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Legal Separation Serving Families Throughout Jacksonville For Over 25 Years

Legal Separation Lawyer in Jacksonville

Legal Separation vs. Divorce in Florida

Florida is one of nine states across the country that does not formally recognize a "legal separation." Instead, when a couple having marital problems realizes they need to be apart in order to calm the situation down, they can separate without any sort of court hearing. If there are children involved, the family law courts in Jacksonville do recognize the need for both parents to continue to provide for the welfare and support of the children during such a separation, and will act to safeguard their best interests in the situation.

When you have questions about the legal and practical aspects involved in separating from your spouse, you are invited to contact us at Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. We can provide you with an initial consultation to review your options and give you the information necessary to make an informed decision.

Common Reasons Couples Choose to Separate

Why should you pursue a legal separation? Many couples choose this course of action out of a desire to observe deeply held religious prohibitions against divorce, as it makes it possible to effectively bring about the conditions of a dissolution of marriage without violating their religious convictions. Some do so in order to avoid losing health care coverage or other benefits, while others are hoping to salvage the relationship and merely want to impose time and space between themselves to let a heated situation cool down.

Perhaps one of the best reasons to legally separate is as a precursor to divorce—you and your spouse can test out terms of alimony, such as property division and child custody, to find out what works best for both parties, thereby avoiding a costly and protracted contested divorce and the necessity of post-decree modifications, which can be difficult to secure.

Even though Florida does not legally recognize separation, it is possible to petition the court for an order to pay child support to the parent who has primary custody of the children. We can help you and your spouse prepare the necessary agreements for a separation including financial support, child custody and visitation.

When a married couple decides to live apart, does not share a common bank account and each pays their own living expenses, they are considered separated. It is always helpful to put the agreements governing such an arrangement in writing, to avoid conflicts over assumed agreements and misunderstandings. If you are separated and are now needing child support or are being asked for child support, we can help you ensure that your children are properly cared for and their needs are met.

Actions for Support in Jacksonville

A petition for child support is called an "action for support." While it is a mandatory step of any divorce proceeding when children are involved, the parent seeking support during a separation must file it personally. Alimony or spousal support is often much more difficult to secure in our state outside of a divorce proceeding, so it is in your best interests to retain a skilled attorney who can effectively advocate on your behalf.

At the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., our Jacksonville separation attorneys are sincerely committed to defending our clients' best interests, and will work diligently to help you secure a separation agreement which works in your favor. Whether it is a short term arrangement or a plan which you expect to use for many years, you should realize that the terms of the agreement may have a significant impact on your life, determining whether you are financially stable and can spend as much time with your children as you would like.

Let us guide you through this process, contact us today to get started! Pick Porter!™

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

Serving Jacksonville, FL Since 2004

    "Jonathan made us feel comfortable and confident that he would work diligently on our behalf."
    The purpose of this letter is to express our appreciation for Jonathan Thacher's legal services associated with our daughter's case. Jonathan was and is always available for questions. If we left a message, he would always get back to us in a prompt fashion. It isn't easy to find such a capable lawyer who seems to be in the right job. He is caring and very attentive to us. No questions went unanswered. Jonathan made us feel comfortable and confident that he would work diligently on our behalf. In the end, we felt blessed that we had the right person to help us when we felt lost. I can't tell you how important it is to choose the right lawyers for your case. He certainly lifted a weight off our shoulder to know that Jonathan and the firm's staff were working for us and a good conclusion to our problem.
    - Edward & Sondra A.
    "I was very impressed with Mr. Porter & his staff."
    I was very impressed with Mr. Porter & his staff. They just appear to be winners and I would be proud to be affiliated with them.
    - Dolores T.
    "He prepared our family through each and every step."

    "Bad things happen to good families and people” That is one of the first things Jason said to me and my son. The laws are set to protect us. However, the law can be black and white when there are several shades of grey. If a man has a beer in his own house after coming back from war but is only 20, should his dad be charged for contributing to the delinquency of a minor? Have you ever done something now looking back, it may not have been the best decision but nothing happened? That was not the case a few years ago to my family. A bad decision, one I am sure many of us have done in our younger days. A bad decision was made and it could have ruined a young man’s future. The courts are busy and things can fall through the cracks; I was making sure my son was not one of them. I knew Jason had worked for the District attorney’s office so he knew both sides of the law. He knew what the other side was going to do and say because he was there for many years. He prepared our family through each and every step. He made sure that we were proactive “getting ducks in a row” so to speak. If there was something mentioned, we had already taken care of it and showed no history and really no where for the other side to go. What could have been jail time ended up being a bump in the road. No one can promise anything is a sure thing. Jason did not make any promises he was not prepared to keep. He told us what normally happens, and what he was going to try for and he did. I rather have someone say there is a 70/30 chance than, “sure this is no problem, don’t worry about it”. We do worry about it. It is our lives or one of someone we love. Some cases may not be life or death, but they all are between a life that could be and a life that never will be. Jason understands that and approached it as if was his brother standing next to him. Every now and then, I will look at my son when eating dinner or something and think, if it was not for Jason and his group, I would have to visit my son to see him. I thanked God for Jason being there then, and have every day since.

    - Satisfied Client
    "Throughout the whole process, he was responsive and dedicated and he made it seem like I was the only case he was dealing with."
    I recently worked with Jonathan Thacher and am very pleased with the outcome of the case. Throughout the whole process, he was responsive and dedicated and he made it seem like I was the only case he was dealing with. He was on top of getting the necessary measure taken and the end result was outstanding. I would definitely refer anyone to him! Thank you so much, Jonathan!!
    - Victoria B.
    "Attentive, patient and caring service."
    Attentive, patient and caring service by skilled attorneys. Richard Watson and Jason Porter are absolutely first-rate!
    - Melanie M.
    "Thankful to this firm for their hard work and dedication!"

    I unfortunately experienced a terrible accident and was hurt. I reached out to Jason Porter’s law firm, as he has helped my father in the past and is a trusted attorney in my family.

    Unfortunately, the process had a slow start due to many moving pieces. Hildy stepped in and things got moving IMMEDIATELY! She is amazing. So sweet, so understanding, so educated and intelligent regarding her position. Because of her, I felt assured and heard.

    Thankful to this firm for their hard work and dedication!

    - M.D.
    "Compassionate Caring and Honest"
    I meet with Mr. Porter today, he was so helpful with my situation. He was kind and should true compassion for this situation. He gave me information I have not been able to get anywhere else and I have tried. He gave me hope that there is light at the end of this tunnel. I have a much better understanding of what I need to do and how to proceed with this situation. I am grateful that Mr. Porter gave me the time and attention that he did today. I would encourage anyone needing help in a criminal case, no matter how big or small go and see Mr. Porter, I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. Mr. Porter thank you for your time today and all of the information you provided me with, it is appreciated beyond belief.
    - Rena P.
    "I was treated with the utmost respect and graciousness."
    I was treated with the utmost respect and graciousness. I was always kept informed and if I ever had a question or needed anything the staff was amazing at assisting me.
    - F.S.

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