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(786) 706-8802
We Speak English, Arabic, and Spanish
CALL TO Schedule a In-Depth
Confidential Consultation
Whether your divorce is straightforward or deeply contested, Altawil Law Group — consistently rated divorce attorney in Miami and across South Florida — protects your assets, your children, and your future. Our Florida divorce family law practice serves Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties — in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
âš Deadline Alert: Florida courts impose strict timelines for financial disclosure, asset appraisals, and response filings. Missing a deadline can permanently affect your rights to property or custody. Contact us today to protect your position.
Divorce is one of the most consequential legal processes you will ever face. Decisions made in your case — about your home, retirement savings, and your children's living arrangements — define your life for years, sometimes decades, to come.
Florida's divorce laws are specific, nuanced, and actively evolving. The 2023 Florida Alimony Reform Act (SB 1416) fundamentally restructured how courts award spousal support. Florida's Chapter 61 Family Law statutes govern everything from property division to parenting plans. Without a knowledgeable Florida divorce attorney at your side, you risk agreeing to terms that permanently disadvantage you — or missing procedural deadlines that cost you your rights entirely.
Our reputation as a rated divorce attorney in Miami is built on results — not advertising. Clients across the 11th Judicial Circuit consistently trust Altawil Law Group because we combine deep Florida divorce family law knowledge with the kind of individualized attention that large volume firms simply cannot offer. When you hire us, you are hiring attorneys who know your case file, return your calls, and show up prepared.
At Altawil Law Group, our divorce attorneys have represented clients across the 11th Judicial Circuit (Miami-Dade), Broward County, and the 15th Judicial Circuit (Palm Beach County). We know the local judges, the local procedural rules, and how to build cases that hold up — whether at the negotiating table or at trial.
The Florida Bar's Consumer Guide to Family Law →
Learn more about our firm and attorneys →
No two divorces are alike. Our South Florida divorce attorneys have hands-on experience across every type of dissolution of marriage — from amicable uncontested separations to high-stakes contested litigation involving complex business assets, international parties, and hidden finances.
When spouses cannot agree on property division, alimony, child custody, or child support, the case becomes contested. Our attorneys fight aggressively in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach courtrooms to secure fair outcomes. We handle depositions, financial discovery, expert witnesses, and full trial litigation.
If you and your spouse agree on all major issues, an uncontested divorce can be finalized quickly and affordably. Our attorneys draft comprehensive Marital Settlement Agreements (MSAs) that protect both parties and prevent future disputes. We ensure every detail — including QDRO provisions for retirement accounts — is properly documented and court-approved. Explore uncontested divorce →
Divorces involving significant assets, business interests, investment portfolios, or real estate require a specialized strategy. Our high net worth divorce attorneys work alongside forensic accountants and business valuation experts to ensure no marital asset goes undiscovered or undervalued. High net worth divorce in Florida →
For couples who want to resolve their divorce respectfully and outside of court, collaborative divorce offers a structured negotiation process. Both parties retain collaborative-trained attorneys and agree to resolve all issues without litigation. This approach is faster, more private, and less adversarial — particularly important when minor children are involved.
Most family law cases center on dividing property, determining alimony, and addressing child custody concerns. When finances and parenting are at stake, disagreements can escalate without a skilled attorney’s guidance. Key issues we must resolve during a divorce include:
Divorces involving active-duty military members carry unique considerations under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA), including division of military pensions and complex service-of-process rules. Our attorneys understand these federal overlays and how they interact with Florida divorce law. USFSPA Overview — U.S. Department of Defense →
When one spouse is a foreign national, lives abroad, or marriages were performed outside the United States, additional complexity arises. Our bilingual attorneys — fluent in English, Spanish, and Arabic — navigate jurisdictional issues, international service requirements, and cross-border asset division with precision and experience. International family law representation →
Florida's family law statutes are among the most comprehensive in the country. Knowing the basics before your first consultation with a Florida divorce attorney will help you make better decisions throughout the entire process.
Under Florida Statute § 61.052, neither spouse must prove fault — such as adultery or abuse — to obtain a divorce. The only legal grounds required is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. This means divorce is accessible to anyone whose marriage has broken down, without the burden of proving wrongdoing.
However, a documented history of domestic abuse, financial misconduct, or dissipation of marital assets can directly influence alimony awards and equitable distribution decisions by the court.
All Florida divorce and family law matters are governed by Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes. Our attorneys stay current with all legislative changes, including the landmark 2023 alimony reform enacted through Senate Bill 1416.
