Steven W. Bowden & Associates, P.A.

4502 Twin Oaks Drive
Pensacola, FL 32506
Telephone: 850-456-5779
Fax: 850-456-1518
Email: swblaw@bellsouth.net

The official word for divorce in the state of Florida is "dissolution."  Florida is one of the many states that has abolished fault as a ground for divorce.  This law lessens the potential harm to the husband and wife and their children caused by the process of divorce.  All that is required is that the marriage be "irretrievably broken."

For many families, the decision to divorce is just the beginning of the important legal decisions they must make. Issues such as child and spousal support, custody and visitation, and division of marital assets and debts need to be addressed. Our divorce lawyers have the knowledge and experience to provide you with sound advice and essential information so you can make the crucial decisions.

One of the most difficult and complex areas of divorce is the division of marital property.  Marital property may include cars, houses, retirement benefits (pensions), business interests, cash, stocks, bonds, bank accounts, personal property and other things of value.  Florida statutes and case law provide for the equitable distribution of marital property.  The marital property should be divided fairly and equitably (not necessarily equally) between the parties regardless of how the title is held.  The division is based upon all facts of the case and the contribution of both spouses to the marriage.  The division of marital property (any assets acquired during the marriage by the efforts of one or both parties) is considered in conjunction with all other awards of alimony and interest in property.

Florida law requires that at least one of the parties reside in Florida for six months before a divorce action can be filed.  If one of the parties was a Florida resident earlier and left the state only because of military orders, that person remains a Florida resident and a divorce action can be filed without waiting an additional six months.

Domestic violence is distinguished from other kinds of abuse because of the special relationship between the persons. Since the filing and litigating of domestic abuse actions often has unintended results beyond just the obtaining of a domestic abuse order, knowledge of the complexities of domestic abuse law and its relationship to custody and marriage dissolution proceedings is critical in practicing family law.

Our family law attorneys have extensive knowledge of the impact on temporary and permanent custody, child support, and even distribution of assets that may result from an initial domestic abuse action being taken prior to or during a marriage dissolution. In addition, we are experienced at coordinating the civil hearing on a domestic violence injunction with the Family Law Advocacy (FAP) investigation.

The firm's Pensacola, Florida location makes it convenient for military personnel from Naval Air Station Pensacola (NAS), Corry Station, Whiting Field, Hurlburt Field, and Eglin Air Force Base to come to our offices and meet with us.

DIVORCE AND BANKRUPTCY

Sadly, many times financial hardships can result in Dissolution Of Marriage or other family problems.  Our lawyers can help you in the divorce and through the financial uncertainty that comes with the dissolution actions.

By combining our expertise as Bankruptcy Lawyers and our expertise as Divorce Attorneys, we can protect you, your assets and your future.

DIVORCE AND YOUR CHAPTER 7- Eliminate Debt

If you are in a Divorce, often a key problem is too much debt.  A joint filing of a Chapter 7 can eliminate the debt, thereby freeing money to pay mortgages, child support or alimony. We can help you file a Chapter 7 even if you and your spouse are represented by other attorneys.

DIVORCE & CHAPTER 13 - Wage Earner's Plan

There is a valuable solution to many of the problems in a divorce.  It can protect your house, auto and assets and truly protect the issue of how the marital debt is to be paid.  It is not necessary for both parties to file, only one needs to file.  The most common failure in a final divorce decree that involves a lot of debt is, How is it to be paid?  Many times the divorce decree will set forth who is to pay what credit cards.  What happens if your spouse is responsible to pay credit cards under the divorce decree and fails to pay?  If you are a signature on the credit card, you get sued, regardless of what the final divorce judgment states.

One possible solution is a joint wage earner's plan where one spouse or the other, or a combination of the two, is required to make a monthly payment to the U.S. Trustee to discharge all debts.  This payment can become mandatory in the dissolution of marriage judgment.  We will fully review this solution with you or your divorce lawyer.

ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS SECTION?
WE WILL ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS WITHIN 24 HOURS. PLEASE E-MAIL US

For Immediate Assistance, Call Us at 850-456-5779 for a Free Consultation.