Same-Sex Divorce Attorney in St. Johns County

Supportive Counsel For LGBTQ+ Divorce

Ending a marriage is difficult. Ending a same-sex marriage in Florida can feel even more confusing, especially when your relationship began long before the law recognized it. If you are looking for a same-sex divorce attorney in St. Johns County, you are likely trying to protect your future and your family while navigating a system that may not feel familiar or welcoming.

I am Charles E. Willmott, a Board Certified Marital and Family Law attorney. My practice focuses on Florida family law, and I personally guide clients through complex and emotionally charged divorces, including same-sex divorces. When you contact my office, you speak with me, not with layers of staff, and we talk about your goals, your children, and your concerns in a private, respectful setting.

I have practiced family law in Florida since 1994 and have been Board Certified in Marital and Family Law since 2008. I offer a free initial consultation so you can ask questions, learn about your options, and decide whether I am the right fit before making any commitment.

Considering divorce in St. Johns County? Call (904) 849-5183 or schedule a consultation online to speak with a same-sex divorce lawyer.

How I Approach Same-Sex Divorce

When you are thinking about ending a same-sex marriage, you need more than legal information. You need to know that your attorney understands the realities of LGBTQ+ families and that you will be treated with respect. As a solo practitioner, I work directly with each client, so you are not passed from person to person while you are dealing with one of the most personal events in your life.

My first step is to listen. I want to understand the history of your relationship, including years you may have spent together before you could marry, how you acquired property, how you support each other financially, and the role each of you plays in your children’s lives. This context helps me evaluate how Florida law applies to your situation and what options may be available.

My Board Certification in Marital and Family Law reflects many years of focused work in this field. I draw on that background, along with my experience as a Florida Supreme Court Family Law Mediator since 1999, to help clients pursue solutions that are both practical and tailored to their circumstances. Many same-sex divorces can be resolved through negotiation and mediation, which often protects privacy and reduces conflict. When a case requires court involvement, I prepare carefully and work to present your story clearly and professionally.

Florida Same-Sex Divorce Basics

Same-sex divorces in Florida follow the same statutory framework as other divorces. The court looks at issues such as property division, alimony, parenting plans, and child support. What often differs for same-sex couples is how those rules intersect with long relationships, complex financial arrangements, or nontraditional paths to parenthood.

If you live in St. Johns County, your divorce is generally filed in the circuit court that serves the county within the Fourth Judicial Circuit. The process usually begins when one spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage. The other spouse is served and has an opportunity to respond. Both parties exchange financial information, and the court expects full disclosure of income, assets, and debts.

Most family law cases in this region go through some form of settlement process, often mediation, before a final hearing is scheduled. During mediation, you and your spouse work with a neutral mediator to explore options for resolving issues such as property, alimony, and parenting. If you reach an agreement, the court can typically incorporate it into a final judgment after review. If you do not, a judge will decide the unresolved issues after a hearing or trial, based on the evidence presented.

If you are considering divorce, helpful early steps include:

• Gathering financial records, such as tax returns, bank statements, retirement account statements, and mortgage documents.
• Listing major assets and debts, including property owned before and during the marriage.
• Thinking through possible parenting schedules and what would work best for your children if you share children.
• Avoiding signing property or parenting agreements without first talking with a family law attorney.

Each case is different. My role is to explain how the process typically works in this area, help you prepare, and guide you through each step in a way that matches your goals and your tolerance for conflict.

Unique Issues In Same-Sex Divorce

Same-sex couples often face issues in divorce that do not fit neatly into standard forms. One common concern involves property and support when the relationship started long before marriage was legally available. A couple may have bought a home, built retirement savings, or started a business together years before they married. Florida courts generally focus on assets and debts acquired during the legal marriage, but earlier contributions can still be very important in negotiation and in some litigation strategies.

Parenting can present another layer of complexity. You may have children through adoption, assisted reproduction, or from prior relationships. In some families, only one spouse is a legal parent on the birth certificate or adoption order, even though both have acted as parents for years. These situations require careful analysis. As a former Fourth Judicial Circuit Social Investigator from 1998 to 2011, I have evaluated many families and provided recommendations in child-related cases, and that experience informs how I approach parenting plans for LGBTQ+ parents.