Florida divides marital assets and debts under the doctrine of equitable distribution (§ 61.075). Equitable means fair — not necessarily equal. Courts begin with a presumption of 50/50 and then adjust based on factors including:
Assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally considered marital property — including appreciation in non-marital assets if marital funds were used to maintain or improve them. Gifts, inheritances, and pre-marital assets are typically classified as non-marital and not subject to division, but proper tracing and documentation is critical. Our attorneys are skilled at characterizing assets correctly — which can mean the difference between keeping your business or losing half of it. Hidden assets in divorce — forensic investigation →
The Florida Alimony Reform Act (SB 1416), effective July 1, 2023, eliminated permanent alimony and significantly restructured how courts award spousal support. The current types of alimony available under Florida law are:
Bridge-the-Gap Alimony
Short-term support for a maximum of 2 years, designed to help a spouse transition from married to single life. Not modifiable in amount or duration.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Supports a spouse's education or job training to restore earning capacity. Requires a specific, court-approved rehabilitative plan. Subject to modification upon completion or failure to follow the plan.
Durational Alimony
Provides support for a set period not exceeding the length of the marriage. Both the amount and the duration are modifiable upon a showing of substantial change in circumstances.
Temporary Alimony
Support paid during the pendency of active divorce proceedings to maintain the financial status quo while the case is resolved.
Courts consider 14 statutory factors including the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, each party's earning capacity, and contributions to the other's career or household. Our alimony attorneys in Miami and Palm Beach can project likely outcomes in your specific case. Alimony attorney in Florida →
Florida law uses the term time-sharing rather than custody. Under § 61.13, courts determine time-sharing arrangements based exclusively on the best interests of the child. Florida law has a stated preference for frequent contact with both parents wherever it serves those best interests.
Parenting Plans in Florida
Every Florida divorce involving minor children requires a court-approved Parenting Plan. This document specifies the day-to-day schedule, holiday time-sharing, school enrollment decisions, medical care authority, and communication protocols between households. Our child custody attorneys draft Parenting Plans that are comprehensive, thorough, and built to minimize future disputes.
Child custody attorney in Florida →
Parental Relocation in Florida
If you or your co-parent wants to move more than 50 miles away with a child, Florida's § 61.13001 Parental Relocation Statute applies. Relocation without court approval or the other parent's written consent can result in contempt findings and forced return. Our attorneys provide detailed guidance on relocation petitions and objections.
Parental Relocation in Florida
If you or your co-parent wants to move more than 50 miles away with a child, Florida's § 61.13001 Parental Relocation Statute applies. Relocation without court approval or the other parent's written consent can result in contempt findings and forced return. Our attorneys provide detailed guidance on relocation petitions and objections. Parental relocation attorney →
Florida uses an income shares model under § 61.29 to calculate child support obligations. Both parents' net incomes, the number of overnight stays per year, health insurance premiums, and daycare costs are factored into the statutory calculation. Our child support lawyers ensure calculations are accurate and that deviations are properly argued when warranted. Florida Child Support Guidelines→
Understanding the divorce process keeps you in control of your case. Here is exactly what happens from the moment you decide to file through to your final decree of dissolution.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Case Strategy
We meet to understand your situation, goals, and concerns. We assess whether your divorce is likely to be contested or uncontested, identify all assets and debts on both sides, and map a realistic legal strategy. We discuss timelines, likely costs, and what to expect at every stage of the process. Schedule your consultation →
Step 2: Filing the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
A Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is filed with the Circuit Court in the Florida county where either spouse has resided for at least 6 months. In Miami-Dade County, this is filed with the 11th Judicial Circuit Court. In Palm Beach County, cases are filed with the 15th Judicial Circuit Court. The filing fee in Florida is approximately $400.
Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts — Family Law Division →
Step 3: Service of Process and Response Period
The respondent spouse must be formally served with the divorce petition and supporting documents. They then have 20 days to file a written response. Failure to respond within the deadline can result in a default judgment being entered, which can have serious and lasting consequences.
Step 4: Mandatory Financial Disclosure
Both parties must complete a Financial Affidavit within 45 days of service, disclosing all income, assets, debts, and expenses in full. This is a critical stage. Incomplete or inaccurate financial disclosure carries serious legal consequences, and our attorneys scrutinize both sides' disclosures carefully for inconsistencies, omissions, and signs of concealment.
