Divorce


No one expects, imagines or even desires to gain a divorce when they say their vows on their wedding days. However, life happens. Financial difficulties place strain on families. Adultery and other behavior creates trust and communication barriers. People fall out of love. Things just happen. During your divorce, you need a qualified divorce attorney to protect your rights, interests, property and the well-being of your children. At the Smith Family Law Firm, our Orlando divorce lawyers are proud to serve Central Florida through the most complex divorce cases.

Orlando, FL, Divorce Attorneys

At the Smith Family Law Firm the main focus of our practice is Family and Matrimonial Law. The most commonly handled matters are those dealing with Orlando divorce/dissolution of marriage. We recognize the complexities in these cases and are more than aware of the unique stresses and emotions that can complicate even the more straightforward cases with uncontentious parties. We often find ourselves telling our clients that we are advocates for people going through divorce, however, we are not advocates of divorce itself.

Divorce is a simple reality in our society with some surveys revealing that more than 50 percent of marriages now end in divorce. We pride ourselves in being able to provide guidance, advice and hopefully some peace of mind to those who are contemplating the process or who have recently been made a part of the process.

Common Divorce Issues

The most common divorce issues revolve around couples’ inabilities to come to a consensus on parenting plans, child custody, child support, alimony/spousal support, and distribution of marital assets and debts. Many couples experience heightened emotions during divorce procedures, and are therefore reluctant to accept certain terms that the other spouse may hold. As a result, the divorce can be prolonged and become increasingly difficult. Divorce lawyers at the Smith Family Law Firm are accustomed to common divorce issues. We will go above and beyond to help you and your spouse arrive at a compromise that is fair and realistic for both you and your child.

The PEACE Approach to Divorce

When approaching an analysis for the roadmap of divorce, family law practitioners at the Smith Family Law Firm often rely on the acronym of P.E.A.C.E. to ensure that all of the needs in a divorce are carefully attended to and handled properly.

P.  Parenting (child custody, time sharing, co-parenting plans etc.)

E.  Equitable Distribution (fair division of property and assets)

A.  Alimony (spousal support)

C.  Child Support (financial benefits for any children involved)

E.  Everything else (any remaining elements that should be considered in a divorce, such as other forms of assets and general spousal demands)

By following these subjects in this order, we are addressing the most important issues for a family law court. We are also dealing with subjects which must be addressed before full discussions of other subjects can be held. For example, parenting issues must be addressed before child support can be accurately calculated, equitable distribution must be addressed before knowing if alimony will be necessary, and alimony issues must be decided before arriving at the parties’ respective incomes for child support. While we try our best to reach an agreement that benefits all parties involved, some cases such as those classified as a messy or contested divorce, may require additional attention.

This is not to say that every case is handled the same. Every case has its own unique facts. Therefore, we urge anyone going through a divorce or contemplating divorce to seek the counsel of child support lawyers whose focus is family law.

Importance of Choosing the Right Divorce Attorney

If you are considering filing for a divorce in Florida, it is imperative that you select the right divorce attorney to represent you. Divorce can easily become messy. You need a divorce lawyer that is familiar with divorce contracts, negotiations and litigation strategies. You also need a divorce lawyer who is ethical, compassionate and empathetic to the difficulties that your family may be experiencing. These characteristics are important because they ensure that the family and/or divorce lawyer is capable of achieving a fair divorce agreement that protects your interests, rights, and property.

At the Smith Family Law Firm, all of our divorce lawyers in Orlando, FL, carry these traits. With our help, you will reach an equitable settlement with your former spouse so that your family may recover and remain healthy.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation.