The Tampa Divorce Process
Once the decision to dissolve a marital relationship is made, the process of negotiations and the filing of forms is set in motion. It is best to consult with an experienced divorce attorney in order to ensure the process is handled correctly. Retaining the services of an attorney also relieves some of the stress and anxiety during what is already an extremely emotional time.
The Tampa divorce process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in a local circuit court. The document establishes grounds for the divorce and includes facts about the relationship as well as requests for the division of assets and liabilities and desired arrangements for custody of the children and support payments. The petition is served to the other spouse who then has 20 days in which to answer.
Which way the process goes from here depends on the issues involved and whether or not spouses are able to agree on the terms of divorce. For couples with no children and no disputes over property or assets, a simplified divorce can be used where the couple testifies in court to the agreement and further steps are not needed.
Uncontested divorce in Tampa
An uncontested divorce occurs when couples can amicably discuss and agree to all terms. If this is the case, the details are drafted in a written agreement that both spouses sign and present to the court. Uncontested divorces are less complicated, costly, and time consuming. It may only take a matter of weeks for an uncontested divorce to become final.
Contested divorces in Tampa
More steps are involved that can lead to excessively long and expensive court battles when couples are unable to agree on the terms of their divorce. If there are children involved the courts will often require that both parents complete a mandatory course on children and families coping with divorce. The court may also mandate that the couple attend mediation to facilitate a settlement. If all previous attempts to reach agreement fail, a trial may be required and a judge will make the final decisions about any contested issues.
Contact our Tampa divorce law firm
It helps to have an experienced and trusted divorce attorney at your side with so much at stake. The Davis Law Group, P.A. is a respected firm that offers our clients the benefit of a wealth of experience and ingenuity in marital and family law cases. Attorneys Scott Paul Davis and Kendra Davis are Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediators. Tell us how we might help with your divorce needs.
Contact us for assistance with family law matters in Tampa, FL.
