Divorce represents one of the most significant changes you may ever experience. Whether you are preparing to file or responding to a petition, the process can bring uncertainty and stress about your family, finances, and future. Understanding your legal rights early on could help you make informed decisions and protect what matters most.
Having a knowledgeable family law attorney by your side could make all the difference. At the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., our Ponte Vedra Beach divorce lawyer guides clients through the dissolution of marriage with clarity and compassion. We understand that each family’s situation is different, and we are here to help you move forward with confidence. Problems? Pick Porter!™
What Are Florida’s Divorce Process and Residency Rules?
Florida Statutes § 61.052 provides for a no-fault divorce, meaning you do not need to prove wrongdoing to end your marriage. Under Fla. Stat. § 61.02, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months before filing. Once the petition is filed, the process includes serving the other party, exchanging financial disclosures, and attending mediation if required by the local court.
If disputes remain unresolved, the case proceeds to a final hearing before a judge. Our Ponte Vedra Beach divorce attorneys are experienced in both negotiated settlements and courtroom litigation, ensuring you are prepared for any path your case may take.
Dividing Property and Managing Financial Issues
Florida follows equitable distribution laws, outlined in Fla. Stat. § 61.075, which require a fair, but not necessarily equal, division of marital property and debts. Courts consider several factors, including:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income and earning capacity
- Contributions to the marriage, including homemaking or childcare
- Any intentional waste or concealment of assets
We take a detailed approach to identifying, valuing, and protecting assets such as homes, businesses, and retirement accounts. Our lawyers work to ensure that your financial future remains secure long after your divorce is finalized in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Parenting and Time-Sharing in Divorce Cases
When children are involved, the court’s primary concern is the best interests of the child. Fla. Stat. § 61.13 replaces the term “custody” with “parental responsibility” and “time-sharing,” emphasizing shared parenting whenever possible.
Courts consider several factors when determining parenting arrangements, such as:
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s emotional and physical needs
- The stability and consistency of each parent’s home environment
- The willingness of each parent to foster a positive relationship with the other
- Any history of substance abuse or domestic violence
Our divorce attorneys may help parents in Ponte Vedra Beach create detailed parenting plans that protect their child’s well-being while respecting both parents’ roles.
Spousal Support and Alimony Considerations
A court may award spousal support, also known as alimony (Fla. Stat. § 61.08), when one spouse has a demonstrated need for financial assistance and the other has the ability to provide it. Based on the length of the marriage, the parties’ earning capacities, and the standard of living during the marriage, the court may grant different forms of alimony, such as temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, or durational.
Our divorce lawyers in Ponte Vedra Beach could evaluate your eligibility for support or your potential obligation to pay it. We develop individualized strategies that balance fairness with long-term stability.
Call a Ponte Vedra Beach Attorney for Help With Your Divorce
Divorce is rarely easy, but you do not have to face it alone. At the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., we combine compassionate guidance with decades of legal experience to protect what matters most—your rights, your family, and your future.
If you are considering or currently going through a divorce, contact our Ponte Vedra Beach divorce lawyer today to schedule a consultation and learn how we could help you take the next step forward. Problems? Pick Porter!™