Contested Divorce in St. Petersburg

The Contested Divorce Process in Pinellas County

A contested divorce may involve filing, a response, negotiation, mediation, hearings, and trial. The path depends on the disputed issues, whether temporary concerns require court attention, and whether the spouses can reach a complete settlement. We represent clients from the initial petition or response through negotiation, mediation, and litigation when necessary.

Negotiation & Mediation

Negotiation can continue throughout a case as financial information, proposed parenting terms, and other evidence become available. During mediation, a neutral mediator helps the spouses discuss unresolved terms before trial. The mediator doesn’t decide the case, and any resolution requires the spouses to reach an agreement.

When a workable resolution is possible, we pursue it as amicably and affordably as circumstances allow. We provide straightforward feedback so clients can weigh a proposed compromise against the cost and uncertainty of continued proceedings.

Hearings & Trial

Some disputes require hearings before final resolution, while the most intensely contested family matters may proceed to trial. Our attorneys prepare evidence and arguments for court when settlement doesn’t resolve every issue. A case can still settle during trial preparation if the spouses agree on all remaining terms.

Florida Residency & No-Fault Divorce Requirements

Under Florida Statute § 61.021, at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing a petition for dissolution of marriage. Florida follows a no-fault system, so the court may dissolve a marriage after finding that it’s irretrievably broken. A spouse doesn’t have to prove fault to obtain the divorce, although case-specific conduct may affect certain disputed issues under applicable law.

Equitable Distribution of Marital Property & Debts

Florida Statute § 61.075 governs equitable distribution, the process used to divide marital assets and liabilities. The analysis begins with the premise that distribution should be equal, but a court may adjust the division based on statutory fairness factors. These include each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, the length of the marriage, and the spouses’ economic circumstances.

Marital property generally includes assets acquired and debts incurred during the marriage, subject to the facts and statutory exceptions. Nonmarital property generally remains separate. Classification disputes can arise when separate and marital funds were combined, an asset changed character during the marriage, or the spouses disagree about when or how property was acquired.

Where St. Petersburg Divorce Cases Are Handled

Contested divorces involving St. Petersburg spouses are handled through the Pinellas County Circuit Court Family Division in Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit. The Family Division hears divorce, child support, timesharing, parenting, and related family law matters. The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court Family Division processes domestic-relations matters, including divorce and support filings.

Pinellas County family law courtrooms are located at the Pinellas County Courthouse in Clearwater and the St. Petersburg Judicial Building. The proper location and assignment depend on court administration and the circumstances of the filing, so we don’t assume where a particular case will be heard.