Divorce Lawyer in North Miami, FL
by S.G. Morrow & Associates, P.A.

Our Approach to Divorce

S.G. Morrow & Associates, P.A. provides compassionate support and guidance through the challenges of divorce. Attorney Stephanie G. Morrow and her team offer clear legal insights and recommend helpful resources like counseling, self-help books, and prayer to support emotional well-being. We empower clients with the knowledge to retain control over their choices without imposing any agenda. Contact us for a confidential consultation to discuss your options under Florida law and plan your next steps with confidence.

Key Areas We Address

• Child Custody, Now Known in Florida as Time-Sharing

Parents often worry about how divorce will affect their time with their children. We provide guidance on child custody and visitation laws to help you make informed decisions that support your children’s well-being. Our team assists with custody evaluations, substantial time-sharing issues, visitation schedules, and modifications to existing agreements.

Florida law now emphasizes co-parenting and encourages courts to consider arrangements that allow both parents substantial time with their children when it serves their children’s best interests. Florida law has been changed to where a 50/50 timesharing division between the parents is virtually mandated.

• Child Support

A Florida child support lawyer understands the specific guidelines set by the courts and offers legal guidance tailored to your situation. To speak with a knowledgeable attorney about how these guidelines affect you, contact our office for a consultation. We help our clients comprehend their rights and obligations so they can make sound financial decisions for their children. If circumstances change, we can assist with child support modifications.

• Alimony/Spousal Support

Alimony plays a significant role in many divorces. Florida’s updated 2023 law removes permanent alimony for cases filed after July 1, 2023, while maintaining other forms:

• Temporary Alimony – Provides financial support during divorce proceedings.
• Bridge-the-Gap Alimony – Addresses the needs of a short-term marriage to assist in the transition to a single life.
• Rehabilitative Alimony – Helps a spouse gain education or skills for financial independence.
• Durational Alimony – Provides support for a set period when permanent alimony is not applicable.

Courts determine alimony based on financial need, the party’s financial ability, the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the resources available. The Law Offices of S.G. Morrow & Associates, P.A. offers legal guidance on alimony laws and advocates for fair resolutions tailored to each case. These updates apply only to divorce petitions filed on or after July 1, 2023, and do not affect existing agreements retroactively.

• Property Division (Equitable Distribution)

Florida follows an equitable distribution model, dividing marital assets fairly based on each spouse’s circumstances. Our legal team helps clients navigate this process by identifying marital property, explaining relevant laws, and protecting their rights. We offer clear guidance to help clients make informed financial decisions. With dedicated legal support, we work toward fair outcomes that align with each client’s priorities under Florida law.

• High-Asset Divorce

High-asset divorces involve significant financial stakes, including business interests, real estate, investments, and retirement accounts. These cases require careful evaluation for assets to be properly classified, valued, and equitably divided under Florida law. Our legal team works closely with financial professionals to protect your wealth and secure a fair outcome. We also address concerns regarding spousal support, tax implications, and hidden assets to safeguard your financial future.

• Military Divorce

Attorney Stephanie G. Morrow has extensive experience navigating the complexities of military divorces, addressing the unique challenges of federal and state law interactions. She has experience handling military pension division under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA), including advising on the 10/10 rule, which allows direct pension payments from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to a former spouse if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and overlapped with at least 10 years of military service. Our firm offers valuable guidance to military families going through divorce, helping them understand and manage the specific legal considerations that apply to their situations.

• Annulment

Many people mistakenly believe that short-term marriages will entitle them to an annulment. Florida grants annulments under specific circumstances, including fraud, bigamy, coercion, mental incapacity, and failure to consummate the marriage. If you believe your marriage qualifies for annulment, we can assess your case and provide legal guidance.

The Divorce Process in Florida

Key Stages of a Divorce Case

Our team provides clear communication to help clients make informed decisions at every stage.

• Initial Consultation

  • • Discuss your goals, concerns, and legal rights.
    • Review financial documents, prenuptial agreements, and custody preferences.

• Filing the Petition

• • • Prepare and submit the required paperwork to initiate proceedings.
    • Address the temporary orders for child support or property use.

• Discovery Phase

• • • Exchange financial disclosures and identify contested issues.
    • Collaborate with financial professionals to value complex assets.

• Mediation

• • • Mediation is, in most cases, required before a case can go to a final hearing.
    • Explore settlements to avoid courtroom litigation.
    • Focus on developing parenting plans and achieving equitable asset division.

• Trial (if necessary)

• • Present evidence to resolve disputes over custody or finances.

The Legalities of Divorce

Grounds for Divorce in Florida

Florida follows a no-fault divorce system, allowing couples to dissolve their marriage without proving wrongdoing. The state recognizes two legal grounds: 

• an irretrievably broken marriage
• a spouse’s mental incapacitation for at least three years

This approach simplifies the process, helping couples focus on key legal and financial matters instead of assigning blame. Understanding these grounds clarifies the divorce process and helps you prepare for key legal matters with confidence.

Mediation Requirements

Florida courts generally require mediation before trial unless exemptions apply, such as in cases involving domestic violence. Mediation allows both parties to negotiate key issues with the help of a neutral third party. Our firm provides strong representation during mediation to protect your interests and seek favorable resolutions.

Simplified Dissolution of Marriage

Couples without minor children who agree on asset division may qualify for a simplified dissolution of marriage. This process is often quicker and more cost-effective than a traditional divorce. We can determine if you are eligible and assist with filing the necessary paperwork.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce

• Uncontested Divorce

Spouses who agree on key divorce matters can pursue an uncontested divorce, a faster and more cost-effective option with less emotional strain. Many couples use mediation or direct negotiations to reach fair settlements, maintaining control over the process. This approach fosters a smoother separation and can help preserve cooperative relationships, especially when children are involved.

• Contested Divorce

A contested divorce arises when spouses disagree on key matters like alimony, child custody, or property division, requiring legal intervention. While the process may take time and involve court proceedings, it helps protect individual rights. Our team offers strong representation, guiding clients through negotiations and litigation with strategic support and clear communication.

Legal Representation in Divorce

A divorce attorney protects your rights and provides clear guidance. We help clients navigate complex legal matters, make informed decisions, and work toward resolutions aligned with their goals. Parties often make a huge mistake by not seeing legal counsel because there are many pitfalls in the divorce process that only a proper, experienced attorney can help parties navigate.

Why Clients Choose S.G. Morrow & Associates, P.A.

S.G. Morrow & Associates, P.A. provides compassionate legal support for those facing divorce. Attorney Stephanie G. Morrow and her team help clients navigate Florida’s divorce laws with clarity, offering counseling recommendations, self-help resources, and legal education. With a focus on protecting rights and exploring options, we guide clients toward fair resolutions that align with their needs and Florida law.