We can discuss whether there are existing court orders, such as prior custody cases, and how they interact with your divorce. We can also talk about how to present your history as a family to support a parenting plan that reflects the reality of your child’s relationships. My goal is to advocate for arrangements that support your child’s stability and preserve meaningful relationships where the law allows.

Privacy is another real concern for many same-sex spouses, especially in smaller communities. I understand that you may worry about how public your case will be and who will have access to sensitive information. Court records and hearings are governed by Florida law and court rules, and while some information must be filed, other details can often be addressed in ways that limit unnecessary disclosure. We can talk about your concerns at the outset so we can choose strategies that balance legal requirements with your comfort level.

Why Work With A Local Lawyer

Family law is governed by state statutes, but procedure and expectations can vary from circuit to circuit. Working with a same-sex divorce lawyer in St. Johns County who regularly appears in the courts that serve this county can help you anticipate how your case may move through the system. I have practiced family law in Northeast Florida for many years, and I am familiar with the processes used in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, including in Jacksonville courthouses, where many hearings are held.

Being local also makes it easier to meet in person when that is helpful. Many clients appreciate the ability to sit across the table, review documents together, and discuss difficult choices in a private office rather than only by phone or video. Because I am a solo practitioner, the person you meet with is the same person who prepares your filings, negotiates on your behalf, and appears with you in court.

Over the course of my career, I have received Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent and Distinguished ratings, and I have been Board Certified in Marital and Family Law since 2008. I have also been recognized by local legal organizations, including service as Master of the Florida Family Law Inn of Court and being named a “Best Lawyer” by a Northeast Florida publication. These are external acknowledgments of the work I do, but what matters most is how I put that experience to use in your case.

When you live or co-parent in St. Johns County, you are managing daily life, work, and parenting in this community. My role is to provide clear, grounded advice that reflects how these cases typically proceed here, including realistic expectations about timelines, mediation, and hearings, so you can make informed decisions at each step.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Florida treat same-sex divorce?

Florida generally applies the same divorce statutes to same-sex and different sex marriages. The court still addresses property, alimony, parenting plans, and child support. What changes is how those rules interact with your specific history. My work focuses on explaining how Florida law applies to your facts.

What if our relationship started before we could marry?

Many same-sex couples built their lives together long before they could legally marry. Florida usually focuses on property and debts from the legal marriage period, but pre-marriage history can be important when negotiating or presenting your case. We discuss that history in detail before developing a strategy.

What happens if only one of us is a legal parent?

If only one spouse is a legal parent on existing court documents, the analysis can be complex. I review prior orders, birth records, and adoption paperwork, and then discuss possible paths with you. My background as a former social investigator helps me evaluate child-related issues carefully.

Will my same-sex divorce have to go to court?

Some divorces are resolved through negotiated agreements without a contested hearing. Others require a judge to decide certain issues. As a long-time family law mediator, I work with clients to explore settlement where appropriate while also preparing for the possibility of court if disputes remain.

How much does it cost to hire you?

Legal fees depend on the complexity of your case and how contested the issues become. I offer a free initial consultation so we can talk about your situation, the likely work involved, and how fees are structured before you decide how to proceed.

Talk With Me About Your Divorce

Reaching out to a lawyer about your marriage ending is not easy, especially when you are also thinking about children, finances, and how your identity as an LGBTQ+ person will be respected. Speaking with an experienced family law attorney can give you clarity about your options and the steps ahead.

In our first conversation, I will ask about your goals, your family, and what you most want to protect. I will explain how Florida law generally views situations like yours and outline possible approaches, from negotiation and mediation to preparation for court when needed. The consultation is free, and there is no obligation to move forward.

If you are considering working with a same-sex divorce attorney in St. Johns County, I invite you to contact my office so we can discuss your next steps and how I can help. You do not have to navigate this process alone.

If you are ready to take the next step, call (904) 849-5183 or schedule a consultation online with a same-sex divorce attorney in St. Johns County.