Gray Divorce Attorney in Tampa

Strategic Guidance for Gray Divorce in Tampa

Divorce later in life often requires close attention to established assets, retirement income, future housing, and the cost of maintaining two households. At Sessums Law Group, P.A., we handle contested and uncontested divorces for Tampa clients facing these decisions.

Our firm was founded in 2008. Mark A. Sessums and Brittany Pokriefke are Florida Bar board-certified in Marital and Family Law, a credential reflecting advanced knowledge in this field. We provide strategic guidance and explain how each decision may affect a client’s property and financial position after divorce.

Discuss your circumstances with our Tampa gray divorce attorneys. Call (813) 212-8330 to arrange an initial consultation.

Dividing Property in a Tampa Gray Divorce

Florida Statute 61.075 governs equitable distribution, the process courts use to divide marital assets and liabilities. We identify and value property and debts before evaluating how they should be distributed. We also address disputes over whether an asset is marital property subject to division or nonmarital property belonging to one spouse.

Property acquired before marriage, inheritances, gifts, and assets mixed with marital funds can require separate analysis. Records may show when an asset was obtained, how it was titled, and whether marital money contributed to its value. Our attorneys examine the available documentation rather than assuming current ownership determines an asset’s classification.

The Marital Home

A long-held home can represent substantial equity as well as an important personal decision. The analysis may include the mortgage balance, ownership costs, available equity, and each spouse’s housing needs after divorce. Whether to keep, sell, or transfer the home should be considered alongside the rest of the property division, not as an isolated choice.

Businesses & Professional Practices

We regularly handle complex divorces involving closely-held businesses and professional practices. These interests may raise questions about ownership, value, income, and whether some or all of the business is marital property. Careful financial analysis is especially important when one spouse manages the enterprise or has greater access to its records.

What to Expect During the Florida Divorce Process

One spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months before filing a petition for dissolution of marriage. Tampa-area divorce cases proceed in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court in Hillsborough County. The course and timing of a case depend on the disputed issues, the completeness of the financial information, and whether the spouses can reach agreements.

The process generally includes filing the petition, service and response, mandatory financial disclosure, discovery, negotiation or mediation, and a final hearing or trial. Discovery is the formal exchange of information relevant to the case. Financial records help identify the income, expenses, assets, and debts that must be addressed.

For an initial consultation, useful documents include:

• Recent pay stubs
• Recent tax returns
• A list of major assets and debts
• A general outline of parenting responsibilities when children are involved

We pursue fair settlements through negotiation or mediation, where spouses work toward agreed terms with the assistance of a neutral mediator. If disputed issues can’t be resolved, we’re prepared to present the case at trial.

Discuss Your Next Steps with Our Family Law Attorneys

A consultation is an opportunity to discuss the financial and family circumstances affecting a potential divorce. We offer virtual consultations and bilingual legal services in English and Spanish, providing flexible ways to communicate with our legal team.

Call (813) 212-8330 to speak with Sessums Law Group, P.A. about gray divorce representation in Tampa and your next steps.