What to expect during your first consultation

During the initial consultation, I will first and foremost listen to the problems that you are facing. Once I have a rough idea of your family and the way that it is structured, together we identify your goals and chart a course that aids you in achieving them. It is also during the initial consultation that we will go over the various forms and paperwork that will be gathered and reviewed during the process. In all family law matters, you will have to complete a financial affidavit so please review the form below. Our goal during the first meeting is to learn from you as much information as possible that will allow us to effectively serve you while giving you a realistic expectation of what you can expect form the courts and from our services.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DIVORCE AND CUSTODY

(If you do not see your question answered here please send us a email and we will post it here)

How Long Does It Take To Become Divorced?

Unfortunately, I must give a common legal answer....it depends. Some dissolution cases can be over in a month or so, others can drag out for years. The five factors which influence the amount of time a dissolution takes is (1) how responsive you are to your
attorney. The attorney can only work as fast as their client will enable them to. (2) How well are you going to work with your spouse in resolving all of the issues from your marriage.(3) What are the assets of the marriage and are they disputed. (4) Is either spouse entitled to alimony? If so will it be a contested issue? (5) Will you or your spouse need the home during the divorce and/or will you need for your spouse to pay for your attorneys' fees.

What will happen to the house?

Their are a number of factors which will help the parties and/or the court decide what will happen with the marital home. For more information about your particular situation contact our office to arrange for a consultation at the phone number or email listed on
this page.  

Can I do a divorce on my own?

The family law division of the courts has become more user friendly over the years to those not versed in the law. For instance, the Florida Supreme Court has promulgated a number of self help forms for the publics use. These forms are coupled with bare bones instructions on how to fill them out and the time lines on which to do so. If you are so inclined you can attempt to do your own dissoultion of marriage but with a strong caution against it. There is a reason that the Florida Bar requires that applicants have a 4 year undergraduate degree and a 3 year post graduate degree before they can ever sit for the bar.

How Much Does a Dissoultion Cost? 

Again, it depends on the factors listed above. For a undisputed or simple dissolution you can expect to pay a minimum of
$1,000.00. Most clients expect that they will have a simple dissolution, however experience shows otherwise. For example, any time there are children involved you can expect that it will be a more complicated and therefore more expensive dissolution.

Because costs are always a concern for clients, I have established several different payment options which I will be glad to discuss with you. 

Forms and Links to Important Information

Forms

    Short Form Financial Affidavit

    Long Form Financial Affidavit

    Child Support Guideline Worksheet

Links to Important Information

    Family Law Rules of Procedure

    Guardianship Information

    Alternative Dispute Resolution Search

Have Questions?

We welcome your questions and queries. Please see our Contact Us page for complete contact information or visit us at:

221 North Causeway, Suite A

New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169