Divorce & Family Law in Florida

Trust Givens Law Group for Experienced Representation

At the Givens Law Group, we understand that marriage dissolution can be a very difficult time for you and your family. That is why we have dedicated our legal practice to serving families and individuals who have family law and divorce issues throughout Florida.

Both founding partners, Christian Givens and Stann Givens, are listed in Best Lawyers of America, Super Lawyers and have been chair of the Hillsborough County Bar Association Family Law Section. Givens Law Group has been selected to be listed in "Best Law Firms" by U.S. News. Stann was honored by the Family Law Inn of Tampa when in March 2015, they permanently renamed the organization after him – The Stann W. Givens Family Law Inn. He was also recently honored by the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court where he received the Professionalism Award which is presented annually to only one private practice attorney. He is a former chair of the Florida Bar Board-Certification Committee for Marital and Family Law. Our attorneys are known throughout the region for their professionalism, ethics, and passion for their clients. Givens Law Group fights for its clients like family.

Our lawyers have extensive experience and knowledge in the legal aspects of divorce, including the following:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Enforcement
• Property division
• Grounds for dissolution
• High net worth divorce
• Divorce mediation
• Collaborative divorce
• Divorce modification

Texas Divorce Laws

In Texas, a divorce, legally known as "dissolution of marriage," is a legal process through which a marriage is terminated by a court order. It involves resolving issues such as property division, child custody, visitation, and support.

Texas allows for "no-fault" divorce, meaning neither spouse has to prove wrongdoing by the other. At least one spouse must have been a resident of Texas for six months and a resident of the county where the divorce is filed for at least 90 days before filing.

Here's a general outline of the divorce process in Texas:

• Filing the Petition: One spouse (the petitioner) initiates the divorce process by filing a petition for divorce with the appropriate district court. The petition sets forth the grounds for divorce, requests for property division, child custody (if applicable), child support, and any other relevant issues.
• Serving the Other Spouse: After filing the petition, the petitioner must serve the other spouse (the respondent) with a copy of the petition and a citation, which notifies them of the divorce action and their right to respond. Service can be accomplished through personal delivery by a process server or sheriff, or by certified mail with return receipt requested.
• Response: The respondent has a certain period (usually around 20-30 days) to file a response to the petition, either admitting or denying the allegations and stating their own requests for relief.
• Temporary Orders (if necessary): If there are urgent matters such as child custody, support, or temporary spousal support that need to be addressed before the finalization of the divorce, either spouse can request temporary orders from the court to address these issues until the divorce is finalized.
• Discovery: Both spouses exchange information and documents relevant to the divorce, including financial records, property valuations, and other evidence that may impact the outcome of the case. This process helps ensure transparency and fairness in the division of assets and determination of support obligations.
• Negotiation/Mediation: Spouses may attempt to reach agreements on the terms of the divorce, including property division, child custody, and support, through negotiation or mediation. Mediation is often required in Texas divorces and can help parties resolve disputes more amicably and efficiently.
• Trial (if necessary): If spouses are unable to reach agreements on all issues, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge will hear evidence and arguments from both sides and make decisions on unresolved matters. However, the majority of divorce cases in Texas are resolved through settlement rather than trial.
• Final Decree of Divorce: If the parties reach agreements on all issues or the court issues a final judgment after trial, the court will enter a final decree of divorce. This document legally terminates the marriage and sets forth the terms of the divorce, including property division, child custody, visitation, and support arrangements.
• Post-Divorce Matters: After the divorce is finalized, both parties must comply with the terms of the final decree. However, post-divorce issues may arise, such as enforcement of court orders or modification of custody or support arrangements, which may require further legal action.

How We Can Help

Many individuals who are facing divorce have questions and concerns about the process and what can be expected. You might also be wondering about how your children will fare while you and your spouse work out your divorce agreement. Our legal team will be able to meet with you to learn about your situation in order to discuss how they can best serve you and your family.

We believe in approaching each divorce in a solution-oriented manner. We will always strive to work together with your spouse and his or her attorney in order to achieve agreement in the smoothest possible manner. It is important to remember, however, that sometimes even the best efforts at negotiation and collaboration are met with resistance. In cases like these, you can count on your attorney at Givens Law Group to provide you with excellent and skilled trial representation.

Contact Givens Law Group today at (813) 328-6159 if you are considering divorce in Florida.