A divorce or custody case moves on deadlines, and a misunderstood document can cost days that matter. For Spanish-English households in Broward County, language gaps often slow things down: a hearing notice is read late, a financial form is filled out incorrectly, or evidence is never organized. The Law Office of John P. Sherman serves Broward and Miami-Dade with direct attorney communication and “Hablamos Español” service, so clients can ask questions and give their side in the language they think in.
This article is educational and not legal advice. It explains how Florida family cases move so you can prepare before your first meeting with a Spanish-speaking divorce attorney in Broward County.
What a Broward family court decides in a divorce or custody case
Broward cases are heard in Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit. A single case can involve several linked decisions:
- Dissolution of marriage and division of assets and debts
- Parental responsibility (what other states call legal custody) and time-sharing (the schedule)
- A parenting plan that sets the schedule, school decisions, and communication rules
- Child support and, where appropriate, alimony
These issues affect one another. The time-sharing schedule feeds into the child support calculation, and the parenting plan governs daily life for years. For a closer look at the terminology, see this explanation of legal versus physical custody.
The divorce timeline: one statutory delay and several practical ones
To file, one spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months. The residency requirement must be proven, usually with a driver’s license, lease, or similar records.
Under Florida Statute 61.19, a final judgment cannot be entered until a minimum period has passed after filing (20 days, with narrow emergency exceptions). That is a floor, not a forecast. A contested case typically moves through these stages:
- Filing and service of the petition
- Mandatory financial disclosure and financial affidavits
- Temporary orders on time-sharing, support, and use of the home
- Mediation
- Settlement or trial
Most of the calendar is consumed by disclosure, mediation, and court availability. The firm’s guide to how long a divorce takes in Florida describes realistic ranges.
Florida’s equal time-sharing presumption and how it is challenged
Florida Statute 61.13 creates a rebuttable presumption that equal time-sharing is in a child’s best interests. “Rebuttable” means a parent can present evidence to overcome it. The court weighs roughly 20 statutory best-interest factors, which include each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, school and community ties, stability, and any history of domestic violence. See the firm’s explanation of whether Florida is a 50/50 custody state.
Judges decide on evidence, so start documenting early:
- School records and pickup routines
- Messages showing how each parent communicates
- Medical and activity involvement
- Any safety concern, with dates and names
Child support and parenting plan changes
Florida Statute 61.30 uses an income shares model. The guidelines combine both parents’ incomes, add childcare and health insurance costs, and divide the obligation based on each parent’s share. Overnights matter, but a 50/50 schedule does not automatically eliminate support. Bring pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements, work schedules, and childcare and medical bills.
Alimony falls under Florida Statute 61.08, which sets the types and the factors a court weighs, including marriage length and each spouse’s needs and ability to pay.
Orders can be modified after a substantial change in circumstances, such as a relocation, a major schedule shift, new safety evidence, or a significant income change. For a modification consultation, bring the current order, a dated list of what changed, and proof.
Domestic violence injunctions: fast filings with custody consequences
Florida Statute 741.30 governs domestic violence injunctions. If the court finds an immediate and present danger of domestic violence, it may grant a temporary injunction ex parte, meaning without the other person present, pending notice and a full hearing. The order takes effect when served, and a hearing follows quickly.
The consequences can be severe. A respondent may be removed from the home and limited in contact with the children before any family court judge has heard from him or her. Because an injunction can shape time-sharing arguments from the first day, a fast response matters. If you were served:
- Read the order and calendar the hearing date immediately
- Comply with every term, including stay-away and firearm provisions
- Do not contact the petitioner, even to explain
- Gather messages, photos, call logs, and witness names
- Speak with counsel before making any statement
Families facing a contested injunction often search for a lawyer within hours of service. The firm’s client reviews include one describing dismissal of an injunction the client called “bogus.” That is client feedback, not a promise about any future outcome.
Protecting a business and avoiding commingling problems
Florida applies equitable distribution: assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally marital, while pre-marital assets and gifts or inheritances are generally non-marital. Equitable does not always mean equal. Business owners get into trouble when personal and business funds mix, or when a spouse’s work (bookkeeping, answering phones) is cited as a contribution.
Build an asset inventory now:
- Formation documents and the date of business ownership
- Business and personal account statements, going back several years
- Records of transfers between accounts
- Tax returns, loan documents, and prior valuations
- Records showing who performed what work
Clear documentation is the best way to show what is business and what is marital.
Choosing a bilingual family law attorney in Broward County
Look for trial experience, prompt replies, and plain-language explanations in both languages. Ask in the first consultation:
- Who will handle my hearings and answer my calls?
- What documents do you need first?
- How do you handle an emergency injunction hearing?
- Will I receive documents and updates in Spanish?
- How are fees structured?
The firm offers a preliminary case evaluation for family law matters before discussing retainers, same-week consultations, and attorney-led involvement backed by nearly a decade of trial experience.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a contested divorce take in Florida?
It depends on disclosure, mediation, and court scheduling. See the contested divorce timeline for typical ranges.
Can an injunction affect custody?
Yes. Allegations of domestic violence are a statutory best-interest factor and can shape temporary time-sharing, so respond quickly.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Court papers received, IDs, income records, a list of assets, and a timeline of key events. If English is not your primary language, ask about attorney communication in Spanish.
Preparing for the first meeting
Plan around Florida’s timelines, understand the equal time-sharing presumption and best-interest factors, collect income and child-related records, and act promptly if you are served with an injunction. Attorney-client communications are generally protected by privilege, so you can speak candidly.
To discuss your situation in English or Spanish, contact The Law Office of John P. Sherman to request a family law consultation.
