Bradenton Divorce, Family Law & Estate Planning

Family Law in Bradenton: Clear Advice When It Matters Most

Family law issues are personal. They affect your finances, your children, your home, and your peace of mind. In Bradenton and across Manatee County, family law cases are handled under Florida’s dissolution and support laws, including the statutes governing divorce, alimony, and time-sharing.

Divorce in Manatee County: What Florida Law Requires

Florida is a “no-fault” divorce state, meaning a court may grant a dissolution when the marriage is “irretrievably broken” (or in limited circumstances involving mental incapacity). Florida also has a six-month residency requirement before filing.

In practical terms, a Bradenton divorce usually comes down to a few big categories:

• Parenting plans and time-sharing
• Child support
• Alimony
• Equitable distribution of assets and debts

Florida law provides the framework for these issues, but the facts of your family, your finances, and your goals are what shape the strategy.

Parenting Plans, Time-Sharing, and Child Support

If you have children, your case is not only about the end of the marriage. It is also about building a workable structure for the next chapter. Florida law requires a parenting plan that addresses decision-making and a detailed time-sharing schedule.

We help Bradenton parents pursue plans that are realistic, enforceable, and centered on stability. When conflict is high, we focus on practical guardrails that reduce future disputes. When both parents are cooperative, we help formalize agreements cleanly so you can avoid unnecessary court battles.

Modifications, Enforcement, and Relocation

Life rarely stays the same after a final judgment. If circumstances have changed, you may need to modify support or time-sharing, or enforce an order that is not being followed. Florida also has specific rules for parental relocation when a move impacts a time-sharing schedule.

These cases are often won or lost on details. We help you gather the right documentation and present your situation clearly, whether you are asking for a change or responding to one.

Collaborative Divorce and Mediation Options

Not every divorce in Bradenton needs to be a courtroom fight. For many families, collaborative divorce or mediation can reduce stress, protect privacy, and save time and expense. Florida law includes a Collaborative Law Process Act within the dissolution chapter.

When alternative dispute resolution fits your situation, we help you use it strategically, without giving up leverage or settling for an agreement that does not hold up long-term.

Estate Planning in Bradenton: Protect Your Family and Your Future

Estate planning is not only for the wealthy. It is for parents, homeowners, blended families, business owners, and anyone who wants clarity about what happens if they pass away or become incapacitated.

At McNary Law, we work with Bradenton and Manatee County residents to create plans that are tailored, legally sound, and easy to maintain.

Wills: The Foundation of a Plan

A will is often the starting point. Florida’s probate and wills statutes cover intestate succession (what happens if you do not have a will) and the rules surrounding wills and heirs.

For many Bradenton families, wills are especially important when you want to:

• Name guardians for minor children
• Control who inherits specific assets
• Reduce confusion and conflict among loved ones
• Create a plan that reflects your family structure

Trusts: More Control, Privacy, and Planning Flexibility

Trust planning can add privacy and control, and in some situations can streamline administration. Florida’s Trust Code provides the statutory framework for trusts, trustees, and beneficiary rights.

A trust may be worth discussing if you want to:

• Plan for minor children or beneficiaries who need structure
• Address a blended family plan thoughtfully
• Provide for long-term management of assets
• Coordinate how and when inheritances are distributed

Powers of Attorney and Health Care Advance Directives

Estate planning is also about protecting you while you are alive. Florida law provides for health care advance directives, including designation of a health care surrogate and living will concepts.

A strong Bradenton estate plan often includes:

• Durable powers of attorney (financial decision-making)
• Health care surrogate designation
• Living will guidance
• HIPAA-related access considerations (as appropriate)

Planning for Digital Assets

Today, your estate may include email accounts, photos, cloud storage, online banking access, and other digital property. Florida has a framework for fiduciary access to digital assets, which becomes relevant when planning for incapacity or death.

Probate in Manatee County: Understanding the Process and Your Options

Probate is the court process used to transfer certain assets after death. Florida’s Probate Code includes rules about venue, administration, and procedures.

Two concepts that often come up for families in Bradenton:

• Venue: Probate is generally filed where the decedent was domiciled in Florida (or where property is located, depending on circumstances).
• Summary administration: In some cases, Florida allows “summary administration,” including when the estate (with specified exclusions) does not exceed $75,000 or the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years.

If you are unsure whether probate is required, or whether an estate may qualify for summary administration, we can help you evaluate the facts and avoid costly missteps.

Remote Legal Services for Bradenton and Manatee County Clients

We know not every client can easily get to an office during business hours, especially when juggling work, children, or travel. Many of our services can be handled remotely, including:

• Initial consultations by phone or video
• Document review and planning meetings
• Ongoing case updates and strategy sessions

If you are in Bradenton, elsewhere in Manatee County, or even out of town but dealing with a Florida legal issue tied to this area, remote options can keep things moving.

Talk With a Bradenton Family Law and Estate Planning Attorney

If you are facing divorce, custody disputes, support issues, or need an estate plan that fits your life in Bradenton and Manatee County, McNary Law is here to help. We will listen, explain options in plain English, and build a plan that matches your goals, whether you prefer in-person meetings or remote service.

Local court and filing information for Bradenton

Most family law cases in Manatee County are handled through the Twelfth Judicial Circuit.

Manatee County Judicial Center
1051 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone: (941) 749-3600

Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
(Filings and clerk services)
1115 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone: (941) 749-1800

Court locations and processes can change, so we always recommend confirming details directly with the court or clerk if you are handling a filing yourself.