Divorce Lawyer in Sarasota
Sophisticated Board-Certified Divorce Counsel in Bradenton & Southwest Florida
Divorce can be one of the most stressful experiences you will face in life. Separating yourself emotionally, financially, and physically from a spouse can be difficult at best. The Sarasota divorce lawyers at Schipani Law Group, P.A. understand the complexity and difficulty of filing for separation or divorce. At our law firm in Sarasota, FL, our family law lawyers help clients through every step of the divorce process, from the initial filing of paperwork to all the steps toward building a new life.
To help you in this endeavor, you will have the counsel of one of our founding family law attorneys, Phil Schipani, who is Board-Certified in Family and Matrimonial Law by The Florida Bar. This distinction, awarded to fewer than 300 attorneys in Florida, requires extensive education and testing. Divorce Attorney Schipani’s considerable knowledge in this field gives us the upper hand in resolving any issues you may encounter. Our divorce lawyers provide not only strong representation but also excellent client service. When you work with our family law firm, you will always work with an attorney and will not be handed off to a paralegal. Our divorce lawyers respond promptly to your communication within 24 hours. In our personable, relaxed atmosphere, we treat every client as a valued family member.
Reach Out to a Divorce Lawyer in Sarasota at (941) 499-8154 to Discuss Your Situation and Gain a Better Understanding of Your Divorce. Or Contact Us Online Through Our Request Form.
Divorce Issues We Handle in Sarasota, Florida
At Schipani Law Group, P.A., our Sarasota family law lawyers handle all aspects of divorce, no matter how complex they may seem. When you first speak with a Sarasota divorce attorney from our firm, we can help you understand which of the following issues are likely to be part of your case and how Florida law may apply to your circumstances.
Family law issues can include:
- Property and debt distribution: We have experience in complex asset division, including high-net-worth divorce and business valuation and division.
- Alimony: If you need to seek alimony or pay it, we can help determine the optimal amount.
- Child support and child custody: These issues are often contentious, and our lawyers can help you reach positive solutions.
- Same-sex divorce, which often has more complications regarding family law matters, and which our law firm can help you safely resolve.
If you and your spouse can agree on all issues or where there are no children, dependents, or property, your divorce may be a simple, uncontested one that can proceed much faster. All divorces in Florida are based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. This is known as a no-fault divorce, as it does not depend on proving that either spouse engaged in any type of marital misconduct. Florida adopted the pure no-fault rule for divorce in 1971.
In divorce cases where you and your spouse cannot agree on custody, child support, alimony, or the equitable division of marital property and debts, your divorce will take longer. The Sarasota court will be required to step in and make these decisions for you based on your individual circumstances and what it deems is in the best interests of all parties. The court’s decisions will be based on evidence presented by both sides as well as public policy and state guidelines. Factors such as adultery and other marital misconduct may affect such family law matters as child custody and property division.
When you meet with a Sarasota divorce attorney at our firm, we can walk you through how these issues typically play out in the local courts and help you identify which areas are most likely to be contested in your situation.
Because your case will likely be heard in the family divisions of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit serving Sarasota County, it is important to work with someone who regularly appears in these courts and understands how local judges apply Florida family law in day-to-day practice.
Keep Control Over Your Divorce
One of the most frightening aspects of a divorce is putting your future in the hands of the court. Fortunately, there is an alternative to this: collaborative divorce. At Schipani Law Group, P.A., our divorce lawyers serving Sarasota, FL, can represent you in your collaborative divorce, advocating for the resolution that protects your best interests. As a result, you can remain in control of the process and your future with us.
In a collaborative divorce, both parties work together to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution to property distribution, alimony, and other issues. The benefits of collaborative divorce include:
- Keeping your separation or divorce private
- Creating a property agreement peacefully
- Maintaining good relations with your ex
- Working together as a family, which is particularly beneficial if you have children
How We Guide You Through the Florida Divorce Process
Many people begin the divorce process unsure of what to expect at each stage, which can add to the stress and confusion they already feel. We take time at the outset to explain how a typical case moves from filing a petition in the Sarasota County courthouse through financial disclosures, negotiations, and, if needed, a final hearing. By understanding each step in advance, you can make informed decisions and work more effectively with your Sarasota divorce attorney instead of feeling like the process is happening to you.
As your case progresses, we help you gather and organize the documents the court requires, such as financial affidavits, pay stubs, tax returns, and records of assets and debts. We also discuss settlement options early so you can weigh the benefits of mediation or negotiated agreements against the time and expense of litigation. When disputes cannot be resolved, we prepare you for hearings in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit by reviewing likely questions, courtroom procedures, and how your testimony fits into the overall presentation of your case.
Throughout this process, we stay focused on your long-term goals, whether that means protecting a business, ensuring a stable parenting schedule, or securing financial support that allows you to rebuild after divorce. We regularly update you on deadlines and court dates so there are no surprises, and we discuss the range of possible outcomes at each decision point. Our role is to provide clear legal guidance and practical advice so that every choice you make during your case supports the future you want for yourself and your family in Sarasota and the surrounding communities.
Our Sarasota Divorce Lawyers Are Trained in Collaborative Law
The state of Florida requires that lawyers who practice collaborative divorce have special training in collaborative law. Not all family law lawyers choose to undergo this training, but ours have. In fact, all three divorce attorneys at Schipani Law Group, P.A. are trained in collaborative divorce. Furthermore, Attorney Phil Schipani has been Board Certified in Matrimonial Law by the Florida Bar. Attorney Schipani underwent extensive education, training, and testing that gives him in-depth knowledge of state marital law. With this combination of board certification and collaborative law training, he has extensive experience to assist with your collaborative divorce.
When you work with a Sarasota divorce lawyer from our team on a collaborative matter, we help you prepare for each meeting, understand the legal implications of your proposals, and stay focused on long-term goals rather than short-term frustration.
We also coordinate with any neutral professionals involved in your case, such as financial professionals or mental health counselors, so that your collaborative process is efficient and productive instead of overwhelming.
Ready to Discuss Your Family Law Case and Learn More? Contact us at (941) 499-8154 to Talk to One of Our Divorce Lawyers Serving Sarasota Today.