Beth M. Terry, P.A. Attorney at Law

Divorce

Jacksonville, Florida, Divorce Attorney

Helping Men and Women Throughout Northeast Florida During Difficult Times

For most people contemplating or going through a divorce, it is a emotionally exhausting time. Particularly where there are children  involved, the stresses add up. There are important decisions that need to be made, with far-reaching and long-lasting effects, and you want to make sure you are making smart, well-informed decisions.

At the law office of Beth M. Terry, P.A., we work with clients throughout Jacksonville and northeast Florida to help them find effective solutions to their divorce-related legal problems. It is possible to approach a marital dissolution constructively and productively, and it is our job to facilitate an outcome that minimizes the negative impact on the parties involved.

Dissolution of Marriage in Florida

Florida is a no-fault divorce state, so you do not need to show the court a cause for the marital dissolution, simply that the marriage is broken beyond repair. Attorney Beth Terry is committed to providing honest, upfront guidance to her clients in uncontested and contested divorces:

• Uncontested divorce: Uncontested divorces are the least stressful and least contentious method of divorce. If both parties are able to agree upon all or most of the issues in advance, our attorney can write the agreement, which the court will adopt in a hearing. This process is typically faster than contested divorce, taking only about 60 to 90 days.
• Contested divorce: Where parties cannot agree on property division, child custody, child support and/or spousal support, the dissolution of the marriage occurs through a contested divorce. Like a traditional lawsuit, process typically involves a filed petition, discovery, negotiation and settlement or trial. Generally, contested divorce is a more formal, costly and time-consuming process than an uncontested divorce.

The Mediation Requirement

In contested divorces, the courts in northeast Florida generally require that the parties first engage in mediation. Mediation is a facilitated negotiation involving a court-appointed certified mediator who helps the parties arrive at an agreement on the issues. If successful, the mediation results in a signed agreement. The agreement is then submitted to the court for adoption, after which the marriage is officially dissolved. If the mediation is unsuccessful, we proceed to trial.

Encouraging Agreements Outside of Court

At the law office of Beth M. Terry, P.A., we encourage clients to come to an agreement if possible. Reaching agreement through uncontested divorce or mediation allows parties to devise creative solutions tailored to their own specific situation. In a contested divorce, the court will decide every issue: custody, visitation, property division, support, a route that rarely leaves either side happy.

We realize, however, that agreement is not always possible. In such a case, you can take confidence in knowing that we have the knowledge and experience it takes to protect your interests at trial. In contested divorce, judges have a lot of discretion in deciding the issues, and our job is to give a realistic assessment of what to expect and to advocate zealously on your behalf.

Contact an Experienced Divorce Attorney to Discuss Your Case

At the Law Office of Beth M. Terry, P.A., we are always honest and straightforward with our clients. To schedule an appointment with an experienced lawyer, please contact us or call 904-638-8961.

Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9 to 5, with additional times available by appointment. For your convenience, we offer telephone consultations if you are not able to come to our office.

We are located near the San Marco area, just minutes from downtown Jacksonville and offer free parking. We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover.

Beth M. Terry, P.A.
Attorney at Law
1824 Atlantic Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Toll Free: 866-726-4608
Local: 904-638-8961
Fax: 904-399-5341
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Beth M. Terry, P.A., is located in Jacksonville, Florida, and represents clients throughout Northeast Florida, including Orange Park, Callahan, Yulee, St. Augustine, Green Cove Springs, Middleburg and Macclenny and in the following counties: Duval County, Clay County, St. Johns County, Nassau County and Baker County.