New Port Richey Family Lawyers

Whittel & Melton
727-847-2299
Pasco County – New Port Richey, Hudson, Trinity
Divorce, Custody, Injunction, Separation, Dissolution of Marriage Attorneys

Florida Family Law Lawyer

At Whittel & Melton, we are trial lawyers who handle family law cases, including divorce, child custody, domestic violence, injunctions, division of assets, spousal support/alimony, time sharing and contempt issues. We are dedicated to making sure we do everything we can to gain you what you need.

Divorce can certainly be difficult. Most divorce cases are resolved either through a settlement or at mediation. While there are a large number of settlements when it comes to divorce, the only way to get the results you want is by hiring a seasoned trial lawyer. As trial lawyers, we are able to assess what would likely happen at trial so that we can gauge what is a good settlement. We never take on cases with preparing to settle in mind. In every case, we prepare for trial and only settle cases if it is in the best interest of the client.

Divorce and child custody cases are often very emotional and overwhelming for everyone involved. At Whittel & Melton, we have handled these difficult cases and have been successful. We can litigate for mothers, fathers, wives and husbands – we know the law in Florida and how to apply it in New Port Richey family court.

Get what you want, don’t settle for what you get. Let us fight for your best interests. Call Whittel & Melton today at 727-847-2299 if you need a family lawyer.

We Can Help With Contested And Uncontested Divorces in Trinity, Florida

Sometimes when both parties are friendly, terms can be arranged as far as divorce, custody issues, property division and other matters so that the divorce is uncontested. An uncontested divorce is usually more cost effective and simpler than a contested divorce. A contested divorce means that the parties involved have not agreed to terms regarding the various issues that need to be resolved, such as:

• Asset division
• Spousal support/alimony
• Child custody and time sharing
• Child support

At Whittel & Melton, we make every effort to help your divorce go as smoothly as possible. While a New Port Richey uncontested divorce may seem most attractive, you must be happy with the terms. Whether you select the route of an uncontested divorce agreement or you require legal counsel to advocate on your behalf in a contested divorce, you can rest assure that we will make sure your rights are protected and that you are ultimately satisfied with the end result.

Pasco County Child Custody And Time Sharing in Hudson, Port Richey

Delegating parenting duties and making child custody decisions are often the most difficult when deciding to end a relationship. In most cases, child custody issues are highly emotional, which is why they are the most contested.

Florida law supports equal time sharing and shared parenting. Courts do not favor mother or father, but rather, give both parents equal rights and access to their children. It is important to keep in mind that regardless of why parents are divorcing, children are often times affected the most, so their best interest should be the priority.

Custody issues can be even more difficult when parents live in different states or even different countries. We are able to resolve child custody matters involving interstate and international custody issues.

Child Support in New Port Richey

Florida law clearly states that both parents have a responsibility to provide financial support to each child until the child turns 18 or completes high school.

There are a number of factors that determine the amount of money that one parent will pay the other. These factors include:

• How many children
• Both parents income
• The amount of time the children will reside with each parent
• Costs of child care
• Medical insurance
• Children’s educational needs

Child support can be modified for the following reasons:

• Job loss
• Reduction of pay
• Retirement
• A child no longer lives with a particular parent
• Parent in jail or prison

We can help you if you are seeking child support or you want to protect yourself from paying more than you should. If you are a parent in need of child support or cannot pay your child support, let us help. Call us today at 727-847-2299 for a free consultation.

Division of Assets and Property – How will the Court determine who gets what in Pasco County

Florida law states that marital assets and liabilities are subject to equitable distribution in divorce. If divorcing spouses cannot agree on how to divide their marital assets and debt, the court will make the decision.

The court considers various factors when dividing marital property, including:

• Time length of marriage
• Both spouses income
• Contributions either party made to increase the earning potential of the other
• Custodial responsibilities
• Behavior of spouse in regards to marital assets after the divorce petition or within the two years preceding it

At Whittel & Melton, we are highly experienced in resolving property division issues and assets while protecting our clients best interested. We are prepared to make our arguments known in Circuit Court if a favorable agreement cannot be obtained during negotiations.

New Port Richey, Pasco County Spousal Support and Alimony

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is nondiscriminatory in the state of Florida and either spouse can receive financial assistance. There are many forms of alimony, which can be confusing. The breakdown looks like this:

• Rehabilitative: This support is awarded for a short period and devised to help the spouse obtain job training, an education or job experience so that they can become more self-sufficient.
• Bridge-the-gap: This is support that is awarded on a short-term basis (less than two years), to help ease the financial difficulties involved with transitioning from married to single life.
• Durational: This type of alimony is ordered to meet a spouse’s needs. The duration of the alimony cannot exceed the length of the marriage.
• Lump sum: This support is given in a single payment that is often used to equalize payment in equitable distribution of marital assets.
• Permanent: This support is given to a spouse who lacks the ability to provide a standard of living that is as close as possible to the marital standard.

Any time a divorce requires alimony, it can only further complicate the proceedings. You need an attorney who is familiar with spousal support laws and how they can affect people’s lives. Call us at 727-847-2299 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Domestic Violence and Divorce Attorneys

Domestic Violence is a serious issue that must be dealt with accordingly. Victims of domestic violence or those who believe they are in danger of becoming a victim are able to file a petition for an injunction for protection, which is more widely known as a restraining order.

Florida courts grant injunctions for protection against domestic violence, marital/dating violence, repeat violence and sexual violence. If you have been named as a respondent or need to petition the court for an injunction, Please call us at 727-847-2299 or contact us online. We can help you understand the best steps to take for a Pasco County and New Port Richey Domestic Violence situation.

Let Our Team Help Yours

If you are faced with any family law situation, we encourage you to get answers to your questions from us during a free, no-obligation consultation. At Whittel & Melton, we want to help you resolve your matter as efficiently and cost-effective as possible, Contact us online or call us at 727-847-2299 to schedule an appointment to learn more.