Family Law Attorneys
Schedule a Consultation 941-499-8154

Sarasota Family Law Attorneys

Family law covers all of the issues that pertain to marital and family relationships. These are among the most personal of legal issues in terms of emotional and financial uncertainty and stress. This is especially true if you and your spouse or the other party have major disagreements as to how to settle the matter at hand. To ensure the best possible results, working with a trusted and knowledgeable attorney is crucial and can make a big difference in how your divorce or other legal issue is handled and resolved.

At Schipani & Norman, P.A., our lawyers handle a wide range of family law matters for both women and men in Sarasota, Bradenton, and communities throughout southwest Florida.

We pride ourselves on putting your family first and we will always have your best interests in mind. Our Sarasota family lawyers bring exceptional training and experience to your legal matter. Attorney Phil Schipani is Board Certified in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar, a distinction that is awarded to fewer than 300 attorneys in the state of Florida. It means that the Bar recognizes Mr. Schipani for his experience and reputation among family law attorneys and his completion of rigorous testing and education in this field.

Facing divorce or another family law issue? Contact Schipani & Norman, P.A. at (941) 499-8154 or through our online request form for the help you need today.

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Family Law Matters We Handle

Our firm can help you resolve all types of family law issues, including:

  • Marriage dissolution: Divorce has many issues to address, including spousal support and distribution of marital property. Our outstanding legal team can help you.
  • Child custody: We can help you minimize the impact of divorce on your children and respond to your questions and concerns about issues such as legal custody and child support.
  • Complex divorce: Some divorces involve complex issues, such as in high net-worth divorces with complicated and major financial holdings or divorce where small businesses or professional practices are in play. These types of divorces will require business valuations and other financial valuations/appraisals to determine the outcome.
  • Alimony: Spousal support can also be a complex issue requiring the review of many factors to determine its outcome.
  • Parenting disputes: Disputes can arise during and after a divorce has been finalized over parenting time plans, relocation, and other issues.
  • Domestic partners: Same-sex partners may also face the same issues as straight couples involved in divorce, child custody and support, and other matters which our firm can help you resolve.
  • Post-judgment modifications: Child custody, parenting plans, child support, and alimony may need to be altered when you have a substantial change in circumstances. We can help you with the legal process before the court.
  • Family adoptions: Many factors are involved in these proceedings and you need an experienced attorney to guide you through this exciting time in your life.
  • Domestic abuse: Whether you have been accused of domestic abuse or are the victim of violence in your home, you will need an experienced lawyer on your side.

You can rely on our team to represent you on any of these sensitive legal matters.

Talk to Schipani & Norman, P.A. about Your Family Law Concerns

Our attorneys will listen to the facts of your family law issue. We are available for appointments at any time during the week or evenings and weekends. We are conveniently located in downtown Sarasota, near the courthouse.

Please call (941) 499-8154 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with a Sarasota family law attorney today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Family Law Matters

  • Q:How is a divorce started?

    A: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.

  • Q:Do I need an attorney for my divorce proceeding?

    A: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.

  • Q:How long does a divorce usually take?

    A: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.

  • Q:I know that the “best interests” of the child is how a court decides custody. What does that mean?

    A: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.

  • Q:I am not receiving court-ordered child support payments. What can I do?

    A: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.

  • Q:Can a parent who has physical custody of a child move out-of-state?

    A:A parent with physical child custodymay 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.

Contact Schipani & Norman, P.A.

Call 941-499-8154 to Schedule Your Consultation
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