Starting Your Divorce Journey: First Steps

Starting your divorce, the right way can make the entire divorce process smoother. Whether you choose collaborative, uncontested, or contested divorce depends on your situation and how much you and your spouse agree. Picking the right attorney, one who communicates well and fits your needs, is just as important. With early planning and the right support, your divorce can be more manageable and less stressful.

Taking the right first steps in a divorce will make the process feel more manageable. Knowing your options and getting the right support early on will help to set a better tone for what is ahead.

Choose the Divorce Process That Best Fits Your Situation

There are a few different divorce paths you can take, depending on your relationship with your spouse and how much you agree on key issues like property, finances, and children.

Process # 1 – Collaborative Divorce

• Both spouses commit to working together to resolve the issues in the divorce
• Each person hires an attorney trained in the Collaborative Divorce process
• Encourages respectful communication and solutions
• Great for couples who want to avoid court and stay civil

Process # 2 – Uncontested Divorce

• You and your spouse agree on how to divide property, handle debt, and manage any other issues
• Little to no conflict
• Usually, the fastest and least expensive option

Process # 3 – Traditional Contested Divorce

• Best for couples who strongly disagree on key issues
• Involves a more formal court process
• It can take much longer and cost more, but sometimes going to court is necessary

Finding the Right Attorney

Choosing the right attorney is one of the most important steps you will take. It is a good idea to meet with at least three lawyers before deciding. Don’t choose based on price alone. Instead, look for someone who:

• Communicates clearly and listens well
• Has experience with divorce cases
• Focuses their practice in family law and Collaborative Divorce

You can also choose how much help you want from your attorney, based on your needs and budget.

• Full representation: Your attorney handles the entire case
• Limited scope: The lawyer helps with specific parts, like reviewing paperwork or going to court
• Consulting attorney: Offers legal advice behind the scenes while you handle most of the process

Pro Tip: In Central Florida, use local directories to find attorneys trained in Collaborative Divorce. It is important to work with someone you trust, this is a big life change, and you deserve strong, supportive guidance.

The beginning of your divorce journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right planning and legal support, it doesn’t have to be. Choosing the right path and the right attorney can turn a stressful situation into a more peaceful and productive process.

Zaneta Matthews is an Orlando family law attorney known for guiding clients through the divorce process with empathy and clarity. She believes that how a divorce begins can greatly influence how it ends and works with clients to set the tone for respectful, collaborative outcomes. She is a member of Collaborative Divorce Central Florida and the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals. If you need help with your divorce question? 📞 Call Zaneta Matthews at (407) 630-8959 to schedule a consultation.