Blog: Divorce Lawyer

Adultery is one of the most painful betrayals in a marriage. But while it’s one of the most common causes of divorce today, it may or may not really matter in a divorce proceeding. How can adultery affect what you get or don’t get in your divorce settlement? And how do you prove your spouse’s …

Suspecting that your spouse has been unfaithful can feel like a gut punch. The emotional fallout, the anger, the confusion, and the grief can feel overwhelming. If your suspicions have led you to consider a divorce, could you use adultery as grounds? And would you need to prove it? Let’s take a closer look at …

The decision to divorce is never an easy one, and deciding when to file can further complicate it. After all, there’s never a “good” time to divorce. But when divorce is inevitable, timing can be everything, and each season has its advantages and disadvantages. Many people consider the summer months the best for taking this …

Not all divorces end up in a courtroom. In fact, many couples are able to reach a settlement through cooperative effort or negotiation, avoiding litigation altogether. But if you still have unresolved issues and your case does go to court, not knowing what to expect can feel intimidating. Knowing how to prepare for your court …

Mother’s Day after a divorce can stir up a whole mix of emotions for everyone – anger, betrayal, sadness, or even relief. But as a co-parent, your focus should always be on one simple truth: that your child still wants (and deserves) to celebrate their mom, even if you are no longer married. Special occasions …

Divorce isn’t only a major legal decision — it’s also a major financial one. Unfortunately, any missteps can cost you thousands of dollars. The choices you make now could shape the outcome of your entire case. Before you take that next step, you’ll want to educate yourself on the pitfalls that could jeopardize your future. …

As one of life’s most difficult transitions, divorce comes with emotional overwhelm, financial stress, and big concerns about the future. But just like spring follows winter, life after a divorce can also promise new growth and beginnings. At Melone Hatley, P.C., we believe divorce isn’t the end of a story – it’s merely the beginning …

If you’re thinking about filing for divorce in Florida, it’s important to understand the state’s legal requirements before you begin. Every state has its own divorce laws, and Florida is no exception. One key factor to keep in mind is the mandatory waiting period between filing and finalizing your divorce. And that is just one …

One of the main aspects of the divorce process in Florida is dividing the assets and liabilities of a divorcing couple fairly. However, in Florida, courts use the equitable principle of property division instead of a 50/50 split. If you are navigating a divorce in Florida, understanding how this works can be key to preparing …

Life has its fair share of hurdles, and families often face challenges that can feel overwhelming without the right help. Whether it’s safeguarding your legacy, securing your family’s financial future, or ensuring your and your children’s well-being during a divorce, there are situations when having skilled legal guidance can make all the difference. But how …

When a divorce proceeds to trial, family law attorneys must weave testimony, facts, and documents into a compelling case to benefit their client. Attorneys must have comprehensive information to do this effectively, and the discovery phase of the divorce process makes this possible.  Discovery is the phase of divorce where both sides fully disclose and …

Divorce is challenging enough, but what about for those who are not U.S. citizens? With so much conversation centered around immigration today, it’s no wonder that many non-citizens are concerned about being able to remain in the United States after a divorce.  Florida’s large immigrant population raises a common concern: Can you stay in the …

In many family law cases involving divorce and custody disputes, matters can become emotionally charged and sometimes even turn violent. In some cases, one party may feel threatened or unsafe because of the actions and threats of the other party.  Virginia law provides legal protections called protective orders, otherwise known as restraining orders, to protect …

Over the last several years, Florida has made significant changes in its alimony laws, fundamentally altering how spousal support is decided and awarded in divorce cases. The alimony reform bill, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, has enacted some of the most dramatic changes to spousal support in Florida in years.  New Key Changes …

Going through a divorce is not just legally and emotionally overwhelming. It can also have a profound financial impact on your life; and, if you are not careful, that impact can be negative. At one of the most vulnerable times of your life, you must make critical decisions that could affect your short-term and long-term …

Once you have made the decision your marriage is over, filing for divorce is generally the next step. But divorce isn’t just the emotional end of a relationship. It’s also the dissolution of a legal contract, complete with a signed court order dictating how you and your spouse will share your assets and the custody …

Going through a divorce is one of life’s most overwhelming transitions. Even after the paperwork has been finalized and the ink is dry, the emotional, financial, and practical aspects can linger.  Whether your divorce was relatively amicable or a contentious nightmare, moving forward is key to creating a new and fulfilling life post-divorce. Taking the …