With 3.4 divorces per 1,000 residents in Florida, divorce can be a very stressful and sensitive issue. In addition to the emotional aspect, there are legal and financial concerns that require professional assistance. There are many divorce lawyers in Boca Raton that target different requirements.
Whether the matter involves the division of assets, custody of children, or mediation, the type of divorce lawyer has to be selected wisely. Knowing the various options of divorce lawyers will enable people to make better choices when hiring one, depending on their situation.
The Role of Divorce Lawyers
Divorce lawyer in Boca Raton represents legal parties in divorce cases, and they meditate when it comes to reaching agreements on the cases and advise their clients on the laws governing divorce. They assist in the legal procedures, facilitate agreements, and, if needed, fight cases in court on behalf of the clients.
Due to the complexity of the laws that govern divorce, lawyers need to have specialization in different areas to effectively represent their clients. In the following section, we discuss the various specialties of divorce lawyers in Boca Raton. Keep reading!
Family Law Attorney
A family law attorney offers legal representation that encompasses all legal matters associated with families, including divorce. Besides, these attorneys do not just specialize in divorce cases but also in other related fields like adoption, paternity, premarital agreements, and domestic violence, among others.
Family law attorneys in Boca Raton are considered by many as the go-to legal professionals in virtually all matters that pertain to family relationships.
Legal Support Beyond Divorce
A family law attorney is primarily helpful when a case has aspects beyond divorce. For instance, if a divorce also entails a change of child custody arrangement or the determination of spousal support, family law lawyers have adequate experience and knowledge on how to handle such issues.
Custody and Visitation Agreements
Besides divorce cases, family law lawyers are engaged in matters concerning child custody. They try to make sure custody arrangements are for the best benefit of the child and, at the same time, protect the rights of their client as a parent.
2. Child Custody Lawyer
Whenever there are children in the marriage, then matters of custody and visitation are significant concerns in a divorce. A child custody lawyer in Boca Raton focuses on defending a parent’s right to physical possession of the child or visitation rights. Its primary concern is the protection of the child and, at the same time, the rights of the parents or guardians.
Determining the Best Interests of the Child
When it comes to child custody, the main focus of determining custody is in the best interest of the child. A child custody lawyer will, therefore, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and provide a piece of solid evidence that the client is fit to be awarded custody of the child. They are good at convincing the judge or persuading the mediator to grant favorable custody terms during the mediation process.
Modifications and Enforcement
However, it is essential to understand that even after parents reach a custody agreement, situations can change. The child custody lawyer may help clients alter the existing child custody agreements or ensure that the terms are being adhered to if one of the parents is in defiance of the agreed terms.
3. High-Net-Worth Divorce Lawyer
A high net-worth divorce lawyer in Boca Raton is crucial when the stakes are high and one party possesses substantial wealth. These attorneys practice in complex divorces where the assets to be divided include houses, businesses, stocks, and pensions. Litigation in cases involving high-net-worth couples is complex and usually involves issues that are quite different from those in regular divorce cases.
Protecting Assets
A high-net-worth divorce lawyer will attempt to maintain the client’s financial position by seeking proper division of property. They may consult other professionals, for example, accountants and appraisers, to determine the value of the assets and identify the existent ones. Further, these lawyers are acquainted with prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, which are common in wealthy divorce cases.
Handling Business Ownership and Investments
When the couple decides to dissolve the marriage, business ownership complicates the process. A high-net-worth divorce lawyer appreciates the complexities of splitting business property and ensuring the client’s share in the enterprise. They can also assist in reaching other kinds of settlements which guarantee the future economic stability of the clients.
4. Mediation Attorney
A mediation attorney is very helpful in handling divorce cases through negotiations rather than going to trial. Mediation is usually considered the best method since it enables couples to come to a consensus on how best to solve their issues in the least destructive and most affordable means. A mediation attorney represents no one and helps the two parties involved in the dispute find a solution.
Facilitating Communication
Through mediation, legal representatives assist in closing the communication breakdown between divorcing couples. They help in defining the problems and create a context for the needs and concerns of both parties to be presented. Couples are usually advised by the attorney that they don’t have to go through months of trial and spend tens of thousands of dollars.
Crafting Agreements
A mediation attorney is not only a moderator and a negotiator but also a person who draws up contracts based on the parties’ choices. These agreements may include issues of property, children, and support, among other related matters. After the couple has agreed on the terms, the mediation attorney affirms that the decision made is legal and satisfactory to both parties.
5. Collaborative Divorce Lawyer
A collaborative divorce entails both spouses seeking the assistance of their individual legal representatives to settle the issues out of court. This approach is less hostile as compared to the conventional legal approach, and therefore, it is suitable for couples who want to avoid confrontation during the divorce.
Voluntary Disclosure and Negotiation
In an informed or voluntary disclosure, both spouses sign a consent and engage in the exchange of information to arrive at a resolution. Collaborative divorce attorneys do not represent their clients in lawsuits. Instead, the attorneys assist the clients in reaching agreements.
Building a Support Team
Attorneys who practice collaborative divorce may involve other professionals, including financial planners and therapists, to ensure that clients get all-around service. This team approach guarantees that all issues related to the divorce process are handled, including emotional and financial matters.
6. Litigation Divorce Lawyer
If mediation and collaboration are out of the question, a litigation divorce lawyer is needed. These attorneys take cases to trial when the parties cannot come to a consensus about specific issues like division of property, custody, and support.
Representing Clients in Court
A litigation divorce lawyer is someone who is well conversant with the court processes and legal tactics. They represent their client in court and provide the judge with information and proof, together with the right to cross-examine witnesses and argue in favor of their client. These lawyers are helpful when the divorce is protracted or when many legal issues have to be addressed.
Managing Appeals and Post-Divorce Issues
At times, a litigation divorce lawyer may also undertake an appeal or matters after the divorce, such as enforcing an order or altering the terms. This guarantees that the clients are represented well even after getting the initial divorce decree passed.
Conclusion
Divorce is a complex legal procedure that may need legal help from an expert in the field. Whether you require the services of a general family law attorney for any family-related concerns, a child custody lawyer for your parental rights, a high-net-worth divorce lawyer for complicated financial matters, or a mediation attorney to help you get a non-confrontational divorce, this knowledge of the several types of divorce lawyers can help ease the process.
All the divorce lawyer specialties in Boca Raton come with different strengths to make sure that regardless of your circumstances, there is always a divorce lawyer to cater to your needs.