Divorce Trial | Family Law | William Bennett, P.A.

The Law Office of William B. Bennett, P.A. | Experienced Divorce Litigation | St. Petersburg, FL

There’s no doubt that going through a divorce is a life changing and stressful event. The separation is not only emotionally taxing, but the legal battle can be equally as strenuous. Most divorces settle out of court, but in some instances where mediation breaks down and a divorce trial may be required. It is critical to work with an experienced litigator like William B. Bennett, P.A.

St. Petersburg Attorney Knowledgeable in Family Law

The team at William B. Bennett, P.A. has acquired significant experience in trying successful divorce trial cases in a courtroom, many of which include a fair distribution of assets and child custody. We take pride in guiding the clients we work with through the legal process.

How to Settle a Divorce Before a Trial

You’ll only have to go to trial in your divorce if you are not able to settle it through mediation. Settling your case before hand is often the best choice since it allows you more control over the outcome. However, in the rare case that you cannot settle, you will have to go to trial before a judge to determine the outcome of your divorce case.

Settling a divorce case doesn’t mean you have to agree on everything. You can come to an agreement on some items and then let the court decide on some of the others as a way to narrow the issues.

If you have to go to trial, keep in mind, you will be placing all or some of your disputed issues before the court for a decision. If you go to trial, you can expect you and your ex to work very hard and frantically during the process to come to a settlement, which can occur right up to the minute the judge calls your case.

What Can I Expect Once A Divorce Trial Begins?

When a trial starts you will almost always finds that your case is tried in front of a judge. There will likely be no jury involved. This is called a bench trial.

During a trial you can expect you and your ex to call witnesses along with submitting other kinds of evidence including financial records, bills or recordings. The purpose of a divorce trial is to determine what is true and what is not. We will work to discredit evidence presented by the other side while submitting our own evidence and proving its legal merit.

Issues that are commonly litigated at a divorce trial

After the Divorce Trial

Once the divorce trial has ended the judge will declare that the case is “under advisement”. This means the judge will need to take time to reflect on the case and apply the evidence to the divorce laws in Florida in order to come to a judgement. Once the judge makes a decision, a final order will be written known as a divorce decree that outlines the rulings made on all issues and explains the reason for those rulings.

The final order is final. You may appeal the decisions made, but until that occurs, you will need to abide by the final rulings set in the case. That’s why when your divorce case goes beyond mediation and needs to go in front of a judge, you need to retain the expertise and confidence of a strong litigator like the team at the law office of William B. Bennett, P.A. An experienced St. Petersburg divorce lawyer will convince the judge to rule in your favor. If you fail to hire the best attorney for your case, you could be handed a judgement that is not only costly, but is unfavorable towards your family.