Divorce Lawyer Miami | Contested & Uncontested Divorce

Divorce is one of the most significant legal decisions you will ever face. Whether your case involves complex financial assets, disputes over parental responsibility, or simply requires an efficient and amicable resolution, the attorneys at Lacayo Law Firm provide the dedicated advocacy you need.

Divorce Lawyer Miami - Family Law Consultation at Lacayo Law Firm

Our Miami divorce lawyers represent clients in both contested and uncontested divorce proceedings throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. We understand the emotional weight of these cases and approach every matter with the professionalism, sensitivity, and legal skill your situation demands.

Divorce cases in Miami are filed in the family division of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit and heard at the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center downtown. The local rules, mandatory mediation requirements, and judicial preferences in this circuit shape how your case will actually unfold — and a divorce lawyer in Miami who practices in these courtrooms every week knows how to position your case from day one, whether the fight is over a business valuation, a Coral Gables home, or a parenting plan. If you and your spouse already agree on the major terms, our uncontested divorce lawyers can finalize your case in as little as four to six weeks.

Every case begins with a free, confidential consultation in English or Spanish. You will speak directly with an attorney — not a case manager — and leave with a clear understanding of your rights under Florida law, realistic timelines, and the strongest strategy for protecting your finances and your relationship with your children.

Key Issues in Divorce

What Your Divorce Case May Involve

Every divorce is unique. Here are the most common issues our attorneys help clients resolve.

Asset Division

We help identify, value, and equitably divide marital property including real estate, retirement accounts, businesses, and investments.

Child Custody & Time-Sharing

Developing comprehensive parenting plans that serve the best interests of your children while protecting your parental rights.

Alimony & Spousal Support

Advocating for fair alimony arrangements based on the length of the marriage, financial need, and each party's earning capacity.

Marital Settlement Agreements

Drafting and negotiating comprehensive settlement agreements that protect your interests and provide clear terms for both parties.

Marital Home

Addressing the disposition of the family home, whether through sale, buyout, or continued occupancy arrangements for the children.

Debt Allocation

Ensuring that marital debts, including mortgages, credit cards, and loans, are allocated fairly between both spouses during the divorce.

The Divorce Process

How a Florida Divorce Works

Understanding the steps involved helps you prepare for what lies ahead.

Initial Consultation

We review your situation, explain your legal options, and develop a strategy tailored to your goals. This is your opportunity to ask questions and understand the process ahead.

Filing the Petition

Your attorney files the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court. The other spouse is then served with the petition and has 20 days to respond.

Financial Disclosure & Discovery

Both parties exchange mandatory financial disclosures. This includes income, assets, debts, and expenses. Additional discovery may be conducted as needed to uncover hidden assets.

Mediation & Negotiation

Most Florida courts require mediation before trial. Our attorneys work to negotiate favorable terms on property division, alimony, and parenting plans during this stage.

Trial or Final Hearing

If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial where a judge decides the remaining issues. If agreement is reached, a final hearing formalizes the divorce decree.

Common Questions

Divorce Lawyer Miami: Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a divorce take in Florida?

An uncontested divorce can be finalized in as little as four to six weeks after filing. Contested divorces, which involve disputes over property division, alimony, or parenting plans, typically take six to twelve months or longer depending on the complexity of the issues.

How much does a divorce cost in Miami?

Costs depend on whether your divorce is contested and what it involves — business valuations, custody disputes, or hidden-asset discovery add time and expense. An uncontested divorce handled for a predictable flat fee is the most affordable route. We quote our fees in writing before any work begins, offer payment plans, and your initial consultation is always free. Call (786) 671-4878 for a clear estimate based on your situation.

Is Florida a no-fault divorce state?

Yes. Florida is a no-fault divorce state. This means you do not need to prove that your spouse did anything wrong. You only need to demonstrate that the marriage is irretrievably broken, which means the relationship cannot be repaired.

How is property divided in a Florida divorce?

Florida follows equitable distribution principles. Marital assets and debts are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers factors such as each spouse's economic circumstances, contributions to the marriage, duration of the marriage, and the desirability of retaining the family home.

What are the residency requirements to file for divorce in Florida?

At least one spouse must have been a resident of the State of Florida for at least six months immediately preceding the filing of the petition for dissolution of marriage. Residency can be established through a valid Florida driver's license, voter registration, or other documentation.

What documents do I need to file for divorce in Florida?

You will typically need a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, a financial affidavit detailing income, assets, debts and expenses, a Marital Settlement Agreement if terms are agreed, and a parenting plan plus child support guidelines worksheet if you have minor children. Proof of Florida residency is also required. Our attorneys prepare, review, and file every document for you so nothing delays your case.

What types of alimony are available in Florida?

Florida law provides for bridge-the-gap alimony (up to two years for transitional needs), rehabilitative alimony (to support education or training), durational alimony (for a set period), and permanent alimony (for long-term marriages where a spouse cannot become self-supporting). The type awarded depends on the length of the marriage and each party's financial circumstances.

How is child support calculated in a Florida divorce?

Florida uses an income-shares model based on both parents' net incomes, the number of children, the number of overnights in the time-sharing schedule, and costs such as health insurance, daycare, and uncovered medical expenses. The court can deviate from the guideline amount in limited circumstances. We run the official calculation for you during your free consultation so you know what to expect before anything is filed.

Miami Divorce Lawyer