How can a Divorce Attorney Help in a Florida Divorce Case?

According to statistics released in 2013, Florida has one of the highest divorce rates of any state in the country. The decision to end a marriage can be among the most difficult that a person can make in their lives and can have far reaching consequences. A divorce can affect your finances, your living situation, your social life, and even the access you have to your children. With so much on the line, it is not surprising that many people who are facing a divorce may become extremely emotional, which is not usually conducive to making clear-headed decisions.

For these and many other reasons, anyone considering or actively pursuing a divorce should retain legal counsel as soon as possible. The following are some of the specific ways that an experienced lawyer from the All Family Law Group can be of assistance.

Act as an intermediary between you and your partner

When the relationship between a married couple breaks down, communication can become difficult. Often, discussions regarding “who gets what” are less about the material possessions at issue are more about the underlying problems with the relationship. When you retain an attorney, you are hiring an emotionally uninvolved advocate who is ethically bound to represent your best interests. In many cases, a lawyer will be able to more effectively communicate with your spouse or your spouse’s lawyer, potentially helping come to a mutually agreeable solution to any disputes that you may be having.

Help you avoid the uncertainty of litigation

For many divorcing couples, the assistance of legal counsel can make coming to an out-of-court agreement much more likely. In turn, the can help avoid the uncertainty that arises when disputes are settled by a court. Family law judges have wide discretion under Florida law when it comes to matters such as alimony, division of property, and child custody. As these are some of the most important matters that can be at issue in a divorce case, it is preferable for many spouses to come to an agreement out of court so that each party’s individual needs are met as much as possible.

Present your case in the best light possible

In the event that your case does go to court and is litigated, the way that you present your case can have a significant impact on its outcome. For example, in making time-sharing determinations, Florida law requires that the court make its decision based on the “best interests of the child.” The relevant statute lists a variety of factors the court may consider, including “any other factor that is relevant.” Consequently, almost any facts regarding a parent’s lifestyle or personal issues could be “fair game” in a child custody dispute. An attorney familiar with Florida family law and the way to present evidence to a court will be able to maximize your chances of obtaining a favorable result in a child custody case or any other dispute you may be having.

Contact a Tampa, Florida divorce attorney today for a free consultation