Port St. Lucie Divorce Lawyer

An experienced Port St. Lucie divorce lawyer will work to keep the conversation on track, avoid distractions, and remind both parties to focus on the most important issues.

Divorce is a stressful and difficult decision for all parties involved, including minor children of the divorcing couple. Because it is such an emotionally difficult situation for everyone, it is often hard to think objectively about practical legal issues like child timesharing, alimony, or distribution of marital property.  For that reason, it is important to seek the advice and assistance of an experienced Port St. Lucie divorce attorney. He or she not only has the ability to look at the situation objectively, but also the knowledge to help you negotiate a fair settlement or even represent you in a contested divorce.

There are generally two types of resolutions for a divorce. The two parties can negotiate an agreement, or they can continue to court for a contested divorce. Negotiating an agreement is usually an easier, faster, and often less costly process. In this situation, the two parties meet, sometimes with the assistance of a mediator, to determine the claims of each party, and try to reach an agreement which both parties find acceptable.

The negotiation agreement may cover a lot of ground, including child timesharing agreements, alimony or spousal support, and distribution of marital property and other assets. In general, marital property usually means any asset acquired during the marriage, while non-marital property usually means assets acquired by one party prior to the marriage. There are some exceptions, and a Florida divorce attorney can help with any questions you have about what is marital property.

Reaching An Agreement Outside of The Court System

Reaching an agreement outside of the court system may be easier in many ways, but that does not mean you do not need the representation of an experienced Florida divorce lawyer. In fact, it is especially important to have good legal counsel when negotiating a marriage settlement. Even if both parties go to the meeting with the intention of remaining calm and objective, it is easy for the discussion to devolve into an argument. The question of child timesharing, for example, may turn into an argument about who is the better parent, who spends more time at work, etc. These types of arguments can get very heated and are unproductive, at best, with both parties becoming distracted from the important issues—like what is in the best interest of the children involved.

Even if the other party believes that the involvement of lawyers is unnecessary, it is still a good idea to seek legal representation. If the other party does not want to have a lawyer, that is their choice, but there is no reason you should not have an experienced Florida family law attorney. Aside from helping to keep the conversation on track, your attorney may also address issues you have not thought of, and will work to ensure your interests are protected.

Sometimes, in spite of everyone’s best efforts, the two parties cannot come to an agreement and the matter proceeds to the court system. In such a contested divorce, a judge will analyze the arguments and evidence submitted by both parties and make key decisions about the divorce. In many cases, the parties reach a settlement during the process of submitting evidence and testimony, and the case may not reach trial.

If you have questions or concerns about divorce, family law, or other Florida legal services, please contact Apfelbaum Law for a consultation. We can be reached at 772-236-4009, or contactus@alawfl.com.