Lakeland Divorce Attorney

An uncontested divorce, or “simplified dissolution of marriage” is when both parties in the marriage are in agreement with the major issues involved when filing for divorce. This can include:

• The division of all assets and property
• The division of any and all debts
• The amount and duration of any spousal support, also known as alimony
• The amount of time-sharing and parental responsibility each parent will have with their children
• The amount and duration of child support payments.

When both parties are in agreement, they can file their agreement along with their petition for divorce and avoid any court appearances. Once the required time period based on state law has passed, the divorce will then be final.

An uncontested divorce is simplest when it involves no minor children and little to no joint assets or debts. It typically works best when each spouse is self-supporting or is able to easily become self-sustaining with little financial support from the other spouse. Most often we see uncontested divorce proceedings happen with short marriages of 5 years or less.

Typically an uncontested divorce is far less expensive than contested divorces. Couples that can agree are often only obligated to pay the court filing fees (typically, just a few hundred dollars) and their individual attorney’s fees. By staying out of court each spouse can save thousands of dollars in litigation and court fees.

“What am I entitled to in divorce?” is definitely the question we get asked most often. Our experience and knowledge gives you the best chance at getting the marital assets you deserve.

MARITAL ASSESTS AND LIABILITIES:

Typically marital assets and liabilities, which include everything accumulated during the marriage – regardless of whose name it is in, are split 50/50. This most often includes:

• The home loan, expenses, and/or equity
• Credit card debts
• Car loans and expenses
• Boat, RV, and other extra-curricular expenses and loans
• Childcare expenses
• Retirement accounts
• Unpaid healthcare bills
• Business loans and expenses (for business owners)
• Dowry negotiations

The division of assets and liabilities when filing for divorce is extremely complex. Art Fulmer, Jr., has proven to be an expert in Polk County in this area, as he is often relied upon for the correct figures by the entire legal community after years of proven accuracy and honesty in such cases. He is one of the few attorneys in Polk County that can accurately divide complex divorce cases, such as those including business owners, high-income and high-asset divorces, and dowry negotiations, to name a few.

CHILD CARE EXPENSES:

It is important to note, the calculation of childcare expenses does not often include extraordinary expenses related to raising children. This can include braces, computers, cell-phone plans, car payments and insurance, prom, after school clubs/athletics, etc. An experienced attorney, like Art Fulmer, will bring light to these expenses during negotiations.

ALIMONY AND SPOUSAL SUPPORT:

The law states that once divorced, both parties and the children should be able to live in a manner roughly equivalent to what it would have been if the couple stayed together. Art Fulmer will be able to answer if you deserve alimony or spousal support and for how long, based on the most up-to-date information from Florida law.

We have experience in the financial complexities of divorce, child support, and spousal support to make sure you and your children (if applicable) get what you are entitled. Find out more by calling for a consultation today! Mr. Fulmer will give you a good idea of what you are facing and what you are entitled to.

Once you have decided to file for divorce, it is best to contact an experienced and licensed divorce attorney that is familiar with the laws of Florida Statute Title VI Chapter 61 to represent you. At Fulmer Law, P.A. you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of cash up front. We offer no obligation case reviews for all clients that are looking into how to divorce.

First, you will need to complete the necessary forms to file for “dissolution of marriage” in the State of Florida. Ensure that you are filing within the correct circuit based on the county where you reside. Additionally, you will have to include all of the issues that you want the court to consider within your petition. This includes division of assets and debts, child custody, child support, and spousal support payments. All of the necessary forms with regards to your case will have to be signed and notarized prior to submission.

Next, you will have to serve your spouse with a copy of the forms you submitted to the clerk of court. There are several ways to go about serving your spouse with divorce papers, and your lawyer can help decide which route is best based on your individual circumstances.

Last, you will have to complete a financial affidavit documenting any and all information about your finances including:

• income
• assets
• debts
• bank statements
• credit card statements
• tax returns
• personal financial statements (retirement plans, stocks/bonds, etc)
• any other financial information/documentation that you want the court to consider in your divorce case.

It is highly recommended that you involve an experienced family law attorney. Filing for divorce can be difficult and full of emotions. Rest assured that the father-son team at Fulmer Law, P.A. will accurately complete and file all necessary documents and stand behind your best interests. Schedule your consultation now!

