Family Law Attorney, Lakeland FL

Affordable legal help

Family Law Attorney, Lakeland FL

Divorce has become a common occurrence nowadays, because many people feel that ending a marriage is the only way to rid themselves of a toxic relationship. They are right in a way, but the effect of a divorce on minor children is devastating.

If you're a resident of Lakeland, Florida, the family law attorneys, Lakeland, FL at Affordable Legal Help, can be of assistance. Our Lakeland FL family law attorneys will make use of their knowledge to handle your case efficiently and make sure the outcome is beneficial for you and your children.

Furthermore, if you require help for cases related to divorce, child custody, child support and grandparent’s rights, our divorce attorneys, Lakeland, FL and family law attorneys Lakeland, FL will provide you unbundled legal services according to their expertise.

Divorce Laws in Lakeland, FL

To obtain a divorce in a specific state, you have to fulfil certain legal requirements. Same is the case with Florida. Below is some information regarding divorce laws in Lakeland, Florida.

Residency Requirements

According to the family laws in Lakeland, FL, the person who is filing for a divorce or the petitioner must have resided in the state for at least six months before being eligible to file a divorce case.

The court takes a maximum of 20 days from the day the petition is filed, to pass a final divorce judgment.

Grounds for Divorce

Like most American states, Florida is also a no-fault state. This means that the couple filing for a divorce doesn't have to give a specific reason for getting divorced. They can simply state the reason as irretrievable breakdown or irreconcilable differences, to file a petition.

Other grounds for divorce include mental incapacity of one of the parties.

Getting a divorce is never a pleasant experience and most of the time it becomes even more complicated because people have insufficient information about the laws. Therefore, it is a good idea to get in touch with a skilled divorce attorney Lakeland, FL, to better understand the laws and procedures of divorce and how to go through it smoothly.

Child Custody Laws in Lakeland, FL

Family laws differ from state to state. When you're going through a divorce, you must go through the child custody laws specific to your state.

In Lakeland, FL, the parents have the option to mutually decide about the custody and visitation options. If they are unable to agree, then the right of the decision goes to the court. The child custody courts in Florida consider some factors before passing a judgement regarding which parent the child is going to live with. These factors are based on the health and safety of the child. These factors include the following:

Which parent is capable of taking care of the child's daily physical, emotional, developmental educational and special needs?
Which parent will be able to maintain a stable, nourishing and loving relationship with the child?
Which parent has no issue with the child frequently contacting and visiting the other parent?

Some additional factors that the court might consider are:

The child's preference
Their relationship with other siblings
Stability in education and family life
If either parent has a history of substance abuse
If either parent has criminal charges against them

In normal cases, a court shall order both the parents to share the custody of the child. In Florida, the courts believe that a child's frequent contact with both the parents is necessary so that the parents, as well as the child, can enjoy the time spent with each other and experience the joy of raising a child.

No matter what decision the court takes, it is based on the best interest of the child. Lakeland, FL, family law attorneys have ample of knowledge about child custody issues and can give you sufficient information regarding your case.

Child Support Laws in Lakeland, FL

According to the statute of child support Lakeland, FL, the parents are legally obliged to financially provide for their child till the age of 18.

Payments of child support Lakeland, FL is based on the income shares model, according to which the combined income of both parents is used to determine the amount of support. The idea behind the income shares model is that the child should have similar living conditions, like they did before the parents decided to end the marriage.

Child Support Calculation

Child support Lakeland, FL is calculated, based upon the gross income of both the parents. The gross income after deduction, along with the number of children is referred to the child support guidelines, which then establishes a charge determining the amount of child support payable by each parent.

The gross income includes:

Basic salary
Bonus and commissions
Business income (if self-employed)
Disability benefits
Worker's compensation benefits
Pension
Social security benefits
Spousal support
Rental income
Gains from property dealings

Deductions

Once the gross income is calculated, the parents have the right to deduct specific expenses, such as:

Taxes
Mandatory union dues
Health insurance payments (except if the child is minor)
Court-ordered support for other children
Spousal support

What does Child Support Cover?

Child support Lakeland, FL covers the following expenses other than food, clothing and shelter:

Health care expenses
Educational expenses
Child care costs

These expenses are split between the parents and they are obligated to pay their share regularly.

The calculation of Child support Lakeland, FL is not only numbers and figures. Many other factors are involved in getting the accurate amount. You should consider contacting a family law attorney, Lakeland, FL who is aware of the laws and can explain everything to you in detail.

Our Services

We have experienced and skilled divorce attorney, Lakeland FL, who can take up your case and make sure that all your demands are met.

We live by our name and provide you with unbundled legal services at an affordable price, ranging from $500 to $1000, depending on the case. So, contact us now and leave everything to our lawyers.