Family Law Attorney in South Florida, FL
Family legal matters touch the most personal parts of your life, and the emotional weight can make it hard to see a clear path forward. Whether you are going through a divorce, establishing paternity, or in a custody dispute, the decisions made now will shape your family’s future for years to come. Taking informed action with the right family law attorney today puts you in a far stronger position than waiting and hoping that concerns resolve on their own.
How Gonzalez & Associates, PLLC Advocates for You
Founding attorney Orlando Gonzalez brings more than 28 years of experience negotiating resolutions and trying cases in the courtroom, with a track record of successful outcomes across a wide range of family law matters. Our team works closely with every client to make sure their interests are protected at each stage of the process:
- Conducting thorough case evaluations and identifying legal options
- Building personalized strategies based on your family’s specific circumstances
- Handling all filings, motions, and court appearances on your behalf
- Communicating directly with opposing counsel to pursue favorable terms
- Preparing you for hearings, depositions, and mediation sessions
- Keeping you informed with regular case updates and honest assessments
Family law matters in West Palm Beach are handled through the Family Division of the 15th Judicial Circuit, where cases involving divorce, time-sharing, child support, and alimony are subject to Florida-specific statutes and local procedural requirements that make experienced local counsel a significant advantage. There are currently 8 circuit court judges that are assigned to the family division. It is critical that you choose a lawyer that has extensive experience in the courtroom.
Divorce and Asset Division
Florida is an equitable distribution state, which means marital property is divided fairly based on the circumstances rather than split down the middle automatically. Several factors influence how assets and debts are allocated between spouses:
- Length of the marriage and each spouse’s economic contributions
- Earning capacity and financial resources of both parties
- Contributions to homemaking and child-rearing
- Intentional dissipation or waste of marital assets
- Business interests, retirement accounts, and investment holdings
Custody and Visitation
Florida courts use the term time-sharing rather than traditional custody language, and every decision centers on what arrangement best serves the child’s interests. Factors like each parent’s moral fitness, the stability of each home environment, and the child’s relationship with both parents all carry significant weight in these determinations.
Child Support
Florida calculates child support using an income shares model that accounts for both parents’ earnings and the amount of overnight time-sharing each parent has. Additional expenses factor into the final obligation:
- Health insurance premiums for the child
- Daycare and work-related childcare costs
- Uncovered medical and dental expenses
- Educational needs and extracurricular activities
Alimony
Spousal support in Florida is not guaranteed and requires a careful evaluation of each spouse’s financial circumstances. Under Florida Statute § 61.08, courts examine factors such as the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the relationship, and each party’s age, health, and earning capacity before awarding alimony.
Post-Judgment Modifications
Court orders are not always permanent, and life changes may necessitate adjustments. Whether there’s a major change in income, a relocation, or evolving needs of your child, Florida law allows either party to request modifications to time-sharing, support, or alimony when justified.
Trust Our South Florida Family Law Attorney to Find A Customized Solution For You
Is a family law issue affecting your peace of mind and your ability to plan for the future? Unresolved legal matters only grow more complicated with time, and early action gives you more options to work with.
Contact Gonzalez & Associates, PLLC to schedule a free initial consultation with a family law lawyer in Florida who will listen to your concerns, lay out a strategy tailored to your goals, and work toward the resolution your family needs.
