More than one in every three Florida marriages ends in divorce, and for many couples, the path forward can feel like navigating a maze of legal forms, court dates, and high-stakes decisions. At the Law Offices of Joseph M. Corey, Jr., P.A., we’ve seen firsthand how a contested divorce can stretch beyond a year and cost tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. And how an uncontested divorce, handled skillfully, can be resolved in as little as 30 days with minimal stress.
If you’re exploring an uncontested divorce to streamline the process or preparing for a contested divorce that involves complex asset division, child custody disputes, child support or spousal support calculations, having seasoned Florida divorce attorneys by your side makes all the difference. Our family law firm combines deep knowledge of Florida law with a client-centered approach: we start every matter with a free consultation, outline a clear plan for mediation or litigation, and keep you informed from initial filing to final Marital Settlement Agreement or trial.
If you’re facing a Florida divorce, read on to discover how Joseph Corey’s dedicated legal team can guide you to the best possible outcome.
Why Joseph Corey Stands Apart
Why Joseph Corey Stands ApartAt Joseph Corey, every case begins with a clear roadmap tailored to your situation. We handle both uncontested and contested divorces, but what really sets us apart is how we combine extensive family law expertise with a deeply personal touch. When you first call for a free consultation, we will:
1. Map Your Goals
We listen attentively to what matters most for your case, if that’s minimizing conflict, protecting your share of the assets and debts, or ensuring a stable timesharing arrangement for your children.
2. Outline a Strategy
Based on your needs and priorities, we’ll recommend temporary hearings, mediation, or, if necessary, aggressive courtroom representation. Every step forward, from filing the petition to negotiating your Marital Settlement Agreement, will be discussed so you always know what to expect.
3. Provide Transparent Pricing
You will receive a clear hourly-rate breakdown for more complex matters. No hidden charges, just the high-quality legal services you deserve. Learn more about our approach on our family law page.
How The Florida Divorce Process Unfolds
Divorce in Florida follows a defined path, but your experience can vary dramatically depending on how disputes are handled. After one spouse meets the six-month residency requirement, we prepare and file the dissolution petition. Within 20 days of being served with the divorce pleadings, the other party must respond. If they don’t, we can secure a default judgment.
Through discovery, we gather pay stubs, bank statements, retirement-account valuations, and other financial records. This phase sets the stage for fair property division and realistic alimony proposals.
If both sides agree on timesharing, child support, alimony, and asset split, the case can close in 30 to 60 days. When disputes arise, we press ahead: drafting motions, taking depositions, and, if necessary, presenting your evidence before a judge.
Once terms are settled, we file your Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. Then should the need arise we can help you address post-divorce matters: such as modifying support orders and enforcing court-ordered provisions.
By guiding you through each phase with clear explanations and strong advocacy, we reduce stress and protect your rights.
Navigating Key Areas of Family Law Services
Child Support and Timesharing (Visitation)
Florida’s child-support formula considers both parents’ net incomes and the child’s overnight schedule. At our firm, we calculate support accurately and negotiate parenting plans that reflect real-world needs, whether that’s splitting extracurricular expenses or arranging holiday timesharing. Our goal is always to serve the best interests of the children.
Florida uses a formula based on each parent’s net income and the child’s timesharing schedule to calculate support. Factors include:
- Health insurance premiums and daycare costs.
- Number of overnight stays (“timesharing”).
- Retroactive support for pre-filing expenses.
We advocate fiercely for parenting plans that serve the best interests of the children, balancing stability with parental rights.
Alimony
Determining spousal support hinges on factors such as marriage length, each party’s earning capacity, and lifestyle during the marriage. We draft requests for temporary assistance during proceedings and pursue durational or permanent alimony where justified.
Florida recognizes several types of alimony:
- Temporary Alimony: Support during proceedings.
Bridge-the-Gap: Short-term assistance post-divorce.
- Temporary Alimony: Support during proceedings.
- Rehabilitative alimony: Assist a party in establishing the capacity for self-support through study or training.
- Durational Alimony: Set period based on marriage length.
Our goal is a fair outcome, either negotiating a reasonable settlement or arguing for a favorable award at trial. In every petition, we back your entitlement with a detailed financial analysis.
Property Division
Florida requires an equitable (not necessarily equal) split of marital property. We identify and value everything from real estate to business interests, then advocate for a division that considers tax implications and future needs.
Florida is an equitable distribution state. We help you:
- Identify marital vs. nonmarital assets.
- Value retirement accounts, real estate, and business interests.
- Develop strategies to minimize tax consequences.
- Draft a clear Marital Settlement Agreement.
By crafting a precise Marital Settlement Agreement, we make sure there are no surprises down the road.
Mediation and Collaborative Law
For many clients, mediation offers a faster, less adversarial path. We prepare all documentation, explain our negotiation tactics, and, if an agreement is reached, translate that into binding court orders.
This approach often preserves post-divorce civility, especially important when co-parenting. At Joseph Corey, our attorneys guide you through the mediation process, ensuring you understand each step.
From First Call to Post-Divorce Support
From First Call to Post-Divorce SupportA divorce isn’t just a single event; it’s a process with before, during, and after stages:
- Before Filing: Gather key documents (tax returns, bank statements, titles). Meet us for your complimentary consultation so we can give you a realistic timetable and budget.
- During Proceedings: Stay informed. We handle filings, negotiate with your spouse or their attorney, and represent you at every hearing.
- After Finalization: Life changes, maybe you remarry, relocate, or face new financial circumstances. We remain available to modify child support, enforce orders, or update your parenting plan as needed.
Our goal is high-quality legal representation that extends far beyond your divorce case, ensuring your rights are protected through every life transition.
Divorce in Florida is complex, but with the right legal team, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At the Law Offices of Joseph M. Corey, Jr., P.A., our Florida divorce attorneys handle every aspect of your case, from the initial consultation to dissolution of marriage.
Schedule Your Free Consultation: Contact us online or call (305) 557-1750. Learn more about child support, alimony, property division, and mediation on our family law page.