Sarasota Divorce Attorneys
Divorce in Sarasota County runs through the Family Division of Florida’s Twelfth Judicial Circuit, and the decisions you make early shape everything that follows: your finances, your home, and your time with your children. McNary Law helps Sarasota clients move through divorce with a clear plan, whether that means a streamlined uncontested case or a structured approach to disputed issues. Our office is in nearby Bradenton, and many Sarasota matters can be handled largely by phone, video, and secure document exchange, so distance is rarely an obstacle.
How Divorce Works in Sarasota County
Florida is a no-fault divorce state. You do not need to prove wrongdoing; the standard ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Before filing, at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for the six months preceding the petition, which can be corroborated by a valid Florida driver license, a Florida voter’s registration card, a Florida identification card, or the testimony or affidavit of a third party.
Sarasota County divorce cases are filed with the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court, whose main office is at the Sarasota County Historic Courthouse, 2000 Main Street, Sarasota. Family cases are heard in the circuit’s Family Division, which sits at the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, 2002 Ringling Boulevard in downtown Sarasota, with the South County Courthouse in Venice serving south county residents. Court assignments and procedures can change, so we confirm current requirements for each case.
Two features of local practice matter for planning. First, under the circuit’s standing family law order, mediation generally must occur before a temporary or contested final hearing is set, and the circuit operates a Family Mediation Program with Florida Supreme Court certified mediators. Many Sarasota divorces resolve there rather than at trial. Second, when minor children are involved, Florida provides for a Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course of at least four hours, and courts are authorized to require parents to complete it.
Money, Property, and Support
Florida divides property through equitable distribution. The court sets apart each spouse’s nonmarital assets and liabilities, then begins with the premise that marital assets and liabilities should be divided equally, unless the facts justify an unequal division. If you are concerned that money has been moved or spent improperly, the statute specifically treats intentional dissipation of marital assets after filing, or within two years before filing, as a factor the court considers.
Alimony in Florida comes in four forms: temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational, each with its own purpose and limits. Durational alimony, for example, is not available after a marriage lasting less than three years. We help clients understand which forms realistically apply to their situation and build the financial picture that supports or defends a claim.
Divorce Issues We Handle In Sarasota
Alimony
Florida recognizes temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational alimony, and the right outcome depends on the length of the marriage, each spouse’s finances, and the statutory factors. We help you pursue or defend support claims with clear evidence and practical negotiation.
Collaborative Divorce
Florida’s Collaborative Law Process Act gives couples a structured, private way to resolve divorce without courtroom battles, using a team approach and full disclosure. It is often a strong fit for Sarasota families who want control over the outcome.
High Net Worth Divorce
Business interests, real estate, professional practices, and retirement accounts require careful valuation and detail-focused planning. We address complex finances methodically so nothing significant is overlooked.
Parenting Plans
Florida requires a parenting plan covering time-sharing, decision-making, communication methods, and exchange logistics. We craft plans that work with Sarasota schools, activities, and travel realities and that hold up over time.
Property Division
We guide you through identifying marital versus nonmarital assets and debts, valuing what matters, and reaching a division that follows Florida’s equitable distribution framework.
Same-Sex Divorce
The same Florida framework applies, and we bring the same careful, respectful approach to property and parenting issues in same-sex divorce.
Uncontested Divorce
When spouses agree on all issues, an uncontested divorce keeps things efficient and private. We make sure the agreement is complete, accurate, and enforceable so it does not create problems later.
Common Questions About Divorce in Sarasota
Where do I file for divorce in Sarasota County?
Divorce petitions are filed with the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court, whose main office is at the Sarasota County Historic Courthouse, 2000 Main Street, Sarasota. Family cases are heard in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit’s Family Division at the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, 2002 Ringling Boulevard, with the South County Courthouse in Venice serving south county. Always confirm current filing instructions before going in person.
How long do I have to live in Florida before filing?
At least one spouse must have resided in Florida for the six months before the petition is filed. Residency can be corroborated by a valid Florida driver license, a Florida voter’s registration card, a Florida ID card, or a third party’s testimony or affidavit.
Do I have to prove my spouse did something wrong?
No. Florida is a no-fault state, and the standard ground for divorce is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Conduct can still matter to specific issues in some cases, which is worth discussing with an attorney.
Is mediation required in Sarasota divorce cases?
Florida law lets the court refer contested parenting and support issues to mediation, and under the Twelfth Circuit’s standing family law order, mediation generally must occur before a temporary or contested final hearing is set. The circuit also operates a Family Mediation Program with Florida Supreme Court certified mediators. Many cases settle there.
How is property divided in a Florida divorce?
Each spouse’s nonmarital assets and liabilities are set apart, and the court begins with the premise that marital assets and liabilities should be divided equally unless the statutory factors justify an unequal division. Intentional dissipation of marital assets after filing, or within two years before, is one of those factors.
Can my Sarasota divorce be handled remotely?
Often, yes. Consultations, document review, strategy calls, drafting, and mediation preparation can typically be handled by phone, video, and secure digital exchange. Some steps may need to happen in person depending on the court’s requirements, and we will tell you which ones.
Talk To A Sarasota Divorce Attorney
If you are considering or facing divorce in Sarasota County, talk with McNary Law before you make your next move. We serve Sarasota clients from our Bradenton office and by virtual consultation. Call (941) 345-1662 or schedule a consultation online.
The information on this page is general information about Florida law, not legal advice for your situation. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.