Family Law Attorney in Orlando, Florida

Family law matters can bring about a wide range of emotions and challenges, often creating overwhelming situations for families. Facing issues like divorce, child custody, or alimony can disrupt lives, making it hard to find the clarity needed to make informed decisions.

Reese Legal, owned by Attorney Michael Reese, strives to offer a strategic outlook to help clients in Orlando, Florida, explore options that work for them and their loved ones. Family law in Florida covers a broad spectrum of issues, each requiring different approaches and considerations. 

As an Orlando-based attorney, Attorney Reese understands the specific statutes, procedures, and options available under Florida law. If you're seeking assistance with a family law matter, consider reaching out to Reese Legal to discuss your situation in a confidential, compassionate setting.

Divorce and Separation

Divorce is one of the most common family law matters, and it involves decisions that can impact finances, living arrangements, and family dynamics. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that one spouse doesn’t need to prove fault for the divorce to proceed. 

Instead, a divorce can be granted if the marriage is irretrievably broken. This aspect of Florida law aims to reduce conflicts, allowing couples to focus on resolving matters like property division, alimony, and child custody. Attorney Reese strives to offer thorough guidance during each stage of the divorce process. 

This may involve helping clients understand property distribution under Florida's equitable distribution laws, which aim to divide marital assets fairly, though not always equally. For many, divorce also means addressing potential alimony or spousal support. 

Florida courts may consider factors such as the length of the marriage, the financial resources of each party, and the standard of living during the marriage when deciding on alimony. With divorce proceedings often involving sensitive details and complicated emotions, it’s beneficial to work with an attorney who values privacy and empathy.

Attorney Reese emphasizes client confidentiality and works to help clients understand their rights and obligations. Following divorce, individuals often need assistance with post-divorce modifications, a topic discussed in the next section.

Child Custody and Visitation

Child custody is often the most delicate part of any family law case. Florida courts prioritize the child’s best interests, looking at factors like the mental and physical health of each parent, the child's home environment, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable life. 

Parents can pursue shared custody or sole custody, depending on their circumstances, and may need to work out detailed visitation plans to maintain a balanced schedule that serves the child's needs. At Reese Legal, Attorney Reese aims to provide a supportive environment for parents facing child custody decisions. 

Working with an attorney who understands Florida’s family court system can be essential in handling the legal steps needed to present a strong case. Attorney Reese helps clients advocate for arrangements that reflect their child’s best interests. 

In addition to initial custody arrangements, family law issues often extend to modifications of existing custody orders. These modifications may be necessary due to significant life changes, such as a relocation or a change in employment. 

Attorney Reese is available to assist clients with filing and negotiating modifications to custody or visitation arrangements when circumstances require. For further support, clients may also need assistance with child support, which is addressed in the following section.

Child Support

Florida law mandates child support to make sure children receive financial assistance from both parents, regardless of marital status. Child support amounts are calculated based on each parent’s income, the number of children involved, and each parent's level of involvement in the child’s life. 

Child support arrangements are typically part of divorce or paternity cases and can be enforced by the Florida Department of Revenue if needed. Attorney Reese aims to help clients get through the child support process, from initial calculations to modifications if life circumstances change. 

This may include explaining Florida’s child support guidelines and working to establish fair payment terms that consider each party’s financial situation. If you need assistance enforcing a child support order, Reese Legal is prepared to provide guidance on steps to encourage compliance through Florida's family court system. 

Understanding the responsibilities associated with child support is crucial for both parents. In addition to initial support arrangements, modifications may become necessary over time. 

With the support of Attorney Reese, parents can seek child support modifications when situations change, seeing that the child's needs are met without creating financial strain. Up next, clients often need legal help with property division in Florida, which is explored in the next section.

Property Division in Florida Divorce

When it comes to dividing property, Florida law follows an equitable distribution model. This doesn’t necessarily mean a 50/50 split but rather a fair division based on factors such as each party’s contributions to the marriage, the economic circumstances of each spouse, and the length of the marriage. 

Marital assets are divided, while each spouse typically retains separate property, including assets acquired before the marriage. Attorney Reese works to help clients handle the property division process, explaining Florida’s laws and assisting clients in gathering documentation of marital and separate assets.

In some cases, property division may involve challenging factors such as business ownership, retirement accounts, or investments. Attorney Reese strives to offer guidance to clients, focusing on creating fair and workable property settlements that support their future financial stability. 

The process of dividing assets can raise questions about other related legal matters, such as debt division and prenuptial agreements. By working with an attorney, you can gain a clearer picture of your options and make decisions that align with your financial goals. 

Alimony and Spousal Support

Florida law allows for various types of alimony depending on the specific circumstances of each divorce. Alimony types differ based on the duration of the marriage, financial needs, and each spouse's contributions. Some key points to keep in mind about the types of alimony available include:

• Bridge-the-gap alimony: Short-term support meant to assist a spouse in transitioning to the single life, covering needs such as housing or transportation.

• Rehabilitative alimony: Support provided to help a spouse gain the necessary education or training to achieve financial independence. This type of alimony usually requires a specific plan for rehabilitation.

• Durational alimony: Time-limited support that applies to short or moderate-length marriages, offering financial assistance without extending indefinitely.

• Permanent alimony: Reserved for long-term marriages, providing ongoing support to a spouse who may be unable to achieve the standard of living maintained during the marriage.

Attorney Reese helps clients understand these types of alimony and the criteria Florida courts use to determine support needs, offering clear guidance through each option. A list of frequently asked questions follows to address common concerns:

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the grounds for divorce in Florida?
  Florida is a no-fault divorce state, so the grounds for divorce are typically irreconcilable differences or mental incapacity of one spouse.

• How is child custody determined in Florida?
  Child custody is determined based on the child’s best interests, which include factors like the parents' ability to provide a stable home, the child’s health and safety, and each parent’s relationship with the child.

• Can a child custody order be modified?
  Yes, custody orders can be modified if there’s a significant change in circumstances, such as relocation, changes in employment, or other life changes.

• What’s the difference between marital and separate property in Florida?
  Marital property includes assets acquired during the marriage, while separate property usually covers assets acquired before marriage. Florida law divides marital property equitably.

• How is child support calculated in Florida?
  Child support is calculated based on factors like each parent's income, the child’s needs, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child.