Florida Family Law

Whether you are dealing with happy or sad issues, family law is a highly emotional and difficult legal area for our clients.  This is not the right time to get advice from well-meaning family and friends.  You need to talk with someone who will provide sound, unemotional legal advice based on Florida’s specific laws.  You need an attorney who will present your options in clear language while treating you with compassion.

Waters & Associates, P.A. knows the specific Florida family laws and rules and has the experience and compassion you need to help you with any family legal issue. 

Refer to our Family Law Frequently Asked Questions for helpful information about what you can do when family issues arise.

Prenuptial Agreements

Planning a wedding is a joyful and exciting time.  Most couples do not want to think about a prenuptial agreement (also known as a premarital agreement).  But, in some situations it makes sense to have a plan.  Consider these situations:

• If you or your intended enters the marriage with significant debt, who will be responsible for it?
• Do you want to retain full ownership of any significant assets or property you had prior to the marriage?
• How do you financially protect children from prior marriages?

These are not issues that should be left to chance.  The attorneys at Waters & Associates, P.A. can help you form the clear written guidelines that you need to avoid future disagreement.

Divorce

The attorneys at Waters & Associates, P.A. recognize that the pain and emotions in divorce make decision-making particularly difficult.  We will listen to your issues and your feelings so we can present the best possible options for you.

Every state’s divorce laws are different.  You need an attorney who can ensure your case is presented in a way that meets Florida’s requirements and protects your rights to a fair settlement.  The Tallahassee law firm of Waters & Associates, P.A. can provide the support you need in the state of Florida.

If you are uncomfortable dealing with a painful courtroom trial, in the right circumstances we will try to negotiate a fair settlement out of court.  When your interests cannot be preserved outside of a courtroom, we will provide the strong litigation skills you need.

Modifications

Life situations change.  The divorce settlement that made sense years ago may no longer apply. 

• One spouse may relocate far away, requiring changes to visitation or even custody. 
• The spouse who is paying child support or alimony experiences sudden financial hardship due to loss of a job or severe illness.
• The spouse who is receiving child support or alimony enjoys an increase in wealth from a job promotion or another source and no longer needs all of the support required by the initial divorce decree.

To protect your rights and your children, you need a formal change to the divorce decree.  Do not try to come to an informal agreement; contact Waters & Associates, P.A. to ensure you continue to have an agreement that is legally binding in the state of Florida.

Enforcement

Both parties are required to follow the terms of a divorce decrees are binding.  But, because of a sudden life change, or through misinterpretation, a spouse might not always follow them.  Regardless of why your spouse has broken the agreement, you need to let the courts resolve the situation.  The attorneys at Waters & Associates, P.A. know how to present your case in court to collect any money owed to you and get your divorce settlement back on track.

Parenting

When children are involved, divorce is more complex.  The state of Florida considers the best interests of the children first in issues of child parenting and time-sharing.  At Waters & Associates, P.A., we do everything possible to make sure your children remain happy and safe.  If you need a change to the original judgment in time-sharing schedules, parenting, child support, or alimony is altered, we assist clients with post-decree amendment.

Paternity

Paternity can involve the issue of child support, possible retroactive child support, and time-sharing.  At Waters & Associates, P.A.., we represent you in all legal proceedings to ensure that all laws are followed and your rights and your child's rights are protected.

Child support

Whether yours is a single parenting arrangement or even when parenting will be done by both spouses, the chances are that one parent can best afford to pay for the financial needs of the children.  The attorneys at Waters & Associates, P.A. can help ensure that your children have what they need by presenting the strongest case in court.

Contact Us

If you are facing a dispute in the courtroom, call Waters & Associates at 850-270-1351. Or, contact us online. We take the time to listen to your concerns, and we make sure you clearly understand all legal options available to you.

Located in Tallahassee, Florida the practice regularly assists clients in North Florida.