Are you considering working with family attorneys in Tampa, FL on a case? It can be a difficult decision to make, especially if you’re unsure of the questions to ask. To help you make the best decision for your family, we’ve compiled a list of the five most common questions family attorneys get asked. By understanding the answers to these questions, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision about working with a family attorney.
How Long Does a Divorce Take?
Divorce is a lengthy process, and it can take anywhere from 6 months to several years to complete. The length of time it takes to get a divorce depends on the complexity of your situation and your jurisdiction. Typically, uncontested divorces are the quickest and can be finalized within a few months. Contested divorces, however, can take much longer due to court delays and the need for negotiations between the parties.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost?
The cost of a divorce can vary greatly depending on the specifics of your situation. Generally, the more complicated the issues are, the more expensive the divorce will be. Divorce costs can include attorney fees, filing fees, court costs, and the cost of any necessary property appraisals. When trying to determine how much a divorce may cost you, consider that some cases require negotiations and others are litigated. Negotiated divorces tend to be less costly than litigated divorces, as you’ll need to pay for an attorney to represent you in court and expert witnesses. Additionally, if there is a dispute over child custody or visitation rights, the cost could rise even higher.
What Is the Difference Between a Legal Separation and a Divorce?
A legal separation does not terminate the marriage, but instead allows for the parties to live separately while still legally married. In a legal separation, the spouses can decide who will have custody of the children, child support and alimony payments, division of property and assets, and other financial matters. Additionally, they can agree to continue health insurance benefits and decide who is responsible for which debts.
In contrast, a divorce permanently ends a marriage. When getting a divorce, all of the same topics that would be discussed in a legal separation must also be addressed. In addition, the court will award a final judgment of divorce and issue orders that dissolve the marriage, allowing both parties to move on with their lives without being legally bound to one another.
How Do I Get Child Support?
Child support is a payment made by one parent to another for the financial support of their child or children. The amount of child support a parent must pay depends on factors such as the child’s age, income, living situation and the number of children in the household. To obtain child support, you will need to file a petition with the court. The court will also consider factors such as health insurance costs and special expenses like daycare. It’s important to note that once a child support order is issued, both parents are legally obligated to abide by the terms of the agreement. If the paying parent does not pay, the other parent can take legal action to enforce the order. This could include wage garnishment or seizure of assets.
How Do I Get Custody of My Child?
In Florida, the courts use a “best interest of the child” standard when awarding custody. This means that the court takes into consideration a wide range of factors such as each parent’s mental and physical health, lifestyle and living environment, employment and financial stability, history of domestic violence or substance abuse, and relationships with siblings and other family members. The court also considers which parent has been the primary caretaker and the wishes of both parents and the child.
To further answer these questions in depth, contact a family attorney at The McKinney Law Group for help.