Contested Divorce Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL

Whether your marriage lasted a year or half a century, going through a divorce is stressful. Having a legal team that empathizes with your needs can help smooth the transition.

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Supporting Women in Contested Cases

Property and assets merge and grow throughout a marriage, and even when there are no children involved, it can be unsettling to separate everything during a divorce. A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues, such as asset division, alimony, and more. When couples disagree on these matters, the divorce process can become more complex and lengthy, often requiring court intervention to resolve the disputes. Our dedicated team of Jacksonville contested divorce lawyers can provide much-needed guidance during your time of need with an approach to family law built on empowering women to not only win legal battles but also thrive in every aspect of life.

Why Choose Florida Women’s Law Group?

Divorce is not only an emotionally and financially difficult time but also a critical moment for redefining your future. Our all-women attorneys at Florida Women’s Law Group are dedicated to providing the support and guidance you need to advocate for your best interests, whether through asset division, alimony concerns, or high-asset divorce complexities. We are women supporting women, and that goes beyond just legal representation. Our mission is to empower you to fully embrace your potential and discover the richness of your individuality as you navigate this new chapter.

Our approach to family law is rooted in integrity, strength, loyalty, and support, ensuring you don’t just survive the process but thrive in your new life. With our professional guidance on finances and assets, combined with access to resources for legal education, financial planning, therapeutic support, and coaching, we help you take control of your situation. Our goal is to position you for long-term success, guiding you through the discomfort of this moment and setting you up to flourish in the years that follow. You can trust us to be your advocate—for your case and for your future.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

When you and your spouse agree on all aspects of your divorce, it’s considered an uncontested divorce as long as the marriage is relatively short and you are not expecting any children. This type of divorce is typically faster than others because there are no significant legal disputes to resolve as long as there are no major disagreements, complex assets, or children. However, couples may agree at the outset in amicable divorces, but conflicts can arise later, making legal counsel essential. Common areas of dispute in contested divorces without children include the following:

Property division
Retention of significant assets like homes, cars, and investments
Spousal support
Pet ownership

If you and your spouse are navigating the challenges of a contested divorce, Florida Women’s Law Group is here to help you feel understood and secure, knowing that you can and will thrive in your new chapter of life.

What to Expect From a Contested Divorce Without Children in Florida

Filing for Divorce

The first step is to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage at the local circuit court. The spouse who files is known as the petitioner. This petition outlines key details about the marriage, the grounds for divorce, and the petitioner’s desired outcomes, such as asset division and alimony. A filing fee is required, though some may qualify for a waiver based on income.

Serving Your Spouse

The next step is serving the divorce papers to the other spouse, known as the respondent. This is typically done by a sheriff’s deputy or a certified process server. The respondent then has 20 days to respond. The divorce is considered contested if the respondent disagrees with any part of the petition.

Disclosing Important Information

Within 45 days of serving the petition, Florida law requires both parties to exchange financial information. This includes income, assets, debts, and expenses, ensuring transparency for fair court decisions regarding asset division, child support, and alimony.

Filing Temporary Orders

While the divorce is ongoing, either party can request temporary orders for issues like spousal support and property division. These orders establish temporary guidelines until the final divorce decree is issued. The necessary forms are available on the Florida Courts’ website.

Negotiating an Agreement

At this stage, the parties attempt to negotiate a settlement. Mediation is often mandatory in Florida, and a mediator or arbitrator may assist in reaching an agreement. This process can resolve major issues and reduce court time. If negotiations fail, the case moves to trial.

Going to Trial

If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. Both parties present their evidence and arguments, and a judge makes the final decisions on all contested issues.

Finalizing the Divorce

Once the judge has made their rulings, a final divorce decree is drafted, reflecting the judge’s decisions. The divorce becomes official, and the marriage is legally dissolved once the decree is issued.

We Empower Women to Reclaim Their Lives

Divorce is a challenging and emotionally charged process no matter what, but when spouses cannot reach an agreement, it can feel even more intense. If you’re facing the possibility of a contested divorce, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain, and having a lawyer who you can trust with the intimate details of your experience can help ease the process. Our team of Jacksonville contested divorce attorneys is committed to providing guidance and resources for all aspects of the process so you can effectively navigate your divorce's financial and emotional challenges. Schedule a preliminary call with a Florida Women’s Law Group team member today. We are here to empower you to take charge of your life and move toward a brighter future where you are thriving post-divorce.