Frequently Asked Questions

Robert D. Stein is a Bradenton-based family law attorney focused specifically on divorce and custody cases in Manatee County. His practice centers on guiding clients through both contested and uncontested divorces, child custody disputes, and complex relocation matters — the case types that demand a dedicated local family law advocate.

An uncontested divorce in Florida can be finalized in as little as three to four weeks once all paperwork is filed, while a contested divorce often takes six months to over a year depending on the complexity of the issues involved. Cases in Manatee County that involve child custody, asset division, or disputes over support typically take longer to resolve.

An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on all terms — including property division, child custody, and support — allowing the case to move through the Manatee County court system quickly and with lower cost. A contested divorce means at least one issue is unresolved, requiring negotiation, mediation, or a judge's ruling, which extends the timeline and complexity significantly.

Florida judges base child custody decisions on the best interests of the child, evaluating factors such as each parent's ability to meet the child's needs, the stability of each home environment, the child's existing relationship with each parent, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. Florida law favors shared parental responsibility in most cases.

No — Florida law requires either written agreement from the other parent or a court order before a parent can relocate more than 50 miles from their current residence for more than 60 days. Attempting to move without following this process can result in serious legal consequences, including a modification of the existing custody arrangement.

Parental responsibility in Florida refers to the right and obligation to make major decisions about a child's education, healthcare, and welfare, while physical custody — called 'time-sharing' in Florida — determines where the child lives and on what schedule. Courts typically award shared parental responsibility to both parents unless it would be harmful to the child.

Florida follows an equitable distribution standard, meaning marital assets and debts are divided fairly — though not always equally — based on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial contributions, and the economic circumstances of each party. Assets owned before the marriage or received as gifts or inheritance are generally considered non-marital property.

You are not legally required to hire an attorney for a divorce in Bradenton, but having one is strongly advisable if children, significant assets, or any disputes are involved. An attorney ensures your rights are protected, paperwork is filed correctly with the Manatee County court, and that any agreement you reach is enforceable long-term.

Florida uses an income-shares model to calculate child support, taking into account both parents' gross incomes, the number of overnights each parent has with the child, and expenses such as health insurance and childcare. The resulting amount is based on a state formula, though a judge can deviate from it under specific circumstances.

Yes, a custody or time-sharing order can be modified in Florida if there has been a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Common reasons include a parent's relocation, a significant change in the child's needs, or a meaningful change in a parent's work schedule or living situation.

The right family law attorney for a Manatee County divorce case understands Florida's specific statutes on equitable distribution, time-sharing, and parental relocation, and has direct experience navigating the local court system in Bradenton. Case-type depth — meaning real experience with contested divorces, custody disputes, and relocation petitions — matters far more than a general practice background.

Yes, Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither spouse is required to prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce — only that the marriage is 'irretrievably broken.' This applies to all divorces filed in Manatee County and generally means the reason for the breakdown of the marriage does not affect property division or custody decisions.