Delray Beach Divorce Lawyer

Dedicated Florida divorce attorney provides responsive representation

The fact that half of all marriages end in divorce does not ease the pain that spouses and children go through when a breakup occurs. Fortunately, proper legal guidance can help you manage the divorce process in a way that reduces the stress and expense usually associated with matrimonial litigation. At Miller Morse Law PLLC in Delray Beach, we are a highly regarded family law firm dedicated to meeting the needs of South Florida clients. With more than two decades of legal experience, attorney Jennifer Miller-Morse provides individualized attention to spouses who seek to dissolve their marriage in a manner that preserves their financial and emotional well-being.

Skilled advocate finds creative solutions for clients who are ending a marriage

Divorce can seem overwhelming, but when you know the rules and procedures that apply to your case, you can make decisions with confidence. We will help you understand aspects of Florida marriage dissolution, including:

• No-fault divorce — Florida is a no-fault divorce state, so divorces are not granted on the basis of marital misconduct here. However, even under the state’s no-fault standard, behavior such as adultery or substance abuse might affect decisions on custody and alimony.
• Filing and residency — To file a Florida Petition for the Dissolution of Marriage, you must have lived in the state for at least six months. A simplified process can be used if you are childless, you agree on property division, and neither party is requesting alimony.
• Alternatives to litigation — Through mediation, arbitration or effective settlement negotiation, we can secure a fair result while avoiding bitter, costly litigation.

After a detailed examination of your situation, we will help you assess your family’s legal and personal needs. From there, our firm will provide comprehensive legal support while helping you connect with other resources, such as counseling, parenting classes, peer groups, and financial planning assistance.

Effective law firm assists parents with child custody and support issues

Taking care of your children through a difficult time should be every parent’s priority. When questions about parental responsibility or time-sharing exist, it is usually in everyone’s best interests to resolve them through open negotiation. If custody terms cannot be worked out through consensus, a judge will decide what is in the child’s best interest after examining each parent’s fitness and your child’s needs.

Knowledgeable lawyer pursues fair division of marital assets and debts

Unwinding the property from a marriage can present many challenges, especially when a home or substantial assets are involved. If a compromise cannot be worked out, Florida courts divide property and debts according to the principle of equitable distribution. Under this system, a judge decides what is fair, based on numerous factors such as the duration of the marriage, the economic circumstances of each spouse, and each party’s contribution to the household. We conduct a thorough review of the relevant facts and advocate for proper resolution during negotiations and in court, if necessary. We work diligently to obtain an outcome that establishes a healthy, supportive environment for children. Our firm also assists parents who have concerns over the establishment, modification or enforcement of child support orders.

Responsive counselor handles temporary and permanent alimony matters

Alimony, also known as maintenance, is available to divorcing spouses in Florida in certain situations where one spouse has a greater earning ability than the other. Courts can examine many factors when making these determinations. Decisions often hinge on how long the marriage lasted, with classifications made for unions longer than 17 years, shorter than seven years and those in between. Several types of alimony can be granted. Permanent maintenance can be awarded, but usually the payments have a limited duration unless a partner in a long marriage stayed home to take care of the household or a spouse has some sort of disability that prevents them from supporting themselves financially.

Contact a trustworthy South Florida divorce lawyer to make an appointment

Miller Morse Law PLLC represents Florida clients in divorces and other family law matters. Please call 561-422-4832 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation at our Delray Beach office.