Our tampa family law firm

A Tampa divorce attorney guides families through one of life's most challenging transitions. Whether you face a straightforward uncontested dissolution or a complex high-asset case, having knowledgeable legal support helps protect your interests throughout the process in Hillsborough County.

Divorce involves much more than simply ending a marriage. Florida courts address property division, spousal support, parenting arrangements, and financial obligations that affect your future for years. The 13th Judicial Circuit Family Law Division at the George Edgecomb Courthouse handles thousands of dissolution cases annually, each with unique circumstances requiring careful attention.

Anton Garcia Law serves Tampa residents facing divorce with the experience and attention these sensitive matters require. Our team understands local procedures, works within established court relationships, and provides the steady guidance families need during uncertain times.

Selecting the right attorney affects every aspect of your divorce outcome. Anton Garcia Law brings extensive experience in Hillsborough County family courts, helping clients navigate contested custody disputes, complex property divisions, and sensitive support negotiations.

Our Tampa office provides convenient access for clients throughout the region, including South Tampa, Carrollwood, Brandon, and Westchase. We understand that divorce affects every area of your life, and our approach addresses both immediate concerns and long-term stability.

Every divorce presents unique challenges based on family dynamics, financial circumstances, and individual goals. Anton Garcia Law provides direct communication with your attorney rather than routing you through assistants. You receive updates on case developments and prompt responses to questions as they arise.

Familiarity with local judges, procedures, and courthouse staff matters in family law cases. Our attorneys regularly appear before the 13th Judicial Circuit Family Law Division and understand how cases move through the system. This experience helps us anticipate issues and prepare effective strategies tailored to local practices.

Understanding your situation represents the first step toward resolution. Anton Garcia Law offers consultations where you may discuss your circumstances, learn about the divorce process in Hillsborough County, and explore potential strategies. Contact us at 813-907-9807 to schedule your appointment.

Florida law recognizes different paths to dissolution depending on whether spouses agree on major issues. Understanding these distinctions helps you anticipate what your case may involve.

When spouses disagree about property division, custody, support, or other significant matters, the case becomes contested. These divorces require negotiation, mediation, and potentially trial before a judge issues final rulings. Contested cases demand thorough preparation and skilled advocacy.

Couples who agree on all terms may proceed with an uncontested divorce. This streamlined process moves faster and costs less than contested litigation. However, even uncontested divorces benefit from attorney review to confirm agreements protect your interests and comply with Florida law.

Collaborative divorce offers an alternative approach where both spouses and their attorneys commit to resolving issues through negotiation rather than litigation. This voluntary process keeps decision-making with the family rather than leaving outcomes to a judge. Collaborative divorce may preserve relationships better than adversarial proceedings, which proves especially valuable when children are involved.

Complex financial situations require special attention during divorce. High-asset divorce cases often involve business valuations, multiple real estate properties, retirement accounts, stock options, and investment portfolios. Accurate identification and valuation of marital assets becomes critical for fair distribution. These cases frequently require forensic accountants and other financial professionals to uncover hidden assets or establish accurate valuations.

Florida follows equitable distribution principles when dividing marital property. Under Florida Statute § 61.075, courts begin with the premise that distribution of marital assets and liabilities appears equal unless factors justify unequal division.

The court first separates nonmarital property belonging to each spouse individually. Marital property includes most assets and debts acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name appears on titles or accounts. Commingling nonmarital funds with marital accounts may convert separate property into marital property that is subject to division.

Courts evaluate numerous considerations when distributing assets. Understanding these factors helps you prepare realistic expectations for your case.

Relevant factors include:

• Each spouse's contribution to the marriage, including homemaking and childcare
• The economic circumstances of each party
• Duration of the marriage
• Either spouse's contribution to the other's career or education
• The desirability of retaining particular assets intact
• Any intentional dissipation or waste of marital assets

These factors help courts reach outcomes that reflect each family's unique circumstances, rather than applying rigid formulas.

Divorces involving business ownership present unique valuation challenges. Courts must determine the marital portion of business value, accounting for contributions made before and during the marriage. Professional practices, partnerships, and closely held corporations often require expert valuation testimony to establish fair market value.

Florida courts may award alimony to either party when one spouse demonstrates need and the other has the ability to pay. Under Florida Statute § 61.08, several types of support exist to address different circumstances.

Recent Florida alimony reforms eliminated permanent alimony and clarified time limits on other forms of support. Florida law currently recognizes several forms of alimony, including bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, durational, and temporary support, each serving distinct purposes:

• Bridge-the-gap alimony covers short-term, identifiable transition needs and is capped by statute
• Rehabilitative alimony supports a specific, defined plan for education, training, or work reentry and is limited in duration
• Durational alimony provides support for a set period tied to the length of the marriage and cannot exceed statutory caps based on marriage duration
• Temporary alimony provides support while the divorce case is pending

Courts consider marriage duration when determining appropriate alimony. 