Deciding how to find a divorce lawyer can be overwhelming. At Fulmer Law, P.A. we understand that divorce is highly personal and emotional for many. Our experiences over the past 15+ years practicing family law are paramount and offer you an advantage in winning your case. We promise to speak with you in plain English and not legalese. We strive to be someone you can trust and feel comfortable with when discussing extremely personal information about yourself, your family and your marriage.

The legal team at Fulmer Law, P.A. includes highly skilled problem-solvers that are extremely knowledgeable and comfortable in the courtroom. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Divorce proceedings begin with filing a divorce petition. The petition is written by one spouse and is then filed with the clerk of court for the county and state where you live.

Some parties may be able to file their divorce petition directly at The Polk County Clerk of Court, but most parties need an attorney’s representation not only to make sure the paperwork is completed correctly and accurately, but to  protect the assets, time with children, child support, alimony, and other factors you may deserve.

See more information about divorce proceedings in our “How to divorce?” FAQ.

The best way to inquire how to start a divorce proceeding is to talk to one of our experienced and trusted family lawyers. Schedule your consultation today to receive detailed information pertaining to your specific circumstances.

If you and your spouse are ready to move on with you divorce and have agreed on the major issues, contact the family law experts at Fulmer Law, P.A. We can show you how to get a quick divorce by taking you through the process of filing for a “simplified dissolution of marriage.” We will work to get the divorce completed quickly and amicably.

See more about filing for a quick divorce in our answer above to “What is an Uncontested Divorce?”

Call us now 863.457.2099, and our legal team will get right to work with filing your petition. You’ll be amazed at just how fast Fulmer Law, P.A. can get the job done!

How you prepare for your divorce will play a major part in the final outcome. When considering divorce, or when your spouse has declared that they are planning to file for divorce, the best way to prepare is to contact Art Fulmer, Jr., the most trusted family lawyer in Polk County.

Then, keep detailed notes and documentation on all of your income, debts, assets, bank statements, credit card statements, tax returns, retirement funds, and any other financial documents you would want the court to consider in your case.

If you have children, take notes about the kids, the family, and your spouse. By keeping detailed notes on calendars, such as when and where the children eat and sleep, and journaling daily conversations, you will have more information to present to a judge in your case.

Get started on the right track. Contact Fulmer Law, P.A. and let’s talk about how best to prepare for your divorce proceedings.

Divorce costs can range from several hundred dollars in filing fees to upwards of $15,000 or more. No two cases are alike, so it is difficult for divorce attorneys to offer a flat rate for services. A divorce where the spouses can agree on the major issues will cost much less than average. In contrast, a divorce case involving heated arguments and allegations that must be validated will cost significantly more than average. As a rule, it is best to use mediation in your divorce case in order to avoid a lengthy trial and excess time spent in court. Read our FAQs on mediations for more information.

The average hourly fee charged by most divorce lawyers is $300- $400 per hour.  The attorneys at Fulmer Law, P.A. fall within this range. The amount of time a legal team spends on your case will determine the total cost for the divorce. Most divorce attorneys collect a retainer up front. Fulmer Law usually collects a retainer between $3500 and $5000, depending on the severity of the case. Lawyers deduct this fee as they work the case. Once a person’s retainer has been spent on the lawyer’s services, court costs, and expenses, attorneys and clients will review their case and decide how to proceed. Expenses to expect include fees for court filings, mediation, copying and serving documents, compensation for expert witnesses, child custody evaluators, appraisers and/or financial analysts that are consulted in your case. An additional trial fee may also be collected if the case does not settle during mediation.

Fulmer Law will not overcharge or overwork your case. A consultation will provide you with more information. Even if you do not hire Mr. Fulmer to represent you, the legal advice he will provide during your consultation will give you an idea of what you are up against and help you plan for the future.

Fulmer Law, P.A. offers flexible payment plans and we accept credit cards.

How long a divorce takes depends on whether your divorce case is contested or uncontested.

An uncontested divorce is when both spouses agree on all the major issues involved. These types of divorce cases can take as little as 3 months to finalize. Whereas a contested divorce typically takes between 9 months to 18 months.

Get a jump start on your case by contacting us for a consultation. No two cases are ever alike. We’d be happy to review your case and give you our feedback on just how long it would take our legal experts at Fulmer Law, P.A. to have your case finalized.