Tampa Divorce Attorney
Guiding Central Florida Clients Through the Divorce Process
Divorce is often an overwhelming event. As you deal with the emotional turmoil, it can be easy to lose track of important legal and financial concerns. At Sessums Law Group, P.A., we work hard to safeguard your interests and help you start a new phase of your life on a strong foundation.
Attorney Mark A. Sessums is one of only four Florida attorneys Florida Bar board-certified in Trial Law, Marital & Family Law. He and the rest of our dedicated Tampa divorce lawyers provide personalized representation to clients on issues that range from property division to child custody to spousal support, and more.
To speak with our experienced Tampa divorce lawyers, give us a call at (813) 212-8330 or contact us online today.
What Are the Requirements for Divorce in Florida?
To file for a divorce in Florida, at least one spouse must have resided in the state for a minimum of six months.
There are two grounds for divorce in Florida, and neither requires proof of marital misconduct. Most petitioners file by asserting that the marriage is irretrievably broken, which means there is no chance of reconciling the parties. Alternatively, one spouse may file for divorce if the other has become mentally incapacitated.
What Are the Stages of the Divorce Process in Florida?
Navigating a divorce can be overwhelming, especially when you're faced with emotional and legal complexities. At Sessums Law Group, P.A., we believe that knowledge is power. Our experienced Tampa divorce attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through each step of the divorce process, ensuring that you are informed and prepared for what lies ahead.
Here's a brief overview of the key stages involved in a typical divorce in Florida:
- Filing for Divorce: The process begins when one spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage. This document outlines the grounds for divorce and any requests for child custody, support, or asset division.
- Response: The other spouse has the opportunity to respond to the petition. This is an important step that can impact the proceedings.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange information and documents relevant to the divorce, including financial records, which is crucial for fair asset division.
- Negotiation: Many divorces are settled through negotiation, where both parties work towards an agreement on key issues such as property division, alimony, and child custody.
- Court Hearing: If an agreement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to court, where a judge will make the final decisions based on the evidence presented.
Understanding each of these stages allows clients to approach the divorce process strategically. Our legal team provides insight into potential challenges at each phase and offers practical advice on how to overcome them. This comprehensive guidance ensures that clients are empowered to make informed decisions.
To speak with our experienced Tampa divorce attorneys, give us a call at (813) 212-8330 or contact us online today.
3 Types of Divorce in Florida
There are three types of divorce Floridians can choose from, depending on their circumstances and how many unresolved legal and financial issues there may be:
- If you have no minor children and can agree on dividing assets and debts, simplified divorce is an option.
- In an uncontested divorce, when you and your spouse are able to reach a consensus on all terms, you can present an agreement to the court for approval, saving you the cost and stress of a trial.
- In a contested divorce, where you can’t agree on important issues, your divorce will be adjudicated in court.
Our experienced Tampa divorce attorneys will guide you through the process, from filing or answering the initial complaint to reaching a marital settlement agreement on custody, property, and support issues—or proceeding to trial when those or other issues can’t be settled.
The Role of Mediation in Tampa Divorce Cases
Mediation serves as a valuable tool in Tampa divorce cases, offering an alternative path to resolve disputes amicably without going to trial. This process involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps both parties negotiate and reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediation can cover all aspects of divorce, including child custody, property division, and alimony. It is often a faster, less adversarial, and more cost-effective method than litigation, protecting relationships and preserving privacy. At Sessums Law Group, P.A., we support clients through mediation by providing experienced legal guidance, ensuring that agreements are fair and legally sound.
Whether in mediation or preparing for trial, our attorneys are prepared to stand by our clients, offering well-rounded representation. With knowledge of local courts and procedures, we offer a personalized approach tailored to the uniqueness of Tampa's legal environment, exemplifying our commitment to support clients through every stage of their divorce journey.
Call Sessums Law Group, P.A. at (813) 212-8330 to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you through the process of filing for a Florida divorce.
Our Divorce Services
Guiding Floridians Through Matrimonial and Parenting Challenges
Dividing Property in a Florida Divorce
The property division in a Florida divorce is governed by the principle of equitable distribution. In a nutshell, this means that property must be divided equitably between spouses. However, equitable is not the same as equal. Equitable distribution does not require a 50/50 split of all property. It simply mandates that the ultimate property division be fair.
Furthermore, it bears noting that equitable distribution only applies to marital property. This is the property that is owned together by the spouses. Separate property—that which belongs exclusively to one spouse—is not a part of equitable distribution discussions.
