Although the “stay at home” orders and social distancing are flattening the curve when it comes to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and keeping us healthy, it’s not a safe situation for everyone. Many domestic violence victims are trapped at home with their abuser, which means they are in a more unsafe situation than ever before.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline received 951 calls in a two-week period from domestic violence victims who say their abusers are using COVID-19 against them to harm them or to further control and abuse them. People are losing their jobs due to COVID-19 and historically, as unemployment rises so do the levels of domestic violence.
In Florida, some Florida police agencies and shelters for abused are getting less calls as domestic violence victims have less privacy to make a phone call if their children are home all day and their abuser. With social distancing orders in place, it’s harder for victims to find a safe place to go in fear or spreading or contracting the coronavirus. It’s also harder or currently not possible for friends/family/coworkers/school faculty to post when someone is exhibiting signs of abuse due to social distancing and quarantine.
Family lawyers are receiving fewer calls, as well, but believe there will be an influx of calls once the stay at home orders are lifted.
With fewer calls to domestic violence help services and lawyers, it seems that domestic violence victims may not be aware that help is still available.
During these uncertain times, domestic violence victims may be feeling more trapped and helpless than ever as it appears far more difficult to leave their situations.
However, some relief organizations for the battered have seen an increase in calls during this time. In fact, they’ve received double the calls a day from victims than before quarantine. Also, relief centers and shelters have had to decrease the numbers of emergency beds available to abide by social distancing guidelines.
Many people are still confused as to if the courts are still open. In Duval County and many other counties in Florida, they are open and taking domestic violence cases and emergency situations are still getting the court’s attention. It is believed there will be a huge surge in petitions to be filed at the courthouses as victims feel safer to leave their homes and make phone calls.
If you are a domestic violence victim or know someone who is, you can still get help during COVID-19. Shelters are open and screening for COVID-19 symptoms. Advocates at the National Domestic Violence Hotline are available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Survivors can also chat with advocates here.
Other assistance available includes:
Report domestic violence by calling 911.
Visit the Shelters in Duval County page.
Read information about domestic violence in Duvel County Clerk of Courts page.
Looking for a Family Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL?
At Dorsey Law Firm, we wanted to let you know, you are not alone during these hard times. If you are able, please seek out help to get protection from your abuser. We will be here for you for any family law matter or emergency, whether it’s a divorce matter or domestic violence injunction.
William J. Dorsey is a family law attorney and understands the seriousness and timeliness of domestic violence cases.
As a Jacksonville family law attorney, with more than 35 years of experience in the state of Florida, Dorsey knows Florida divorce law and family law and how to apply it to get his clients the best possible outcome. He guides his clients through any family law process they are going through.
If you are considering divorce or a domestic violence injunction during COVID-19 or any time, our team would be happy to help you learn more about these processes in Florida. By hiring a family law attorney, you’re laying the groundwork for a better result, especially if your divorce is complicated.
William J. Dorsey founded the Dorsey Law Firm in 1975 and has practiced family law and tried numerous trials throughout Florida in state and federal courts.
To request your consultation at The Dorsey Law Firm’s Jacksonville Law Office or if you have any questions, call 904-346-3883 or click our Jacksonville Family Law Attorney page for more information.
Getting a divorce is a hard decision. Once you and your spouse have agreed upon a divorce, you need to look for a divorce lawyer and make an appointment to meet with him or her. Now, what?
Meeting with a divorce lawyer for the first time can fill a person with many emotions like fear, anxiety, stress, and sadness. This meeting is a big step. If this is your first time going through a divorce, you may not know what to expect or what you should do ahead of time.
At Dorsey Law Firm, we wanted to share some tips, advice, and thoughts on things you should keep in mind before and during your first meeting with a divorce attorney. The better you are prepared with information, the better your attorney can serve you.
Try not to focus on the negatives of your current marriage ending, but focus on the positive things that you want in your post-divorce life.
Write down a list of questions you want to ask the attorney.
Be prepared to be asked questions about your spouse, children (if you have any), finances, assets, and goals.
This first meeting is a time for the attorney to get to know you.
The attorney will describe the different divorce processes to you (mediation, collaborative law, litigation).
