A contested divorce is difficult because you can’t find much common ground with your spouse. In Florida, couples need to go to court to resolve the issues. Property division, child custody, and alimony are often the root of contested divorces. You take your fight before a judge, and they decide your financial and parental rights. Jacobs Law Firm, a divorce attorney in Orlando, FL, will go over the steps so you know what to expect.

1. Find an Experienced Divorce Attorney

No matter the type of divorce you’re seeking in Florida, consult with and hire a lawyer. If you have children, be sure that the attorney also focuses on trial and family law. You want to find a divorce lawyer who can handle most situations just in case.

2. One Spouse Files for Divorce

In contested divorces, both partners have respective attorneys. One of the spouses’ lawyers will file in the Florida courts on their behalf. Divorce papers get served where the other partner has 20 days to respond.
Contact Jacobs Law Firm of Orlando, FL, to learn how this process works.

3. Preparing for the Contested Divorce

Your attorney will prepare you for upcoming hearings regarding your case. Florida law allows for a discovery phase or pretrial. Both divorce attorney Orlando present their evidence to the court. This step of the contested divorce process can take clients by surprise. Being open and honest with your lawyer will let them know what may come up during the proceedings. Both divorce attorneys will present and gather information at the pretrial.

4. Mandatory Mediation

Florida requires spouses to attend divorce mediation before a judge finalizes the divorce. Jacobs Law Firm of Orlando can discuss this process during a consultation. Divorce mediation gives couples a chance to come to a settlement. Your attorney is present for this step. Successful divorce mediations save clients time, money, and frustration. If the differences can’t be reconciled, the courts will decide on the final terms.

5. Court Appearances

Contested divorces often get dragged out in the courts, and judges make a final ruling on the issues. Florida courts distribute marital property equitably, not 50/50. Child custody and support also is decided based on the evidence. A contested divorce can take up to two years to finalize. That’s why having an experienced attorney and the mediation process are important.

6. The Divorce is Finalized

A Florida judge signs a final decision, and the marriage is dissolved. Property and assets are split between the two spouses. The Florida courts issue a Parenting Plan for couples who have children. You can reach out to our Orlando family lawyers for questions about custody and support.

7. Right to Appeal

If you disagree with the decision, you have a right to appeal in Florida. Jacobs Law Firm can discuss that possibility with you. If you need a divorce attorney to appeal a ruling, we can offer a consultation. Your case needs to meet specific guidelines to be eligible.

Our Orlando, Florida, divorce attorneys also specialize in litigation and family law Clermont FL. You can reach out to Jacobs Law Firm for any questions you have.
Visit https://www.jjlawfl.com/



Jacobs Law Firm

331 S. Wymore Rd., Winter Park, Florida

32789

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(407) 335-8113

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