Been Served Papers in Florida?

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So you've been served. Were you surprised? Not likely. No one likes to get served. No one likes the knock at the door or visit at the office from a deputy sheriff or process server. No one.

Feels like a bucket of cold water just dumped on your head. The reality sets in. Or you had no idea and can see only spots. White light.

Don't fret. You'll get over the initial shock and dose of reality. You'll deal with it. It's not the end of the world. It's the beginning of a new life for you. The weird thing is that you have now lost control, or you are on the way to losing control. Now a third party is involved, one with clout. A Florida circuit judge. A formal proceeding has been started. A divorce petition or paternity action or some other thing is in court. In action. A law suit. Now what?

The summons is an official legal document, issued by the clerk of court. It is an order. Nuts. Someone in court is ordering you to do something. That sucks. No one likes to be bossed around. An order with time limites. 20 days. 20 days to do something. To file something or risk entry of a default. Better get on it.

File what? A response to the petition or other paper you've been served.

What should you do? Well, you could do one of a number of things, each has it's own risks and benefits:

1. Do nothing.
2. Do it yourself.
3. Get a lawyer.

Option 1: Do nothing.

Doing nothing is an option. There are risks and benefits of doing nothing. One thing is for certain, by doing nothing you won't have a say in what happens. A default will be entered against you. A final hearing will be set and you will get notice (or should). You can still show up at the final hearing but what will you say? What will the judge allow? Doing nothing often is not the best approach, especially if you are doing it yourself. We do not recommend it. At the same time there are situations when doing nothing is what you should do. As a Florida divorce law firm we know when it's best to do nothing. Ask us.

Option 2: Do it yourself.

Doing it yourself, not usually a good way to go. Even if you are a lawyer, and probably especially if you are a lawyer, not a good idea. I was in front of a judge who addressed someone representing themself against a client I was representing. Judge addressed the litigant with these wise words:

"Representing yourself is a lot like doing dentistry on yourself…It's going to hurt a lot and you're probably going to get a bad result."

And so it goes.

Option 3: Get an Experienced Florida Divorce Lawyer

Not just any lawyer. Get a Florida divorce lawyer with experience. With knowledge. A lawyer that understands the process, the laws, the procedures and how to resolve a case, not just talk big, not just talk about fighting or demolishing the opposition. Is that what you want? To demolish your spouse, to hurt the kids? Is this smart? Is this fair? Is this wise?

At the same time you should have a lawyer who is unafraid of facing strong opposition. A lawyer unafraid of standing up for what's fair and right and for what's best for your kids.

What's a good, experienced, Florida divorce lawyer cost?

Most experienced divorce lawyers charge by the hour. They require thousands of dollars in retainer money so they don't get caught behind the 8 ball with fees. They charge for conferences, phone calls, letters, drafting pleadings, going to hearings (including the travel time), for brief writing, for research, for support staff (secretaries, paralegals, legal assistants and law clerks), for long distance charges, for stamps and even for copies. It's a lot. Sometimes much of it is not necessary. We have a different approach.

Our approach: Flat fees for discreet task representation.

We sign on for specific discrete tasks. We know how long it takes to prepare and file pleadings, to prepare for a hearing, to try and case. We know what's necessary and what's not. We know that most clients do not have the luxury of having tens of thousands of dollars for this and that, for expert witnesses, for court reporters, for nitpicky court fights that don't amount to a hill of beans at the end of the day. Even if they could afford it, usually not a wise use of money. We sign on for as much or as little as the client can afford. We offer low cost flat fees and are still able to do a great job.

If you've been served papers, contact us now. Call us now! at (866) 343-4556 or email us your situation.

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