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| WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I RETAIN THE FIRM? |
- MANDATORY DISCLOSURE - We will need for you to provide to us standard
documents that are required to be produced to the opposing party/attorney and we
will file a Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure. In a divorce proceeding, it is not
unusual for opposing attorney to seek additional documents (Request to Produce) such as account records, credit card
statements, and related documents. If the request for additional documents is
reasonable and the documents are normally subject to discovery, we will work
with you to produce the documents in a timely manner. If the request is not
reasonable and/or are not entitled to review the documents, we will file an
appropriate objection.
- FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT - We will complete a financial affidavit.
However, if your financial circumstances change for any reason during the
divorce proceeding, we will file an amended financial affidavit on your behalf.
Our staff will work with you completing this affidavit.
- PARENTING CLASS - The State of Florida requires both parties to
attend a parenting class prior to the completion of your dissolution if the
marriage has children. This is a very informative class and will provide
guidelines and tools to help you, your spouse and your children get through this
process as well as promote healthy relationships going forward. Upon completion
of this class, you will be given a "Completion Certificate." We will need the
original certificate so that we may file with the court. You do not have to
attend with your spouse.
- VISITATION SCHEDULE - We will provide you with the "standard"
visitation schedule for your county. Please note that this only a guide.
Visitation may be modified upon the agreement of both parities', mediation,
and/or court order. (insert link pdf visitation schedules)
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| Contact one
of our attorneys for a confidential consultation. |
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| What is your retainer fee? |
| The retainer fee is determined by the issues in the case, a contested versus uncontested matter. The fee will be discussed in your consultation. |
| What do I do if I am served with a divorce petition? |
| If served with an original petition for divorce, you should seek the advice of an attorney immediately, if you do not already have one. You only have 20 days from the date you were served to file an answer to the Court, otherwise your Spouse may obtain a default judgment against you. |
| How do I set up a consultation (in person or telephonically)? |
| Call (407) 425-8878, extension 2, for the firm's scheduling assistant. |
| Can I speak to and/or email an attorney before they are hired for advice? |
| No. All appointments, telephonically or in person, are made through the Scheduling assistant. |
| What should I be doing to prepare myself if served or is serving divorce papers? |
- Knowing your assets and liabilities is a start. Make sure you have copies of
financial statements (savings, checking, investments, etc.). Have copies of
important documents, payroll records, insurance, etc.
- Determining your monthly expenses (household, children, auto, etc.)
- Evidence of any issues that are significant to your divorce (domestic
violence, child related issues, documents, etc.)
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| Is a trial necessary? |
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90% of cases that our firm represent, settle without a trial. This is
accomplished in several ways and if the parities are reasonable.
- Mediation: Mediation involves a neutral third party, who assists both
sides to come to a resolution of the matter. The Court requires the parties to
mediate before having the matter be heard. If mediation is successful, the
mediator or attorney, will draft an Agreement, the parties sign and it is filed
with the Court. If this settles all matters, then a Final Judgment is entered at
a final hearing. If mediation is not successful, then we set the matter before
the Court.
- Collaborative Law:
A new approach to handling family law matters. The method is that the attorneys
for the parties agree to assist in resolving conflict using cooperative
problem-solving strategies and without court proceedings. An agreement is signed
that states all parties agree to negotiate in good faith and if this attempts
fails, the attorneys must withdraw from the case and the clients will have to
hire new counsel.
- Settlement Conferences: - Should your case fail at mediation,
settlement conferences between the parties and their attorneys will occur during
the course of your case and if an agreement is reached, a Marital Settlement
Agreement is drafted, signed by the parties, filed with the court and a final
hearing is scheduled.
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| Contact one of our
attorneys for a confidential consultation. |
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