Skilled Family Law Counsel

Dedicated to Professional Excellence
Over 35 Years of Trial Experience

West Palm Beach Divorce Lawyer-Palm Beach Gardens Family Law Attorney

Serving West Palm Beach, Wellington & Palm Beach Gardens

There are milestones in life when you need a trusted legal adviser to guide you. At the Lane Law Firm, P.A., we exclusively devote our time and resources to divorce and family law matters. Our broad experience from decades of practicing law will help you protect your rights and the best interests of your children.

Full-Service Family Law Firm

If you are facing the possibility of divorce or a family law issue, you need sound and intelligent advice from an experienced Palm Beach divorce lawyer. You can meet with a divorce attorney in our offices in West Palm Beach, Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Our law firm cares about our clients, takes the time to listen, and provides creative and cost-effective solutions to difficult family law problems. We have extensive experience, and the financial acumen required to strategically negotiate and litigate complex financial matters. We employ our extensive trial skills and decades of litigation experience to tenaciously advocate on behalf of our clients. Read What Our Past Clients Say About Us

Divorce Lawyer

At the Lane Law Firm, P.A., we possess the sound judgment and depth of experience required to protect our clients’ rights and the best interests of their children. Our law firm represents clients in complex financial matters and contentious child custody issues. All matters are handled in a thoughtful, analytical, strategic and cost-effective manner. Our firm is known for our in-depth knowledge, financial acumen and meticulous attention to detail. We deeply care about our clients and provide them with sound legal advice and exceptional client service.

Alimony Attorney

Our law firm is well aware of the serious consequences that an award of spousal support has on our clients’ lives, and we work zealously to protect our client’s financial future. We utilize our in-depth knowledge of the law and our extensive experience to protect our clients and to advocate on their behalf. Learn more about the alimony law in Florida

Florida Alimony Law – Frequently Asked Questions What are the four types of alimony in Florida? There are four types of alimony in Florida. They are temporary alimony, bridge-the-gap alimony, rehabilitative alimony and durational alimony. How long does alimony last in Florida? An award of bridge-the-gap alimony may not exceed 2 years. An award of rehabilitative alimony may not exceed 5 years. Absent a showing of exceptional circumstances (as that term is defined in the Florida statutes), an award of durational alimony may not exceed 50% of the length of a short-term marriage, 60% of the length of a moderate-term marriage, and 75% of the length of a long-term marriage. Temporary alimony commences on the date of the filing of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and ceases when a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage is entered. What is a short-term marriage in Florida? In Florida, there is a rebuttable presumption that a marriage of less than 10 years is a short-term marriage. What is a moderate-term marriage in Florida? In Florida, there is a rebuttable presumption that a marriage lasting between 10 years and 20 years is a moderate-term marriage. What is a long-term marriage in Florida? In Florida, there is a rebuttable presumption that a marriage lasting 20 or more years is a long-term marriage. Who is entitled to receive alimony in Florida? Trial courts are required to consider nine (9) statutory factors in deciding who is eligible to receive alimony in Florida. The first, and most important factor, is the payor’s ability to pay alimony and the recipient’s need for support. Once a trial court determines that one party has a need for alimony and that the other party has the ability to pay alimony, the court is required to assess eight (8) statutory factors to determine the appropriate type of alimony to award. They are:

the cost to maintain the standard of living (the lifestyle) that the parties’ established during the course of their marriage, and the anticipated cost of the needs and necessities of life for each of the parties after the entry of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage;
the length of the parties’ marriage;
the ages, physical, mental and emotional condition of the parties;
the financial resources and income of the parties;
the educational levels that each of the parties have, their vocational skills and their earning capacities. Additionally, the court is required to consider whether there is a need for the recipient spouse to receive further education or vocational training in order to obtain gainful employment;
the contribution that each of the parties made to the marriage;
the responsibilities that each of the parties have for raising their children;
any other factor that the trial court should consider in order to reach a fair and equitable alimony award, including, without limitation, that a supportive relationship exists or eligibility for retirement.

Call us to schedule a consultation to discuss alimony with a Palm Beach divorce attorney. We have offices in Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington and West Palm Beach, Florida.

High Asset / High Net Worth Divorce Attorney

At the Lane Law Firm, P.A., we provide skilled and experienced representation and unparalleled personal service to high asset/high net worth individuals and their spouses. We utilize our business acumen and decades of experience to craft thoughtful and creative solutions to difficult family law problems. Although we are tenacious litigators, we are also skilled negotiators who employ alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve cases in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Learn more about property division in a Florida divorce

High Asset / High Net Worth Divorce in Florida – Frequently Asked Questions How are assets divided in a Florida divorce? There are two types of assets in Florida. They are marital assets and nonmarital assets. Marital assets are distributed between the parties. Each party retains their own nonmarital assets. There are six types of marital assets and liabilities in Florida. They are:

the assets that the parties acquired and the liabilities that the parties incurred during the course of the marriage;
the enhancement in value of nonmarital assets as a result of marital labor or the contribution of marital funds during the course of the marriage;
payment of the principal of the mortgage on nonmarital assets with marital funds and the passive appreciation on that property;
gifts that the parties gave to each other during the course of the marriage;
pensions, retirement payments, profit-sharing payments, deferred compensation, insurance and annuities accrued during the marriage;
property held by the parties as “tenants by the entireties” is presumed to be a marital asset. This presumption is rebuttable.

