Why Families in Kendall Choose Vasquez De Lara
Vasquez de Lara Law Group is a South Florida family law firm focused exclusively on family law. With compassion, personalized attention, and more than two decades of experience, our team prides itself on helping our clients navigate the complexities of family law, including divorce, child custody, and alimony cases.
- Dedicated family law practice
- Bilingual team — se habla español
- Extensive Broward and Miami-Dade court experience
- 11-attorney family law team
Kendall Divorce Attorney Service Areas
- Contested and uncontested divorce
- High-net-worth divorce
- Child custody
- Alimony
- Property division
- Child support
- Prenuptial agreements
- Post-judgment modification
- Paternity
- Enforcement and Contempt
- Relocation
- Divorce mediation
- Collaborative divorce
Family Law Resources
What Our Kendall Divorce Law Clients Have to Say
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Vanessa before. She helped my daughter and me at a time when we most needed it. If Vanessa needs anything I hope that she knows that I won’t hesitate to run to her aid, even after many years. If anyone needs a good and experienced family lawyer with a big heart, I have and will continue to refer them to Vanessa!”
“Not only is Vanessa extremely knowledgeable, but she truly does care, she is passionate about her work and that really shines through as she will always give 100% in everything she does. If you are looking for a lawyer, there is no better option than Vasquez de Lara Law Group”
“I hired Vanessa to assist me with a modification to my existing parenting plan due to relocation. Vanessa and her team were efficient and quick. I was able to amicably work out terms with my ex thanks to the guidance and care the office took with my case. I highly recommend Vanessa to anyone who needs a family attorney.”
Navigating Family Court in Kendall
If you’re considering divorce or another family law matter in Kendall, it helps to understand what to expect. Below are some key facts about filing for divorce and navigating family court in Miami-Dade County.
- Family Court Location: Kendall divorce cases are handled by the Family Division of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court and filed through the Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller at the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center, located at 175 NW 1st Avenue #24, Miami, FL 33128.
- Divorce Filing Requirements: In Florida, divorce is legally called “dissolution of marriage.” At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
- Grounds for Divorce: Florida is a no-fault divorce state, so a spouse only needs to assert that the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” not that one spouse did something wrong.
- Parenting Course Requirement: If the divorce involves minor children, both parties must separately complete a Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course before the final judgment is entered.
- Parenting Plan Requirement: A parenting plan is required in all Florida cases involving time-sharing with minor children, even if the parents agree on the schedule.
- Child Support: Child support is based on Florida’s child support guidelines, which consider the parents’ combined income, custody, and other relevant factors.
- Legal Representation: An experienced Kendall divorce lawyer can guide you through the divorce process, help protect your parental and financial interests, negotiate settlements, prepare court filings, and represent you in court when necessary.
Kendall Family Attorney Services for International Families
Kendall is one of South Florida’s most diverse communities. According to the most recent census data, over 45% of residents were born outside the United States, and 87% of those foreign-born residents come from Latin America.
We understand how important clear communication is when dealing with sensitive family matters. Our bilingual team of divorce lawyers in Kendall speaks both English and Spanish, and we’re equipped to handle cases involving international travel, dual citizenship, relocation, and other issues that often arise in multilingual or foreign-born households.
Family Law Resources for Kendall Residents
Miami-Dade Family Court
Most family law matters involving Kendall residents are handled through the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida – Unified Family Court in Miami-Dade County. Learn how Miami-Dade County’s family court system is organized at https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/family-court.page
Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller manages court filings, records, online case access, e-filing, and many of the forms used in family law matters.
- Main Clerk Website: https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/home.page
- Family Law Forms, Procedures, and Records Requests: https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/family-court.page
- Simplified Divorce Information: https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/simplified-divorces.page
- Case Search / Court Records Portal: https://www2.miamidadeclerk.gov/ocs/
- Miami-Dade E-Filing Information: https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/authority/ (used for electronic filing in all Florida counties, including Miami-Dade)
Name and Address Change Resources
After a divorce, many people need to update their legal name and address across multiple government agencies. The following resources can help Kendall residents complete these updates.
Social Security Card Name Changes
If you legally change your name after a divorce, you’ll need to update your Social Security record before updating other forms of identification.
Website: https://www.ssa.gov/life-events/change-name
Nearby Office:
Social Security Administration
11401 W Flagler St.
Miami, FL 33174
Driver’s License, Vehicle Registration, and Title Updates
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides information on updating your name and address after a divorce.
Website: https://www.flhsmv.gov/name-and-address-changes
Nearby Office:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
14653 SW 122nd Ave
Miami, FL 33186
Passport Name Changes
If your name has changed following a divorce, the U.S. Department of State provides instructions for updating your passport.
Website: https://travel.state.gov/en/passports/renew-replace/change-correct-passport.html
Nearest Passport Acceptance Facility:
City of Coral Gables Passport Acceptance Facility
4520 Ponce de Leon Blvd
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Parenting Courses
In Miami-Dade County divorces involving minor children, both parents are generally required to separately complete a court-approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course before a final judgment can be entered. The course is designed to help parents navigate co-parenting after separation and understand the impact of divorce on children. Many approved providers offer online options for added convenience.
Parenting Course Information: https://www.jud11.flcourts.org/Divorce-Education-Program-for-Parents
Approved Parenting Course Providers in Kendall: The Florida Department of Children and Families maintains a current list of approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course providers, including both local and online options. Because provider approval status and course availability can change, parents should verify the current approval status before enrolling.
Family Support Resources
If you or your children are experiencing domestic violence, help is available. The following organizations provide crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, and other support services for families in Miami-Dade County.
- Domestic Violence Resources: Miami-Dade County Domestic Violence Hotline — 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (305) 679-0303 (call or text 24/7) | Miami-Dade County Domestic Violence Resources
- Domestic Violence Injunction Information: Learn about restraining orders, injunctions, and related court services through the Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller Domestic Violence Division at Miami-Dade County Clerk – Domestic Violence. The Clerk’s Office also provides assistance with filing petitions for domestic, repeat, dating, and sexual violence injunctions.
Serving Families Throughout Miami-Dade
- Kendall
- Downtown Miami
- Coral Gables
- Pinecrest
Directions to Our Kendall Office
Our office is conveniently located on North Kendall Drive (SW 88th Street) in the Dadeland area, just minutes from US-1. Clients frequently visit us from Kendall, Pinecrest, South Miami, Coral Gables, Palmetto Bay, and surrounding Miami-Dade communities.
- Coming From Baptist Hospital of Miami: The Baptist Hospital of Miami is less than two miles from our office. Head east on North Kendall Drive (SW 88th Street). Turn right into the Greenery Mall parking area. Our office is located in Suite 607.
- Coming From Dadeland Mall: Our office is located just west of Dadeland Mall along North Kendall Drive. The drive takes only a few minutes from Greenery Mall.
- Coming From Palmetto Expressway: Take the North Kendall Drive exit and head east. Continue on North Kendall Drive until you reach the Greenery Mall. Turn right into the parking area.