Sarasota Divorce Lawyer

Sarasota Divorce Attorney

Deciding to divorce your spouse is not an easy decision to make. It can be a very stressful and emotional time, especially if your other half doesn’t want a divorce or if there are children involved. The Sarasota divorce lawyers at Ruhl Law, P.A., have more than 15 years of experience in helping Sarasota residents work through their divorce case as smoothly and amicably as possible, helping to lessen what can be a very trying experience.

Why Florida Couples Seek a Divorce

Sadly, in today’s world, divorce is not uncommon, and historically, Florida has always been one of the states with the highest divorce rates.

In 2023, Florida had a divorce rate of three divorces for every 1,000 people living in the state.

There are several reasons why a married couple might seek a divorce. Most times these reasons come down to a lack of communication, commitment, or an inability to work out differences that make a couple no longer compatible, such as:

• Changes in financial or living priorities
• Cheating or having an extramarital affair
• Connection loss leading to loneliness and emotional or physical intimacy neglect
• Domestic or child abuse
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Excessive financial debt due to gambling addiction or secret overspending
• Inability to resolve conflicts or constantly fighting
• Incompatibility due to life changes
• Lack of communication

Understanding Florida’s Divorce Laws

Florida’s divorce laws are governed by Florida Statute Chapter 61 Dissolution of Marriage, Support, Timesharing (2025).

Under Florida Statute Section 61.052 (2025), our state is a no-fault divorce state. This means that spouses don’t have to prove any type of wrongdoing to seek a divorce. They just need to say they believe their marriage to be irretrievably broken or that one spouse has been mentally incapacitated for at least three years, and they cannot continue their marriage.

Additionally, to seek a divorce in Sarasota County, at least one spouse needs to have been a Florida resident for at least six months before filing for divorce.

There are a few types of divorces recognized in Florida, including: 

• Simplified dissolution of marriage for couples who mutually agree on the divorce, there are no minor children involved, both parties agree on the property division, and neither spouse requests alimony
• An uncontested divorce where both spouses agree on all parts of the settlement, including property division and child custody arrangements
• Contested divorce where spouses disagree about different areas of the settlement, such as child custody and alimony
• Collaborative divorce, where both spouses work with their respective attorneys to decide on a settlement without needing to go to court

The Benefits of a Sarasota Divorce Attorney

Whether you’re the one asking for a divorce or not, experiencing the dissolution of a marriage can be an extremely difficult and emotionally challenging time. Having a divorce attorney at your side who fully understands Florida’s divorce laws and has experience helping couples find a solution makes the process as easy as possible for the entire family.

When you hire a divorce lawyer in Sarasota County, they’ll be able to assist you with:

• Properly filling out and filing all necessary court documents
• Managing the 20-day period that your spouse has to respond to your divorce petition — failure to respond within 20 days can lead to a default judgment where the court makes asset distribution and child custody decisions without input from the other spouse.
• Identifying and disclosing all financial documents, including bank accounts, asset values, accumulated debt, and hidden assets
• Negotiating on your behalf in front of a judge from the 12th Judicial Circuit at one of its three sites in Sarasota (two on Ringling Boulevard and one on South Tamiami Trail in Venice) for equitable distribution of assets
• Petitioning for alimony on your behalf
• Working through child support and custody needs while protecting your parental rights
• Helping you file for protective orders in domestic or child abuse cases

FAQs About Sarasota, FL Divorce Law

What Is the Average Cost of a Divorce Lawyer in Florida?

The average cost of a divorce lawyer in Florida depends on your specific case and its complexity. For example, a simplified dissolution of marriage where both spouses agree on property division is generally less complex than contested divorces involving disagreements on things like child custody and alimony. Upon your initial consultation with your Sarasota divorce lawyer, they’ll be able to provide you with a cost estimate for your specific divorce case.

Is Everything Split 50/50 in a Divorce in Florida?

Everything is not automatically split 50/50 in a divorce in Florida. Our state is an equitable distribution state, meaning while the goal is to be as close to 50/50 as possible, a judge may reward one spouse with a higher percentage of assets over another when factoring in things like marriage duration, financial contributions of each spouse, or if a spouse is guilty of marital misconduct.

Can I Receive Custody of a Pet in a Florida Divorce Case?

Yes, you can receive custody of a pet in a Florida divorce. However, pets are considered personal property under Florida law, which means they are distributed as such. However, the judge will factor in certain considerations when making a pet custody decision, such as which spouse primarily cared for the pet. You and your spouse also have the option to create your own legal document spelling out pet co-ownership or visitation agreements outside of court.

Can You File for Divorce in Sarasota County Without a Lawyer?

Yes, technically, you can file for divorce in Sarasota County without a lawyer. However, with the divorce process being such an emotional and stressful time, it can just be too much for one person to take on, especially if they’re not familiar with Florida’s divorce laws or their spouse is contesting the divorce. A Sarasota divorce attorney has the experience and skills required to help you walk through the divorce process for a favorable outcome.

Hire a Divorce Lawyer in Sarasota County Today

If you’re facing a divorce, don’t do it alone – turn to the compassionate legal ability of Ruhl Law, P.A., to help you navigate through the divorce process during this difficult time. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can help you make informed decisions to achieve a fair and amicable resolution.