What a West Palm Beach Divorce Lawyer Does
Divorce is one of the most difficult experiences a person or family can face. In addition to the emotional toll, the dissolution of marriage legal process in Florida can be intimidating. For those in West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County, having an experienced West Palm divorce lawyer ensures your rights, your children, and your financial future are protected every step of the way.
This article on what a West Palm Beach divorce lawyer does is written by Christian Van Riper, a West Palm Beach family law attorney, former prosecutor, and former Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigator. His background gives him unique insight into the family court system, child welfare, and the challenges families face during divorce.
What Does a West Palm Beach Divorce Lawyer Do?
A West Palm Beach divorce lawyer guides clients through the dissolution of marriage legal process while advocating for their best interests. Some of the critical roles include:
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Explaining Your Divorce Rights and Options
Florida is a “no-fault” divorce state, which means you don’t need to prove wrongdoing to dissolve a marriage. A lawyer ensures you understand how this affects issues like property division, child custody, and alimony. A divorce lawyer will go over many other areas such as the impact of inheritance on divorce, impact of social media posts during divorce and divorce timelines.
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Managing Paperwork and Procedure
Divorce involves formal pleadings, mandatory disclosures, and strict deadlines. A divorce lawyer ensures filings are completed properly and on time, avoiding mistakes that can delay your case.
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Advocating for Children
With his experience as a former DCF investigator, Mr. Van Riper has a unique perspective on protecting children during divorce. He assists clients in developing parenting plans, establishing timesharing schedules, and safeguarding parental rights.
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Handling Finances
A West Palm Beach divorce lawyer protects your financial interests, from dividing assets and debts to determining alimony and child support. This includes understanding tax consequences and ensuring fairness in distribution.
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Negotiating and Litigating
Most cases settle through negotiation or Palm Beach family law mediation, but some require trial. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Van Riper brings strong family law courtroom advocacy skills when litigation is necessary.
The Divorce Process in Florida
The divorce (dissolution of marriage) process in Florida generally follows these steps:
- Filing the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (divorce) – One spouse files a petition for dissolution in the circuit court. The other party will file and answer and likely a counterpetition.
- Serving the Divorce Petition – The other spouse must be formally served and given 20 days to respond.
- Financial Disclosure – Both parties exchange financial affidavits and disclose assets, income, and debts. Your family law attorney will discuss the documents to be exchanged in Mandatory Disclosure.
- Mediation – In most cases, mediation is required to attempt settlement. Our divorce attorney prepares diligently for mediation.
- Temporary Relief (If Needed) – Either party may request temporary child support, alimony, or timesharing while the case is pending through the Palm Beach County Family Law Court.
- Settlement or Trial – Agreements are submitted to the court; unresolved issues are decided at trial before a Palm Beach Family Law Judge.
- Final Judgment – The Palm Beach Family Law Judge issues a Final Judgment of Dissolution, officially ending the marriage.
Why Local Experience Matters
Every divorce is unique. Working with a divorce lawyer in West Palm Beach who knows Florida law, Palm Beach County court procedures, and the concerns judges focus on can make a significant difference. Christian Van Riper’s experience as both a prosecutor and DCF investigator gives him a practical understanding of how divorce impacts families, especially when children are involved.
If you are considering divorce in West Palm Beach, contact WPB divorce attorney Christian Van Riper at 561-948-5588. He will discuss contested an uncontested divorce and answer all questions you have. We provide compassionate yet aggressive representation, ensuring your rights and your family’s future are protected. Our consultations are free. Mr. Van Riper, as a former DCF investigator, understands Dependency Law and is experienced in litigating Dependency cases as well.
Van Riper and Nies Attorneys, 801 Northpoint Pkwy, Ste 374, West Palm Beach, FL 33047. 561-948-5588