When You Get Served Divorce Papers Instead of Valentine’s Chocolates
There are good surprises… and then there are bad surprises. Getting served divorce papers seemingly out of the blue? Definitely a bad surprise.
An unexpected divorce can leave you reeling. It’s like being on an emotional roller coaster of twists, turns and steep drop-offs. Processing a difficult event like this takes time, but even knowing where to start when the bottom has completely dropped out from underneath you can feel like an insurmountable challenge.
Where to Turn for Help
While the shock of receiving divorce papers will admittedly hurt, you can’t let it paralyze you into inaction.
In Florida you have just 20 days to respond to a divorce petition. Failing to do so could result in a default divorce request by your spouse. That is definitely not something you want.
The good news is that no one has the upper hand when it comes to filing first for divorce in Florida. This means that just because your spouse dropped the divorce bomb on you, it doesn’t give them any advantage in court.
If you find yourself on the verge of divorce, however, contact us at the Vasquez de Lara Law Group right away. Seeking experienced legal representation is imperative to getting the fair and just outcome you deserve in your divorce case.
Next, take a deep breath. Then schedule a meeting with a financial planner to shore up your finances and begin making a plan for the future. Divorce itself is costly, and your life after the split could look quite different in terms of your financial resources. It’s important to start preparing as soon as possible.
Here For You
Divorce is a scary time full of uncertainty, but by taking action – even when you are responding to a surprise situation – you can be left feeling empowered and in control.
Our team is here to help ensure that your rights are protected, and that your future will be bright. Get in touch with us at the Vasquez de Lara Law Group to schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your specific situation.
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:
LinkedIn | Florida Bar Profile | Avvo
