Tampa Family Lawyer

The Faulkner Law Group maintains a comprehensive family law practice in Tampa, Clearwater and throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas and neighboring counties. As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator and qualified Parenting Coordinator, Tampa family attorney David Faulkner has the skill, temperament, and experience to handle your most important, pressing and sensitive family law matter. Call the experienced Tampa family lawyers at Faulkner Law Group for help with divorce, separation, paternity, modifications and other family law issues in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco or Polk County.

Family law in Tampa encompasses a range of legal matters that impact family relationships, from divorce and child custody to paternity and adoption. At Faulkner Law Group, PLLC, we understand that navigating these matters can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, knowledgeable legal support to help clients resolve family issues as smoothly and favorably as possible.

Common Family Law Issues in Florida

Family law in Tampa involves several common legal issues that impact families in various ways:

• Divorce: The process of ending a marriage can be complex, involving the division of assets, debts, alimony, and other critical considerations. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning couples can file for divorce without proving wrongdoing.
• Child Custody and Support: Determining child custody and support arrangements can be one of the most emotionally charged aspects of family law. Florida courts focus on the child’s best interests, considering factors like each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment, the child’s relationship with each parent, and each parent’s mental and physical health.
• Paternity: Establishing paternity can impact a father’s rights regarding custody, visitation, and child support. For mothers, it can ensure the legal recognition of the father and enable child support. Faulkner Law Group assists with the necessary legal steps to establish or dispute paternity.
• Adoption: Adoption is a meaningful way to grow a family, but it also involves a series of legal steps, including background checks, home studies, and court hearings. Florida has specific adoption laws to protect the rights of all parties, including birth parents, adoptive parents, and the child.
• Domestic Violence and Protective Orders: Domestic violence cases are sensitive and require immediate legal intervention. Protective orders can be issued to protect victims from further harm, but these cases also need experienced guidance to ensure legal rights are preserved.
• Adoption
• Alimony
• Alimony Modification
• Annulment
• Child Custody
• Child Custody Modification
• Child Relocation
• Child Support
• Child Support Modification
• Collaborative Divorce
• Contempt & Enforcement
• Contested Divorce
• Divorce
• Domestic Violence Injunction
• Fathers Rights
• Grandparents Rights
• High Net Worth Divorce
• Mediation
• Military Divorce
• Paternity
• Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
• Property & Asset Division
• Same Sex Divorce
• Timesharing/Parenting Plans
• Uncontested Divorce

The Tampa Family Court Process

The family court process in Tampa follows structured procedures designed to handle these sensitive matters fairly and efficiently:

1. Filing a Petition: The process begins with filing a petition that formally requests the court’s intervention. For instance, this could be a petition for divorce, custody, or child support.
2. Serving Papers and Response: The respondent is served with the petition and has the opportunity to respond, acknowledging the legal request and outlining their stance on the matter.
3. Mediation and Negotiation: In many cases, Tampa family courts encourage mediation to settle issues outside the courtroom. Mediation can be particularly effective in divorce and custody cases, helping parents find common ground without the need for a trial.
4. Court Hearings: If parties cannot reach an agreement through mediation, the case may go to court. Family law cases may involve multiple hearings to address interim issues, like temporary custody or support, before a final judgment is issued.
5. Final Judgment: After hearing all evidence and arguments, the court will issue a final judgment. This judgment will resolve all outstanding issues, and its terms must be followed by all involved parties.
6. Post-Judgment Modifications: Family circumstances change, and sometimes legal arrangements need adjustments. Tampa courts allow for post-judgment modifications in cases like child custody, support, and alimony to accommodate significant life changes.

Why Choose Our Skilled Tampa Family Law Firm?

A good family law firm should be able to provide clients with the guidance, support, and representation they need to navigate the legal system and achieve their desired outcomes. A good family law firm should have a team of experienced and knowledgeable attorneys who specialize in the areas of law that are relevant to the clients case. Strong communication should be a key feature of a good law firm, with clear and open lines of communication with clients, providing regular updates and responding promptly to inquiries. Professionalism should be a key feature, conducting themselves in a professional and ethical manner, following the rules and regulations set by the legal profession. A strong track record is important, with a history of winning cases and achieving favorable outcomes for clients. Accessibility is crucial, making themselves accessible to clients, offering flexible scheduling options and being responsive to client needs.

A qualified family law firm should also be able to provide tailored service, taking into account the individual needs and goals of each client. Cost effectiveness is also important, providing a fair pricing structure and being transparent about costs. Our Tampa family law attorneys check all these boxes, and have the resources and network to provide comprehensive service to their clients.

Filing for Divorce in Florida

When filing for divorce, there are several steps you should take:

1. Gather necessary documents: You will need to provide financial information, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements. You should also gather any documents related to your marriage, such as your marriage certificate.
2. Consult with a lawyer: It is highly recommended that you consult with a lawyer before filing for divorce. A lawyer can advise you on the legal process and help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
3. Choose the appropriate grounds for divorce: Different states have different grounds for divorce, so you will need to choose the one that applies to your situation. Some common grounds include no-fault (irreconcilable differences) and fault-based (adultery, cruelty, desertion, etc.)
4. File the divorce petition: Once you have gathered the necessary documents and have consulted with a lawyer, you can file the divorce petition with the court. This will initiate the legal process.
5. Serve the divorce papers: Once the petition is filed, the other party must be served with the divorce papers. This can be done by a process server or through mail with acknowledgement of receipt.
6. Wait for the required time: In most states, there is a waiting period before a divorce can be granted. This can be as short as a few days or as long as a few months.
7. Attend court hearing: Depending on the state, you may be required to attend a court hearing or mediation session.
8. Wait for a final judgment of divorce: Once all the requirements are met, a final judgment of divorce will be issued by the court, legally ending your marriage.

Keep in mind that the process and requirements may vary, so it’s important to check with your lawyer to understand what applies to your case.

How Faulkner Law Group, PLLC Can Help

At Faulkner Law Group, PLLC, we are deeply committed to helping clients through the Tampa family court system with understanding and professionalism. Our team offers tailored legal solutions to meet the unique needs of each client, providing support with:

Personalized Guidance: Every family law case is unique, so we focus on understanding your specific goals and circumstances. Whether negotiating a custody agreement or addressing a contentious divorce, we strive to deliver personalized strategies.

Strong Advocacy: In court or negotiations, Faulkner Law Group, PLLC represents clients with skill and dedication. We aim to protect your rights and interests, whether you’re facing an initial family law case or a post-judgment modification.

Clear Communication: Family law can be complex, and we make it a priority to communicate clearly and keep you informed every step of the way. Our clients know they can count on us for honest, straightforward advice and responsive communication.

With years of experience handling Tampa family law cases, Faulkner Law Group, PLLC is here to help you through each stage of the family court process, prioritizing your well-being and the best interests of your family. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve a fair, favorable outcome in your family law matter.

Help with All Your Tampa Family Law Needs

Tampa family law attorney David Faulkner is a Florida Supreme Court Certified family law mediator and a qualified parenting coordinator helping clients through divorce, separation, paternity and related matters. For help with divorce, custody or other family law needs in Hillsborough County and surrounding areas, contact the Tampa family lawyers at Faulkner Law Group in Tampa at 813-544-3919.

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