Orlando Family Lawyer
Family law in Orlando, Florida, encompasses a broad spectrum of legal matters that affect families, including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and property division. Navigating these issues requires a comprehensive understanding of Florida’s legal framework and the local court system. The Donna Hung Law Group is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to individuals and families facing these challenges.
Are you contemplating a much-needed divorce? Have you been served with divorce paperwork and need to file a response? Are you in need of court-ordered child support? Are you wishing to establish your rights to a child born out of wedlock? Do you need an Orlando family lawyer to aggressively represent your rights? Call the Donna Hung Law Group now. Timing is everything in a family law case. Don’t wait. You need to know your rights before you lose them.
Our attorneys consist of a former criminal prosecutor in Orlando and Kissimmee who specialized in domestic violence cases and an attorney who has men’s/father’s rights experience. Both attorneys currently devote the practice to family law and criminal defense in the Orlando and surrounding areas. As family law attorneys, we believe that clients should be fully informed on all aspects of their case. Our clients can depend on our Orlando family law attorneys to contact them after each and every progression in the client’s case.
Common Family Law Matters and Issues
- Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage): Divorce legally ends a marriage and involves resolving various issues such as asset and debt division, alimony, child custody, and support. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that either party can file for divorce without proving wrongdoing by the other party.
- Child Custody and Timesharing: In Florida, child custody is referred to as “timesharing” and “parental responsibility.” Timesharing determines the schedule each parent will have with the child, while parental responsibility pertains to decision-making authority regarding the child’s upbringing. The primary consideration is the best interests of the child, which includes factors such as the child’s health and safety, emotional ties with each parent, and the stability of each parent’s home environment.
- Child Support: Child support is a financial obligation paid by one parent to the other to contribute to the costs associated with raising a child. The amount is typically determined based on the parents’ incomes, the child’s needs, and the established timesharing arrangement. Common issues include modifications due to changes in financial circumstances and enforcement of unpaid support.
- Alimony (Spousal Support): Alimony involves financial support paid by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. The court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and each spouse’s financial resources and earning capacity when determining alimony.
- Property Division: Florida follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning marital assets and debts are divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. Distinguishing between marital and non-marital property is crucial in this process.
At the Donna Hung Law Group, we handle family law cases including but not limited to:
- Alimony
- Child Custody & Visitation
- Child Relocation
- Child Support
- Collaborative Law
- Contempt & Enforcement
- Divorce
- Contested Divorce
- High Net Worth Divorce
- LGBTQ Divorce
- Military Divorce
- Uncontested Divorce
- Domestic Violence
- Mediation
- Family Modification
- Property Division
- Paternity
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Timesharing & Parenting
Dealing with a family law case can be an extremely stressful and difficult time. Don’t make the mistake of hiring an Orlando family law firm that doesn’t care.
Considering Divorce: Steps to Take
If you are contemplating divorce in Orlando, consider the following steps:
- Consult with a Family Law Attorney: Seek legal advice to understand your rights, obligations, and the legal process. An attorney can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.
- Gather Financial Documentation: Compile comprehensive records of assets, debts, income, and expenses. This information is essential for property division, alimony, and child support determinations.
- Prioritize Children’s Well-being: If children are involved, focus on their emotional and psychological needs. Consider how to maintain stability and minimize disruption in their lives.
- Explore Alternative Dispute Resolution: Methods such as mediation or collaborative law can facilitate amicable settlements and may reduce the emotional and financial costs associated with divorce litigation.
Domestic Violence and Protective Orders
Domestic violence is a serious issue that can impact family law cases, particularly in matters of divorce, child custody, and spousal support. If you or your children are in danger, seeking an injunction for protection (also known as a restraining order) is crucial. Florida courts offer different types of protective orders based on the severity of the situation, including temporary and permanent injunctions. The Donna Hung Law Group can assist in filing for a restraining order or defending against false allegations that may impact your legal rights in a family law case.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are legal documents that outline how assets, debts, and spousal support will be handled in the event of divorce or separation. These agreements can protect individual assets, provide clarity in financial matters, and help prevent lengthy legal disputes. In Florida, these contracts must meet certain legal standards to be enforceable. Orlando family lawyers at the Donna Hung Law Group helps clients draft, review, and enforce prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to ensure their financial security and peace of mind.
Information About the Local Courthouse
Family law cases in Orlando are typically handled at the Orange County Courthouse, located at 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801. The courthouse operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Parking is available in the courthouse garage, with entrances off Magnolia and Orange Avenues; rates are $2.00 per hour, with a maximum of $15.00 per day.
Family Law FAQs
Do you have questions about divorce, domestic violence, parental rights or other family law matters? Legal issues in family law go to the very heart of the things we hold most dear, and it is common to be scared or anxious when making such substantial changes in your life. The more you know about the facts and process in your family law matter, the more comfortable you will be knowing you are taking the right steps to protect yourself and your children.
Below are answers to some of the questions our attorneys frequently encounter as they help individuals in Orlando with divorce and other family law matters. If you have other questions or need to speak with an attorney about your marital or domestic situation, call the Donna Hung Law Group at 407-999-0099. We would be happy to take the time to answer your questions and let you know how we might help you with your Florida family law issues.
