Law Offices of Lawrence J. Marraffino, P.A.
Call us at: 352-376-0102
Divorce, Child Custody and Child Support in Florida
The end of a marriage is one of the most stressful events you can go through in life. If there are children involved, it is even more stressful. At our office, we know you don't need your lawyer to add conflict and stress. We will work to a postive resolution of your case and if that cannot be accomplished, we are ready to protect your rights in court. Our goal is to protect you and to keep your legal fees as low as possible. Call Gainesville Divorce/Family Law Attorney Lawrence J. Marraffino and he will personally answer your questions.
Interested in learning more?
Divorce is never easy. It is one of the most stressful events you will ever go through in your life. In our office, we recognize this fact and will do everything we can to make it as easy for you as possible while doing everything the law allows to protect your rights. If you and your spouse have agreed on most issues, we can prepare a settlement agreement and do a "divorce without war." If you have not, we are prepared to go to court to fight for what you are entitled to under Florida law. Mr. Marraffino's 27 years of courtroom experience will be on your side.
Florida is NOT a community property state. Property is divided under a concept called "equitable distribution" which basically means that the Court will divide assets and debts to be fair to each of the parties. Generally, if you owned something before you got married, it will be yours after the divorce. Feel free to call and Mr. Marraffino, a Gainesville Family Law/Divorce attorney with over 27 years experience will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Divorce
Child Custody
Florida law strongly favors shared parental responsibility in divorce and paternity cases where parents are disuputing who should care for their child or children. This is because most psychologists agree that it is healthiest for the child whenboth parents take part in caring for their mental and physcial needs. In order to obtain an order of "sole custody" a parent must generally prove that the other parent is "unfit." This is a tough burden to carry in court. Courts want to see both parents provide a loving and caring environment to the children even if the parents themselves cannot get along. Recognizing this prior to coming to court can make your divorce much easier on you AND your children. Florida courts start with the assumption that each parent will "timeshare" equally. Of course, you are free to agree on an alternate arrangement. Call our office for further information and Mr. Marraffino will answer your questions about child custody. Mr. Marraffino is a Gainesville Divorce/Family Law attorney waiting to help you in this most diffcult time.
Child Support
Child support is awarded in Florida based upon a mathematical formula that is revised every year according to Florida law. It leaves the judge assigned to your case with very little discretion. Therefore, it is sometimes in the best interests of both parties in a divorce or paternity case to decide child support themselves rather than leave it to the judge. As long as the judge feels the child or children are adequately taken care of, the settlement will be approved. If you cannot agree, the Court will decide based on the relative incomes of the parties and the formula contained in the Florida Statutues. Child support once ordered must be paid or the non-paying party may be held in contempt of court which can include an order to serve time in jail. Mr. Marraffino can assist in enforcing exisiting child support orders as well as obtaining new ones. Call for more information.
