Family Law Attorneys in Clearwater

Dissolution of Marriage

Serving Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties with offices also in Largo, Holiday & Palm Harbor

K. Dean Kantaras is Board Certified in Marital and Family Law by the Florida Bar

When you are divorcing in Clearwater or the surrounding Tampa Bay area, the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Kantaras & Andreopoulos can provide valuable legal insight throughout the divorce process.

A divorce can be an emotionally difficult experience and it is important to have clear guidance during every step of the legal proceedings.  With extensive knowledge of Florida marital laws, our Clearwater family law attorneys provide the skilled divorce counsel you need.

What is dissolution of marriage?

In Florida, the official term for divorce is dissolution of marriage.  Dissolution is the legal recognition by the state of the termination of a licensed marriage.  You must live in Florida for six months before you can obtain a divorce.

Florida has what is known as a no fault divorce law.  This means that neither spouse is required to prove that the other has done something wrong in order for the dissolution of the marriage to occur.  Instead, either spouse can file for divorce solely on the grounds of irreconcilable differences.  With this no fault law in place, it is easier to get divorce proceedings underway.

Currently, there are two grounds on which you may seek dissolution of marriage in Florida:

• The marriage is irretrievably broken: The husband and wife have irreconcilable differences and nothing can be done to save the relationship
• The mental incapacity of one of the parties: One spouse is deemed incapacitated for a period of at least three years prior to the divorce proceedings

How to begin your dissolution proceedings

A family law attorney in Clearwater can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as you initiate your dissolution proceedings.  Ideally, each spouse seeks separate legal representation and guidance throughout the proceedings.

There are two general ways to begin pursuing dissolution:

Simplified dissolution of marriage:

• Both partners agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken and appear in county court to sign a joint petition for dissolution
• No dependent children are involved
• The partners decide how to divide their shared property

Regular dissolution of marriage:

• Only one of the parties files a petition for dissolution of the marriage to which the other must file an answer within 20 days

Contact us for skilled divorce representation

To get your divorce underway, contact us online for a consultation with a Clearwater family law attorney at the Law Offices of Kantaras & Andreopoulos. K. Dean Kantaras is board certified in marital and family law by the Florida Bar, with offices in Clearwater, Largo, Holiday & Palm Harbor. We serve Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.