Contested Divorce

"Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has the superior opportunity to be a good man. There will be business enough." -Abraham Lincoln

Divorce is one of the most emotionally draining and difficult experiences that a family can go through. Working with an experienced Treasure Coast divorce lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected and that the process and outcome is fair and efficient. The Law Office of Amy R. Ritchey works closely with clients to reduce the inherent stressors of working through the marital dissolution process.

The Law Office of Amy R. Ritchey believes that a negotiated agreement produces the best result, causes the least stress, and is more affordable for the client. However, if you are unable to reach a settlement or wish to go to trial, it may be possible to give you a flat fee quote for trial preparation and attendance. We understand that legal needs may vary from client to client. We have many options for varying levels of representation to meet your unique needs. Representation packages varying from initial document preparation only to attendance at mediation only to traditional full representation are available.

WHAT IS A CONTESTED DIVORCE?

Simply stated, it is when you and your spouse disagree on issues pertaining to your divorce, such as the distribution of assets or timesharing of the child(ren).

THE DIVORCE PROCESS

Florida is a no-fault divorce state, which means that one spouse need only attest that the marriage is "irretrievably broken". The law does not specifically define "irretrievably broken", but it is iinterpreted to mean that you and your spouse cannot get along, and you see no way of settling your problems. No evidence of fault or marital misconduct is required or admissible, unless the misconduct is relevant to child custody, timesharing, or alimony in some cases.

Some of the typical issues involved in a divorce case are:

Parental Responsibility (formerly referred to as child cusoty)
Timesharing (formerly referred to as visitation)
Child Support
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Equitable Distribution of marital assets and liabilities

MEDIATION

Mediation is required in most cases prior to any judicial determination of the issues. Mediation is a process in which the parties involved in the divorce attend a confidential meeting where they can discuss issues with a neutral third party, the Mediator. Mediators assist the couple through the process, facilitate communication, negotiation, and compromise. Anything said or offered in mediation is confidential and cannot be used later in trial. Parties may reach a complete agreement, a partial agreement, or no agreement at all on any issue after mediation. Parties often find themselves more satisfied with a mediated settlement and incur much lower attorney's fees and costs than if they had proceeded to trial. Reaching an agreement at mediation provides some control over one's destiny since the parties and their families are the ones who will have to live with the decision. In most cases, the parties are in the best position to decide what is best for their families as opposed to a judge who will be making decisions based on his or her impressions of your situation on the day of trial.

TRIAL

Determination by a judge of all issues the parties are unable to resolve.

If you would like more information about Florida family law, Florida family law courts, or the divorce process call the Law Office of Amy R Ritchey to speak with an experienced family law attorney in Vero Beach, Florida. Let us help you prepare for the future and move on with your life.