Bartow Divorce Lawyer Committed To Supporting Families Through Central Florida
Divorce can be one of the hardest events in a person’s life. It is a time of emotional upheaval, financial concern and significant life changes. Trying to handle things yourself can mean missing out on the outcome you deserve in your divorce. When you are facing such a challenge, you want to have a skilled and dedicated attorney at your side to protect your best interests.
I am Stacey H. McNelis, a family law attorney dedicated to providing personalized legal services that address each client’s unique circumstances. Since the firm was founded in 2018, I have been committed to helping families and individuals in Central Florida navigate the intricacies of divorce and family law. With 24 years of experience, I understand the importance of handling sensitive issues such as child custody, child support, and asset division with care and precision.
Personalized Representation In Your Divorce
Florida’s divorce laws can be complex, and it is crucial to approach them with a clear understanding and strategy. The process involves several critical components that require careful attention and informed decision-making:
- Division of marital assets: Florida follows equitable distribution, which means that the court seeks to split the assets in a way they deem fair, even if it is not a 50/50 split.
- Child custody: Bartow courts encourage parents to have equal time-sharing, as it aligns with a child’s best interests. However, sole parental responsibility is possible if shared arrangements are harmful to the child.
- Child support: Throughout Central Florida, couples cannot waive child support. This legal obligation ensures that the child continues to receive necessary support despite the divorce.
- Alimony: A judge considers the length of marriage, financial resources and contributions to the marriage when determining alimony. They then award this to the lower-earning spouse.
Facing a divorce in Polk County can be overwhelming because it exposes various concerns. You might be wondering about what happens to your shared assets, your financial future and your child’s stability after the process. I understand these worries, and I am here to reassure you that I will work with you to develop a plan for a fair and favorable resolution.
Frequently Asked Divorce Questions
Going through a divorce can be daunting, and you may have many questions about the process and what to expect. Below are answers to some common questions to help you understand the journey ahead.
How do I file for divorce?
To file for divorce in Florida, one spouse must file a petition for dissolution of marriage with the circuit court in the county where either spouse resides. I can help you draft a petition that outlines the details of the marriage and requests a divorce from the court. Once the paperwork has been filed, your spouse will be served with the petition and will need to respond to it. I can also assist you with collecting any necessary documentation to build a strong case for you.
What is no-fault divorce?
A no-fault divorce means that neither party has to prove any fault in the divorce to initiate the process. Florida law only requires that you prove the marriage is beyond repair. I can also assist with gathering evidence to prove this in court as well.
When should I hire a divorce lawyer?
It is advisable to hire a divorce lawyer as soon as you consider filing for divorce or if you have been served with divorce papers. As your legal representation, I can help you through any legal procedures, advise you on what options you may have in your divorce, and keep you from making critical mistakes throughout the process.
Start The Next Chapter With Confidence
If you are considering divorce, now is the time to take action. Contact me today to schedule your free initial consultation to learn more about how I can help you through this difficult transition in your life. Call my Bartow office at 863-410-0041 or email me here to schedule your initial consultation today. The quicker you reach out to me, the more time I have to create a plan that reflects your best interests.