Family Law Attorney in Sarasota
Board-Certified Marital & Family Law Counsel for Sarasota Families
Family law covers legal issues involving marital and family relationships. Divorce and other disputes can involve connected concerns such as parental responsibility, time-sharing, child support, alimony, property division, and post-judgment changes. A knowledgeable family law attorney can help you understand the issues involved, organize the information needed, and evaluate negotiation, mediation, or court options.
At Schipani Law Group, P.A., our experienced family lawyers handle a wide range of family law matters for women and men in Sarasota and throughout southwest Florida. We provide personalized guidance as clients evaluate legal, financial, and parenting decisions and prepare for the next stage of life.
Our Sarasota family lawyers bring training and experience to each matter. Attorney Phil Schipani has been Board Certified in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar since 2014 and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. These qualifications reflect his experience, reputation among family law attorneys, and completion of rigorous testing and education in this field.
Facing divorce or another family law issue? Contact our Sarasota family law attorneys at (941) 499-8154 or through our online request form to discuss your situation.
Our Practice Areas
Committed to Helping You Move Forward
Understanding Family Law in Sarasota: Local Court & Mediation Context
Family law matters can feel overwhelming when divorce, child custody negotiations, and spousal support create emotional and financial uncertainty. At Schipani Law Group, P.A., we guide clients in Sarasota and surrounding areas through the legal, parenting, and financial decisions these issues require.
Sarasota County family-law matters are handled within Florida’s Twelfth Judicial Circuit, which also includes Manatee and DeSoto Counties. The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Family Mediation Program addresses disputes involving parental responsibility, parenting plans, child support, property division, and alimony. Prior to mediation, each party must file a current Family Law Financial Affidavit with the Clerk of Court.
For many, one of the biggest concerns during a divorce is its impact on children. Maintaining stability for your children is important when addressing parental responsibility, time-sharing, and support. Our attorneys help you address custody and support matters with your children’s needs in mind.
The financial aspects of divorce can also be daunting. Couples may face detailed questions about marital property, debt, business assets, retirement accounts, support, and substantial property portfolios. We help clients identify and organize the financial information needed to evaluate these issues.
Representation for Sarasota Family Law Matters
At Schipani Law Group, P.A., we represent Sarasota clients in matters ranging from divorce and child custody to child support and alimony, including complex and contested cases.
When you work with our Sarasota family law attorneys, you can expect:
- A personalized approach that considers your goals, your children’s needs, and your financial circumstances
- Settlement-focused negotiation through mediation or direct discussions
- Focused courtroom representation when litigation before the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court becomes necessary
- Compassionate guidance throughout the legal process so you understand what to expect and how to prepare at every stage
Working with a Sarasota Family Lawyer During Your Case
When you work with a Sarasota family lawyer from Schipani Law Group, P.A., we explain the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court process, expected hearings, and information needed at the beginning of your case. This preparation helps us develop a plan that reflects what matters to you and your family.
Throughout your case, we explain settlement options in plain language, discuss the considerations involved, and answer your questions so you can make informed decisions. We can help you prepare for negotiation, family mediation, or a contested hearing when issues remain unresolved.
We gather records, coordinate with financial professionals when needed, and prepare you for court-required steps. We also explain your responsibilities so you can stay organized and ready for each stage.
Helpful Resources
- Official website of the City of Sarasota
- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office website
- Florida Bar Association website
Discuss Your Family Law Matter with Our Sarasota Attorneys
We represent families in Sarasota County and surrounding areas in divorce, parenting, financial, and post-judgment matters through negotiation, mediation, and contested proceedings.
Call (941) 499-8154 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Sarasota family law attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions about Family Law Matters
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How Is a Divorce Started?A divorce in Florida, called a dissolution of marriage, begins with a petition filed with the court. The petition will state what you are seeking in terms of the divorce. Four basic types of petitions exist depending on the circumstances of your situation. They are a Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage, Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with a Dependent or Minor Child, Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Property but no Dependent, and Petition of Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Property. A copy of the Petition will be sent to your spouse who will have 20 days to respond with his or her own issues that will need to be resolved.
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Do I Need an Attorney for My Divorce Proceeding?If you and your spouse have good communication and can agree on most of the major issues that must be decided as part of a divorce proceeding, it may seem unnecessary to hire a divorce attorney. However, a divorce is still a legal proceeding with all of the paperwork and formality that it implies. A seemingly minor typographical error can have major implications down the road and result in significant legal expenses to correct. Having a lawyer on your side from the beginning can ensure that your interests will remain protected and that everything will be done correctly according to Florida law.
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How Long Does a Divorce Usually Take?It depends on the situation. If you and your spouse can agree on all issues, the divorce will generally go much faster. If you do not agree, then the court must step in and resolve the issues that are contested. The time this takes will vary depending on the complexity of the issues, court schedules, and more. The quickest and easiest divorce is one that is uncontested and simple where there are no dependents.
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I Know That the “best Interests” of the Child Is How a Court Decides Custody. What Does That Mean?There is no set definition for this term. Each child custody situation is resolved on a case-by-case basis. Every case is different with varying factors which must be reviewed to determine the best resolution in terms of both parents and the child. Florida courts strongly favor a continuing relationship with both parents for the child unless there is a valid reason factor against it, such as a parent with a history of domestic violence.
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I Am Not Receiving Court-ordered Child Support Payments. What Can I Do?If your child’s parent is failing to pay child support, we can help pursue an enforcement action. This may require little more than a sternly-worded reminder of the parent’s legal obligations. It may also involve additional steps to be taken, including wage garnishment or seeking to hold the parent in contempt of court. We can help explore your options and determine the best path forward for your situation.
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Can a Parent Who Has Physical Custody of a Child Move Out-of-state?A parent with physical child custody may relocate to another state or even another country. However, they must inform the other parent of their intention to move and any modifications to a custody agreement or a child support agreement must be approved by the court. Failure to follow the law can have serious consequences. We help both parents who are wishing to relocate and parents whose custody arrangements may be impacted by a move.