If I get divorced:
Where will I live?
How will I care for my family?
Will I be able to see my kids?
What if I'm retaliated against?
Will I lose the house? Who's house is it anyway? I'm not on the deed.
Will I have to pay my spouses debt? But what if I co-signed?
Am I entitled to any support? Will I have to pay?
What if they won't cooperate, they are hostile, or won't respond?
What if I can't even locate them?
What if I was cheated on?
Am I able to afford the help I need?
Leonard Legal understands what’s at stake.
Divorce Issues
Christine Leonard will make sure that you are well informed along the way and will personally guide you through all potential aspects of your case, including:
Timesharing and Parenting Plans
Child Support
Alimony / Spousal Support
Equitable Distribution of Property
Enforcement and Contempt Issues
Domestic Violence and Injunctions
Contested and Uncontested Divorces Actions (Dissolution)
Post Judgment Modifications
Paternity Matters
Divorce Do’s & Don’ts
If you believe you are headed for divorce please keep the following in mind.
Do not sign anything
Seek help from an attorney immediately. Even an uncontested divorce can turn contested quickly
Reduce unnecessary expenses as soon as possible
Take videos or pictures of all marital property. Keep that media in a safe place
Make copies of all personal papers and records. Store them in a safe location
Keep a log of daily activities
Mentally prepare yourself for allegations and distorted facts from your spouse
Refrain from using social media during your divorce action
Close all jointly held credit accounts and safeguard all jointly owned banking accounts
If you have children do not move out of the family home unless there is the possibility of domestic violence. Always find safe shelter for you and your children
If there is domestic violence in the relationship, it must be reported to the authorities immediately
Do not agree to allow your spouse to leave the area with your children
Do not agree to a timesharing or custody arrangement that is not at least 50/50
Divorce Actions
Each divorce is unique. Some divorces are straightforward and others are very complex and drawn out. In either scenario you need to hire an attorney early on for the best outcome possible.
In Florida, there are generally two types of divorce actions: Uncontested/ Simplified & Contested.
Uncontested Divorce
When the spouses can agree on how to separate and divide assets and liabilities, they will proceed with what is considered an uncontested or simplified divorce. There are fewer steps and typically fewer costs.
Contested Divorce
When the parties cannot agree, a family law judge must step in and make the decisions as to property division, child custody and support and alimony or spousal support.
Filing for Divorce
Once you have made the decision to file for divorce, you need to make some plans about how you will live during the divorce proceedings and how you want life to look following the conclusion of your divorce. You also need to begin gathering financial documents and taking an inventory of your possessions by creating a log or taking video/pictures. Be sure to review the Do's and Don'ts listed above.
One of the most important things you can do after making the decision to file for divorce is to speak to an attorney. What may start out as an amicable separation may quickly turn into a fight. You want someone on your side to protect your interests and guide you through the process to the best possible outcome.
Christine Leonard is who you want by your side. She is caring, understanding and ready to fight for you.
We will get through this difficult and uncertain time together.
