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Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer > Blog > Divorce > Three Types Of Divorce In Florida

Three Types Of Divorce In Florida

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No two couples are alike and neither are the circumstances that surround the breakup of a marriage. To deal with the different types of situations, there are three different types of divorce in Florida. Our Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney explains the options that are available.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce generally involves a high degree of animosity between the spouses. One of the parties may not agree with the divorce, refuse to cooperate, or serious disputes prevent them from resolving divorce-related matters.

In any divorce, there are issues that must be resolved under the Florida Statutes. These include:

  • Marital property division: This involves dividing anything earned, acquired, or accumulated over the course of the marriage in a way that is fair to both parties.
  • Spousal support: You may be entitled to spousal support or alimony payments as part of a final divorce order if you make significantly less than your spouse.
  • Child time sharing: This determines the amount of time the child spends in each parent’s home and rights regarding special occasions and the ability to make important decisions on the child’s behalf.
  • Child support: Each person’s income will determine the amount of spousal support that must be paid.

In a contested divorce, disputes over the above or other issues may require multiple court hearings and can take long months to resolve.

Uncontested Divorce

While there may still be some animosity over the circumstances surrounding their relationship, in a contested case the couple agrees to get a divorce and the parties are open to a divorce settlement. Common circumstances surrounding uncontested cases include:

  • The couple may have only been together a short while;
  • There are no children from the relationship;
  • There is not a significant amount of marital property and assets;
  • The decision to get a divorce was made mutually.

You will still have to file a divorce petition through the Broward County Court, appear before the judge at hearings, and may even need to attend mediation sessions. However, an uncontested divorce can often be settled in far less time than a contested case, making it more convenient and cost-efficient as well.

Collaborative Divorce

A collaborative divorce is generally the best option for saving both time and money. It is similar to an uncontested divorce, but instead of litigation, a marital settlement agreement is reached with the help of our attorney. This means that other than filing a divorce petition, the only time you may need to step into a courtroom is when the judge signs your final divorce order. A collaborative divorce has the added advantage of protecting your privacy, as personal matters are resolved out of court.

Discuss Your Options With Our Fort Lauderdale Divorce Attorney

To discuss the circumstances surrounding your divorce and which of the above options may be best for you, reach out to Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney Vanessa L. Prieto. Call or contact us online and request a consultation today.

Sources:

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

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family

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