• Divorce/Dissolution of Marriage in Florida:

What are the requirements to divorce in Florida?

Florida is a "no fault" divorce state. "No fault" merely means neither party must set forth the reason for the divorce. If one party states that he/she has "irreconcilable differences" with the other party, then ultimately, the State of Florida grants the divorce. "Irreconcilable differences" means, as the nursery rhyme says (with a little poetic license added), "all the king's horses and all the king's men, couldn't put [the marriage] back together again." The only other basic requirement for filing and divorcing in Florida is that either the husband or the wife resided in Florida for at least six months prior to filing for divorce.

What is the difference between a "contested' and an "uncontested" divorce?

Essentially two types of divorces exist: Contested and Uncontested.

In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree from the beginning on exactly:

• How to divide their assets and liabilities
• Whether one party pays alimony to the other party or not, and if so, how much and for how long
• When children are involved, how the parties allocate time sharing, including holidays and vacations, and
• Who pays child support to whom and the amount of support

A contested divorce covers any dissolution action that goes beyond the description of an uncontested matter.

Can I get a legal separation?

Florida does not have "legal separation" as do many other states. Although people can live years separated, without competent legal advice, their rights may be jeopardized in this situation. Contact our office to discuss alternatives to bridge-the-gap between separating and divorcing without unwittingly giving up rights or accruing liabilities you never contemplated.

Why do I need to consult an attorney if we agree on all issues?

Even if resolving the issues seems simple in your case, it is still best to at least consult with an attorney to ensure that you have not overlooked an important issue before you sign an agreement, and before it is too late. In these uncontested cases, The Law Office of Cindy S. Vova provides limited consultations that ensure you make the right decisions and that help you avoid costly and irreversible mistakes.

Additionally, our firm also provides cost effective full representation in truly uncontested cases, often for a flat fee plus costs. Although the divorce may start as "contested," many times only a few issues require resolution. Our firm endeavors to assist transitioning all contested matter into resolved or uncontested matters as expeditiously as possible. In doing so, however, we will never compromise a client's rights, but merely work to come up with viable and satisfactory solutions.

In those instances where an amicable resolution is not possible, then The Law Office of Cindy S. Vova is equipped to provide the most rigorous representation to protect your rights. In complex divorce cases, arising customarily where the are serious issues involving establishment of time sharing and, more typically, when there are significant assets, liabilities and businesses, we frequently use an arsenal of professionals in other disciplines to effectuate positive outcomes including, when the case warrants:

• psychologist, psychiatrist and other mental health providers
• forensic accountants
• business valuators
• pension and retirement valuators
• real property appraisers
• personal property appraisers

In these cases, experts are necessary to establish values and consider tax consequences. In working side-by-side with these experts we are prepared with strong positions in negotiating a settlement, and, should settlement be unsuccessful, an even stronger position to present in trial.

Contact the Law Office of Cindy S. Vova, P.A. today via this website or by phone to let us help you evaluate your divorce case, review the issues involved, and discuss the most expeditious and cost effective way to resolve it and move your life forward.