Low-Cost Representation Overview

If one party does not agree to the terms of the divorce

If one party does not agree to the terms of the divorce a judge will ultimately have to decide. Most times, mediation is helpful to work out differences and the court will make the parties attend mediation.

If assets and debts need to be divided

We will help negotiate how assets and debts are divided. There are creative ways to divide marital assets and debts.

If parties do not agree regarding alimony/spousal support

Alimony is determined by Florida Statutes. If at mediation the parties cannot agree, then a judge will have to determine if alimony is appropriate after considering all of the factors set forth in the statute.

If parties may not agree on parental responsibility, co-parenting and a timesharing schedule

If you are not successful resolving the issues of related to the children at mediation, then the court will decide. The court will look at what is in the best interest of the children when making its decision and that is when our experienced family law attorney will assist you in court.

If parties do not agree to child support

Child support is calculated by the income of the parties, the number of overnights each parent has and the cost of daycare/aftercare and health insurance. If the parties do not agree at mediation, the court will run child support guidelines and order one party to make payments to the other party if appropriate.

If there’s domestic violence involved

Domestic violence is usually handled outside of a divorce case. If you need an injunction against your spouse because of domestic violence, our attorney can assist you. The court may enter a temporary injunction and schedule a hearing to determine if the temporary injunction should be extended.

If one or more of the children has special needs

If one of your children has special needs, the court can make a determination that child support should continue past the child turning 18.

If one or more of the parties is receiving disability income or benefits

All income is used in determining child support and/or spousal support. While some benefits may not be subject to division, the income will be used to determine support.

If one or more of the parties is self employed income, it may be necessary to hire an accountant.

Self-employment can be challenging and difficult when determining a person’s income.

If one or more of the parties desires to relocate with the children

If the parties agree, relocation can be included in a settlement agreement. If the parties do not agree, the person seeking to relocate out of the state with minor children must file a petition to relocate. The court will decide if relocation is in the best interest of the children.

If you’re seeking retroactive spousal or child support

The parties can agree to retroactive support. If an agreement cannot be reached, the court can award retroactive child support and/or alimony going back two years. The same formulas explained above will be used to determine the amount.

If you’re seeking enforcement of an existing Court Order

If an order has already been entered and one party is not following the order, then you can file a motion for contempt and/or enforcement. The party that is not following the order can be held in contempt. Depending on the nature of the noncompliance, the court was wide latitude in sanctioning the non-compliant party including payment of attorney’s fees and costs.

If you want to obtain an Income Withholding Order

An income withholding order is used for child support and/or alimony. Instead of the party who is ordered to pay paying the other party directly, the money is taken directly out of a person’s paycheck and sent through the State Disbursement Unit. Our attorney will prepare an Income Withholding Order if you want one.

Our staff will run child support guidelines. The formula is set forth in Florida Statutes and is determined by the income of the parties the number of overnights each parent has and the cost of daycare/aftercare and health insurance.