Polk County High Asset Divorce Lawyer

Polk County High Asset Divorce Attorney

If you are going through or are expecting to go through a divorce in the future, you should consider speaking with a Polk County high-asset divorce lawyer. A lawyer can help you review the extent of your legal options. They can be a trusted ally throughout your case. One of the biggest challenges to a divorce proceeding is determining how assets will be divided. A lawyer gives you the greatest chance of keeping your assets in the aftermath of divorce.

Assets are not accumulated overnight, but they can be lost rather quickly if you don’t have the proper legal representation in place. Especially in a high-income divorce, the risks and challenges you face are heightened.

Valuing the Assets

One of the most important first steps in a high asset divorce is to accurately value the assets involved. Asset valuations could affect who pays the lawyer and court fees. Under Florida Statute 61.16, the court may consider the financial position of each party when determining who will be ordered to pay the costs of the divorce. All assets must be valued. This includes real estate, vehicles, jewelry, and any other personal property.

It is not uncommon for one spouse to reject reasonable and realistic litigation. This usually happens when one spouse is wealthy, and one is not. For example, if the non-wealthy spouse rejects a reasonable settlement offer and elects to take the case to trial, believing they could get more money, it could be damaging to their case. The court typically does not look favorably upon this sort of behavior. If you are in a similar position, you should engage an attorney in Polk County.

Contested vs Uncontested Divorce

Divorces are generally either contested or uncontested. A contested divorce happens when spouses cannot agree on important aspects of the divorce, such as child custody, child support, alimony, or property division. In an uncontested divorce, these items are agreed upon, and the divorce can be finalized much quicker.

In an uncontested divorce, spouses can create their own divorce agreement with the help of a divorce lawyer and present it before the court for final approval. For contested divorces, spouses will likely need divorce mediation or a court order to finalize their divorce agreement. This process can vary in length, but it is typically longer than an uncontested divorce case.

There are pros and cons to each one. One of the pros of an uncontested divorce is that you have more privacy. When spouses agree to the terms of the divorce privately, they avoid everything coming out in a trial. Another pro is the degree of control they have over the case. When you pursue a contested divorce, you inevitably have to give up some control over the outcome of the situation.

FAQs About Polk County, FL High Asset Divorce Laws

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Florida?

The amount of time a divorce takes will depend on many different factors. For instance, if the divorce is contested, it may take longer than an uncontested one. In a contested divorce, spouses have a harder time agreeing on the terms of the divorce, and mediation is needed to help come to a resolution. Other factors to consider are the cooperation level of each party, the location and caseload of the court, and if any children are involved.

Does My Husband Have to Pay for My Divorce Lawyer in Florida?

Your husband may have to pay for your divorce lawyer in Florida if the judge deems it appropriate. In all divorce cases, the family law judge will ultimately decide who will pay lawyer fees. The judge will consider the financial position of each spouse and their capacity to maintain their standard of living post-divorce.

Disposable income, separately owned property, potential earning capacity, and potential to raise children will all be important factors. Each case is different and could lead to differing results.

How Expensive Is a Contested Divorce in Florida?

A contested divorce in Florida can be expensive depending on a variety of factors. One factor to consider is the number of issues persisting between spouses. This can include child support, child custody, property division, and alimony compensation.

Generally speaking, the more issues there are to resolve, the more expensive the divorce may be. Additionally, the length of legal proceedings will impact the costs. If experts such as appraisers, accountants, or other evaluators are called in, costs can also increase.

Do I Have to Get a Lawyer for a Divorce in Florida?

While you are not legally required to have a lawyer for a divorce in Florida, it is highly recommended that you have one. There are several complexities that can come up in a divorce case, and a lawyer will be needed to help you sort them out. Also, it is likely that your spouse will have legal representation on their side, so you would be wise to engage an attorney to represent your interests. A lawyer can help create a strategic game plan for you.

What Are the Requirements for Divorce in Florida?

The requirements for filing a divorce in Florida are that one spouse must prove the marriage is irretrievably broken beyond repair or that one party is mentally incapacitated. Also, at least one party must have been a Florida resident for at least six months before filing. Once filed, there is a 20-day waiting period before the court can hear the case and issue a final judgment. Each party must be present in the final court hearing for a final divorce decree to be granted.

Contact Polk County High Asset Divorce Lawyer Today

At Fairway Law Group, our legal team has the experience and acumen necessary to help you navigate through the complexities of Florida divorce court. Our experienced team can be the trusted resource for you to lean on during this challenging time. With our team handling the legal aspects of the divorce, it allows you time to focus on life after your divorce. Contact us today to speak with a member of our legal team.