In divorce, you need to protect yourself, your children and your assets. Whether your case involves minor children and a parenting plan with child support, significant assets to protect, or issues related to alimony, you will need experienced representation. We help clients transition in life to secure their future after marriage. We are here to help you navigate the legal system and aggressively protect your legal rights.
Divorce and Family Law In Okaloosa and Walton County
Divorce is a complicated process. It can appear to be wrapped in red tape and it is, ironically, much harder than getting married. There are numerous steps along the way, from the filing of a divorce petition to the entry of a final judgment. Some divorces are uncontested and simple, others are hotly contested and require intense litigation. Then, on top of all that, there’s the emotional impact of such a life-changing event to contend with, which is an entirely different and very personal issue. The divorce process has steps within steps that unfold over time as you build your case and present your case to the court. Together, we at the Wheeler Firm can guide you through the divorce process with confidence.
The Divorce Process
We draft all of the documentation needed to complete the divorce, guiding you every step of the way. The divorce will begin with the filing of a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. The case needs to be filed in the county where you and your spouse live, or where you lived as a married couple. Your spouse must then be served with the petition so they can file an Answer. The Answer responds to the petition by either admitting or denying the allegations contained in the petition. If the divorce is filed as an uncontested divorce (the parties agree on the terms of divorce), a Final Judgment can be entered at any time 20 days after the petition was filed. If the parties do not agree, evidence will be collected by the attorneys, mediation will occur to try and reach a settlement, and if no settlement is reached, the case will proceed to trial. At trial, the judge will decide all issues related to your case.
From this standpoint, the process may seem simple. However, a large amount of work will need to be done to gather and organize the evidence in a way that is persuasive to the judge. We’re here to help! Over many years, we have helped countless clients with all aspects of the divorce process, including child custody determinations in parenting plans, child support, equitable distribution of marital assets and liabilities, and alimony. If you want to learn more about the divorce process or any other family law case, and how the Wheeler Firm can help, please contact us.
