Florida Summary Divorce Lawyer During Coronavirus
Tampa Divorce Lawyer
The Covid-19 pandemic drastically changed daily life for most Americans. We were all suddenly working on the front lines or stuck at home for months on end, and our in-person interactions were generally limited only to those who happened to be living or quarantining with us.
The close proximity of some loved ones and distance from others strained some relationships to a breaking point. The pandemic put stress on nearly every marriage, but it sometimes served as a catalyst for the end of partnerships between many couples who were already struggling. If you and your spouse have decided to get a divorce at this time (whether or not in response to Coronavirus), it’s important to understand your options. It is also important to speak with a Florida summary divorce lawyer during Coronavirus instead of waiting until the pandemic subsides to seek legal guidance. Some approaches are time-sensitive and it’s therefore important to meet with the experienced team at The McKinney Law Group now so that you can make an informed decision about your situation – regardless of whether you ultimately choose to take advantage of a time-sensitive approach or not.
What is Summary Divorce? Is it Right For You?
Sometimes called “simple divorce,” summary divorce is typically the most appropriate option for couples who haven’t been married very long, own minimal property together and don’t have kids. Compared to traditional divorce, it tends to be significantly faster, cheaper, require less paperwork and fewer court appearances. This is one of the time-sensitive options that may be closed to you if you wait too long to speak with a Florida summary divorce lawyer during Coronavirus.
Official Requirements To Qualify
In Florida, not every couple is eligible for summary divorce. You’ll want to speak with a Florida summary divorce lawyer during Coronavirus – don’t wait – about whether you meet the following criteria:
- No current pregnancy and no minor children from the current marriage
- Filling out a “Financial Affidavit” listing property and finances (both spouses must do this)
- Filling out a “property settlement agreement” (both spouses must do this)
- Be in attendance at the final divorce hearing (both spouses)
You must also meet the general divorce requirements, including:
- One spouse must have resided in Florida for at least six months prior to filing
- The couple must assert that the marriage is “irretrievably broken”
To be sure, some couples could qualify for summary divorce even if they had been married for years. However, this would be rare, as most couples continue to commingle finances and assets over the course of the marriage, making the property settlement more difficult.
Do You Need A Lawyer? The Answer is Yes.
Some websites will argue that it is unnecessary to hire an attorney for a summary divorce because of its relative simplicity. But it is important to remember that simple divorce is still a divorce. It needs to be done correctly. You will initially save money by not hiring a Florida summary divorce lawyer during Coronavirus, but this choice could end up costing you more than you saved if you make a significant mistake that later needs to be corrected.
What If You Cannot Agree On All Terms?
If you meet the requirements for summary divorce but have some disputes (about property, etc.) that you cannot resolve on your own, you may need to seek out an alternative divorce procedure. The best way to understand your options is to speak with an experienced Florida summary divorce lawyer during Coronavirus.
What Is a Summary Divorce?
A summary divorce is a streamlined version of a divorce. It can be finalized much quicker and both parties may never have to set foot in a courtroom. This type of divorce is also considerably less expensive, which is important during the financially uncertain times of a pandemic.
Who Is Eligible for a Summary Divorce?
Before you file a summary divorce, you should first make sure that you and your spouse qualify for it. Here are the eligibility requirements:
- You don’t have any children
- You and your spouse own very little real estate
- Both spouses agree to not receive any spousal support
- Your marriage lasted five years or less
What Are the Benefits of a Summary Divorce?
While a summary divorce isn’t right for everyone, it can come with several benefits, including: -Cost Savings: This is one of the most attractive aspects of a summary divorce. Traditional divorces can drag on over a year, costing you a lot of money in legal fees. Because you and your spouse don’t own many assets and aren’t arguing over child custody or spousal support matters, you can finish the process fairly quickly and save money. -Less Time: If you hire a Florida summary divorce lawyer during coronavirus to assist you with a summary divorce, you can complete it very quickly. The sooner you complete it, the sooner you can get on with your life. You won’t have to take off much time off work to go to court dates during this pandemic. -Minimal Stress: Traditional divorces are very stressful because they involve many court dates and lawyer meetings. They can take a while to finalize. With a summary divorce, you can finalize it quickly and look towards the future. Opting for a summary divorce can significantly lower your stress levels during these uncertain times.
Should I Speak to a Lawyer?
Although a summary divorce is simple, you should discuss your case with a reputable divorce lawyer. He or she can make certain that you qualify for a summary divorce and answer all of your questions. Remember to bring any documents that pertain to your divorce to your consultation, such as financial account statements and tax returns.
Our firm is ready to help you with nearly any family law matter you may be facing, including summary divorce, traditional divorce, and alternative dispute resolution. To discuss your options, contact us to arrange an initial consultation.