Divorce proceedings can be a daunting process, whether you are filing or responding to the action. Litigation is often known for being adversarial and complicated, especially since these cases may be inherently personal and emotionally draining. It is important to know that your lawyers are fighting for your best interests. At McIntyre Thanasides Bringgold Elliott Grimaldi Guito & Matthews, P.A., our Florida divorce attorneys are here to help you. While we will work to create a reasonable solution with the other party, our lawyers will represent you in court, if necessary. Experts in Tampa and Florida family law, we will craft a plan with you to best navigate the complexities of your case.
How to Petition for Divorce
Our lawyers will help you file the initial documents that explain and detail your side of the issue. If this initial paperwork is not filed correctly, your case may be dismissed, so it is critical to have an experienced divorce lawyer help you through this process. If you are the one filing, you will need to prove that your marriage is irrecoverably broken, or that your spouse has been mentally incapacitated for at least three years. Your complaint should also detail how you want to address child custody, property, assets and debts. Once the complaint is served, the other party will file their response.
Temporary Orders
After the initial complaint for divorce has been served, you may file for a temporary, and immediate order, that sets boundaries for the proceedings. This can include Temporary Restraining Orders which will stay in place until a court hearing can be arranged.
Discovery
During this stage, our Tampa divorce lawyers will begin preparing your case for trial. Each party will be expected to give complete financial disclosure, including property, assets, bank and credit card statements, debts, tax returns, and any other pertinent information. Florida works by a fair and equitable standard, so it is vital both parties are honest in their financial disclosure.
However, due to the hostile nature of many divorce proceedings, this does not always happen. Our lawyers are experienced at this, and will use this process to obtain a complete record.
Mediation
Throughout this process, our attorneys will work to resolve the divorce amicably and through negotiation. However, if it is not possible to reach a fair agreement, we will not hesitate to bring your case to trial and fight for your best interests.
Final Preparation
If no settlement can be reached, our attorneys will begin to lay the groundwork for the trial, by drafting strategies, assessing the other party, and submitting documents on how to best resolve your case.
Trial
Each party will present their evidence. Our attorneys are experienced in the courtroom, and will fight to resolve these issues to your benefit.
While this process may seem overwhelming, our lawyers at McIntyre Thanasides will be here every step of the way. Contact us today at (844) 511-4800 for a case evaluation.