At the Lane Law Firm, P.A., we understand how difficult a divorce can be. We provide skilled and strategic divorce representation. We take the time to listen to our clients and zealously advocate on their behalf. We are here to protect our clients’ financial wellbeing and preserve their relationship with their children.
Our Palm Beach County, Florida OfficesYou can meet with a Palm Beach Divorce Lawyer and Family Law Attorney at our offices in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach and Wellington, Florida. Additionally, we provide virtual conference calls and appointments. We handle the most complicated divorce issues in a skillful and cost-effective manner. We believe in resolving conflicts rather than exacerbating them. We combine successful negotiation skills with fierce and tenacious trial advocacy. Our clients receive exceptional, responsive personal service.
Areas of PracticeAs a Palm Beach Divorce Lawyer and Family Law Attorney, we handle every facet of divorce litigation, including:
We represent business owners, medical, legal, dental and financial professionals, corporate executives, professional athletes, beneficiaries of inherited wealth, technology innovators and their spouses. Assets that are typically involved in dissolution of marriage proceedings include: businesses, professional practices, real estate, investment accounts, homes, boats, cars, retirement accounts, intellectual property, artwork, antiques, jewelry, inherited wealth, gifts, assets held in trust and annuities. We work with an extensive network of experienced professionals including: forensic accountants, business valuators, real estate appraisers, actuaries, economists, mental health professionals, vocational experts, financial planners, tax professionals, jewelry and art appraisers, investment advisors, corporate counsel, estate planners, attorneys in different practice areas and private investigators.
The Jurisdictional Requirements to File for Divorce in FloridaIn order to file for divorce in Florida (legally termed a “dissolution of marriage”), one of the parties to the marriage must reside in the State of Florida for six (6) months before the filing of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Compliance with the six (6) month residency requirement must be pled by the parties and proved to the Court at the final hearing.
The parties themselves cannot consent to the residency requirement and they cannot corroborate the residency requirement with their own testimony. Residence must be proved by possession of a valid Florida driver license, a voter's registration card, a Florida identification card, a witness affidavit or the testimony of a witness. The term residence in Florida means actual presence in Florida combined with the present intention to make Florida the party’s permanent place of residence. It is the chief seat of a party’s affairs. In order to determine whether Florida is a party’s principle place of residence, Florida courts will look at a number of factors, including, without limitation: (i) where does the party maintain his or her home; (ii) where is the homestead exemption filed; (iii) where does he or she hold a valid driver license; (iv) where is he or she registered to vote; (v) what is the address on the utility bills; (v) where does he or she maintain a bank accounts; and (vi) where does he or she receive mail.
In order to grant a dissolution of marriage, a Florida court need only have personal jurisdiction over one of the parties. When a Florida court has subject matter and personal jurisdiction over one of the parties, it can dissolve the marital relationship even if it lacks personal jurisdiction over the other spouse. However, although a Florida court is empowered to dissolve the marital relationship when it only possesses jurisdiction over one of the parties, it cannot equitably distribute the parties’ assets or issue an award of alimony. The marriage of citizens of a foreign country, if valid in the foreign country, is treated as being valid in Florida. However, a marriage that is invalid in a foreign jurisdiction, it will be considered to be invalid in the State of Florida.
To speak with a divorce lawyer and family law attorney in Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington or West Palm Beach, Florida, contact the Lane Law Firm, P.A. at (561) 363-3400, or contact us online.