Divorce Attorney In Bradenton, Florida
Uncontested Vs. Contested Divorces
Divorce often evokes images of lengthy court battles and arguments, but not all divorces are the same. At Mulock & Stevens Law, Daphane Stevens recognizes the differences between uncontested and contested divorces.
An uncontested divorce is typically smoother and less stressful, as both parties agree on key issues like property division and child custody. This harmony speeds up the process and saves time and money, minimizing the need for court involvement. Daphane Stevens can help facilitate communication and protect your legal rights. In contrast, a contested divorce occurs when spouses disagree on important issues, necessitating court intervention. If you face this situation, having knowledgeable representation is essential. Attorney Stevens is skilled in navigating contested divorces, advocating for your best interests.
Understanding the differences between divorce types can reduce stress. Whether you're considering a divorce or are amid disputes, Mulock & Stevens Law is here to support you in finding the best path forward for your family.
Call Mulock & Stevens Law at 941-748-2104 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.
What Does a High Conflict Divorce Entail?
A high conflict divorce is similar to other types of divorce except it may take longer and be more difficult due to one spouse's conflict-heavy behavior. If your spouse is not agreeing to meet you on any terms, hire an attorney who can protect you during litigation and ensure the conflicts made by your spouse do not affect you and your children more than necessary.
You can count on us to help safeguard your best interests on topics of dispute such as:
- Child support
- Child custody & Visitation
- Spousal support
- Asset division
Seek Legal Help for Your Contested Divorce Today
Going through any type of divorce can be overwhelming, especially one which is contested and high conflict. Don't make the mistake of approaching your high conflict divorce alone. At Mulock & Stevens, we strive to find the most constructive and effective ways to reduce the level of conflict you are dealing with. Speaking with a caring and knowledgeable high conflict divorce lawyer should be the first step you take after deciding to divorce your spouse.
Family Law Lawyer
By hiring an experienced family lawyer, you reduce the chances of suffering from any surprises, both in and out of court. Our team at Mulock & Stevens Law, brings over 50 years of combined, tested knowledge and understanding of how to succeed in your family law case. No matter what kind of issue you are dealing with in family law, Mulock & Stevens Law has the insights necessary to help you obtain the best possible outcome.
Protecting Your Interests During Divorce
Following a divorce, it’s natural to feel worried about how you will get by financially. Spousal support payments are often necessary to ensure that both spouses may live at a suitable standard of life. If you have been asked to pay spousal support following a separation, having an experienced family lawyer can help you properly negotiate the terms to advocate for your best interest. Whatever the case may be, the team at Mulock & Stevens Law has more than 50 years of combined experience to use to your advantage.
Are You Going Through a Divorce from a Narcissist?
Whether your soon-to-be-ex was clinically diagnosed or you simply recognize the symptoms of narcissism in them, it's important to understand what to expect out of the process. Divorcing a narcissist isn't the same as getting a divorce from someone without a serious personality disorder. At Mulock & Stevens Law, we understand the complications that can arise during the divorce process when one spouse is a narcissist. We may be able to give you tools and advice to keep a problematic narcissist in check during your divorce
Negotiation is always favorable to taking your divorce to court, but coming to an agreement with a narcissist can seem close to impossible. Narcissists constantly try to exploit you or avoid the rules, leading to little to no results. You may need to go to trial, which means you need to prepare for the emotional difficulties that could arise. Ultimately, a judge may be able to see more clearly than your ex can, especially about contested issues like child custody.
By choosing an experienced family law attorney who is familiar with the process of divorcing a narcissist, you will have someone who understands the challenges of your ex's personality and how to navigate them. At Mulock & Stevens Law, our lead attorney also understands psychopathologies and can help from that perspective.
There are a few important things to know about divorcing a narcissist, such as:
- Look at their actions, not their words
- Toxic, exploitative relationships can create trauma bonds
- Narcissists often act like they are the perpetual victim
- Stunted emotional intelligence can lead to denying, reflecting, and minimizing
- Threats of abandonment or the silent treatment
- Narcissists often use a form of manipulation called gaslighting
Protecting Your Child from Abusive Behaviors
It may seem terrifying to have to raise your child with a narcissistic, toxic individual. However, in some cases, you may not have a choice. It is important that you spend your time with your child wisely and not spend any more time than is necessary to talk about your ex. Your ex may try to twist the situation and manipulate your child, which can be highly destructive.
If you are trying to share parenting with your soon-to-be-ex, keep in mind that:
- Adults who are insecurely attached may raise their children with insecure attachments
- Parental alienation, which is a form of child abuse, can result from flawed parenting
- Narcissistic parents can lead to children who develop attachment traumas
Attempting to Parent with a Narcissist
If you have decided to co-parent or the court has made a decision regarding shared custody, there are a few things you can do to protect your child. For one, as your child gets older, you can work with them to help them recognize toxic behaviors. Ensure they know that their needs and concerns are important and that they should not be brushed aside due to any small perceived slight.
You can also help your child feel empowered to express their needs to the safe people in their life, such as you who will not abandon them. The team at Mulock & Stevens can work with you and help you gather information that is useful to the divorce and child upbringing process.
We help clients in need of assistance concerning:
- Contested & Uncontested Divorce – We have extensive knowledge in the more complicated divorce situations that require litigation experience. These include adultery, abandonment, and cruelty. Our divorce attorneys also handle uncontested divorces under no-fault grounds of separation.
- Property Agreements – We offer help in negotiating of Property Settlement Agreements, which are the framework of any subjects at issue in a divorce
- Spousal Support & Child Support – Spousal support can only be sought in cases when the parties have been married for a substantial period and one party has a need and the other the ability to pay. We know how to accurately calculate child support under Florida guidelines in all cases including underemployment and unemployment
- Child Custody & Visitation – No other issue is as complicated or emotional as custody. Our divorce attorneys have experience in all fields of custody agreements such as guardians ad litem and custody evaluations, and aggressively protect client interests around custody.
Have Questions?
Call Mulock & Stevens Law at 941-748-2104 today to speak to an attorney.