Family relationships are complicated. When legal matters are at stake, the additional complexity can add even more stress and strain to a relationship.
An experienced Miramar Beach family lawyer at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon can help when you have a legal need that impacts your family. Knowing that every situation is unique, our team of professionals will work to understand your goals for resolving the matter and provide advice regarding available legal solutions that could address your needs.
Legal issues that affect the family can cover a wide range of matters, including:
Each of these legal proceedings has different requirements, rules, and potential outcomes. A seasoned family attorney in Miramar Beach can help you understand the requirements and relevant procedures for each.
Many family law matters stem from a disagreement between spouses. If going their separate ways is the best way to resolve their differences, Florida seeks to make dissolving a marriage as simple as possible.
To that end, the requirements to file a divorce in Florida are relatively straightforward. Florida Statutes § 61.021 requires at least one of the spouses to have resided in the state for at least six months. Florida Statutes § 61.061 confirms that the court can effectuate the divorce even if the other spouse lives outside of Florida.
If the residence requirements are met, the spouse filing for divorce does not have to prove, or even claim, that the other spouse wronged them in some way—that is, Florida does not require fault in divorce proceedings. Instead, Florida Statutes § 61.052 provides that the initial divorce filing need only make a statement that the marriage is irretrievably broken, or assert that one of the spouses has been mentally incapacitated for at least three years.
Although judges may have other options available to them depending on the circumstances of the marriage—such as requiring the parties to see a marriage counselor—if the judge agrees that the relationship cannot be repaired, they can dissolve the marriage. A lawyer with experience handling family law matters in Miramar Beach could provide more details about how this process may play out in your situation and what other options may be available.
Dealing with issues related to divorce and custody can be extremely difficult. Speaking with a legal professional early on in the process can help you become aware of your options, get started down the right path, and reach a solution while maintaining the dignity and respect of the ones you love.
Set up an initial appointment with a Miramar Beach family lawyer at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon to learn more about how they can help.