Sarasota Divorce Lawyers

No one gets married to go through a divorce. Despite people’s best intentions, sometimes marriages do not work out, and divorce is necessary. In these instances, there is no reason to let things get ugly or to come out holding the short end of the stick. Instead, hire a Florida divorce lawyer from Luhrsen Goldberg, who will provide you with the representation you need and deserve.

Those looking for a divorce attorney in Florida turn to Luhrsen Goldberg because they know we have extensive experience in numerous areas of family law, including the following:

Whether you seek a divorce lawyer for a dissolution of marriage, dividing up marital property, alimony, or anything in between, our team of committed professionals welcomes the opportunity to provide you with Law Powered by Women® legal assistance.

Why You Need a Florida Divorce Lawyer

Many couples head into a marriage thinking that if the relationship ever takes a turn for the worse, they will find a way to work things out amicably. The problem with this mindset is that no one can predict the future or how they will think and feel when divorce becomes necessary. During such an emotional moment, it may not be in your best interest to also try to handle a divorce by yourself.

Divorce is much more than the legal termination of a marriage. It often involves major financial decisions, questions about your future, and, if children are involved, decisions that will affect your family for years to come. Even when both spouses begin the process with the best intentions, disagreements can arise over parenting arrangements, property division, support obligations, or other important issues. Having an experienced attorney by your side helps ensure that your rights and interests remain protected throughout every stage of the process.

Divorce attorneys are beneficial when trying to navigate the challenges that come with getting divorced in Florida. One day your spouse is your best friend, and the next, they seek to come out on the winning end of a divorce. You may be being taken advantage of during this sensitive time or you may not know if you can trust that the other spouse’s plans and proposals. Divorce lawyers can help lead the way to a potentially happier and importantly better understood future if you provide them with the opportunity to do so.

At Luhrsen Goldberg, we understand that every divorce is different. Some couples simply need assistance preparing legal documents and finalizing an agreement, while others face complicated disputes involving substantial assets, business interests, retirement accounts, or contested parenting matters. Regardless of the complexity of your case, our attorneys work to develop legal strategies tailored to your goals while providing compassionate guidance through what can be one of life’s most challenging transitions.

An experienced Florida divorce lawyer can also help you anticipate potential issues before they become costly problems. By addressing financial concerns, gathering the necessary documentation, and developing a thoughtful legal strategy early in the process, you may avoid unnecessary delays and better position yourself for a favorable outcome.

Grounds for Divorce in Florida

No grounds, other than that your marriage is broken, for divorce are needed in Florida because it is a no-fault divorce state. Often referred to as a dissolution of marriage, a divorce in Florida is usually approached in one of two ways. Divorces are typically uncontested or contested.

Under Florida law, one spouse generally only needs to state that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” in order to begin the divorce process. Florida does not require a spouse to prove adultery, abandonment, or other wrongdoing before a court can grant a divorce. While misconduct may still be relevant in limited circumstances involving finances and parenting, the focus of the court is generally on reaching a fair resolution rather than assigning blame.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce is less expensive, less stressful, and involves less time in court. These types of divorces also conclude much faster than contested ones. What makes a divorce uncontested? The divorce is uncontested when both spouses agree on all the divorce terms (e.g., child custody, child support, alimony, etc.). There is much less back and forth, and both parties are happy with the outcome.

Although uncontested divorces are generally more straightforward, they still require careful preparation. Agreements regarding property, support, and parenting responsibilities and time sharing need to be clearly written to avoid misunderstandings or disputes in the future. Having a Sarasota divorce attorney review or prepare these documents can help ensure that they comply with Florida law and accurately reflect the parties’ intentions.

An uncontested divorce also allows couples to maintain greater control over the outcome of their case. Rather than asking a judge to resolve disagreements, spouses work together to create solutions that best fit their family’s unique circumstances. This often results in lower legal costs, faster resolutions, and less emotional stress for everyone involved. 

Simplified dissolutions are an option for divorcing couples who have no minor children, aren’t seeking alimony and agree as to who to divide marital property. 

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce is the opposite of an uncontested divorce. In this situation, the spouses cannot agree on divorce terms. They might disagree on how much time each parent spends with their child, how much alimony is appropriate, who gets the house, or other sensitive topics. A divorce lawyer in Florida can help resolve these issues and keep the divorce moving in the right direction. When spouses are at odds with one another, a Florida divorce attorney is beneficial because they can provide the perspective of someone who is not emotionally blinded by the situation.

Contested divorces may also involve disagreements over the valuation of businesses, retirement accounts, investment portfolios, or other significant assets. In some situations, financial experts, appraisers, or forensic accountants may be necessary to help determine the value of marital property or investigate complex financial issues. Our attorneys work closely with qualified professionals when needed to protect our clients’ interests.

In some cases, couples are fortunate to settle their divorce outside the courtroom with the help of divorce attorneys. This is the ideal situation because it helps expedite the process and decrease the chances of decisions being made outside of your control.

Settling Your Divorce Outside of the Courtroom

A tiny percentage of divorces go to trial. The overwhelming majority are settled before reaching a courtroom. One of the biggest reasons for this is that people want to control their future. They do not want to leave important decisions like how much time they spend with their child up to a judge.

