Experienced Fort Walton Beach Family Law Attorneys
If you are considering divorce or dealing with another family legal issue, a lawyer with knowledge and experience can be a valuable partner. They can help you achieve a favorable outcome and protect your rights.
At Campbell & Madden, PLLC, we help families in Fort Walton Beach, Niceville and throughout Okaloosa County with a wide range of family law matters. Our firm has a wealth of experience with Florida divorce and other legal issues.
Get Experienced Counsel To Address Your Family Law Issues In Florida
When dealing with a family law matter, selecting the right attorney can greatly impact your results and having an experienced lawyer matters. We routinely handle family law matters involving:
- Divorce: We will protect your rights and help you secure your desired outcome if you decide to call it quits.
- Military divorce and retirement rights: Our firm handles all issues related to this issue, including the division of property and retirement benefits.
- Child custody and visitation (time-sharing): We can help you develop parenting documents that focus on the best interests of your child.
- Child and spousal support: We can help you seek child support in a divorce, separation, domestic violence or paternity case.
- Modification: If an established family law order must be altered, the request must go through the courts. We can help you during this challenging time.
- Relocation issues: When a parent wants to move out of state with his or her child, they must go through the courts to get the consent of the other parent.
- Paternity: A father may acknowledge paternity after the delivery or bring a paternity action to ensure that the child gets the care and support of both parents.
- Injunction: An attorney can represent you during an injunction hearing. We represent those accused and victims of domestic violence.
One of the parties must have lived in Florida for at least six months before a divorce can be filed. There is immediate relief available through an action for “separate maintenance” available for parties who do not meet the six-month residency requirement.
Commonly Asked Questions About Florida Family Law
We understand that you likely have many questions during this transitional period. Our lawyers have provided answers to some of the most common inquiries we receive from local clients. These responses provide a brief overview of what you might expect.
Where will my family law hearings take place?
In Okaloosa County, the location of your court proceedings typically depends on your residence within the county. For residents in the southern portion of the county, including Fort Walton Beach and Niceville, hearings are generally held at the Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex Extension.
Cases involving families in the northern end, such as Crestview or Laurel Hill, are usually processed at the Crestview Courthouse. Our firm is strategically located in Shalimar to provide convenient access for our clients appearing at the southern annex. We will ensure you are fully prepared for the specific courtroom environment where your case will be heard.
Does Florida require mediation for all family law cases?
Florida courts strongly emphasize alternative dispute resolution and almost always require mediation before a case can proceed to a final trial. This process allows both parties to meet with a neutral third party to reach an agreement on issues such as parenting plans or property division.
Mediation is often more cost-effective and less adversarial than a courtroom battle, giving you more control over the final outcome. Once a full agreement is reached, it is submitted for the court’s approval and incorporated into a final judgment. If mediation proves unsuccessful, our family law attorneys are ready to advocate for your interests in court.
Can I get temporary financial support while my case is pending?
Yes, Florida law allows parties to file a motion for temporary relief to address financial needs while a divorce or paternity case is ongoing. These pendente lite (Latin for “while the suit is pending”) orders can cover essential matters such as temporary alimony, child support and even the payment of attorney fees.
The court’s goal is to maintain financial stability for both parties and their children until a final judgment is entered. These hearings are often critical because they set the tone for the remainder of the litigation. We work diligently to pursue the necessary financial resources you need to sustain your household during the legal process.
Call Us And Learn How Our Family Law Lawyers Can Help
For over 32 years, attorneys at Campbell & Madden, PLLC, have been focused on meeting the needs of families in Okaloosa County. Arrange a consultation online or call 888-646-1535 today. Located in Shalimar, our firm represents clients in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, Valparaiso and throughout Okaloosa County and Walton County. Se habla español.