Beyond marriage duration, courts evaluate multiple factors when determining alimony awards. These include each spouse's standard of living during marriage, financial resources, earning capacities, and contributions to homemaking or career building. The goal is achieving equity between parties based on their specific circumstances.

When minor children are involved, Florida courts focus on arrangements that serve the children's best interests. Under Florida Statute § 61.13, Florida public policy favors children having frequent and continuing contact with both parents, and courts often begin from the premise that substantial time-sharing with each parent is generally beneficial, subject to the child's best interests.

Parenting plans must address daily responsibilities, time-sharing schedules, decision-making authority for healthcare and education, and communication methods between parents. Courts evaluate numerous factors when creating or modifying these arrangements.

Understanding local procedures helps reduce uncertainty during your case. Divorce filings in Hillsborough County proceed through the 13th Judicial Circuit Family Law Division.

Under Florida Statute § 61.021, at least one spouse must reside in Florida for six months before filing. Cases are filed through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court at the George Edgecomb Courthouse downtown or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.

Florida is a no-fault state, meaning you need not prove wrongdoing to obtain divorce. Under Florida Statute § 61.052, you must simply allege the marriage is irretrievably broken.

Hillsborough County local rules require mediation before contested cases proceed to trial. Mediation provides an opportunity to resolve disputes with a neutral facilitator before placing decisions in the hands of a judge. Many couples reach an agreement on at least some issues through this process, reducing litigation costs and emotional strain.

When spouses reach an agreement on divorce terms, their understanding becomes formalized in a marital settlement agreement. This document addresses property division, support obligations, parenting arrangements, and other relevant matters. Courts review these agreements before incorporating them into final judgments. A well-drafted settlement agreement reduces future disputes and provides clear guidance for both parties.

Florida does not recognize formal legal separation as some other states do. However, couples who wish to live apart without divorcing have options available.

Spouses may enter into post-marital agreements that address finances, property, and other matters while remaining legally married. These contracts require careful drafting to comply with Florida law and protect both parties' interests. Unlike prenuptial agreements, post-marital agreements require consideration beyond the marriage itself.

Under Florida law, a spouse may seek support without filing for dissolution. This option allows couples to formalize financial arrangements while remaining married, whether for religious reasons, insurance considerations, or other personal circumstances.

Safety concerns sometimes arise during divorce proceedings. Under Florida Statute § 741.30, individuals experiencing or fearing domestic violence may petition for domestic violence injunctions.

Protective orders may be filed separately from or in conjunction with divorce cases. These injunctions may address residence exclusion, contact restrictions, temporary custody arrangements, and support obligations. Courts take safety concerns seriously and may issue temporary protection immediately when circumstances warrant.

Life circumstances change after divorce judgments become final. Job losses, relocations, health changes, and evolving child needs may warrant modification of prior judgments.

Under Florida Statute § 61.14, courts may modify support, maintenance, or alimony based on substantial changes in circumstances. Custody modifications require showing that changes serve the children's best interests. Either parent may petition for modification when circumstances warrant.

When former spouses fail to comply with court orders, enforcement actions become necessary. Courts have various tools to compel compliance with support obligations, property transfer requirements, and time-sharing schedules. Enforcement may include wage garnishment, asset seizure, license suspension, and other remedies.

Willful violation of court orders may result in contempt findings. Contempt proceedings address failures to pay support, interference with custody arrangements, and other violations. Courts may impose sanctions including fines, makeup time-sharing, and even incarceration for serious or repeated violations.

Organization and documentation strengthen your position throughout the divorce process. Gathering materials early helps your attorney understand your situation and advocate effectively.

Important documents and information to compile include:

• Recent tax returns and W-2 forms for both spouses
• Bank statements, investment account statements, and retirement account information
• Real estate deeds, mortgage statements, and property tax records
• Vehicle titles and loan documents
• Credit card statements and other debt documentation

Maintaining a journal documenting parenting activities, expenses, and significant events may prove valuable if custody becomes contested. Bringing organized materials to your consultation helps your attorney assess your case efficiently.

Emotional stress may lead to decisions that harm long-term outcomes. Being aware of common pitfalls helps you navigate the process more effectively.

Mistakes that frequently complicate Tampa divorce cases include:

• Making major financial decisions without legal guidance
• Communicating directly with your spouse about contested issues rather than through attorneys
• Posting about your divorce or spouse on social media
• Hiding assets or income from disclosure requirements
• Involving children in disputes between parents

Your attorney helps you avoid these errors while protecting your interests throughout the proceedings.