LOOKING TO Divorce?

YOU'LL NEED A GOOD LAWYER.

LOOKING TO CHILD CUSTODY & SUPPORT?

YOU'LL NEED A GOOD LAWYER.

SERVING WITH EXCELLENCE FOR 15 YEARS.

Divorce in the State of Florida

Divorce, legally known as a “dissolution of marriage,” is legally ending a marriage

Simplified Divorce

Simplified Divorce is an option when property and child custody are not at issue.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested dissolution of marriage is the best and most efficient way to end a marriage as both parties can dissolve the marriage in an amicable manner.

Contested Divorce

Contested Divorce is required when parties cannot agree on child custody or how to split their assets.

Simplified Divorce

Simplified Divorce is a fast and simple way to dissolve a marriage, but this option is not always an option. The following is required to file a simplified divorce in Florida:

1. Either you or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months before filing for a dissolution in Florida.
2. Both of you agree; the marriage is not savable.
3. You have no minor or dependent child(ren) together, the wife did not birth any children during the marriage, and the wife is not currently pregnant.
4. You have worked out shared assets and liabilities.
a.) Assets- The things you both own
b.)Liabilities- The money you both owe
5. You are not seeking alimony.
6. Financial from your spouse and vice versa
a.) You willingly give up your right to trial and appeal.
7. You both are willing to sign the petition in the clerk’s office (not necessarily together)
8. You both are willing to go to the final hearing (at the same time)

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested dissolution of marriage is when both spouses agree on filing for divorce and also agree on how they are going to split their marital assets, their marital liabilities and if any minor children are involved what will custody be.

Contested Divorce

Unfortunately, If the parties cannot agree, the parties will have to file a “contested dissolution of marriage.” In a Contested Divorce the parties opt to litigate their divorce in Court which can include attending a family mediation, in an effort to resolve the pending issues. In some cases, the parties may even take their concerns before a Family Court Judge for the Court to decide how to divide any marital assets or liabilities. The Court may also determine child custody and set a parenting plan for the parties to abide by. There are several factors that may prompt a party to file a contested dissolution of marriage, including but are not limited to:

- Alimony / Spousal Support

- Division of Assets and Liabilities

- Child Custody/Timesharing

- Child Support

- Relocation of Children

In the US, divorce is something that few couples think about when they walk down the aisle and exchange vows. However, if you have made the difficult decision to file for divorce, you should have a legal team on your side that listens to your concerns and understands your needs.

Learn More About Gisselle Adriana Ortiz, Esq.

Discussions over child custody and support can be some of the most difficult a family will ever have to go through. The decisions made during this time will impact your child(ren) for years to come. That's why it's vital that you have an experienced Atlanta family law attorney representing your best interests.

Likewise, when it comes to your children, you want to make sure you're making the best decisions for them. They are only young once, so you don't want to lose valuable time with them.

Gisselle Adriana Ortiz, Esq. is the founding and managing partner of Gigi Law Firm, PLLC. After obtaining her undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology at Florida International University, she attended St. Thomas University School of Law, receiving her Juris Doctor degree.

During her time in law school, Gisselle clerked with a law firm and focused on civil and family law matters. Before opening up her practice, Gisselle joined a small boutique practice as chief of the family law department. Gisselle has handled over 100 family law cases and has assisted families during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

Gisselle is a member of the Florida State Bar and is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.

The factors Judges consider when determining the best interests of the child

In most divorce cases today, judges tend to order joint custody unless some uncovered facts demonstrate that doing so would go against the child's welfare or put them in harm's way. Below are many of the factors that family law judges take into consideration when determining the child's best interest: