Clear answers, steady guidance, and a lawyer who speaks your language.
Deciding to end a marriage is one of the hardest choices you will make. You probably have urgent questions: Who keeps the house? How will we share time with the kids? Will I pay or receive alimony? At JRG Law, P.A., attorney Jessica Ramirez-Garcia helps people in Miami-Dade and Broward County answer those questions and move forward with a plan.
Jessica has a background in psychology, so she understands that divorce is an emotional process as much as a legal one. She explains every step in plain English or Spanish, keeps you informed, and builds a strategy around your goals.
Call (305) 201-0529 · Hablamos Español
How a divorce works in Florida
Florida is a “no-fault” state. You do not have to prove that your spouse did something wrong. In most cases you only need to show that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
To file in Florida, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months before filing. The court cannot finalize a divorce until at least 20 days after the petition is filed.
Most divorces follow these steps:
- Free consultation. We review your situation, your goals, and your options.
- Filing and service. We prepare and file the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and make sure your spouse is properly served, or we respond if you have been served.
- Financial disclosure. Both spouses must exchange financial affidavits and documents such as tax returns and bank statements.
- Negotiation and mediation. Many cases settle through negotiation or court-ordered mediation, which saves time, money, and stress.
- Final judgment. If you reach an agreement, the judge approves it. If not, we take your case to trial and present your side.
Uncontested and contested divorce
Uncontested divorce. If you and your spouse agree on everything, your divorce can move quickly. We draft a marital settlement agreement and, if you have children, a parenting plan that protects your rights and will hold up in court.
Contested divorce. If you disagree on property, support, or the children, you need a lawyer who prepares carefully and advocates firmly. Jessica gathers the evidence, handles the negotiations, and represents you in mediation and in court.
Issues we handle in your divorce
- Time-sharing and parenting plans. Since July 1, 2023, Florida law starts from a presumption that equal time-sharing is in a child’s best interest. Either parent can rebut that with evidence.
- Child support. Florida calculates child support using statewide guidelines based on both parents’ incomes and the number of overnights.
- Alimony. Florida no longer allows new permanent alimony. Courts may award temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, or durational alimony, with time limits based on the length of the marriage.
- Property and debt division. Florida divides marital assets and debts equitably, which usually means equally unless there is a good reason not to.
- Relocation, modifications, and enforcement. We also help after the divorce, when life changes or a former spouse stops following the order.
Why clients choose JRG Law
- Bilingual representation. Jessica speaks English and Spanish, so nothing gets lost in translation.
- Personal attention. You work directly with your attorney, not a different person every time you call.
- Florida Bar member since 2018. Jessica focuses her practice on family law and estate planning.
- A compassionate approach. Her psychology background helps her guide you through the emotional side of divorce.
- Two convenient offices. Meet with us by appointment at our Coral Gables or West Kendall office. We serve families from Homestead to Broward.
Jessica was incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to clearly explain each phase of the divorce process to me. She made a relatively difficult situation seem smooth and manageable.
Peter Garcia, client review
She helped me with my divorce journey and in such a gently and helpful way. She walked me through every step of the way.
Sasha Davila, Google review
Frequently asked questions
How long does a divorce take in Florida?
An uncontested divorce can be finished in a few weeks to a few months. A contested divorce often takes many months or longer, depending on how many issues are in dispute and the court’s schedule.
Do I need a reason to get divorced?
No. Florida is a no-fault state. You only need to show the marriage is irretrievably broken.
Will I lose half of everything?
Not necessarily. Only marital assets and debts are divided. Property you owned before the marriage, or received as a gift or inheritance, is usually yours, as long as it was kept separate.
Can I get divorced if my spouse won’t sign?
Yes. Your spouse’s refusal to cooperate does not stop the divorce. It means the case is contested, and the court decides the issues you cannot agree on.
Do you offer consultations in Spanish?
Yes. Jessica handles cases fully in Spanish. Lea esta página en español.
Talk to a Miami divorce lawyer today
You do not have to figure this out alone. Call (305) 201-0529 or schedule your free consultation online. We serve clients throughout Miami-Dade and Broward, including Coral Gables, Kendall, Homestead, Cutler Bay, Doral, Hialeah, and Pembroke Pines.
The information on this page is general and is not legal advice. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.