Florida Starts at 50/50
The law presumes equal time-sharing is best for children. A parent who wants something different has to prove it with evidence. See Fla. Stat. § 61.13.
South Florida
Deerfield Beach Divorce Lawyers
Our South Florida office is right here in Deerfield Beach, at 1430 S Federal Highway. Once you hire us, one attorney handles your case through the final order.
The Fairway Difference
Working With Fairway Law Group
When a marriage ends, what's at stake isn't abstract. It's the house near the Intracoastal, the business you've built, the school your kids are settled into, and the retirement you've been saving for.
Fairway Law Group helps Deerfield Beach families with divorce, custody, alimony, and property division across Broward County and nearby Palm Beach County. One attorney handles your case from start to finish, so the person representing you already knows your file.
You get straight answers about your options and what each choice is likely to mean.
Schedule Your Free Discovery Call
Your Discovery Call is free, with no obligation to hire the firm.
What You Can Expect From Fairway Law Group:
- Personalized legal strategies
- One attorney handling your case
- Clear communication
- Guidance through difficult decisions
- Comprehensive case analysis
- Focus on your family's long-term stability
Parenting and Custody
Custody and Time-Sharing for Deerfield Beach Parents
Florida doesn't use the word "custody" much anymore. Instead, courts decide two things: time-sharing, which is the schedule, and parental responsibility, which is who makes major decisions.
Moving Is Regulated
A parent who wants to move 50 miles or more for at least 60 days generally needs the other parent's written agreement or court approval.
Shared Decisions
Both parents usually share big decisions about school, health care, and religion, unless sharing would harm the child.
Parenting Plan
Every case with children needs a parenting plan. The details matter. Vague language causes most fights after divorce.
The Divorce Process
How Deerfield Beach Divorces Get Resolved
Step 1: Agreement
If you agree on everything, you sign a settlement agreement, and the judge finalizes it. It's the fastest and least expensive path.
Step 2: Mediation
Most contested cases go to mediation before trial, and most settle there.
Step 3: Trial
If you can't agree, a judge decides. We prepare every case as if it could go to trial, which also tends to lead to better settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deerfield Beach Divorce Questions Answered
Where is a Deerfield Beach divorce filed?
With the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The case is heard by the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit at the Central Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale, with many hearings by video.
Can I meet with a lawyer in person in Deerfield Beach?
Yes. Our South Florida office is at 1430 S Federal Hwy, Suite 200, in Deerfield Beach. Call (954) 388-0646 and we'll find the earliest time that works, in person, by phone or by video.
What family law services do you offer in Deerfield Beach?
We handle every part of a Florida family law case, with one attorney from start to finish:
- Divorce, contested or agreed
- Child custody and time-sharing
- Child support
- Alimony, for payors and recipients
- Property division
- High-asset and business owner divorce
- Paternity for unmarried parents
- Modifications when life changes
- Enforcement and contempt when orders are ignored
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
What helps in a Florida custody case?
Staying involved in daily routines, keeping the kids' lives steady, supporting their relationship with the other parent, and keeping messages short and respectful. Learn more about child custody in Florida.
What hurts in a Florida custody case?
Bad-mouthing the other parent, keeping the kids away without a safety reason, and angry texts that end up as exhibits. If you already have a plan that isn't being followed, see our guide to enforcing a parenting plan.
How long does a divorce take in Broward County?
An agreed divorce can take a few weeks to a few months. A contested one often takes six months to a year or more. See how long a divorce takes in Florida.
How much does a divorce cost?
Filing costs about $400. Legal fees depend mostly on how much you and your spouse disagree. See what a divorce costs in Florida and how our fees work.
I'm not ready to file. Should I still talk to a lawyer?
Often, yes. What you do before filing can shape the whole case, and a confidential conversation doesn't commit you to anything. See what to do before filing for divorce.
I was just served. How fast do I need to act?
Quickly. You generally have 20 days to respond after being served, and early decisions set the tone for the whole case. Read what the first month looks like, then call us before you respond.