Fort Myers Uncontested Divorce Attorney

Compassionate Counsel For Those Seeking An Uncontested Divorce in Lee & Charlotte Counties 

Divorce is a difficult and emotional process that often leaves people feeling hurt and alone. At Daniels Law, P.A., we understand how divorce can impact your life and your family, and we are committed to helping you through this process in a compassionate and caring manner. We will take the time to get to know you and your unique situation and then work with you to develop a personalized strategy to help you reach your goals. Whether you are looking to file for an uncontested divorce or are facing more complex issues, we can help.

Are you looking to file for an uncontested divorce? Call Daniels Law, P.A., today at (239) 766-6510 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our uncontested divorce lawyer in Fort Myers.

Family Law Services for All Divorce Scenarios in Fort Myers

At Daniels Law, P.A., we understand that divorce and family law issues can be emotionally and financially overwhelming. We are committed to helping you resolve these matters in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible. We offer a wide range of legal services to help you navigate through your divorce.

Our services include:

• Divorce
• Child custody
• Child support
• Alimony

We understand the sensitive nature of family law matters and will work hard to help you reach your goals in a cost-effective manner. We are committed to providing you with the personalized attention and legal counsel you need to move forward with your life.

Contested Vs. Uncontested Divorce in Florida

In the state of Florida, there are two main types of divorces: contested and uncontested. The primary difference between these two types lies in how the divorcing spouses approach the process and whether they can reach agreements on critical issues.

• Uncontested Divorce: An uncontested divorce transpires when both spouses are in agreement on all applicable issues and are willing to collaborate throughout the divorce process. In an uncontested divorce, the partners can work together to resolve matters such as division of assets and debts, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, and other relevant issues. Since they agree on these matters, they can file together for a Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage or an uncontested divorce petition, which usually simplifies the process, making it faster and less expensive.
•  Contested Divorce: A contested divorce, on the other hand, transpires when the spouses are unable to reach an agreement on one or more critical issues that are related to their divorce. This could be due to disputes over property division, child custody and support, alimony, or any other significant matters.

How to File for Uncontested Divorce in Florida

Filing for an uncontested divorce in Florida involves several steps, and it's generally a smoother process since both parties agree on all major issues. 

Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Meet Residency Requirements: At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months before filing for divorce.
• Complete Required Forms: You'll need to fill out several forms, including:

1. Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
2. Marital Settlement Agreement (if applicable)
3. Family Law Financial Affidavit
4. Notice of Social Security Number
5. Affidavit of Corroborating Witness (if needed)

• File the Forms: Submit the completed forms to the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse resides. You'll need to pay a filing fee, which varies by county.
• Serve Your Spouse: Even in an uncontested divorce, you must legally notify your spouse by serving them with the divorce papers. This can be done by a sheriff or a certified process server. If your spouse agrees, they can accept service and waive formal service of process.
• Submit a Marital Settlement Agreement: If you and your spouse have agreed on all terms, including property division, child custody, and support, submit a signed Marital Settlement Agreement to the court.
• Attend a Final Hearing: Once all paperwork is filed, the court will schedule a final hearing. Both parties may need to attend, although some counties allow for a simplified process where only one party appears.
• Receive the Final Judgment: If the judge approves your agreement and finds everything in order, they will issue a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, officially ending the marriage.

It's often beneficial to consult with a family law attorney to ensure all paperwork is correctly completed and filed, even in an uncontested divorce. This can help avoid any delays or issues in the process.

How Long Does Uncontested Divorce Take?

The duration of an uncontested divorce in Florida can vary based on several factors, including the county where the divorce is filed, the complexity of the case, and how efficiently the necessary paperwork is completed and filed. However, generally speaking, an uncontested divorce tends to be a faster and more streamlined process compared to a contested divorce.

In Florida, an uncontested divorce typically takes around 4 to 6 weeks to finalize after the paperwork is filed. The key stages involved in the process are as follows:

• Filing the Petition: The process begins with filing a petition for divorce in the appropriate Florida family court. This document outlines the grounds for divorce and terms both parties have agreed upon.
• Serving the Spouse: Once the petition is filed, the non-filing spouse needs to be served with the divorce papers and has 20 days to respond.
• Completing and Filing the Forms: Both parties need to complete and file the necessary forms related to property division, child custody (if applicable), and financial disclosure. It's crucial to ensure these forms are accurately filled out to avoid delays.
• Waiting Period: In Florida, there's a mandatory 20-day waiting period after the spouse is served before the divorce can be finalized.
• Finalizing the Divorce: After the waiting period and if all paperwork is in order, a final hearing is scheduled. If everything is satisfactory, the judge signs the final divorce decree, and the divorce is finalized.

Efficiency in completing paperwork and court availability can influence the timeline. Consulting with a Fort Meyers uncontested divorce attorney can help ensure a smoother and faster uncontested divorce process in Florida.

Benefits of Choosing an Uncontested Divorce

When going through a divorce, the process can be emotionally and financially draining. Choosing an uncontested divorce can offer several benefits for couples looking to end their marriage amicably and efficiently. 

Some of the advantages of an uncontested divorce include:

• Lower cost: Uncontested divorces typically cost less than contested divorces, as they require less time and legal fees.
• Quicker resolution: Since both parties are in agreement, uncontested divorces can be finalized more quickly, allowing you to move on with your life sooner.
• Less stress: By avoiding courtroom battles and negotiations, uncontested divorces can reduce the emotional strain on both parties.
• More control: Couples can work together to create their own settlement agreements, rather than having a judge make decisions for them.

At Daniels Law, P.A., our Fort Myers uncontested divorce attorney can provide compassionate counsel and guide you through the process of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of choosing an uncontested divorce.

Contact Our Uncontested Divorce Lawyer in Fort Myers Today

Our family law firm is here to help you and your family move forward after a divorce. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and determine how we can help. We understand the financial burden divorce can place on you and your family, and we are committed to helping you reach an outcome that is both fair and affordable. We are ready to help you and your family today. We proudly serve Lee and Collier counties.

Contact Daniels Law, P.A., today to get started with our Fort Myers uncontested divorce attorney.