Can I get divorced without a fight?
Of course. There are many ways you and your spouse can negotiate the terms of your divorce without fighting and with minimal contact with the courts. We can represent you in direct negotiations with your spouse and his or her attorney, or we can help you through a formal mediation. There is also the option of using collaborative law to settle your divorce. In any of these situations, we help you create a written agreement that settles all of the issues in your divorce, including the property division, alimony, child support and timesharing. Once completed, the agreement is submitted to the judge who reviews it for fairness and then grants the divorce.
Even when litigating contested issues is necessary, that does not mean it has to be nasty. Find a skilled, knowledgeable lawyer who will advocate strongly for your interests, without making the process hostile. Our attorneys always prefer to settle issues amicably whenever possible. We would love to meet with you and get to know you, so we can decide together whether our firm would be a good fit to represent you in your divorce.
Will the court consider domestic violence or child abuse when deciding child custody?
In deciding issues of timesharing and parenting, the judge will determine whether shared parental responsibility is appropriate, or whether only one parent should have sole parental responsibility. Evidence of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment and child neglect can all be considered by the judge when assessing whether shared parental responsibly and timesharing would be detrimental to the child. Likewise, evidence that a parent knowingly provided false information regarding these issues can also impact the judge’s decision regarding timesharing and parenting.
Can a spouse’s infidelity be a factor in an alimony case?
Yes. Florida law allows the court to consider the adultery of either spouse in determining whether or not to award alimony, or how much to award.
How do you get a marriage annulled?
It is important to understand that an annulment is not the same as a divorce. Divorce is the dissolution of a legal marriage; annulment is a judicial declaration that a marriage was never valid to begin with. For instance, if the couple are too closely related to marry under Florida, or if one spouse was still married to someone else at the time of the marriage, the marriage is void and can be annulled. Other grounds for annulment include if one person was underage and didn’t have parental consent to marry; a party was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the marriage; or a party was tricked or forced into marrying. These marriages are voidable, meaning they can either be annulled, or the parties can decide they want to stay married and “ratify” the marriage, making it a legal marriage. Consummating the marriage after knowing it is voidable is one way to ratify a voidable marriage.
The annulment process would require going to court and proving that grounds exist to annul the marriage. If you had children or acquired significant assets during the marriage, you may be required to go through the divorce process anyway for a judicial determination of issues such as property division and timesharing. If you are seeking an annulment for religious or other reasons, contact our office for an evaluation of whether grounds exist to annul the marriage.
My ex-wife got remarried. Do I have to worry about her new husband adopting my kids?
Your kids are your kids forever, and your parental rights as the biological father cannot be terminated against your will as long as you remain a part of your children’s lives. In order to extinguish your parental rights, they would have to prove that you abused or abandoned your kids under the strict terms of the law, or are incapable of caring for your children due to alcohol or drug abuse. As compassionate family law attorneys, we strive to create a resolution where all parties can get along post-divorce and create the best environment possible for the children. That said, we are also strong advocates for fathers’ rights and will fight for you to make sure you are fairly represented during the divorce and in all post-divorce matters.
Our son got divorced and lost custody of his children, and now his ex-wife is refusing to allow us to see our grandchildren. Can she do that?
Florida law is very strong in favor of parental rights, and a court will not grant you visitation rights over a parent’s objection except in very limited circumstances. However, even if grounds do not exist for court-ordered visitation, it may still be worthwhile to explore options with your daughter in-law in an informal setting, such as mediation. With the help of compassionate, skilled attorneys, you may be able to work out a way to spend time with your grandchildren that recognizes the important role you have in their lives while also respecting the rights and wishes of the mother.
Serving Throughout Orlando
- Lake Nona
- Baldwin Park
- College Park
- Winter Park
- Thornton Park
- Dr. Phillips
- MetroWest
- Hunters Creek
- Avalon Park
- Windermere
- Celebration
- Waterford Lakes
- Mills 50 District
- Audubon Park
- Conway
- South Eola
- Bay Hill
- Lake Como
- Lake Mary
- Vista Lakes
Contact Our Experienced Orlando Family Lawyers Today
The Donna Hung Law Group is committed to assisting clients through family law matters with professionalism and empathy. Our services include:
- Personalized Legal Representation: We provide tailored legal strategies that align with your unique circumstances and goals.
- Comprehensive Case Management: From filing initial petitions to representing you in court hearings, we manage all aspects of your case diligently.
- Mediation and Negotiation: We strive to resolve disputes amicably through mediation and negotiation, aiming to achieve favorable outcomes without the need for protracted litigation.
- Litigation: When necessary, we are prepared to advocate assertively on your behalf in court to protect your rights and interests.
- Post-Divorce Modifications: We assist clients in seeking modifications to existing court orders when significant changes in circumstances occur.
Navigating family law matters can be complex and emotionally challenging. The Donna Hung Law Group is here to provide the support and legal expertise you need to move forward confidently. Call our Orlando family lawyers for a confidential consultation 407-999-0099.