Sutton Law Firm

Collaborative divorce offers a more conciliatory approach to legal separation and the resolution of marriage. Most people have a hard time imagining divorcing parties agreeing on anything. However, this approach to divorce or any family law matter is intended to remove the complexity and hostility that often surrounds the process. In this setting, both parties agree to work out their differences, including issues of child custody and child support, outside of the courtroom. Parties are assisted by their attorneys and other professionals. The focus is on the good of the family as a whole, rather than on the individual. This approach allows us to consider the needs of everyone, particularly children, and develop solutions that are agreeable to all parties involved.

One of the benefits of a collaborative divorce is the reduced cost. Fewer billable hours for divorce lawyers and sharing other costs can make collaborative divorce or mediation much more affordable options for our clients.

Our award-winning family law attorneys are ready to help you navigate through a difficult time in your life. Sutton Law Firm can help you with: Custody and Child Support Protecting Your Assets Planning Your Future

Appellate lawyers are litigation experts who study evidence and testimony in order to present complex legal arguments to appellate court judges. These arguments challenge unfavorable trial court judgments that were based on procedural errors or incorrect applications of the law.

You can, but it is best to have a knowledgeable attorney and legal team on your side to help you navigate the complex appellate process. Having an attorney that knows the process can mean the difference between your unfavorable judgment remaining or getting it overturned.

This will vary by case and by the type of case. However, in general, it is best to prepare yourself for a long process of up to 18 months. This can be shorter or longer depending on your case, and we can discuss an estimated timeline for your specific case during your consultation.

If at all possible, our Lakeland, FL, attorneys recommend divorce mediation over litigation, as a mediation session can have many benefits. Not only is the process more confidential, but it's also more collaborative and doesn't end until both parties agree on an outcome.

Prior to your divorce mediation, there are some simple things you can do to make sure you're prepared and that your mediator will be able to help you to the best of their abilities: Get Legal Advice Organize Your Documentation Define your Goals

Under Florida law, child support payments are only to be used for the care and benefit of your child. The parent who receives the payment makes the decision on what the payments are used for. Some examples of what child support can be used for include: Medical Care Education Basic Necessities

When financial circumstances change, you may be able to seek modification of an existing child support agreement. Our child support lawyer, with offices in Lakeland, St. Petersburg, and Bartow, can guide you through the process whether you are seeking an adjustment to current child support payments due to changes in your circumstances or those of your child's other parent.

Contact law enforcement immediately. If your protection order is being violated, first contact the authorities, and then contact your attorney. We will ensure the prosecutor is notified and appropriate action can be taken to protect you.

Contact our office; we will ensure your rights have been upheld. We will first determine if an attempt was made to notify you. Crime victims in Florida must fill out a notification card if they wish to be notified about changes in their case, such as the defendant being released. It is also the victim's responsibility to inform the state of changes such as a change of address should you wish to be notified. If a reasonable attempt was not made to notify you, we will pursue appropriate legal action.

Contract violations are one of the most common reasons that business owners in Florida seek the aid of a lawyer. While no two disputes are the same, business owners who contact our Bartow-based practice can expect their case to proceed according to the following process: Consultation Strategy Meeting Attempt at Mediation Business Litigation

A legal guardian is someone who the court appoints to provide care and make decisions for an individual who cannot do it themselves. The ward, or person in need of care, can be a minor or an incapacitated adult family member, spouse, friend, or other person known to the guardian. Debra J. Sutton is a board-certified attorney who is distinguished in the area of family law. During a consultation at her Lakeland-area legal office, our attorney can help you explore what options are best for you and the person in need of guardianship.

When our Lakeland attorney reviews your qualifications to become an appointed guardian, there are some factors that she will look for that can disqualify you. Under Florida law, you can be disqualified for guardianship for some of these reasons: Being convicted of a felony. Being incapable of carrying out the duties of a guardian due to incapacity or illness. Having been deemed abusive, or having neglected or abandoned a child. When seeking to be a legal guardian of a ward, having an experienced attorney like Ms. Sutton review your qualifications can prevent complications. If you're unsure about Florida's guardianship laws or seek legal counsel related to making decisions for someone else, contact us at our Lakeland, St Petersburg, or Bartow offices today.

In each guardianship case, the court decides whom to appoint as the guardian of a ward. In some cases, guardianship is automatically given, like biological parents with their children. In cases where a ward may have cognitive difficulty due to age or a disability, the guardian may have to prove a person's incapacity. This can be done with a psychological or medical evaluation presented to the courts, verifying if the person in question can handle their day-to-day affairs.

Essentially, alimony is a regular monthly payment allocated to a spouse after a marriage ends. Alimony can serve a number of purposes, such as providing income to make up for the money a spouse could have earned in marriage. It can also ensure that a spouse's standard of living does not drop dramatically after a divorce.

No, alimony and child support are two entirely different forms of legal financial support. They may both be requested from a spouse at the same time, but they serve two different needs. Child support covers the care, housing, education, and other relevant costs of a child or children. It ends after a child has turned 18, though it may be extended to age 19 if a child is still in high school or has further needs. Typically, it also depends on child custody. Finally, you do not have to have gone through a divorce to request child support.

Sutton Law Firm offers family law, divorce, child support, business law, bankruptcy, appellate law, guardianship, victims rights, collaborative law, estate planning, and related services.

The firm is led by family law attorney Debra J. Sutton, who is board certified in appellate practice and marital and family law, alongside Matthew J. Kovschak, her practice partner since 1993.

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, by appointment only. It is closed on weekends.

Yes, visits are by appointment only. You can schedule a consultation through their online reservation link.

You can reach them by phone at +1 863-533-8912 or email at sutton@suttonlawfirm.net.

The firm is located at 2511 Orleans Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33803, USA.

Yes, the office has wheelchair-accessible restrooms and restrooms available.

Nearby places include Modern Mary & Vintage for shopping and gifts, Pelican's SnoBalls for desserts, and Crystal and Co Too for beauty services and food truck treats.

Yes, nearby legal services include Law Office of Amanda Salcido for family law, Settle With Mediation for mediation services, Lopez & Humphries, P.A. for personal injury, and Ricardo Santander for immigration and criminal defense law.

There are spa and beauty options nearby such as Élon Aesthetics Lakeland and KC’s Beauty Supply, plus massage services at The Healing Center and Lakeland Massage Therapy Center, which are perfect to relax before or after your visit.