Divorce Under Florida Law
Filing for divorce is one of the most significant legal decisions you will ever make. In Florida, divorce - legally referred to as "dissolution of marriage" under Florida Statute §61.001 - requires that at least one spouse has been a state resident for a minimum of six months prior to filing. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you need only demonstrate that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" to obtain a dissolution.
The Florida Divorce Process
Every divorce case in Florida begins with filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the circuit court in the county where either spouse resides. Under Fla. Stat. §61.043, the respondent spouse must be served and has 20 days to file an answer. From there, both parties are required to complete mandatory financial disclosure per Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285, exchanging sworn financial affidavits and supporting documents.
Florida courts may enter temporary orders under Fla. Stat. §61.071 to address urgent matters during the pending divorce - including temporary custody (timesharing), temporary support, exclusive use of the marital home, and protection of marital assets. These temporary orders can significantly shape the final outcome, making early legal representation critical.
Most divorce cases proceed through mediation before reaching trial. Florida courts require mediation in virtually all contested family law matters. As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, Marc Cohen brings unique dual-perspective insight - he understands mediation strategy both as an advocate for his clients and as a neutral mediator who has helped hundreds of couples reach resolution.
Divorce Cases in Palm Beach Gardens
Palm Beach Gardens divorce cases are filed at the Palm Beach County Family Division courthouse at 205 N. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach. The PGA Boulevard corridor's upscale communities - including Old Palm Golf Club, Frenchman's Reserve, BallenIsles, and Mirasol - are home to professionals and executives whose divorce cases frequently involve high-value real estate, golf club memberships with significant transferable value, and complex investment and retirement portfolios. Marc Cohen's financial background enables him to thoroughly analyze and present these sophisticated asset structures in equitable distribution proceedings.
Why Choose Marc M. Cohen, P.A.? Marc M. Cohen brings a rare combination of legal expertise and financial acumen to divorce cases. His J.D. from Brooklyn Law School combined with an MBA in Quantitative Analysis from St. John's University gives him the analytical tools to dissect complex financial situations - business valuations, hidden asset discovery, retirement fund division, and executive compensation analysis. With over 25 years of Florida family law experience, Marc has handled hundreds of divorce cases ranging from straightforward uncontested dissolutions to multi-million dollar contested proceedings involving business interests, real estate portfolios, and international assets.
Contact a Palm Beach Gardens Divorce Attorney
If you need experienced legal representation for divorce matters in Palm Beach Gardens, contact Marc M. Cohen, P.A. for a free consultation. Call (561) 740-3301 or contact us online to discuss your case. We serve clients throughout Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach County, and all of South Florida.