Tampa Uncontested Divorce Lawyer

Assisting Clients With Uncontested Divorce Matters in Florida

If you and your spouse agree that a divorce is the best option moving forward, then you may want to consider filing for an uncontested divorce. This way, you can avoid unnecessary arguments, considerably speed up the legal process and hit the ground running as you move on to the next phase of your life. However, filing for an uncontested divorce doesn’t mean that the wrong phrasing in your paperwork or a piece of information you glossed over won’t have a devastating impact on your life sometime in the future – hiring an experienced divorce attorney can help you make sure everything is in order and avoid any unforeseen and unfortunate consequences.

Just because you agree with your soon to be ex-spouse doesn’t mean that you should neglect taking measures to protect yourself from unforeseen consequences. At Robert Sparks Attorneys, our Tampa divorce attorneys have spent decades providing families and individuals with the passionate and knowledgeable legal representation they need to secure the beneficial outcome they deserve. No matter how far into the divorce process you are, our attorneys are ready to discuss your case and help you prepare for your future.

Call us today at (813) 710-4816 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our uncontested divorce attorney in Tampa.

Do I Qualify For An Uncontested Divorce?

In order to qualify for an uncontested divorce in Florida, you and your spouse must meet a number of criteria. The first of which is that you must have lived in Florida for at least six months. In addition, you and your spouse must:

• Agree that your marriage is beyond repair.
• Have no children under the age of 18, children who are still dependents, and neither you nor your spouse can be pregnant.
• Agree as to how all assets and liabilities will be divided.
• Neither you nor spouse may seek alimony.
• Neither you nor your spouse can ask for financial information beyond what is available in the financial affidavits.
• Both you and your spouse must be willing to give up your rights to trial and to appeal the final decision.
• Both you and your spouse must be willing to sign the petition in the clerk’s office, not necessarily at the same time.
• Both you and your spouse must be willing to go to the final hearing together.

What If I Change My Mind?

Uncontested divorces may move faster than contested divorces, but they still take time to process and complete. If, at any point during the process before signing the final papers you change your mind and choose to fight to change the terms of your divorce, it is within your power to do so. While it’s in your best interest to hire legal representation to help you throughout your uncontested divorce, it becomes even more important to have an attorney by your side when you chose to change to a contested divorce.

What are the Benefits of Choosing an Uncontested Divorce?

Opting for an uncontested divorce offers numerous benefits, particularly when both parties are committed to an amicable separation. Most significantly, it tends to be less costly than a contested divorce, as it reduces the need for prolonged legal consultations and court hearings. Couples in Tampa who pursue uncontested divorces can often complete the process in a shorter time frame, allowing them to move forward quicker compared to those who undergo litigation.

Additionally, the privacy maintained in uncontested divorce proceedings is another benefit. Since fewer court documents are involved, and negotiations often occur outside the courtroom, personal and financial details remain more confidential. This is especially beneficial in a community-conscious environment like Tampa, where maintaining personal privacy can be a priority. Working with Robert Sparks Attorneys, clients can ensure they are comprehensively informed about their rights and obligations, facilitating a process that respects both parties' interests.

Steps to Filing for an Uncontested Divorce 

Filing for an uncontested divorce in Tampa involves several steps designed to streamline the separation process. Firstly, both spouses must draft a marital settlement agreement detailing their consensus on asset division, child custody, and other pertinent matters. This agreement is the cornerstone of an uncontested divorce and should be prepared with careful consideration and legal advice.

Next, the completed agreement, along with a petition for dissolution of marriage, is submitted to the local family court. Hillsborough County provides resources through its Family Law Self-Help Program to assist with these filings. Parties must include proof of residency, such as a Florida driver’s license or voter registration, to demonstrate their eligibility for divorce in the state. Once filed, the court reviews the documentation to ensure compliance with Florida laws and schedules a final hearing to complete the divorce process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take?

The duration of an uncontested divorce in Tampa largely depends on the complexity of the issues and the court's schedule. Generally, once all paperwork is correctly filed and both parties comply with required legal procedures, the process can take between four to six weeks. However, delays can occur if there are errors in the documentation or if either party alters the original agreement. At Robert Sparks Attorneys, we assist clients in expediting this process by ensuring all requisite documents are complete and accurate.

Are There Any Financial Considerations For An Uncontested Divorce?

In Tampa and more broadly in Florida, the equitable distribution of assets is a guiding principle during divorce. This means that while property and assets acquired during the marriage should be divided fairly, it may not always result in an equal split. Factors such as each spouse’s contribution to the marriage, the duration of the marriage, and each party's economic circumstances are considered. Our attorneys help clients understand how this principle may apply to their specific situation and guide them in negotiations to achieve fair outcomes.

Does Filing for an Uncontested Divorce Affect Alimony?

In an uncontested divorce, both parties must mutually decide on alimony agreements, which can be included in the marital settlement agreement. Alimony in Tampa, like the rest of Florida, aims to limit any unfair economic impact on either party post-divorce. During negotiations, several factors are considered, including the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial standing, and their standard of living during the marriage. Working with our legal team ensures that all relevant factors are judiciously evaluated, and fair agreements are reached, reflecting both parties' interests.

Contact Our Uncontested Divorce Attorney in Tampa Today

Our Tampa divorce lawyers at Robert Sparks Attorneys have dedicated their careers to providing individuals and families with the legal representation they need to secure the most beneficial outcome. With decades of collective experience, you can rest easy knowing that your case is in capable hands. Whether you are deep into your divorce process or if you’ve just started to think about it, call us at (813) 606-5050 to speak with our firm today.

Contact us today to get started with our Tampa uncontested divorce lawyer.