Step 5: Discovery and Asset Investigation
In contested cases, the discovery process allows both sides to gather evidence, request documents, take depositions, and — if a spouse is suspected of hiding assets — conduct forensic accounting analysis. Altawil Law Group works with financial forensic experts to uncover hidden assets in divorce cases throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Hidden assets in divorce →
Step 6: Mediation
Florida courts require mediation before most contested divorce cases proceed to trial. A neutral mediator helps both parties negotiate a comprehensive settlement. Approximately 90% of Florida divorces are resolved through mediation without the need for a trial. Our attorneys prepare you thoroughly for every mediation session and advocate firmly for the most favorable terms available.
Step 7: Trial (If Necessary)
If mediation fails to produce a full agreement on all issues, the case proceeds before a Circuit Court judge. Our trial attorneys present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and argue legal and factual positions before the court. A final judgment on all unresolved issues is entered by the judge.
Step 8: Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
Once all issues are resolved — either by mutual agreement or court order — the judge enters the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. This document formally ends the marriage and sets out all agreed or ordered terms regarding property division, alimony, parenting arrangements, and support. Our attorneys review every provision before it is signed or entered into.
Deep Florida Family Law Experience
Consistently Rated Divorce Attorney in Miami for Florida Divorce and Family Law
Altawil Law Group has earned its reputation as a consistently rated divorce attorney in Miami through years of dedicated Florida divorce family law practice — not through volume processing or one-size-fits-all strategies. Our client reviews, peer recognition, and case outcomes across the 11th and 15th Judicial Circuits reflect a firm that takes every dissolution of marriage seriously, whether the marital estate is modest or multi-million dollar. When you search for a rated divorce attorney in Miami who genuinely understands Florida divorce family law from the courtroom floor up, Altawil Law Group is the firm that South Florida families have trusted to show up, fight hard, and deliver.
Bilingual and Multilingual Divorce Representation
We serve clients in English, Spanish, and Arabic — making us uniquely positioned to represent Miami and Palm Beach's diverse international community. No language barrier should stand between you and quality legal counsel when your family's future is at stake.
Personalized Strategy — Not Template-Based Work
We do not run a volume practice. Every case receives a tailored litigation or negotiation strategy built around your specific family structure, asset profile, and personal goals. Your case is not a file number here — it is our responsibility.
High Net Worth and Complex Asset Experience
From business valuations to offshore accounts to complex real estate portfolios, our team handles the sophisticated financial discovery and asset division work that generalist attorneys cannot manage effectively or safely on your behalf.
Trial-Ready, Settlement-Smart Attorneys
We negotiate aggressively for the best possible settlement — but we are fully prepared and willing to take any case to trial if necessary. Opposing counsel knows we try cases. That established reputation alone consistently strengthens our negotiating position at the settlement table.
Three Conveniently Located South Florida Offices
With offices in Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, and Palm Beach County, we are accessible wherever you are located across South Florida. We also offer remote consultations for clients who cannot travel in person.
Licensed by The Florida Bar
All of our divorce and family law attorneys are licensed members of The Florida Bar and adhere to the highest standards of professional responsibility. Attorney Ramie Altawil and the entire Altawil Law Group team bring years of dedicated family law experience to every client.
Altawil Law Group maintains multiple office locations across South Florida so that quality divorce legal representation is always within reach — in every county we serve.
Downtown Miami Divorce Attorney Office
Our flagship office is located in the heart of Downtown Miami — steps from the 11th Judicial Circuit Court (Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building). We handle divorces throughout Miami-Dade County, including cases in Hialeah, Doral, Kendall, Brickell, Miami Beach, and Coconut Grove.
169 E Flagler St, Suite 700 Miami, FL 33131 | Phone: (786) 496-1695
Serving all of Miami-Dade County.
Nearby courthouse: 11th Judicial Circuit — Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building View Downtown Miami office details →
Coral Gables Divorce Attorney Office
Our Coral Gables office serves the City Beautiful and surrounding communities including South Miami, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay. Clients in Coral Gables benefit from working with an attorney who is thoroughly familiar with the area's real estate market and the higher-asset profiles common in this community.
Coral Gables, FL — Miami-Dade County View Coral Gables office details →
Serving: Coral Gables · Pinecrest · Palmetto Bay · South Miami · Coconut Grove
Palm Beach Divorce Attorney Office
Altawil Law Group is proud to serve Palm Beach County — one of Florida's fastest-growing regions — with dedicated divorce legal representation. Our Palm Beach office handles divorces in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Wellington, Boynton Beach, and Palm Beach Island. All cases in the 15th Judicial Circuit are filed in West Palm Beach.