Judges generally do not have the time to get to know spouses personally. The judges consider the facts of the case and decide based on this information. A divorce attorney in Florida that you hire will know you much better and grasp what matters to you. Therefore, it is often in your best interest to do what you can to ensure your divorce is settled outside the courtroom. Part of this process is identifying and valuing assets.

Many Florida courts encourage spouses to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation before proceeding to trial. Mediation gives both parties an opportunity to discuss contested issues with the assistance of a neutral third party. While the mediator does not make decisions for the couple, they can facilitate productive conversations and help identify solutions that both spouses can accept.

Settling a divorce outside of court often provides several important advantages. In addition to saving time and money, negotiated settlements are typically less stressful than litigation. They also allow spouses to craft creative solutions that fit their family’s needs rather than relying on a judge who has limited knowledge of their circumstances.

Of course, settlement is not appropriate in every case. If one spouse refuses to negotiate in good faith or significant disputes can’t be resolved, litigation may become necessary. At Luhrsen Goldberg, our Sarasota divorce attorneys strive to resolve cases efficiently whenever possible while preparing to advocate aggressively for our clients in court if that is the best path forward.

Understanding the Florida Divorce Process

Many people are unsure of what to expect once they decide to file for divorce. While every case is different, most divorces follow a similar process.

The divorce process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court (covering cases in Sarasota, Manatee or DeSoto counties) or appropriate circuit court. The other spouse is then formally served with the petition and has an opportunity to respond. Early in the case, both parties are typically required to exchange financial information and complete mandatory financial disclosures.

If children are involved, the spouses will also need to address parenting responsibilities, time-sharing schedules, and child support. In most cases, mediation is required before a case can go to trial.

When the spouses are able to reach an agreement on all outstanding issues, those agreements are incorporated into a written settlement agreement that is presented to the court for approval. If agreements cannot be reached, the unresolved matters will ultimately be decided by a judge.

Although every divorce has its own timeline, having experienced legal counsel can help you keep your case moving efficiently while avoiding unnecessary delays. Our Sarasota divorce lawyers can help you understand the process and will advocate for you throughout your divorce.

Identifying and Valuing Assets and Liabilities in a Florida Divorce

A vital component of any Florida divorce proceeding is identifying and valuing marital property and deciding how best to split them between the two individuals seeking a divorce. Hiding assets is problematic.  Among other consequences are that an unequal division of marital property could be awarded; civil or criminal contempt orders could be entered or a final judgment could be set aside.  

At the beginning of the divorce, both parties will have to fill out what is called a financial disclosure form. The purpose of this document is to itemize all assets you own. These assets include stocks, bonds, individual retirement accounts, 401ks, savings accounts, checking and savings accounts, real estate, investments, intellectual property, businesses, and more.

The financial disclosure form should include assets in your name and those in your and your spouse’s names. After disclosing everything, the marital assets are valued based on current markets. Sometimes, a financial expert may have to get involved in assigning a value to certain items where the value is not apparent.

Accurately identifying marital assets is one of the most important aspects of any divorce. In some cases, determining whether property is considered marital or non-marital can be complicated. For example, one spouse may have owned certain property before the marriage, but some portion of its value may be subject to division. Likewise, retirement accounts, investment portfolios, and business interests often require careful analysis to determine what portion was accumulated during the marriage.

Florida follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means that marital assets and debts are divided fairly based on the circumstances of each case. Fair does not always mean an exact 50/50 split. Courts may consider a variety of factors when determining what constitutes an equitable distribution, including each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, the length of the marriage, the economic circumstances of each party, and other relevant considerations.

Contact Luhrsen Goldberg for a Florida Divorce Lawyer

Those looking for a Florida divorce lawyer for a dissolution of marriage turn to Luhrsen Goldberg. Our team of committed divorce attorneys is committed to fighting hard for our clients and putting our life experiences, perspectives, and skills to work for you. 

We recognize that no two divorces are exactly alike. Some clients are focused on protecting their relationship with their children, while others are primarily concerned with preserving financial security or resolving complex property issues. Whatever your priorities may be, we take the time to understand your goals and develop a legal strategy designed to help you move forward with confidence.

From your initial consultation through the final resolution of your case, you can expect honest advice, responsive communication, and dedicated advocacy from a legal team committed to protecting your interests every step of the way.

We welcome the opportunity to provide you with Law Powered by Women® legal assistance. Contact us today so we can help you with your case.

Why Choose Luhrsen Goldberg for a Divorce Case?

Founded in 2016 by Julie S. Luhrsen, Esq. and Christina A. Goldberg, Esq., Luhrsen Goldberg is a woman-owned and led boutique law practice. We are committed to fighting hard for our clients and putting our life experiences, perspectives, and skills to work for you.

When you choose Luhrsen Goldberg, you receive more than legal representation. You gain trusted advocates who understand the personal and financial challenges that often accompany divorce. We believe that informed clients make better decisions, which is why we take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and provide practical guidance throughout the legal process.