Protect Your Family Through Transition With A Jacksonville Family Law Attorney

Any legal challenge involving your family will likely dominate your time and energy. In addition, a divorce or other family law conflict will also likely lead to an important transition. An experienced family law attorney can help you lay the foundation for your new life.

At Sheppard, White, Kachergus, & DeMaggio, P.A. Attorneys & Counselors at Law, you will receive high-quality legal representation focused on finding practical solutions tailored to fit your life. Our Florida family law attorney, Camille E. Sheppard, provides legal guidance and advice for families in conflict throughout Jacksonville and the surrounding communities.

Comprehensive Representation For Family Law

Any family law challenge can be delicate and complex. Family law conflicts require sustainable legal outcomes. At Sheppard, White, Kachergus, & DeMaggio, P.A., we assist clients in a broad range of areas, including:

• Divorce and separation: Florida divorces can range in complexity and involve contested or uncontested issues.  In a divorce, a separation agreement can help outline responsibilities during a marital split.
• Property division: Florida follows equitable distribution laws. This means that marital assets and debts are divided fairly. This involves identifying marital versus nonmarital property, valuing assets and aiming for a division that reflects each party’s contributions. To settle the division of property in your divorce, you will also need to provide financial disclosures.
• Paternity: Establishing legal paternity secures child support, custody rights and access to benefits. Paternity may be acknowledged voluntarily or determined through court proceedings, often involving genetic testing.
• Child custody and visitation: When deciding custody, family law courts will make decisions based on what is in the best interests of your child. A proposed parenting plan must address decision-making authority, residential arrangements and a schedule that supports your child’s well-being.
• Child support: In Florida, courts use an income-based formula to calculate child support. This considers the parents’ income and health care costs. It also takes into consideration where your child spends most of their time. In addition, if there is a substantial change in circumstances, a support order may be modified.
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements: Marital agreements define financial rights and responsibilities before or after marriage, including asset protection and spousal support. To be enforceable, they must be entered voluntarily with full financial disclosure.

Ms. Sheppard is a creative legal thinker, a forceful negotiator and an experienced Family Court litigator. She will listen to your goals and prioritize her strategies based on your needs.

What Is The Legal Process For A Florida Family Law Case?

Family law cases in Florida begin with the filing of a petition, such as for divorce or custody, followed by service to the other party. Early stages may include temporary hearings to address urgent matters, while discovery allows both sides to exchange financial and case-related information.

The involved parties may attempt to resolve family law issues through negotiation or attorney-led discussions. If these talks fail, cases usually proceed to trial where a judge issues a binding decision.

What Happens In A Family Law Hearing?

Family law hearings vary in length and complexity depending on the issues. Temporary hearings are focused on your immediate needs, and might only last a few minutes. However, a final hearing could span hours.

In either hearing, both parties present relevant evidence. This could include testimony or even financial records. The judge may ask questions to clarify the facts of your case or assess the credibility of the information. While a hearing is not as formal as a trial, hearings still require preparation and adherence to procedures. Potential outcomes can include temporary orders, final judgments or directives for further compliance.

Child Custody And Visitation Disputes

Any child custody or visitation dispute has the potential to be emotionally charged. However, whether you are going through a divorce or you are an unmarried co-parent, you need a child custody and visitation arrangement that respects your parental rights and allows your children to thrive. Ms. Sheppard has a deep understanding of Florida child custody laws. She will make your child’s best interests the top concern and work toward a practical and sustainable order.

Settling your issues out of court is often the best way to reach a sustainable agreement that benefits everyone, especially your child. Mediation can help us work together with your child’s other parent to reach a workable solution. However, Ms. Sheppard is always ready to take your case to court if necessary.

Speak With A Jacksonville Family Law Attorney

Sheppard, White, Kachergus, & DeMaggio, P.A. Attorneys & Counselors at Law is known throughout Florida for professionalism and tenacious client representation. If you are struggling with a legal challenge that involves your family, we can help.

You can schedule an appointment by contacting our Jacksonville office at 904-701-0589. We are also available after regular business hours by calling 904-233-2443. You can also reach out to us by sending a message through our website. We look forward to talking to you about your case, answering your questions and telling you more about how we can help.