Family Law in Pembroke Pines, Florida

Andrew Cargill handles family law matters for clients in Pembroke Pines and across the South Florida tri-county area — Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties. Solo practice since 2006, with nearly 20 years handling family law matters at the same location in Pembroke Pines.

What Family Law Covers

Family law in Florida covers the legal rules that apply when a family changes shape. That includes ending a marriage, deciding how parents will raise their children after a separation, establishing legal parenthood, and setting the financial support obligations between parents and former spouses.

The decisions made in a family law case affect where you live, when you see your children, what you pay or receive each month, and what your finances look like for years afterward. The right legal representation matters.

What Andrew Handles

Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage)

Florida calls divorce “dissolution of marriage.” Andrew handles both uncontested divorces — where the parties have agreed on the major terms — and contested divorces, where the parties have disagreements that need to be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or the court.

Florida is a no-fault state, which means you do not have to prove that one spouse did something wrong. The legal ground is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”

Time-Sharing and Parenting Plans

Florida law uses the term “time-sharing” instead of “custody.” Every family law case involving minor children requires a parenting plan that addresses where the children spend their time, how major decisions about the children are made, and how the parents will communicate about the children going forward. Andrew prepares parenting plans and represents clients in modifications of existing plans.

Paternity

When a child is born outside of marriage, paternity is not automatically established. Andrew handles cases that establish, contest, or confirm legal paternity, which is the first step before time-sharing and child support orders can be entered.

Child Support

Florida calculates child support using a statutory guideline that considers both parents’ net incomes, the number of overnight stays each parent has with the child, and certain expenses like health insurance and daycare. Andrew handles initial child support determinations, modifications when circumstances change, and enforcement when payments are not made.

What the Process Looks Like

Most family law cases follow a general path, though the timing and detail vary case by case.

• Consultation. You meet with Andrew, explain your situation, and the two of you discuss the legal options.
• Engagement. If you decide to hire the firm, you sign a written retainer agreement and pay the agreed retainer.
• Filing or response. Andrew files the petition that starts the case, or files a response if your spouse has already filed.
• Financial disclosure. Both parties exchange financial information (income, assets, debts) under Florida’s mandatory disclosure rules.
• Negotiation or mediation. The parties try to reach agreement on the major issues. Florida requires mediation in most contested cases before a final hearing.
• Final hearing. The judge enters a final judgment based on the agreement or, in a contested case, on the evidence presented.

Factors That Affect Cost

The cost of a family law matter depends on several factors:

• Whether the case is contested or uncontested
• The complexity of the financial picture (number of assets, debts, business interests)
• Whether the parties can agree on time-sharing or whether the court needs to decide
• How many court hearings are required
• Whether mediation is successful or whether the case proceeds to a contested final hearing

Andrew uses both hourly and flat-fee arrangements depending on the type of matter. Fee structure is discussed at the consultation and included in the written retainer agreement before any work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be separated before I can file for divorce in Florida?

No. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, which means there is no separation requirement. The legal ground for divorce is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” You can file at any time once one of the parties meets the residency requirement (six months of Florida residency).

How long does an uncontested divorce in Florida take?

An uncontested divorce — where both parties have agreed on all major terms — can typically be finalized within 30 to 90 days of filing, depending on the court’s schedule and how quickly the paperwork is prepared. A contested divorce can take anywhere from several months to a year or more.

What’s the difference between time-sharing and custody?

Florida law no longer uses the word “custody.” Instead, the law refers to “time-sharing” (where the children spend their time) and “parental responsibility” (which parent makes major decisions about the children). The shift in language reflects a legal preference for both parents staying involved in the child’s life when appropriate.

Can a time-sharing schedule be changed after the divorce is final?

Yes. Time-sharing schedules can be modified when there has been a “substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances” since the schedule was put in place. The party seeking the modification files a motion with the court, and the court considers what is in the best interest of the child.

How is child support calculated in Florida?

Child support in Florida is calculated using statutory guidelines that consider both parents’ net incomes, the number of overnight stays each parent has with the child, and certain expenses (health insurance, daycare). The guidelines produce a presumptive amount; the court can deviate from it in limited circumstances.

Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?

Not strictly. Florida allows pro se filings. But even in uncontested cases, the paperwork is complex, and a mistake in the marital settlement agreement or parenting plan can create problems later that are expensive to fix. Many people who attempt an uncontested divorce on their own come back to an attorney later to clean up issues that could have been avoided.

What happens at the final hearing?

In an uncontested case, the final hearing is brief — typically 10 to 15 minutes. The court asks a series of standard questions to confirm that the parties understand the agreement, that they are entering into it voluntarily, and that the residency requirement is met. The judge then enters the final judgment.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are facing a family law matter and want to talk with an attorney about your options, Andrew offers initial consultations to discuss your situation and the steps available to you.

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is different and the result of any particular case depends on factors specific to that case. The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.