When families change, the emotional impact on every member of the family can make it difficult to make sound decisions. Our family law attorneys in Tampa have the expertise to guide clients through the legal issues and court proceedings that resolve those family changes. From adopting a child, to negotiating and drafting premarital agreements and navigating the legal process of dissolving a marriage, the law office of Ivan T. Lenoir II PA will provide invaluable advice and advocacy to families undergoing change. Our family attorneys understand that divorce need not result in financial disaster and are dedicated to preventing financial upheaval through the legal process. After a divorce, our family law attorneys represent clients frequently in matters involving a change of custody, modification of visitation, and support issues that affect clients’ relationships with their children and their former spouses.

Often, the following are an issue in a divorce situation:

Child Support

Child support is determined by a guidelines worksheet pre-determined by the State of Florida. The guidelines worksheet is based on the monthly income of both parents and the number of children by the parties. Read more about Child Support here.

Child Custody

According to the law in Florida, a judge will look at the best interests of the child in determining which party shall have primary care of the minor children. Issue of visitation and the extent of contact between the parents will also be determined in any custody proceedings.

Alimony Alimony can be permanent or rehabilitative. In determining a proper award of alimony or maintenance, the court may consider adultery and other circumstances in their award. The following alimony guidelines are established under Florida laws:

• The standard of living established during the marriage.
• The duration of the marriage.
• The age and the physical and emotional condition of each party.
• The financial resources of each party, the non-marital and the marital assets and liabilities distributed to each.
• When applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable such party to find appropriate employment.
• The contribution of each party to the marriage, including but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other party.
• All sources of income available to either party.

Distribution of Assets

In Florida, assets are distributed equitably, meaning that the court will presume that the parties will divide assets equally amongst each other. With that said, the court will also consider any evidence from either party tending to show that one party may have more of an entitlement to one asset than the other party.