http://FamilyMaritalLaw.com

Often times we are asked the question, "What can I do if my spouse files for divorce but I do not want the divorce?"

Florida is a no fault divorce state.  All one has to do is to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and allege that the marriage is irretreivably broken. This does not have to be proven.  So you cannot prevent the divorce if your spouse is determined to get one.  However, you might be able to convince your spouse not to seek the divorce and instead attend marital counseling or otherwise reconcile.  This is voluntary as the court will not order that you go through any counseling to save the marriage.

What you can do is to make sure that your interests are protected.  Do not ignore the divorce process thinking it will go away.   You will have only 20 days to respond to the Petition once it has been personally served upon you.  It is important to talk with a knowledgeable Tampa attorney who specializes in divorce and family law, and make sure that your property and liability issues are properly addressed, as well as any support issues.   If you have children with your spouse, make sure that you retain appropriate timesharing  and child support is properly calculated.  If you do not respond to the Petition as directed in it, a default will be entered and the process will proceed without you.

For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation contact us at:

Tampa Bay Divorce Attorney
All Family Law Group
813-616-3557
511 West Bay Street Suite 450 
Tampa, Florida 33606

What can I do if my spouse files for divorce but I do not want the divorce?

Attorney Lynette Silon-Laguna practices family law, divorce and bankruptcy at All Family Law Group, P.A., a family law firm serving Tampa Bay with offices in Tampa, Clearwater, Riverview and Apollo Beach. Ms. Silon-Laguna’s practice encompasses a wide spectrum of family law matters, including divorce, stepparent adoption, relative adoption, name change, paternity, child support, child custody and domestic violence. 

Ms. Silon-Laguna graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Florida and earned her Juris Doctorate law degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where she graduated With Honors. While in school, she was awarded Founder’s Day Honors and a Certificate for Outstanding Achievement, and was elected to the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. 

Ms. Silon-Laguna is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. She is a member of the Family Law Sections of the Florida Bar and the Hillsborough Bar Association, and is a member of the Clearwater Bar Association. She is a member and Past Secretary of Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association and is a member of the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association. 

What can I do if my spouse files for divorce but I do not want the divorce?

Lynette Silon-Laguna, ESQ