Is TFD the right process for you and your family?

• You don’t want to spend your financial resources on two attorneys, whose focus may be arguing over how to divide whatever is left over (after paying their attorney fees)

• You don't want your kids to become entangled in a legal war zone

• You don’t want to get stuck in escalating conflict for years to come

• You are willing to engage in cooperative problem-solving in order to:  divide all property, finances, time-sharing with child(ren), child support, etc.

Generally, the Tampa Friendly Divorce process appeals to people who want to avoid the destructive aspects of what most people think of as a traditional, attorney-driven divorce. These couples are committed to moving through the process of divorce without retaining divorce attorneys, because they want to avoid the chaos and expense associated with doing so.  

Thus, couples come to us before any divorce paperwork has been filed with the court.  Many are middle-income people, unable or too financially stretched to invest $5,000 to $10,000+ each in attorney retainers and the legal discovery process that is part of an attorney-driven divorce.  Others have amassed substantial wealth but don’t want to divide it three ways – yours, mine, and the lawyers’. 

• You (or your spouse) need legal protection from one another.  

• Financial: If you are unaware of what the marital assets are or how much your spouse earns, and your spouse is unwilling to share this information with you.

• History of Domestic Violence: If you (or your spouse) feel intimidated as the result of past, present, or threatened future domestic violence or coercion.

• Substantial Deviation from or Waiver of Child Support:  Child support is a right of the child in Florida and, therefore, mandatory under Florida law.  This means parents can’t waive their financial obligation.  When parents divorce, Florida child support guidelines are used to determine a fair payment amount.  Of course, you can always retain a family lawyer to represent you and file a motion with the court requesting a deviation from the child support guidelines.   Note:  if there is currently a Department of Revenue (DOR) action pending, then no child support could be agreed to (back or otherwise) without DOR approval.

• Military Service:  We at Tampa Friendly Divorce recognize that we are NOT experts in the complexities of military benefits.  Therefore, if either spouse is active duty or former military (and expects military retirement benefits) we recommend you consider consulting with a divorce attorney.