If you're reading this page, you're probably already in one of the hardest situations of your life. Whether you've been considering this for months or just received a shock, you have questions, and you deserve real answers. At Marc M. Cohen, P.A., the first job is to help you understand what this process looks like for your specific situation.
Understanding Divorce in Florida
Filing for divorce is one of the most consequential legal decisions you will ever make. In Florida, divorce - legally called "dissolution of marriage" - requires that at least one spouse has been a resident of the state for a minimum of six months before filing. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need to prove wrongdoing by your spouse; you only need to demonstrate that the marriage is "irretrievably broken."
At Marc M. Cohen, P.A., we understand that every divorce is unique. Whether you are facing an amicable separation or a highly contested dispute involving significant assets, child custody, and alimony, our firm provides strategic, experienced representation tailored to your specific circumstances.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues, including property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. These cases can often be resolved quickly and at lower cost, sometimes within 4-6 weeks of filing.
A contested divorce arises when spouses cannot agree on one or more issues. Contested cases may require mediation, discovery, depositions, and potentially a trial before a judge. While contested divorces take longer and cost more, having an experienced attorney is critical to protecting your rights and achieving a fair outcome.
What Happens During the Divorce Process?
The Florida divorce process generally follows these steps:
- Petition for Dissolution: One spouse files a petition with the court and serves the other spouse
- Financial Disclosure: Both parties exchange mandatory financial affidavits and supporting documentation
- Temporary Orders: If needed, the court can issue temporary orders for custody, support, and use of marital property
- Discovery: Both sides gather information through interrogatories, depositions, and document requests
- Mediation: Florida courts typically require mediation before trial - an area where Marc Cohen's certification as a mediator provides significant strategic insight
- Trial: If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial where a judge makes the final decisions
- Final Judgment: The court issues the final judgment of dissolution
Key Issues in Florida Divorce
Most divorce cases in Boca Raton and Palm Beach County involve some combination of these issues:
- Equitable Distribution - Division of marital assets and debts, including real estate, retirement accounts, investments, and business interests
- Alimony - Bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, durational, or permanent spousal support
- Child Custody (Timesharing) - Developing a parenting plan that serves the best interests of the children
- Child Support - Calculating support obligations based on Florida's statutory guidelines
Marc's MBA in Quantitative Analysis from St. John's University gives him a distinct advantage in divorce cases involving complex financial issues - business valuations, hidden assets, retirement fund division, and sophisticated property holdings require both legal expertise and financial acumen.
Protecting Your Interests in Divorce
Whether you are the spouse filing for divorce or responding to a petition, protecting your legal rights requires experienced counsel from the outset. Early mistakes - agreeing to unfair temporary arrangements, failing to identify marital assets, or making emotional decisions about custody - can have lasting consequences.
Marc M. Cohen, P.A. has helped families throughout Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale navigate the divorce process. We take the time to understand your priorities, explain your options clearly, and develop a strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Contact a Boca Raton Divorce Attorney
If you are considering divorce or have been served with divorce papers, contact Marc M. Cohen, P.A. for a free consultation. Call (561) 740-3301 or contact us online to discuss your case.
Serving Communities Throughout South Florida
Marc M. Cohen, P.A. provides experienced legal representation in communities throughout Palm Beach County and Broward County:
- Divorce Attorney in Boca Raton
- Divorce Attorney in Boynton Beach
- Divorce Attorney in Delray Beach
- Divorce Attorney in Deerfield Beach
- Divorce Attorney in Pompano Beach
- Divorce Attorney in West Palm Beach
- Divorce Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
- Divorce Attorney in Coral Springs
- Divorce Attorney in Parkland
- Divorce Attorney in Wellington
- Divorce Attorney in Lake Worth
- Divorce Attorney in Jupiter
- Divorce Attorney in Palm Beach Gardens
See also: Palm Beach County Family Law | Broward County Family Law | South Florida Family Law