Tampa Divorce Attorney

For most people, a divorce is one of the most stressful events they will ever have to endure.

The strong emotions which accompany a divorce can sometimes make the decision-making process seem impossible.

Divorces are not easy, during this difficult time, it is important to retain an experienced Tampa divorce attorney who will provide both skilled and effective legal services and advice. An attorney who will also help you deal with the uncertainty and anxiety that often accompanies the divorce process.

Divorce attorney Mindi Lasley can help calm the emotions of clients and give them straightforward legal advice about their divorce.

Florida Divorce Facts

Florida is a “no fault” divorce state, meaning that a divorce will be granted once it is proven that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You do not have to prove that your spouse did anything wrong. 

While this concept appears to be straightforward, even a simple divorce can prove to be complicated.

All divorces, whether contested or uncontested, involve:

• Significant amounts of paperwork that must be completed and filed with the appropriate court within a certain window of time
• Disclosure of all financial documentation
• Mediation and/or court hearings
• Legal pleadings that must be filed with the court

All documentation must be properly prepared in accordance with Florida law to prevent problems that may arise while the divorce is pending.

The residence requirement for a divorce in Florida is 6 months. 

You must have lived in the state for no less than 6 months prior to filing the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. However, only one spouse needs to meet the residency requirements before filing.

What Does It Mean to Get a Divorce?

The Law Dictionary defines divorce as:

The legal separation of man and wife, effected, for cause, by the judgment of a court, and either totally dissolving the marriage relation, or suspending its effects so far as concerns the cohabitation of the parties.

A divorce not only dissolves the marriage, but it resolves all issues such as:

• the division of assets and debts (legally known as equitable distribution)
• alimony
• child custody (which is now legally specified as a “parenting plan”)
• child support
• any other issues that need to be resolved

There are generally two types of divorce recognized by Florida courts:

1. Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce means that the petitioner of the divorce and the respondent both agree to the divorce and all aspects involved in the divorce.

This means that both parties agree completely on:

• How property will be divided between both spouses
• How debt will be divided between both spouses
• Who will have physical and/or legal custody of the children
• How visitation and/or time-sharing will take place
• Whether alimony will be paid, how much will be paid, and for how long

Uncontested divorces most frequently arise from marriages where the couple do not have significant assets or children.

In the above case, the couple may be eligible for a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage. 

In order to be eligible for a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage, the couple must meet the following criteria:

• The couple meets the basic residency requirements for a Florida divorce
• Neither spouse contests the divorce itself
• The couple does not have children under the age of 18, and the wife is not pregnant at the time of the divorce filing
• Both spouses agree not to file for alimony
• Both spouses have made a full financial disclosure, and both spouses agree on how property and assets will be divided between them
• Both spouses agree to waive their right to a trial and an appeal

For some couples, a simplified divorce is the easiest, fastest, and most cost effective way to dissolve a marriage.

However, even couples who do have substantial assets or children can obtain an uncontested divorce if they agree on each point of the divorce. 

2. Contested Divorce

A contested divorce is file when the spouses cannot agree on the divorce terms.

A contested divorce can often be more costly and take much longer than an uncontested divorce, they are oftentimes in the best option for one or both the spouses.

To learn more about contested divorces click here.

 If you and your spouse are unable to agree on any particular points concerning your divorce, it can be more beneficial to move forward with divorce litigation. 

A qualified divorce attorney will assist you in determining whether pursuing divorce litigation is in your best interests and how to proceed.

Contact Tampa Divorce Lawyer Mindi Lasley Now And Obtain More Information

If you are debating whether or not to file for a divorce or are currently already in the middle of your divorce proceedings, it is vital that you receive adequate representation by an experienced Florida divorce lawyer.

Without experienced legal guidance in your divorce, you can face any number of losses during the divorce process.

Mindi Lasley is a Florida divorce lawyer with the experience and the resources that you need and offers a  step-by-step representation that is unique to your personal situation in order for that you obtain the best possible outcome for your future.

Tampa Divorce Attorney Mindi Lasley is committed to offering each of her clients with comprehensive legal support, and she will always let you know where you stand. She will inform you of what your legal options are and how best to move forward to protect your rights and best interests. 

Contact Tampa Divorce Lawyer Mindi Lasley today for a consultation to discuss your case by calling (813) 873-9047. We are available now to speak with you regarding your legal needs.

More information can be found on these pages:

Alimony
Property Division
Uncontested Divorce
Contested Divorce 
Child Custody
Court Process
Relocation
Gray Divorce

For cases involving persons in the U.S. armed forces: Military Divorce Lawyer Tampa

Know more about Florida Divorce Laws