professional legal representation to protect your rights.

At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, we help clients resolve complex issues and avoid divorce hearings. At the same time, we won’t hesitate to fight for your rights in court if that’s what it takes. To get the trusted, local legal guidance you need during this difficult time, contact our office. Request a confidential consultation to speak with our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer today.

Sources:

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

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family