What is separate property in a Florida divorce? There are five types of separate property in a Florida divorce. Separate property (nonmarital assets and liabilities) are the following:

all assets that the parties acquire and all liabilities that the parties incur prior to the date of the marriage, and all liabilities that the parties incur and assets that the parties acquire in exchange for those assets and liabilities;
all gifts that are specifically given to a party from someone other than a spouse;
income that was earned from nonmarital property during the marriage, unless it was utilized by the parties as a marital asset;
assets and liabilities designated as nonmarital in a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, and any assets acquired and liabilities incurred in exchange for those assets and liabilities;
any liabilities that were incurred by the forgery or unauthorized signature of a spouse

Contact us to schedule a consultation with a high asset/high net-worth divorce attorney, with offices in Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach, Florida.

Division of Property and Assets Lawyer

Equitable distribution of assets in Florida includes the identification, classification, valuation and distribution of assets. We utilize our business background and our depth of experience to provide thoughtful, innovative solutions to complex financial matters. We provide the highest level of service to entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, doctors, dentists, our fellow lawyers, professional athletes, public figures and their spouses. Learn more about what is marital property and what is separate property in a divorce in Florida

Child Relocation Lawyer

In child relocation cases (“move away cases”), we tenaciously advocate on behalf of our clients’ rights and the best interests of their children. We provide skilled and thoughtful representation in these crucial matters that will have lasting impacts on our clients’ lives and the welfare of their children. Learn more about the child relocation laws in Florida

Florida Child Relocation Laws – Frequently Asked Questions When can a parent move out-of-state with a child in Florida? A parent is required to obtain court permission to move if the proposed relocation is 50 miles from: (i) the parent’s primary residence at the time of the issuance of the last time-sharing order, or (ii) after an action involving time-sharing has been filed. In order for a move to constitute a relocation, it must last 60 consecutive days. Time away from the home to obtain education or to obtain healthcare for a child does not constitute a relocation. Neither does time away from the home to take a vacation. How do you measure the 50 mile distance in a Florida child custody relocation case? In a Florida child custody relocation case the proper method to measure the distance between two points is a straight-line or “as the crow flies”. It is not the distance to drive from point-to-point. How do I get permission to move out-of-state with a child in Florida? In deciding whether or not to grant a Petition to Relocate in Florida, courts are required to consider the following relocation factors:

What are the reasons for the proposed relocation?
What are the reasons that the nonrelocating parent is objecting to the proposed relocation?
Will the requested relocation improve the child’s quality of life?
Will the requested relocation improve the requesting parent’s quality of life?
What effect will the relocation have on the relocating parent’s financial condition?
Will the relocation improve the child’s educational opportunities?
Does the relocation have any emotional benefits for the child?
Does the relocation have any emotional benefits for the relocating parent?
What is the nature of the relationship between each of the parents and their child?
What is the nature of the relationship between the child and other significant people in the child’s life?
How involved are each of the parents in the child’s life?
How involved in the child’s life are the child’s close relatives?
In the event that the court grants the Petition to Relocate, how will the relationship between the child and the other parent be maintained?
How old is the child?
What will the emotional impact of the relocation be on the child?
Does the child have special needs? How will the relocation affect the child’s special needs?
If the requesting party is granted permission to relocate, how likely is it that the requesting parent will comply with the court ordered time-sharing schedule?
Does the child have a preference concerning the proposed relocation?
What are the parent’s current employment circumstances?
Is the relocation necessary to improve the economic circumstances of the relocating parent?
Is the parent seeking the relocation in good faith?
Has the parent that is objecting to the relocation complied with his or her financial obligations to the child?
Are there career opportunities for the objecting parent in the new location?
Have either of the parents engaged in domestic violence?
Have either of the parents engaged in substance abuse?
Do the 20 Florida statutory time-sharing factors militate in favor of or against the proposed relocation?

Contact us to arrange for a consultation to discuss child custody relocation with a family law attorney. Our Offices are located in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Wellington, Florida.

Child Custody Modification Attorney

In Florida, courts will grant a custody (“time-sharing”) modification where there has been a substantial and material change of circumstances and the modification is in the best interests of the children. Our law firm is here to protect your children’s well-being and your relationship with your children.

Same-Sex Divorce Lawyer

At the Lane Law Firm, P.A. we represent the LGBTQ community in all aspects of matrimonial law, including the division of property and assets, alimony, parental time-sharing, modifications of alimony and modifications of time-sharing. We take the time to listen to our clients, and provide them with thorough, thoughtful representation and exceptional personal service. Divorce can be a very difficult time. Call us to schedule a consultation with a Palm Beach divorce lawyer who is here to help you.

Palm Beach Divorce Attorney & Family Law Lawyer

Retain an experienced divorce lawyer and family law attorney dedicated to professional excellence in West Palm Beach, Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

We look forward to representing you.

Client Reviews

I had an excellent experience with Mr. Lane. I went through a very difficult divorce and he was excellent. He was always available and always treated me like I was his most important client. I would and do recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer specializing in divorce. - Dr. Mark F.

Matt Lane truly cares about his clients. He brings his extensive knowledge, years of experience, and meticulous attention to detail to every case. He fights for his clients in a strategic, thoughtful, and cost-effective manner. By the end of my case, we were not just attorney and client, we became and remain friends. - Jim B.

I hired Matthew Lane for a relocation (out of state) and time-sharing case. Mr. Lane went above and beyond my expectations. He knew exactly what needed to be done. Mr. Lane is extremely intelligent and I cannot imagine having someone else represent me… He is truly one of the best and works extremely hard. I am very happy I have Mr. Lane as my attorney. - Alisa H.

Contact Us

Over 35 Years of Experience
Concierge Family Law Practice
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Fill out the contact form or call us at (561) 363-3400 to schedule your consultation.

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