Florida Concierge Divorce Resources

The judge assigned to your case may require a second mediation before agreeing to actually hear what you and your spouse have to say and viewing documented proof of allegations and need. But you are entitled to your day in court where you and your attorney will be able to explain your case in detail and present required evidence. After listening to both sides and considering the evidence the judge will make a final determination of outcomes and you will be given your dissolution of marriage as part of the final judgment.

In the state of Florida mediation is required before a dissolution of marriage case can be heard by a judge. This is actually a good thing, Attorney Gisondo points out, as with the help of a third party you have a say in what the final decisions will be where as in the courtroom a judge will make all the final decisions whether you like them or not. Of course it often happens the two parties and their lawyers, who are also present, simply cannot agree and the case will then be scheduled for court. More discovery and additional depositions will likely take place while waiting for a court date. Sometimes a Temporary Relief Hearing before a judge will be held to address immediate concerns during the waiting period such as parental timesharing including over nights, child support, equitable distribution, spousal support and who gets to stay in the family dwelling. Typically, each party has 15 minutes before the judge, the hearing is set for a total of 30 minutes.

First he will let you know he is truly there for YOU. He will ask about the particulars of your reasons for seeking divorce and encourage you to be absolutely sure you and your spouse have tried all avenues to try to make your marriage work. He will even suggest counseling if that has not been tried. When you are both sure there is no other course than to dissolve your marriage, Attorney Gisondo will begin to work on your case. First there will need to be a petition for Dissolution of Marriage filed in the county where you are a resident. This petition will be served to your spouse who would then have twenty days to file his or her answer to your petition.

During the time you are waiting for an answer from your spouse, you will need to be collecting personal information regarding your situation and the proof needed to document your concerns. This will be used by Attorney Gisondo to structure your case. He then can provide you with details of any additional information or proof he needs to proceed in your best interests. You will also be working on documents for mandatory disclosure, with proof of your financial circumstances, including checking and savings, credit cards, debts, and retirement accounts. This is called your financial affidavit and your spouse will be required to fill one out as well. If you have children from your marriage this is a good time to take a Florida Parenting Class that will meet the requirements of the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization course necessary to obtain a divorce in the state of Florida. You can find this class locally or on-line. Your spouse will also need to take such a class.

Following the gathering of information and filling out required documents Attorney Gisondo will prepare your case based on the response from your spouse, and your needs such as spousal support, identifying and handling equitable distribution of marital assets including real estate, business ventures, and retirement plans, and if there are children involved, parental timesharing and child support. Special needs unique to your case will also be addressed.

We serve clients in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Jupiter and Martin County.

Attorney Gisondo is part of only 1% of Florida Marital and Family Law lawyers who have received board certification.

Attaining the honor of Board Certification in Marital and Family Law administered by The Florida Bar and officiated by The Florida Supreme Court means Attorney Grant Gisondo can use the letters BCS (Board Certified Specialist) behind his name and accredits him with being considered an expert in his field. The certification is a voluntary process that requires at least five years of active experience to apply, a requisite number of trial experience, and peer/judicial evaluation. Following application, the candidate must demonstrate skills and expertise in a particular field of law by passing a comprehensive examination and by being evaluated by peers for ethical and professional expertise in the candidate’s chosen field. Board certification is the gold standard for Florida lawyers.

For busy professionals or high profile individuals, our concierge divorce program offers these benefits and more: