Filing for Divorce in Florida: The First Steps
Filing for divorce starts long before you actually “file” anything. Don’t get us wrong, there will be paperwork aplenty, but if you’ve reached the point in your marriage where divorce is your only option, then your first step is to spend some time getting organized for what’s to come. Let’s walk through a few other important steps you should take first when filing for divorce in Florida.
Mentally and emotionally prepare for what’s to come
Divorce can be a lengthy process, and one that is emotionally fraught. Prepare yourself for what’s to come mentally, emotionally, and financially. There may be some important steps to take prior to taking any legal action, such as ensuring that you have a supportive network and that your finances are in a good position (for example, be sure to consider these four financial mistakes women should avoid during divorce).
Engage an attorney early
Speak with an experienced family lawyer as early as possible. Whether you are just considering a divorce or have already decided you want to take action, a legal professional will be able to help you navigate this challenging process. There may be important steps you should take prior to filing paperwork in order to best protect your financial assets and the relationship with your children.
Gather your paperwork
Now the papers will start to fly (we told you there’d be paperwork!). Before filing for divorce, you will want to spend some time gathering all of your important documents, be that financial account information, vehicle titles, the deed of your home and others that apply to your situation. Good organization from the start will help your case move along much more smoothly and quickly.
File the petition
With the help of your attorney, you will file the official paperwork with the circuit court and your attorney will serve the petition to your spouse. Additional paperwork will follow. Our experienced team at Vasquez de Lara Law Group will be at your side through it all and guide you on what’s to come each step of the way. To learn more about your options when filing for divorce in Florida, get in touch today.
About the Author
Vanessa Vasquez de Lara is a Miami divorce lawyer, author, and legal commentator with more than 20 years of experience helping families navigate divorce, child custody disputes, and complex family law matters throughout Florida. She is the founder and managing partner of Vasquez de Lara Law Group, one of the largest family-law-only firms serving Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with a team of attorneys dedicated exclusively to divorce and family law.
A graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, Vanessa has been recognized for her professional excellence by being named to the Super Lawyers list every year since 2016. She is also the author of the bestselling book “The Florida Man’s Guide to Getting Divorced” which provides practical insight into the legal, financial, and personal realities of divorce in Florida.
Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Vanessa is frequently invited to provide legal commentary on family law issues in national media, including appearances on NBC and Univision’s Despierta América.
Beyond her legal work, Vanessa is the founder of the Ricky Supreme Scholars Foundation, created in honor of her brother who lost his life to gun violence. Through the foundation, she provides scholarships to high school students to help them pursue higher education and build brighter futures.
Connect with Vanessa:
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