Tampa Family Law Attorneys
While navigating any legal dispute can be stressful, family law matters can be all the more overwhelming due to their sensitive and emotional nature. When your marriage, children, or hard-earned assets are on the line, securing skilled representation is a must to avoid significant legal, financial, and personal repercussions.
At Robert Sparks Attorneys, we understand the high stakes involved in familial disputes. That’s why our family lawyers are committed to safeguarding your future in Tampa. As attorneys, our firm is well-versed in Florida law to guide your legal steps with wisdom and clarity. We recognize the life-altering impacts that family law decisions can have on your life, which is why our compassionate advocates are dedicated to giving your case the personalized attention and care it deserves.
If you’re preparing for a divorce or other family law matter in Tampa, call (813) 710-4816 to schedule a consultation with our family lawyers.
Types of Divorce in Florida
If you’re filing for divorce, you may be wondering which path to marriage dissolution is best for you. Consulting with an experienced family lawyer is paramount to choosing the appropriate type of divorce for your unique circumstances. Types of divorce in Florida include:
- Contested dissolution of marriage: In a contested divorce, one or both parties must file a petition for dissolution and potentially attend court hearings to resolve disputes regarding child custody, support, property division, and alimony. The outcome in contested divorces is determined by the judge.
- Uncontested dissolution of marriage: In an uncontested divorce, both parties must agree on all terms of the divorce, including child custody, support, property division, and alimony. This option can save time and money compared to a contested divorce, but can be tricky to qualify for due to the need for mutual agreement between couples.
- Simplified dissolution of marriage: A simplified divorce is available to couples who do not have children or significant assets and agree on all aspects of the divorce. This process involves filing a petition for simplified dissolution, attending a final hearing, and obtaining a final judgment of dissolution.
How Is Property Divided in a Tampa Divorce?
Florida is an equitable distribution state, meaning that family courts seek to divide martial property equitably in a divorce. Unlike community property states, which generally aim to divide marital assets equally, equitable distribution states aim to divide property fairly based on a variety of factors.
“Marital assets” refer to jointly owned assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property refers to property owned by one spouse. Common examples of marital property include the family home, vehicles, retirement accounts, and investment portfolios acquired during the marriage. Separate property may include inheritances, gifts from third parties, or premarital assets.
What Factors Are Considered During Equitable Distribution?
Below are some influencing factors that may affect property division in a Florida divorce:
- The length of the marriage
- Each party’s contribution to the household
- Each party’s earning potential and financial needs
- Each party’s financial contributions to the marriage
- Any waste or depletion of marital assets by either party
- Any agreements made between the parties, such as prenuptial agreements
- Each party’s non-financial contributions to the marriage, such as caring for children or managing a household
How Is Child Custody Determined in Florida?
Family courts are obligated to prioritize the child’s best interests in all child custody decisions. In Florida, family courts can take a myriad of factors into account when determining child custody decisions, including each parent’s mental and physical health, ability to provide for the child, and willingness to cooperate with the other parent.
Why Hire Robert Sparks Attorneys?
If you’re preparing for family court, securing experienced representation is essential to obtain a favorable outcome. When you partner with Robert Sparks Attorneys, you’ll benefit from:
- Legal experience: With years of experience, our highly skilled advocates have diverse legal knowledge and skills to guide your steps wisely throughout family court proceedings, maximizing your chance of securing a favorable outcome.
- Client-centric representation: At Robert Sparks Attorneys, we deeply value our relationships with every client we serve. We understand that family law matters aren't merely legal, but personal to you and your loved ones. That's why we make every effort to guide families with compassionate counsel.
- Effective negotiators: Our lawyers can negotiate skillfully with insurance companies and other involved parties to pursue a favorable settlement on your behalf, preventing insurers from taking advantage of you with lowball offers.
- Proven results: With our proven track record of results, you can trust our firm to provide sound counsel every step of the way while pursuing a favorable outcome in your case.
- Trial readiness: As accomplished litigators, our firm never shies away from a trial if necessary to achieve a fair settlement, giving you peace of mind that you won’t have to settle for less than you deserve.
Contact Our Tampa Family Lawyers Today
When it comes to protecting your family and future, don't settle for less than experienced counsel from Robert Sparks Attorneys. When you partner with us, our attorneys will take the time to listen and understand your unique needs, concerns, and goals, allowing us to provide informed guidance tailored to your specific situation. With years of experience and a proven track record of results, we can work diligently to safeguard your rights.
Family law disputes can be emotional and tedious, but you don’t have to fight alone. Contact us online to discuss your case with our Tampa family lawyers.
Our Attorneys
With decades of legal experience, the trial lawyers at Robert Sparks Attorneys have earned the respect of their peers and clients in Tampa and throughout Florida.
Strength. Trust. Results.
Read What Our Clients Say In Their Own Words.
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“The professionalism of staff, the promptness of responses to questions, and the overall guidance through the process after my accident was astounding. Rob and Garrett were absolutely AMAZING.”- Daner J.
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“I am very satisfied with the exceptional work that Robert Sparks Attorney has done for me and my case. Garrett Riley handled my case. I really appreciate how communicative and persistent he was.”- Alexis M.
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“The communication with him and his team is fantastic, and you really feel they are with you every step of the way with your case. He is very caring and understanding, and takes initiative and leads the charge with moving your case along.”- Mary A.
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“My cases both had successful outcomes and I am certain that this as a result of his knowledge and work ethic. His attention was primarily focused on my health and well being prior to anything else.”- Melissa E.
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“Although, I have to put a special highlight on Cheryl! She is one of the sweetest and most compassionate people I know. She truly cares about their clients as if they were friends and had know each other for years.”- Nicole S.
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“It was non-stop communication with both Rob and Cheryl. The road was long but this team is adamant and steadfast on their mission and dedication to each client.”- Michelle N.
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“Rob, thank you so much for helping with all of this and know that I hold you and your staff in the highest professional esteem. No matter what was thrown at us, you had an answer that countered.”- Former Client
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“Our family cannot begin to express appreciation for the legal expertise provided by attorney Robert Sparks and his team at Robert Sparks Attorneys!”- Former Client
What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Florida?
Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that couples can get divorced at any time and for any reason without having to prove fault. Common grounds for divorce include irreconcilable differences, mental incapacity, and marital misconduct.
Award-Winning Trial Attorneys
Our Attorneys Have Received Some of the Top Legal Ratings & Awards in the Nation
GET SERIOUS is more than our slogan, it’s our mission statement. With backgrounds as prosecutors, insurance defense, public defense, and law enforcement, we use our 100 years of combined experience to position your case for success.