Palm Beach County, FL — 15th Judicial Circuit
Serving: West Palm Beach · Boca Raton · Delray Beach · Wellington · Boynton Beach · Palm Beach Island View Palm Beach office details →
Additional South Florida Cities and Communities We Serve
Our top Florida divorce attorneys are available to clients throughout the entire tri-county area. Whether you are filing in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County, Altawil Law Group is your local South Florida divorce law firm.
Communities we regularly serve include:
Miami · Coral Gables · West Palm Beach · Boca Raton · Fort Lauderdale · Doral · Hialeah · Miami Beach · Brickell · Aventura · Kendall · Delray Beach · Wellington · Boynton Beach · Sunny Isles Beach · Homestead · Pembroke Pines · Hollywood · Weston · Miramar · Plantation · Sunrise · Tamarac · Davie
Divorce rarely exists in isolation. Most cases involve child custody, support, alimony, and property questions simultaneously. Altawil Law Group's family law team handles every related area of Florida family law under one roof.
Child Custody Lawyer in Florida→
Child Support Attorney in Florida→
Alimony Lawyer in Florida→
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreement Lawyer→
Paternity Attorney in Florida→
Injunctions and Domestic Violence Protective Orders→
International Child Custody and Hague Convention Cases→
Hidden Assets Investigation in Divorce→
Our clients ask these questions every day. These are honest, attorney-drafted answers grounded in Florida law and South Florida court practice.
An uncontested divorce in Florida can be finalized in as little as 20 to 30 days after filing, once both parties complete mandatory financial disclosure and the court schedules a brief final hearing. A contested divorce typically takes between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the complexity of disputed issues and Miami-Dade or Palm Beach Circuit Court docket availability.
Factors that extend timelines include disputes over child custody, business valuations, forensic accounting investigations for hidden assets, and a spouse who deliberately delays proceedings. Our attorneys work to move cases forward efficiently while fully protecting your rights at each stage.
Yes. Florida is a pure no-fault divorce state under Florida Statute § 61.052. You do not need to prove adultery, abandonment, or any other marital fault to obtain a divorce. You simply need to establish that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
That said, evidence of a spouse's financial misconduct — such as wasting marital assets or concealing income — can still directly influence the court's equitable distribution and alimony decisions in your favor.
Florida uses equitable distribution under § 61.075 — meaning the court divides marital property fairly, starting from a 50/50 presumption and adjusting for relevant statutory factors. Marital property includes all assets and debts accumulated during the marriage: real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, vehicles, and business interests.
Non-marital property — pre-marital assets, inheritances received individually, and gifts from third parties — is generally not subject to division. Our attorneys are skilled at correctly characterizing assets, which can mean the difference between retaining your business or losing 50% of its value.
Alimony is available in Florida, though the 2023 reform eliminated permanent alimony entirely. Courts evaluate the length of your marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, each spouse's current earning capacity and financial resources, and contributions to the household including child-rearing and career support.
A short-term marriage (under 7 years) makes alimony less likely. A long-term marriage (17 or more years) with a significant income disparity makes durational or rehabilitative alimony considerably more likely. Our Miami and Palm Beach alimony attorneys can evaluate your specific circumstances and project realistic outcomes.
The family home is marital property subject to equitable distribution. Common outcomes include: the court awarding the home to the spouse with primary time-sharing of minor children — often with a deferred sale provision until children reach adulthood; both spouses agreeing to sell the property and divide the net proceeds; or one spouse refinancing the mortgage and buying out the other's equity interest.
Our attorneys analyze the current mortgage balance, equity position, and your long-term financial needs to advocate for the outcome that best protects your housing security.
Even when both spouses agree on everything, having a Florida divorce attorney review and draft your Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) is strongly advisable. Poorly drafted or DIY MSAs frequently fail to include QDRO provisions for retirement accounts — resulting in the non-employee spouse losing their entitled share entirely — leave real estate title issues unresolved, or contain ambiguous custody language that triggers expensive post-judgment litigation years later.
The relatively modest cost of proper legal drafting almost always outweighs the risk of a legally deficient agreement.
The single most important first step is to consult with an experienced Florida divorce attorney before taking any other action — before moving out of the marital home, before separating bank accounts, and before having a conversation with your spouse about your intentions.
Moving out of the marital home before speaking with an attorney can affect your property claims and, in some cases, your time-sharing arrangements with children. Prematurely withdrawing joint funds can be characterized as dissipation of marital assets. Alerting your spouse without legal guidance gives them a strategic head start on retaining counsel or hiding assets.
At your initial consultation with our Miami or Palm Beach divorce attorneys, we will help you inventory and document your marital assets, understand your rights to the home and any children, assess whether your divorce is likely to be contested or uncontested, and build a strategy that places you in the strongest possible starting position.
