Before you start looking for a divorce lawyer, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of Florida divorce laws. Florida is a no – fault divorce state, which means you don’t need to prove that your spouse did something wrong to get a divorce. Instead, you can file for divorce on the grounds of the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
Florida also has specific rules regarding property division, spousal support, and child custody. For property division, the state follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means marital assets and debts are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. When it comes to child custody, the court’s primary consideration is the best interests of the child. Familiarizing yourself with these laws will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you communicate effectively with potential lawyers.
Determine Your Needs and Goals
Every divorce case is unique, and your needs and goals will play a significant role in choosing the right lawyer. Consider what matters most to you in the divorce process. Are you primarily concerned with achieving a fair division of assets, especially if you have complex financial situations like business interests or significant investments? Or is child custody your top priority? Do you hope to resolve the divorce amicably through mediation or negotiation, or are you prepared for a more contentious court battle if necessary?
Clarifying your needs and goals will help you narrow down your search for a lawyer who specializes in the areas relevant to your case and has the experience and approach to meet your expectations.
Research Potential Lawyers
Once you have a clear understanding of your situation, it’s time to start researching divorce lawyers in Florida. There are several ways to find potential candidates:
Online Directories: Use legal directories such as Avvo, Justia, and Martindale – Hubbell. These platforms provide detailed profiles of lawyers, including their areas of expertise, years of experience, client reviews, and ratings. You can filter the results based on your location in Florida and specific divorce – related criteria.
Referrals: Ask friends, family members, colleagues, or other professionals who have been through a divorce in Florida for recommendations. Personal referrals can be invaluable as they come from people you trust and can offer insights into their experiences with specific lawyers.
Local Bar Association: Contact your local Florida bar association. They can provide you with a list of licensed divorce lawyers in your area and may also offer lawyer referral services. Additionally, the bar association can inform you if a lawyer has any disciplinary actions against them, ensuring you consider only reputable professionals.
