Divorce and child custody issues are some of the most important cases a lawyer can handle, and some of the most emotional and difficult for the people facing the issue. At the Eighmie Law Firm, we are here to help families in their time of need. We work to protect your rights and resolve your family law matter in the best interests of you and your children.
While Florida recognizes "no-fault" divorce, this does not mean that a divorce should be undertaken without legal advice and representation from experienced Port St. Lucie, Stuart & Fort Pierce divorce lawyers. There are many vitally important issues that are decided in the dissolution of marriage, including the division of marital property, child custody and child support, and alimony. Unless the parties agree between themselves on how to handled all of these issues, they will be decided by a judge at a hearing in court. The court orders made in a divorce are permanent and can affect the individuals and their children for years to come. Below is a brief overview of how we can help in all of these areas.
Division of Marital Property – Florida law requires the judge to make an "equitable" distribution of marital property, which is basically any assets (and debts) acquired by either spouse during the marriage, with some important exceptions. To help ensure that the property settlement is truly fair, it is essential that every piece of property be properly characterized as marital or separate property, and accurately valued. We can help in this process by locating property or assets your spouse may be hiding, and performing valuations of complex property involving matters such as self-employment income, business interests, profit-sharing and retirement plans, and more.
Child Custody (time-sharing) – The courts will strive to make a custody award that gives both parents a continuing, meaning relationship with the kids, but only if the judge finds such an arrangement is in the children's best interests. The judge determines not only physical custody – where the child resides, but also legal custody – the right and responsibility to make decisions regarding the child's upbringing in areas such as education, religion, health care, and social activities. We work with parents to develop a comprehensive, workable time-sharing schedule and parenting plan. If the matter must be litigated, we represent your interests to ensure you continue to play an important, appropriate role in your children's lives.
Child Support – Both parents are obligated to support their children financially, and the court uses a statutory formula to determine how much each parent owes, or how much the noncustodial parent should pay the parent with primary custody. The formula amount is only a guideline, however, and the judge can deviate up or down in the best interests of the children, so it is still vital to have an attorney represent you in the child support determination to ensure that you and your children are treated fairly and that all their needs are met.
Alimony – Whether alimony will be awarded, what the amount will be and how long it will last are all decided by the judge based on a number of different factors, such as the financial ability of the paying spouse, the needs and ability of the receiving spouse, the length of the marriage, the contributions each spouse made to the marriage, the standard of living established in the marriage, and more. Whether you are seeking alimony or being asked to pay, we can help make sure that your position is listened to and that you are not taken advantage of in any award of spousal support or maintenance.
Divorce is never easy, but the legal process does not have to make it harder than it already is. Seek caring and dedicated legal assistance to help you through your family law matter with dignity and respect, with your rights protected and your best interests promoted. In Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce and Stuart, call the experienced divorce lawyers at Eighmie Law Firm at 772-905-8692.