Important exception: If domestic violence is present, your immediate safety comes before all legal considerations. Contact law enforcement or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 before anything else. Altawil Law Group also handles emergency injunctions and domestic violence protective orders — call us immediately.
The 3 C's of divorce are Communication, Cooperation, and Children — three foundational principles widely recognized by family law professionals as the pillars of a more productive and resolvable divorce process.
The best lawyer for your divorce is a dedicated Florida family law attorney with specific experience in Florida domestic relations — not a general practice attorney who handles divorce cases occasionally alongside unrelated matters.
For contested divorces involving disputes over children, alimony, or significant assets: you need a litigator who regularly appears in Florida family court, conducts depositions and discovery, and is genuinely willing and prepared to take a case to trial when necessary. Opposing counsel knows which attorneys try cases — that reputation alone often forces a fair settlement.
For high net worth divorces involving business interests, investment portfolios, real estate holdings, or offshore accounts: you need an attorney who works alongside financial forensic experts, business appraisers, and real estate valuators. Altawil Law Group has this infrastructure established and in place.
For amicable or uncontested divorces: a collaborative divorce attorney or an attorney experienced in Florida family law mediation can achieve faster, lower-cost resolutions while still fully protecting your legal rights.
For international cases involving foreign nationals, overseas assets, or marriages performed abroad: you need an attorney with cross-border family law experience and multilingual capability. Our team's fluency in English, Spanish, and Arabic and our international case history make us uniquely positioned for Miami and Palm Beach's global client base.
Finding a genuinely rated divorce attorney in Miami requires looking beyond website claims to verifiable indicators of quality. Start with Florida Bar standing — all attorneys practicing Florida divorce family law must be in good standing and licensed by The Florida Bar, which you can confirm through the Bar's public directory.
Look for an attorney whose practice is concentrated in Florida divorce family law — not a general practice firm that handles divorce alongside unrelated cases. Specialization matters significantly in Florida, where Chapter 61 statutes, local circuit rules, and evolving case law like the 2023 Alimony Reform Act require up-to-date working knowledge to navigate effectively.
Review their track record across the specific circuits where you will be filing. A rated divorce attorney in Miami should be familiar with 11th Judicial Circuit procedures, local judge tendencies, and the practical realities of Miami-Dade family court — not just the statutes in the abstract. If your case involves Palm Beach County, that same standard applies to the 15th Judicial Circuit.
Finally, evaluate responsiveness and communication at your very first consultation. The best Florida divorce family law attorneys listen thoroughly before they strategize, give you honest assessments of your realistic options rather than over-promising outcomes, and remain accessible throughout your case. At Altawil Law Group, that standard is our baseline — not our selling point.
Have a question not answered here? View all family law FAQs →
The Florida Bar — Consumer Guide to Family Law
Official guidance from The Florida Bar on the divorce process, parental rights, and family law basics in plain language accessible to all Florida residents.
Florida Statutes Chapter 61 — Full Text
The complete official text of Florida's domestic relations statutes governing divorce, alimony, child custody, time-sharing, and child support.
Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts — Family Court Division
Official filing information, court forms, case search, and procedures for the 11th Judicial Circuit Family Law Division in Miami-Dade County.
Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts — Family Law Division
Filing information, court records, and procedures for family law cases in the 15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County.
You deserve a rated divorce attorney in Miami who listens, who knows Florida divorce family law inside and out, and who will fight for you — whether that means negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case all the way to trial. Altawil Law Group's divorce attorneys serve Miami, Coral Gables, Palm Beach, and the entire South Florida tri-county area. Our Florida divorce family law practice is built on transparency, preparation, and a genuine commitment to your outcome. Call us today or submit your information for a confidential 24-hour callback.
Phone: (786) 496-1695
Address: 169 E Flagler St, Suite 700 Miami, FL 33131
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
We speak your language: English · Español · عربي
Legal Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every divorce case is unique — the laws and outcomes described here may not apply to your specific circumstances. For legal advice about your individual situation, contact Altawil Law Group at (786) 496-1695 or schedule a confidential consultation. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Licensed to practice law in the State of Florida.
Sources and References
Florida Statutes Chapter 61 · Florida SB 1416 (2023 Alimony Reform) · The Florida Bar · Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts · Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts · U.S. Department of Defense USFSPA · National Domestic Violence Hotline
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Our Florida Location
Downtown Miami Office : 169 E Flagler St, Suite 700, Miami, FL 33131
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