St. Petersburg Beach Divorce Attorney
Ending a marriage is never easy, even under the most amicable circumstances. Divorce involves untangling the legal, financial, and emotional ties between spouses, and it often comes at a time of high stress and uncertainty. At the Law Office of Kevin F. Coleman, we help clients in St. Petersburg Beach handle the divorce process with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Whether your case is straightforward or complex, amicable or contentious, our firm provides the experienced legal support you need to move forward. Contact our office to consult with a skilled and experienced St. Petersburg Beach divorce attorney today.
In Florida, either spouse can file for divorce without having to prove that the other did anything wrong. Instead, the only requirement is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” This no-fault approach can make the legal process more streamlined, but it doesn’t eliminate the need to resolve potentially contentious issues, including the division of marital assets, alimony, and parenting arrangements.
Equitable Distribution of Property
Florida follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means that marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. Marital property generally includes all assets and debts acquired during the marriage, such as real estate, bank accounts, retirement savings, and even businesses. The court considers several factors when dividing property, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, and their respective financial circumstances.
It’s important to note that equitable distribution does not apply to separate property—assets acquired before the marriage, or during the marriage by inheritance or gift. However, determining what qualifies as separate versus marital property can be complicated, especially if assets have been commingled.
Alimony in Florida Divorce Cases
Alimony, or spousal support, may be awarded in cases where one spouse has a demonstrated financial need and the other has the ability to pay. Florida courts consider factors such as the standard of living established during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, and each party’s earning capacity. There are different types of alimony that may be awarded, including temporary, rehabilitative, bridge-the-gap, durational, or permanent alimony, depending on the circumstances. We can help you determine whether alimony is appropriate and if so, which kind, how much, and for how long it should be paid.
Child Custody and Support
When children are involved, custody and support become central to the divorce process. In Florida, the law refers to custody as “parental responsibility” and “time-sharing.” Courts generally favor shared parental responsibility unless one parent is unfit. The goal is to promote frequent and continuing contact with both parents, as long as it’s in the child’s best interests.
Child support in Florida is calculated using statutory guidelines based on both parents’ incomes and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. Support is intended to cover the child’s basic needs, including housing, food, education, and healthcare.
High-Asset Divorce in St. Petersburg Beach
For couples with significant wealth or complex financial portfolios, divorce can be especially challenging. High-asset divorces often involve issues such as:
- The division of business interests or professional practices
- Investment accounts and retirement plans
- Multiple real estate properties
- Tax implications and hidden assets
- Valuation of luxury items or collectibles
In these cases, accurate asset valuation and strategic legal planning are crucial. Our firm works with financial professionals, including forensic accountants and business appraisers when necessary to ensure a full and fair accounting of marital assets. We take care to protect our clients’ financial interests and long-term stability, whether we’re negotiating a settlement or litigating in court.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Divorce Mediation
While some divorces are inevitably contentious, others can benefit from a cooperative approach like mediation. Mediation allows both spouses to work with a neutral third party to reach mutually acceptable solutions without the need for a trial. This process can save time, reduce legal costs, and help maintain a more amicable relationship—especially important when children are involved. Attorney Kevin F. Coleman can represent you during mediation to ensure your interests are protected throughout the negotiation process. Kevin is also an experienced litigator who can skillfully handle any courtroom or trial matters necessary to serve your best interests.
Why Choose the Law Office of Kevin F. Coleman?
Kevin F. Coleman brings a wealth of legal knowledge and practical insight to each divorce case he handles. As a former prosecutor with extensive courtroom experience, he is prepared to advocate assertively for his clients when litigation is necessary. At the same time, he understands that every family is different and offers a tailored, compassionate approach to each case.
Our firm takes the time to understand your unique situation and your goals for the future. Whether your priority is protecting your financial interests, securing a fair parenting plan, or simply bringing the matter to a peaceful close, we are here to help.
Dedicated Divorce Lawyer Serving St. Petersburg Beach
We proudly serve clients in St. Petersburg Beach and throughout the surrounding communities in Pinellas County. If you are contemplating divorce or have already been served with papers, don’t go through this process alone. Reach out to a St. Petersburg Beach divorce attorney at the Law Office of Kevin F. Coleman to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you protect your rights and move forward with confidence.