SAUVOLAW UPDATE
Your Source for Legal Information

Family Law Cases

By Nicole Sauvola

Sauvola & Associates, P.A.

Update: June 2007

Contents

Notice: Please note that if you have been charged with a criminal offense, you will likely benefit from consulting a criminal defense lawyer. If you would like to contact our office for further information or consultation, check out our website consult request at the Sauvola & Associates Contact Page

What Kinds of Family Law Cases Does This Firm Handle?

Sauvola & Associates, P.A., handles all matters of Matrimonial and Family Law, including, Pre-Nuptial Agreements, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Dissolution of Marriage, Alimony, Child Support and Visitation Requests, Enforcement and Post-Judgment Modifications, Grandparent Visitation Rights, Paternity Actions, Special Needs Children Actions (IEPC Representation), Adoptions, Juvenile Delinquency and Dependency, Domestic Violence, Injunctions for Domestic Violence, Repeat Violence and Dating Violence, Child Abuse Allegations, and Termination of Parental Rights. 

The exact procedure for how cases are filed varies from case to case.   However, the filing party must be a resident of the State of Florida in order to file any civil action through this Firm. 

What Information Will I Need In Order To File A Case?

You may obtain a pre-filing checklist prior to meeting with our Firm.  Your ability to provide the information requested will ensure the productivity and beneficial nature of your first meeting for both yourself and the attorney working on your case. 

You may be required to provide financial information for cases involving Adoptions, Pre-Nuptial Agreements, Dissolutions of Marriage and matters dealing with Alimony and/or Child Support.  In many cases, the court requires the filing of an Affidavit attesting to financial information provided.  The processing of your case will be delayed if you fail to provide information required by the courts.

How Much Will It Cost?

The Fees and Costs associated with each case vary from case to case.  Florida Statutes governs the fees and costs in some cases, where other cases are done on a flat fee basis or an hourly rate.  Sauvola & Associates, P.A. does not take any cases based on a contingency fee.

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What Happens After The Case Is Filed?

If You are the Plaintiff or the Petitioner in any lawsuit, the Defendant or Respondent will have 20 days within which to file an Answer AFTER THE DEFENDANT/RESPONDENT IS SERVED.  Therefore, it is important that you provide any information known as to the Defendant/Respondent's residence or work address so that Service of Process may be completed. 

Sauvola & Associates, P.A., provides update letters after every client meeting, deposition or hearing.  These letters will outline what has recently happened in your case and what you can expect in the coming month.  Additionally, detailed billing statements will be sent to each client at the end of the month, itemizing what has been done on your case.

What Should I Do If I Am Involved In A Situation of Domestic Violence?

Report It!!!  Dial 911.  Contacting the Police Agency in the jurisdiction where the act or acts occurred is the first step to receiving relief and assistance.  Additionally, the Victim's Rights Coalition and Victim Services of Palm Beach County can direct you to any resources you may need for yourself and/or your children.  Safety is First!!!

You may want to contact an attorney to assist you in obtaining an Injunction for the protection against Domestic Violence from the Courts.  This is a Civil Process but one which may become complicated if you go into the process without proper advice and counsel.  Nicole Sauvola, Esquire is a former state prosecutor and has years of experience with domestic violence cases. 

What If There is A Criminal Charge of Domestic Violence Against Me Or My Spouse?

Domestic Violence is a very serious charge in the State of Florida.  So much so, that the legislature has seen fit to enact specific statutes outlining minimum mandatory penalties for those convicted of a Domestic Violence crime.  Further, Domestic Violence Crimes may not be sealed or expunged in many circumstances.  Additionally, Immigration Services or Homeland Security may deport any person who is not a U.S. Citizen convicted of a Domestic Violence Crime.  This is a very serious matter -- retaining counsel in this kind of case is strenuously advised.

Copyright © 2006 Nicole Sauvola. All rights reserved. No portion of this article may be reproduced without the express written permission of the copyright holder, except as follows: You may link this article to your website, either directly or through a Criminal Law index page, provided your link does not depict this article, or its author in a negative manner.