Local Martin County Divorce Lawyers

How the Divorce Process Works in Martin County

In Florida, divorce is legally called a Dissolution of Marriage. While every case is unique, most divorces in Martin County follow a similar path:

1) Filing the Petition

One spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in Martin County. The other spouse is formally served and has an opportunity to respond.

2) Mandatory Financial Disclosure

Florida requires both parties to exchange key financial information. This often includes:

• Tax returns
• Pay stubs and proof of income
• Bank account statements
• Retirement account statements (401(k), IRA, pensions)
• Mortgage and real estate records
• Credit card statements
• Vehicle loans and other debts
• Business and investment records (if applicable)

3) Resolving the Key Issues

In a Martin County divorce, the Martin County Family Law Judges typically addresses:

• Division of marital assets and liabilities
• Alimony (if applicable)
• Child support (if children are involved)
• Time-sharing and the Parenting Plan (if children are involved)

4) Mediation

Divorce cases go to mediation before trial. Mediation can help couples reach agreements without the stress and cost of a trial.
When handled correctly, it can also help families move forward with less conflict. Hiring a Martin County divorce attorney early to prepare for mediation is important. Most cases resolve at mediations vs trials.

5) Final Hearing or Trial

If the parties reach an agreement, the judge can finalize the divorce at a final hearing. If issues remain disputed, the judge decides those issues at trial.

Tips to Make Your Divorce Smoother, Quicker, and Less Stressful

The most efficient divorces usually begin with good preparation. Here are practical steps that can reduce stress and legal fees:

Get your financial records together before meeting with your divorce attorney

Start gathering documents that show your assets and liabilities, such as bank accounts, retirement statements, pay records, credit card statements, etc. Being organized early can reduce delays and help your divorce attorney give you clearer guidance.

Pull your own credit report

Pulling your credit report is a smart first step because it often lists all debts where your name is attached, including accounts you may have forgotten or were unaware of. It will help identify joint liabilities that need to be addressed in the divorce.

If children are involved and both parties agree to divorce, talk about a Parenting Plan

If both spouses agree the marriage is ending and the children’s needs come first, it can help to talk, calmly and respectfully, about what each parent believes would be best for time-sharing, holidays, school logistics, and communication. Even a basic framework can reduce conflict and speed up resolution. By reaching a mutual understanding on child custody issues and related issues before filing, many families are able to avoid high-conflict litigation and create a more stable, less stressful, child-focused transition from the very beginning.

What Is a Parenting Plan in Florida?

When minor children are involved, Florida requires a Parenting Plan. A Parenting Plan is a written document that sets out how parents will share responsibilities and time with the child(ren). It typically includes:

• A detailed time-sharing schedule (weekday/weekend times, holidays, summer, and special occasions)
• How decisions will be made for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities
• How parents will communicate with each other (and sometimes how the child will communicate with each parent)
• Transportation and exchange details
• Other child-focused terms needed for stability and consistency

Florida courts focus on the best interests of the child. A well-crafted Parenting Plan reduces ambiguity, prevents misunderstandings, and helps children experience consistency during a major life transition.

Why Clients Choose Christian Van Riper When Searching for Local Martin County Divorce Lawyers

Christian Van Riper is known for his accessibility to clients and for fighting to protect his clients’ rights in divorce and family law cases. His background as a former local prosecutor and former DCF investigator provides a practical understanding of how cases involving children can develop, especially when safety concerns, allegations, or DCF involvement become issues. Christian works quickly at resolving divorce cases and, from the beginning, discusses a divorce timeline with his clients.

Christian also handles DCF-related cases (Dependency Court) and understands the seriousness of DCF investigations and dependency proceedings. When DCF issues intersect with a family law case, having an attorney who understands both systems can be critical to protecting parental rights and ensuring the child’s well-being remains the focus.

Serving Stuart, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, and All Locations in Martin County

Our Martin County Family Law Attorney, Christian Van Riper, represents clients throughout Martin County, including Stuart, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, and all surrounding communities in Martin County, Florida. We are a veteran-owned law firm and offer discounts to military veterans.

Contact Christian Van Riper for Free