The distinction between marital property and separate property can seem simple—marital property is, with only a small handful of exceptions, property that was acquired after the wedding date. Separate property is what each spouse brought into the marriage.
In practice, this simple principle can get complicated. For example, who gets the house in a Florida divorce? If the couple bought the house after the marriage, it’s marital property. Either the spouse that doesn’t get the house must be treated equitably somewhere else in the settlement, or the home must be sold and the proceeds shared.
What if one spouse owned the home prior to the wedding? Then it’s separate property and reverts to that spouse, but even here, there are potential complications. If improvements were made after the marriage, those were done with funds that were marital property—meaning any increase in value is, therefore, also marital property.
The same principle applies to everything from stocks to 401(k) funds to anything else that may appreciate in value over time. Clients need to know their lawyer understands what issues to raise and questions to ask in the quest for an equitable settlement.
Our goal is to help our clients secure settlements through negotiation or mediation. We use collaborative family law as a means of doing that. However, with our strong track record, we’re confident in going to trial when that’s what our client wants, and that’s what it takes to get fair treatment in a settlement.
Who Gets the Kids in a Florida Divorce?
The spouses must address all facets of child-raising in their settlement discussions. Everything from where the children will live, to who will have decision-making authority in important aspects of their lives, to how child support payments will work, needs to be settled.
For a non-custodial parent, visitation schedules must be worked out. These schedules should be as detailed as possible. It’s not uncommon for spouses to specifically designate where the children will spend Christmas, birthdays, Thanksgiving, and other important holidays. Spouses can reach terms for taking the children on vacations.
What About Alimony?
Each spouse has the right to live in the manner they were accustomed to prior to the divorce—or, if that isn’t possible, it’s expected that each spouse will share in any decline in living standards. Furthermore, Florida law values all contributions to a marriage equally. Some of those contributions—notably, the raising of children and caring for elderly parents—might not have produced income, but they are no less important in the eyes of the law. The goal of spousal support (alimony) is to protect the lower-earning spouse from disproportionate financial hardship after the divorce.
If a disagreement over maintenance has to go to court, the judge will likely consider these factors:
- The length of the marriage
- The age of the spouses
- The health of the spouses
- The income available to each spouse
- The standard of living that was enjoyed during the marriage
- The parenting responsibilities of each spouse after the divorce
- The time it will take for the lower-earning spouse to effectively ramp up a new career
- Any other factor the judge considers relevant can also be introduced
We aim to achieve fair support arrangements that reflect both the financial realities and personal sacrifices made during the marriage. Our attorneys are skilled in negotiating terms that consider everything from career breaks taken for family responsibilities to future earning capacity and educational opportunities of each spouse. They meticulously prepare for potential court deliberations, are rigorous in evaluating the nuances of income sources, and are diligent in portraying a comprehensive picture of spousal support needs.
Sessums Law Group, P.A. has Florida Bar board-certified lawyers ready to help. Call (813) 212-8330 today or contact us online.
Client Testimonials
Real Stories, Real Success — Our Clients Speak for Us.
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"Mark Sessums and his firm are top notch!"There has never been a day, were he hasn’t responded to an email or text by the end of the day (usually within an hour). His grasp of the law and legal system is unbelievable, he remembers details of my case like no other.- Chris L.
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"Mark is a fabulous, caring attorney with a wonderful staff."They care deeply about making sure that they understand the needs of their clients and then do everything they can to achieve those goals. I can’t recommend Mark and his team highly enough.- Sean D.
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"Sessums Law is an excellent firm for complex cases."Highly recommended for strong written and oral communication, in-depth knowledge of the law, and a practical, no-nonsense approach. If divorce is pending, this is the team you want.- Kristan H.
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"The entire group is gracious and genuinely caring."I came to Mark Sessums when I realized it had become necessary to replace my previous attorney. I found myself in a totally different atmosphere…one of genuine compassion, utmost respect, and legal brilliance.- Beverly L.
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"Worth every penny"I can’t recommend Brittany highly enough. From start to finish, she was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to my case.- Raney
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"Exceptional Representation in a Contested Divorce"I cannot thank Sessums Law Group and Mr Sessums enough for the outstanding legal support during my highly contested divorce. From the very beginning, Mr Sessums approached my case with professionalism, strategic insight, and compassion.- Regina
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"A New Beginning"Lawyers are not all created equal. Mark Sessums came highly recommended to me after having an initial lawyer who made it seem I would have to give an equal distribution of all my assets.- Sheri
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"I could write all day about Heidi. She is an amazing lawyer and human being."I could write all day about Heidi. She is an amazing lawyer and human being. She gives you the respect and help you deserve.- Former Client