Family dynamics are complicated. Families change and our lives have to adjust, for better or worse. It’s deeply satisfying, and sometimes heartbreaking, but it’s an aspect of life that can help you thrive and give you purpose. There may come a time when you have to protect yourself and your family, and you may have to do it with the help of an attorney. That’s where the Wheeler Firm comes in. We help clients transition to meet the needs of their family, whether it is a divorce, adoption, estate planning, Medicaid issue or a probate case, we’re here to help you navigate the legal system and to 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 emotional consequences aside, the divorce process has steps within steps that unfold over time as you build your case and delve into the evidence. Together, we at the Wheeler Firm can help you dive into the divorce process with confidence.
As a soon-to-be divorcee, you need to know your rights and what the process is that you’re looking into. To educate yourself, you can utilize the brief outline below.
Filing For Divorce
We draft all of the documentation needed to pursue the divorce, and guide you along every step of the way.
First, the divorce will begin with the filing of a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. It typically needs to be filed in the county where you and your spouse live or lived as a married couple, or the county where you live. The other spouse must then be served with the petition. The other spouse then files an Answer or a Counter-Petition, which either disagrees with or denies the allegations contained in the Petition, or admits them. A Final Judgment can be entered at any time 20 days after the petition was filed, if the parties agree to the terms of the divorce. 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 ready to help! Over many years, we have also helped countless clients with custody and child support modifications, child support enforcement or contempt cases, domestic violence injunctions, and paternity actions. If you want to learn more about the divorce process or any other family law case, and how the Wheeler Firm can help, please reach out to us.
