Bartow Divorce Lawyer Committed To Supporting Families Through Central Florida

I am Stacey H. McNelis, a family law attorney with more than 24 years of experience serving clients in Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit. I focus on divorce and family law matters, including child custody and child support, and provide representation tailored to each client’s circumstances.

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.

Since the firm opened in 2018, I have provided personalized legal services tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. I handle your case personally from start to finish and take time to understand your goals, concerns and priorities.

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, meaning the court generally divides marital assets and liabilities equally but may order an unequal distribution based on relevant factors.
• Child custody: Bartow courts apply Florida’s best-interests standard when deciding parental responsibility and time-sharing.  However, sole parental responsibility is possible if shared arrangements are harmful to the child.
• Child support: Florida law generally determines child support under statutory guidelines to provide for a child’s needs after separation or 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.

What Happens During A Divorce In Polk County?

The Polk County Courthouse is in Bartow, where family law cases are handled through the circuit court. If you are preparing to file, the process may include these steps:

1. Confirm the filing requirements: Florida requires at least one spouse to establish six months of residency before filing for divorce.
2. File the petition: A divorce case begins with the filing of a petition for dissolution of marriage with the circuit court. The petition and summons must then be served on the other spouse.
3. Address the issues: Depending on your circumstances, you may need to resolve property and debt division, parenting and time-sharing, child support and alimony.
4. Reach a resolution: You and your spouse may resolve some or all issues through negotiation, mediation or another appropriate process. If you cannot reach an agreement, the court may decide the issues that remain.

I take a collaborative, solution-oriented approach to divorce and, when possible, encourage clients to work toward an agreement before turning to prolonged litigation. This can reduce the time, expense and conflict involved in an already difficult process.

Is Florida A 50/50 Divorce State?

Not necessarily. Florida generally starts with an equal division of marital assets and liabilities, but that does not mean every divorce results in a 50/50 split. The court may divide property differently when factors such as each spouse’s contributions, financial circumstances and the length of the marriage justify an unequal distribution.

How Is Child Custody Decided In Florida?

Florida courts consider a child’s best interests when establishing parental responsibility and time-sharing. While Florida law generally favors equal time-sharing, the court looks at the circumstances of the child and family when creating a parenting plan and may approve a different schedule when appropriate.

How Is Child Support Determined?

Florida child support generally follows statutory guidelines that consider the parents’ financial circumstances and the needs of the child. The amount may depend on factors such as income, health insurance, childcare costs and the parenting arrangement.

What Types Of Alimony Are Available In Florida?

Florida law recognizes four forms of alimony: bridge-the-gap, temporary, rehabilitative and durational. The type of support that may apply depends on the circumstances of the marriage and each spouse’s financial situation.

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.