How do I get a divorce in Florida?
Divorce rates are spiking across the country as the stigma against divorce is not as bad as it once was. People don’t always get married with the thought that they will be in it for the rest of your life. Today, it is easier than ever to obtain a divorce if you decide that you no longer want to be married to your spouse. In Florida, you are required to attend mediation services before you are legally allowed to get a divorce from your spouse.
Mediation can actually work towards repairing the strains that exist in your marriage and sometimes, it may be so successful that after the mediation sessions, you no longer wish to obtain a divorce. It is important that you and your spouse are willing to participate in mediation sessions and actually talk through your problems with your spouse so you have an understanding as to whether or not divorce is really what is in the best interest for you and your future. Mediation also has the potential to make the divorce process more peaceful than other divorces that take place in court. Mediation is not only used for divorce, but also for situations like family law to get to the bottom of any major issues that you and your family have been faced with.
Even though you and your spouse must go through mediation sessions before obtaining a divorce, you can still get the divorce done in court. Some couples are simply not on good enough terms with each other to have an entirely mediated divorce. Usually in mediation sessions, the equitable distribution process goes relatively smoothly. Some couples simply cannot even be in the same room as each other peacefully, never mind sitting down together to come to a compromise about who gets what assets in the divorce such as the house, the car, the boat, etc. It is possible for you to attempt to have the judge waive the mediation portion of the divorce, but you should be aware that they usually won’t do that. Everyone’s situation is different and it is important that you contact an experienced attorney.
Judith Goldberg is an experienced Boca Raton mediator serving Palm Beach and Broward County, Florida. If you need a compassionate mediator to guide you through your family law matter, contact our Boca Raton office for a free consultation.