Florida Divorce FAQ

Have questions about your family law matters?

Attempting to resolve any type of family law issue is never easy, but it can be particularly difficult when it involves the dissolution of your marriage. For this reason, the Jacksonville divorce lawyers at Charles E. Willmott, P.A. thought that it was important to address some of the most frequently asked questions about divorce and family law.

Below you will find a list of answers to some of these common inquisitions, but if you are looking for more specific information, I encourage you to get in touch with my firm directly.

Can I resolve the matters of my divorce outside of court?
If both you and your former partner are willing to resolve the matters of your separation amicably, you may be able to avoid court intervention. This would be called an "uncontested divorce," as it would require both parties to come to an agreement about the issues of property division, child custody, child support, etc. on your own. If you are unable to do so, it may be necessary to let the court make a decision for you. If you are able, however, an uncontested divorce would be a viable way to save time and money – as you would be able to avoid going to trial.

How long does the divorce process take in Florida?
Every divorce is different. This means that there is no telling how long your particular case will last, as it really depends on how willing you and your ex-spouse are to resolve the matters of your separation. If, for example, you decided to undergo an uncontested divorce, the process could take as little as four to five weeks in which one or both of you will be required to go to court to attend the final hearing, depending on whether you filed a regular or a simplified divorce.

Should you decide to take the case to court, however, you could expect the process to take six months or longer. Either way, your divorce should be managed by a competent legal professional – as this would help you to keep the process moving forward.

How do I modify the terms of my child custody arrangement?
It is important to understand that a child custody arrangement is not necessarily permanent. If you were stuck with a less than favorable parenting plan in the wake of your divorce, you may still have the opportunity to petition for a modification. You will need to show that a significant change in circumstances – on either the part of you or your ex-spouse – has taken place, however, as there must be a legitimate reason to modify the original order. This could involve, for example, any instance in which you believe your child is unsafe with the other parent.

What if my ex-spouse has stopped paying child support?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to take legal action against your ex-spouse in the event that they fail to uphold their end of the bargain. If, for example, they have simply decided that they don't want to pay child support anymore, you could bring this to the attention of the court. A judge would subsequently be able to hold them in contempt until they decide to cooperate. In the event that the other parent can longer afford to pay, however, they can file a petition with the court to modify the terms of your divorce agreement. For more information, read my "What If My Ex-Spouse Won’t Pay Child Support?" FAQ page.

How can I protect myself from an abusive spouse?
If you are involved in an abusive marital relationship, it is important that you act quickly to obtain an injunction for protection. Also known as a "restraining order," this will prohibit your spouse from coming into contact with you for 15 days. From there, you will have the time to organize a case to present before the court – which must include evidence of abuse. If the judge believes that your personal safety is in danger, they will subsequently provide you with a full restraining order. This process can be tricky without the help of a qualified lawyer, however, so it is highly recommended that you contact my firm.

My ex-spouse is trying to move with my child. What now?
If you are a non-custodial parent, you may have major concerns about your ex-spouse relocating – as they would be taking your child with them. Fortunately, there are ways in which you can petition for a modification before the move occurs. In doing so, you may be able to increase your involvement in the custody arrangement, which would effectively provide you with more of a say in the matter of your child's relocation. The court has the power to deny the other parent's relocation requests, as well, so you should not hesitate to organize a case.

Still looking for answers? Contact a Jacksonville divorce attorney today!

If you still have unanswered questions, you should not hesitate to get in touch with the Jacksonville divorce lawyer at my firm today. Mr. Willmott has been representing a wide variety of family law cases for more than two decades, so he may be able to provide you with the information that you are looking for – all you have to do is pick up the phone to get started.

When you contact the firm at (904) 849-5183, you will have the opportunity to schedule your initial consultation.