Coral Gables Divorce Attorneys

No two divorces call for the same strategy, so we don't force your case into a one-size-fits-all approach. Some situations call for quiet negotiation between attorneys. Others benefit from mediation, where a neutral third party helps both sides reach a workable agreement. And some cases, despite everyone's best efforts, need to be resolved in court.

We prepare for all three possibilities from the start, which means we're never caught off guard by how your case develops. Whichever direction your divorce takes, our team is already positioned to represent you effectively.

Divorce Laws in Florida

Florida is a pure no-fault state under Fla. Stat. § 61.052, meaning you only need to state that your marriage is irretrievably broken. Neither spouse must prove the other did anything wrong, and unlike some states, Florida doesn't require a period of separation before you can file. You do need to meet Florida's residency requirement, which means at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months before filing, and the court must wait at least 20 days after filing before entering a final judgment.

For couples who qualify, a simplified dissolution can move even faster. It's available when there are no minor children, no pregnancy, no alimony being requested, and both spouses fully agree on the terms. We help you determine whether your case qualifies and handle the residency and filing requirements accurately, so nothing holds up your case unnecessarily.

Common Issues We Help You Resolve

Most Florida divorces involve a similar set of core issues, even though every family's circumstances look different. We would be happy to walk you through all of them based on what needs to be done to dissolve your marriage.

Your divorce could involve these common issues and conflicts:

• Time-sharing and parenting plans: Florida law no longer uses the word “custody,” even though many people still do. Instead, parents work out a time-sharing schedule and a parenting plan covering major decisions about the child's upbringing. We can help you make a plan that reflects your parenting situation and what would uphold your child’s best interests the most. 
• Child support: Support amounts generally follow Florida's child support guidelines, which weigh both parents' incomes and the time-sharing arrangement. We are here to accurately and fairly calculate the amount you receive or pay.
• Alimony: Florida's alimony laws changed significantly in 2023. Permanent alimony no longer exists for divorces finalized after July 1, 2023. Courts can now award temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, or durational alimony instead. Bridge-the-gap support is capped at two years and can't be modified later. Rehabilitative alimony is capped at five years and requires a specific education or career plan. Durational alimony is limited to 50% of the marriage's length for short-term marriages, 60% for moderate-term marriages, and 75% for long-term marriages, and generally can't exceed 35% of the difference between both spouses' net incomes. We can help you understand which type may apply to your case and advocate for a fair result under these newer rules.
• Equitable distribution: Florida divides marital property under a presumption of an equal split, though the court can adjust that based on certain factors. Talk to us about how your property can be split correctly.

Contested, Uncontested, or Simplified Divorce — We Help You Choose

Our team is highly experienced with all sorts of divorce types, such as:

• Uncontested divorce: You and your spouse agree on the major issues ahead of time, which usually makes the process faster and less stressful.
• Simplified dissolution: A faster option for qualifying couples with no minor children and full agreement on every term.
• Contested divorce: One or more issues remain unresolved, requiring negotiation, mediation, or a hearing before a judge decides.

We'll help you figure out which category your case falls into. If it shifts from one to another as things develop, we're ready to adjust your strategy right along with it.

FAQ About Divorce in Coral Gables

How long does a divorce take in Florida?

Florida requires a minimum 20-day wait after filing before a judge can finalize your divorce, but most cases take longer than that minimum, especially if any issues are contested. We can give you a realistic timeline once we understand the specifics of your situation.

Do I have to prove my spouse did something wrong?

No. Florida is a no-fault state, so you only need to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. That said, certain issues, like adultery's economic impact on alimony, can still matter in specific circumstances, and we'll tell you if that applies to your case.

What if my spouse and I disagree about almost everything?

That's the kind of situation a contested divorce is built to handle. Our attorneys prepare thoroughly for negotiation and, if necessary, a courtroom hearing, so disagreement on the front end doesn't mean an unfair outcome on the back end.

Talk to a Coral Gables Divorce Lawyer Today

Don’t guess what happens next if you’re going through a divorce. Know for certain by coming to Blood Law, PLLC, where our attorneys are standing by to help. We’re all ready to walk through the details with you, prepare a strategy around what matters most to your family, and stay by your side no matter what.

Call (704) 286-0570 or reach out online today to schedule a consultation with a Coral Gables divorce lawyer who's ready to help.