Tampa Divorce Lawyer

Experienced Representation For Divorce & Family Law Matters

At the Givens Law Group, we understand that marriage dissolution can be a very difficult time for you and your family. That is why we have dedicated our legal practice to serving families and individuals who have family law and divorce issues throughout Florida.

Both founding partners, Christian Givens and Stann Givens, are listed in Best Lawyers of America, Super Lawyers and have been chair of the Hillsborough County Bar Association Family Law Section. Givens Law Group has been selected to be listed in "Best Law Firms" by U.S. News. Stann was honored by the Family Law Inn of Tampa when in March 2015, they permanently renamed the organization after him – The Stann W. Givens Family Law Inn. He was also recently honored by the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court where he received the Professionalism Award, which is presented annually to only one private practice attorney. He is a former chair of the Florida Bar Board-Certification Committee for Marital and Family Law. Our divorce attorneys are known throughout the region for their professionalism, ethics, and passion for their clients. Givens Law Group fights for its clients like family.

Call Givens Law Group today at (813) 328-6159or contact us onlineto schedule a consultation with our lawyers.

What is a Divorce?

A divorce—also known as the dissolution of marriage—is the legal process of ending a marital relationship. Divorce proceedings address various important issues, such as dividing marital property, determining child custody and visitation, and deciding whether one spouse should pay alimony or child support.

In Florida, you can file for either a “no-fault” divorce, which means you only need to state that the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” or a simplified dissolution of marriage, available for couples who meet certain criteria (such as having no children and agreeing on all issues). Regardless of which process applies, having an experienced divorce attorney ensures your rights and interests are fully protected every step of the way.

Common Factors in a Divorce

Every divorce is different, but most involve several key issues that must be resolved before the court can finalize the dissolution. At Givens Law Group, our Tampa divorce attorneys are well-versed in negotiating and litigating complex matters such as:

Alimony (Spousal Support)

Florida courts may order one spouse to provide financial support to the other following a divorce. Factors that influence alimony include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, and standard of living during the marriage. Our firm advocates for fair alimony arrangements that reflect your financial situation and future stability.

Child Custody (Time-Sharing)

Child custody—legally referred to in Florida as time-sharing—determines how parents will divide their responsibilities and time with their children. The court prioritizes the best interests of the child, considering factors such as parental fitness, home environment, and each parent’s ability to meet the child’s emotional and developmental needs. Our team helps parents establish workable parenting plans that promote stability and healthy co-parenting relationships.

Child Support

Child support ensures that children receive the financial resources they need following a divorce. Florida uses a standardized formula to calculate child support based on both parents’ incomes, time-sharing arrangements, and expenses such as healthcare and education. Whether you are seeking or paying child support, our Tampa divorce lawyers help ensure accurate calculations and fair outcomes.

Property Division

When it comes to property division, Florida is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly—but not necessarily equally. This includes assets such as homes, vehicles, savings, investments, and retirement accounts. We work diligently to identify and value marital assets and debts to ensure a fair division that protects your long-term financial interests.

Florida Divorce Laws

Understanding Florida’s divorce laws can help you make informed decisions about your case. Some of the most important aspects include:

• Residency Requirement: At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing for divorce.
• No-Fault Divorce: Florida does not require proof of wrongdoing; you only need to show that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
• Equitable Distribution: The court divides marital assets and debts in a manner it deems fair, considering factors like contributions to the marriage and each spouse’s financial situation.
• Parenting Plans: Parents must submit a detailed parenting plan outlining time-sharing and decision-making responsibilities.
• Mandatory Disclosure: Both parties must provide full financial disclosure to ensure fair property and support decisions.

Our attorneys at Givens Law Group help you navigate these legal requirements efficiently, minimizing stress while safeguarding your rights.

The Divorce Process in Florida

Although every divorce is unique, the general process in Florida follows several key steps:

1. Filing the Petition: One spouse (the petitioner) files a “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage” in the appropriate county court.
2. Service of Process: The petition is formally served to the other spouse (the respondent), who must then file a response.
3. Financial Disclosure: Both parties exchange detailed financial information about income, assets, and debts.
4. Negotiation or Mediation: Many couples reach a settlement through negotiation or court-ordered mediation.
5. Trial (if necessary): If the parties cannot agree, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge will decide unresolved issues.
6. Final Judgment: Once all matters are resolved, the court issues a final judgment, officially dissolving the marriage.

At Givens Law Group, we provide skilled representation throughout the process—whether your divorce is uncontested and amicable or involves complex disputes over assets, custody, or support.

Family Law FAQs

How long does a divorce take in Florida?

The timeline varies. A simplified or uncontested divorce may take a few months, while contested cases involving property, custody, or support disputes can take a year or more.

Do I need to prove fault to get a divorce?

No. Florida is a no-fault state, meaning you only need to state that your marriage is irretrievably broken.

Can I get divorced if my spouse won’t agree?

Yes. You can still obtain a divorce even if your spouse does not consent, as long as you meet the legal requirements.

What happens to our home in a divorce?

If the home is marital property, the court may order it to be sold or awarded to one spouse, with an equitable division of proceeds or value.

Do I have to go to court?

Not always. Many divorces are resolved through settlement or mediation, but court appearances may be necessary if disputes cannot be resolved.

Contact Us Today

Many individuals who are facing divorce have questions and concerns about the process and what can be expected. You might also be wondering about how your children will fare while you and your spouse work out your divorce agreement. Our legal team will be able to meet with you to learn about your situation in order to discuss how they can best serve you and your family.

We believe in approaching each divorce in a solution-oriented manner. We will always strive to work together with your spouse and his or her attorney in order to achieve agreement in the smoothest possible manner. It is important to remember, however, that sometimes even the best efforts at negotiation and collaboration are met with resistance. In cases like these, you can count on your divorce attorney at Givens Law Group to provide you with excellent and skilled trial representation.

ContactGivens Law Group today at (813) 328-6159if you are considering divorce in Florida.