St. Petersburg Family Law Attorney

Ending a marriage involves critical legal decisions that affect finances, property, and children. Florida follows a no-fault divorce system, meaning neither party has to prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. However, key factors must be resolved, including:

• Division of Marital Assets and Debts – Florida uses an equitable distribution model, meaning property and debts are divided fairly, though not always equally.
• Spousal Support (Alimony) – Courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, financial resources, and earning capacities when determining whether alimony is appropriate.
• Child Custody and Support – The best interests of the child guide all custody and support determinations.

A St. Petersburg family law lawyer ensures that divorce settlements are fair and align with the client’s goals.

Child Custody and Visitation

Determining custody arrangements can be one of the most contentious aspects of a family law case. Florida courts prioritize the child’s best interests when making custody decisions. Legal and physical custody arrangements may include sole custody, where one parent has primary custody, with the other having limited or supervised visitation, or joint custody, where both parents share responsibility for major decisions and parenting time.

Child Support

Florida law mandates that both parents contribute financially to their child’s upbringing. The amount of child support is determined based on each parent’s income, healthcare and childcare costs, number of children involved and existing time-sharing arrangements.

Modifications may be necessary if financial circumstances change. A St. Petersburg family law lawyer assists in filing for child support adjustments when needed.

Alimony (Spousal Support)

Spousal support helps ensure financial stability for the lower-earning spouse following a divorce. Florida recognizes different types of alimony:

• Bridge-the-Gap Alimony – Covers short-term financial needs; lasts up to 2 years
• Rehabilitative Alimony – Helps a spouse gain education or job training; lasts until the spouse becomes self-sufficient
• Durational Alimony – Provides support for a set period; based on the length of the marriage
• Permanent Alimony – For long-term marriages where financial disparity exists; lasts indefinitely unless modified by the court

Property and Debt Division

Marital property includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage. Florida law ensures an equitable division based on factors such as the contributions to the marriage (financial and non-financial), the duration of the marriage, the economic circumstances of each spouse and any intentional dissipation of marital assets.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Marital agreements outline financial rights and responsibilities before or after marriage. These contracts address asset protection, debt liability, spousal support terms and business ownership rights. A well-drafted agreement helps prevent future disputes. A St. Petersburg family law attorney ensures agreements comply with Florida law and serve the client’s interests.

Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

Domestic violence cases require swift legal action to ensure safety. Victims can seek protective orders (restraining orders) to prevent contact with an abuser. Protective orders may include:

• Temporary Restraining Orders – Immediate protection until a court hearing.
• Permanent Injunctions – Long-term protective measures ordered by the court.
• Emergency Relief – Court intervention in high-risk situations.

We help our clients obtain protective orders or defend against false allegations.