Broward County Divorce Lawyer
Fort Lauderdale Family Law Attorney
Whether you have a contested or uncontested divorce action in south Florida, it is always good to consult with a lawyer to make sure every issue is explored and dealt with comprehensively.
At the law offices of Darren K. Edwards, P.A., in Fort Lauderdale, we know and understand the divorce laws in Florida. We have represented men and women throughout south Florida in family law and dissolution of marriage matters for over 20 years. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.
Experienced Broward County Divorce Attorney
Call 954-315-3822 for a free initial consultation.
Attorney Darren K. Edwards counsels clients at all stages of a divorce, from the initial filing through negotiation, mediation and trial, if necessary, until your divorce decree is granted. We handle all matters related to divorce, including:
- Child custody: We can help you petition for sole or joint custody as well as determining how physical and decision-making power is allocated to each parent.
- Visitation: Our office will make sure that time sharing and parenting plans are detailed and account for every situation.
- Division of marital property: We will help you arrive at an equitable distribution agreement that includes accurate real and personal property valuations. Under Florida law, each party retains any assets owned prior to the marriage, and certain assets may be awarded to one party if one spouse made significant contribution when buying that asset. The court will also consider the issue of marital waste and extra-marital affairs can affect property and debt distribution.
- Child support: This issue is determined by Florida guidelines, and the more income made by the party who will be making support payments, the larger the amount of support. The judge can also deviate by 5 percent or more without any justification.
- Spousal support: We may negotiate or the court may award rehabilitative alimony, which is financial support based on specific plan to help someone take steps, like finish college to ensure future independent success. We may also apply for bridge of gap alimony, which is usually granted for two to three years to help and allow a spouse to become financially independent. Parties can also negotiate for permanent alimony, which only stops upon death or remarriage. Finally, in some cases, a lump sum alimony payment can be sought for a spouse that has special needs.
- Attorneys' fees: Courts have discretion to award attorneys' fees when there is a significant disparity of income between the spouses.
If you are thinking about filing for divorce in south Florida, or if you are already a party to a family law proceeding, you may have many misconceptions about your rights. For instance, many individuals incorrectly believe that alimony or spousal maintenance is not available in Florida. In reality, the decision whether to grant spousal support is made on a case-by-case basis.
When we work with men and women involved in a divorce or family law matter, we begin by analyzing client needs and expectations. If there are minor children involved, we will work with you to identify custody, visitation and support arrangements that are in the best interests of the children, while still meeting your needs. We will identify your options and assess your likelihood of success.
We also work extensively with individuals who need assistance with the enforcement and modification of divorce judgments.
If you need experienced divorce counsel in the South Florida area, contact our offices for a free initial consultation. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Payment plans are available.
Representing clients in the Tri-County Area Since 1988
Darren K. Edwards, P.A.
110 E. Broward Boulevard, Suite 1700
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-3500
