Fort Lauderdale Divorce Law
Going through a divorce in Fort Lauderdale can be a huge challenge, both financially and emotionally. However, there are strategies to ease the process, especially when it comes to property division and child custody. Stuart N. House, P.A., offers comprehensive legal services to help you through these tough times.
Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Stuart House has practiced in Florida since 1991. He offers solutions tailored to each client’s unique situation and has the experience to seek the most favorable outcomes for his clients. Stuart’s clients appreciate his skilled and dedicated approach to their cases, and how he keeps himself accessible for phone calls, emails and face-to-face meetings. He is always direct and honest with his advice but also compassionate, making him a trustworthy choice for your divorce proceedings.
Services Offered To Resolve Your Divorce
Stuart N. House, P.A., handles a wide range of divorce-related matters, including:
- Complex property division of a business, vacation homes, investment portfolios and other valuable assets
- Child custody and visitation
- Alimony
- Issues unique to same-sex divorce
- Child support
- Divorce planning strategies to help you keep a greater share of the wealth
- Paternity disputes
- Prenuptial agreements
- Post-decree modifications
Whatever challenges you are experiencing, Stuart has the resources and knowledge to resolve them with a minimum of rancor, delay and cost.
Choosing A Divorce Lawyer
Divorce is a major life event; there’s no question about it. When you hire a divorce lawyer, you’re putting a tremendous amount of trust and faith in them. No lawyer should ever shrug at that responsibility. Divorce can be incredibly complex, and the emotional and financial ramifications only add to the stress. Attorney Stuart House understands that the stakes are high, and he wants to do whatever he can to serve his clients. As you search for representation, here are some key qualities to look out for:
- Track record and credentials: Not all lawyers will focus on family law or have years of experience representing cases. Lawyers who have official recognition and serve their community outside of their firm are often worth looking into.
- Personality and accessibility: A lawyer should make you feel at ease when you have to divulge information and shouldn’t make it impossible to reach them.
- Testimonials: Lawyers can speak to their own capabilities, but what do their past clients say about them? Do their clients return for their services?
You may be able to get a read on their personability and their accessibility fairly quickly after meeting them, but you should always feel free to ask a lawyer about the above qualities and why you should hire them.
Meet Attorney Stuart House
Since 1991, Stuart House has been practicing law in Florida with a focus on family law. He remains committed to working through the complexities of divorce and making important connections with his clients. A graduate of the University of South Carolina Law School, Stuart House’s commitment to service and learning has earned him a spot on several key legal associations, including the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar. In 2020, he was listed as a Lawyer of Distinction, and from 2021-2024, he was included in the Super Lawyers list.
Additionally, Stuart House has an Avvo rating of 10.0 and has been peer-review rated *AV through Martindale-Hubbell. Click here to see key cases for which Stuart House provided representation.
“Stuart…has been nothing but very attentive to my case”
That quote comes from a former client of Stuart N. House, P.A., who states that attorney House is the best family lawyer in the Broward County area. As mentioned earlier, testimonials can shed a lot of light on a lawyer, and at Stuart N. House, P.A., there is no shortage of testimonials. Some other quotes from previous and current clients:
“Words alone do not express the magnitude of how grateful my children and I are for all his support, time and efforts”
“I didn’t feel like I was just a number…I highly recommend Stuart”
“He was always available to take my calls and answered any questions I had”
Look at the testimonials page on this site for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce In Florida
At Stuart N. House, P.A., attorney House completely understands that if you’re ready to divorce your spouse, you’ll have a lot of questions. While attorney House hopes you’ll give his office a call or a message, here are some frequently asked questions from our customers.
How long does a divorce typically take in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
The duration of a divorce in Fort Lauderdale can vary, but uncontested divorces may be completed in as little as four to six weeks. Contested divorces can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case and the level of conflict between spouses.
What is the difference between a contested and an uncontested divorce in Florida?
An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all terms of the divorce, including property division, alimony and child custody. A contested divorce happens when spouses disagree on one or more issues, requiring court intervention to resolve disputes.
Do I need to prove fault to get a divorce in Fort Lauderdale?
No, Florida is a “no-fault” divorce state. You don’t need to prove fault to obtain a divorce. The most common ground for divorce is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
How is property divided in a Fort Lauderdale divorce?
Florida follows the principle of “equitable distribution,” meaning marital assets and debts are divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Factors such as each spouse’s economic circumstances, duration of the marriage and contributions to the marriage are considered.
How is child custody determined in Fort Lauderdale divorces?
Florida courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child. They consider factors such as each parent’s ability to provide for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent and the child’s preference (if they’re old enough). Florida encourages shared parental responsibility when possible.
Can I modify my alimony or child support payments after the divorce is finalized?
Yes, you can petition the court to modify alimony or child support if circumstances have changed substantially, such as significant changes in income, employment status, or the needs of the child or recipient spouse.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Fort Lauderdale?
The cost of a divorce lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can vary widely depending on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s experience. Some lawyers charge hourly rates ranging from $200 to $500 per hour, while others may offer flat fees for uncontested divorces. It’s best to discuss fees during your initial consultation.
Hopefully, these answers have helped you consider your choices. This website offers a number of other FAQs, including those on child custody, high-asset divorce and property division.
About Fort Lauderdale
Located in east-central Broward County, Fort Lauderdale is a major tourist destination for its beautiful beaches and landmarks like Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. The Broward County Family Courts are conveniently located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, making them accessible for legal proceedings. Other points of interest include the Las Olas shopping district.
Call A Broward County Divorce Law Firm In Fort Lauderdale Today
If you’re facing a divorce, Stuart N. House, P.A., is here to help. With decades of experience and a compassionate approach, Stuart is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for his clients. Contact the firm today to discuss your situation and find out how he can assist you. Call 754-732-7482 or use the firm’s online intake form to arrange a case evaluation.
Stuart N. House, P.A.
2821 E. Commercial Boulevard
Suite 213
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Telephone: 754-732-7482
Map And Directions
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.