The attorney may refer you to a psychotherapist, divorce coach, estate attorney or financial planner depending on your situation. Remember, a divorce attorney is just an attorney and cannot give you expertise in other fields.
This first meeting/consultation with the attorney will determine if he/she will be a good fit for you.
Even though this is the initial meeting, do not lie about your situation – this will only complicate matters for you and the attorney.
Do not feel pressured to make any decisions during this first meeting.
Don’t feel pressured to work with the first divorce attorney you meet. It’s perfectly normal to have consulted with a few different divorce attorneys to find the one you feel will best help you during this process.
When you meet with an attorney, look for a divorce attorney who makes you feel comfortable, is sensitive to your needs and emotional state, and can explain things clear terms for you. You will be spending a lot of time with this attorney, so it is a good idea to find someone you work well with.
Before the initial meeting, do some research on the attorney. Look for:
Reviews
Years of experience in family law/divorce law
Case of professional misconduct against them
We pride ourselves on the hundreds of positive reviews we have received.
Divorce isn’t a simple process; it’s life-changing. You want an attorney who will help you every step of the way, explain your rights, options, and responsibilities in a clear way.
Need a Divorce Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL?
This may be your first divorce, but it’s not ours. By keeping the above tips in mind, you will feel more comfortable and prepared to meet and choose an attorney.
William J. Dorsey is a divorce attorney and understands each divorce case is unique. Getting through the divorce process isn’t easy, but it is can be made a lot easier by working with a skilled attorney.
As a Jacksonville divorce attorney, with more than 35 years of experience in the state of Florida, Dorsey knows Florida divorce law and how to apply it to get his clients the best possible outcome. He guides his clients through the entire divorce process.
If you are considering divorce, our team would be happy to help you learn more about the divorce process in Florida. By hiring a divorce attorney, you’re laying the groundwork for a better result, especially if your divorce is complicated.
William J. Dorsey founded the Dorsey Law Firm in 1975 and has practiced family law and tried numerous trials throughout Florida in state and federal courts.
To request your in-person consultation at The Dorsey Law Firm’s Jacksonville Law Office or if you have any questions, call 904-346-3883 or click our Jacksonville Divorce Attorney page for more information.
Thinking about getting a prenuptial agreement? A prenuptial agreement, also referred to as a prenup, is a legally binding contract that determines how spouses will divide assets and debts if a divorce were to occur. Your financial situation does not have to determine if you get a prenup or not. These days, more people are getting one.
Of course, there are pros and cons to this decision, but if you’re thinking about getting a prenup, you must confront and look past the emotional aspect of the prenup. At its core marriage is a legal contract. Even though it is not very romantic, you can see past any negativity if you view the prenup as another legal contract that goes along with the marriage contract.
Some benefits of getting a prenup is:
It opens a dialogue between you and your spouse. It creates a space for you to be open and honest about money, properties, and expectations. Communication is key in a relationship and drafting up a prenup is a great way to open and create a level of trust that can keep your relationship strong.
The prenup will allow you to address legal hurdles in a divorce much easier with quicker resolutions and no court battles. Divorce is expensive and time-consuming, and a prenup makes it possible for you to avoid a messy end.
A prenup allows you to protect certain family heirlooms and property that you had before the marriage that you want to keep separate.
A prenup helps you avoid a long property battle and how it should be divided.
A prenup will help protect you from debt that was never yours to begin with like student loan debt or credit card debt.
It’s important to discuss a prenup with your fiancé and why it is important for you to have or not have one. Sure, this isn’t a fun conversation, but it’s necessary if it is important to you. If you decided to go through with a prenup, do not rush it. Make sure you are sure of everything in the document and know exactly what you are signing.
After you completed a prenup, don’t bring it up after the wedding. If you dwell on the prenup, it will only create problems in your marriage. When the prenup is signed and complete, lock it away somewhere safe with the hope that you both will never have to use it. But, if your marriage does not last, this document will save you a lot of headaches, time, and money.
At the Dorsey Law Firm, we help couples with prenuptial agreements.
Need a Divorce Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL?
The decision of whether you need a prenup is up to you and your spouse. We get involved once you know you need a legal document written up.
William J. Dorsey is a divorce attorney and understands each divorce case is unique. Give us a call and we can help you put together a prenup.
As a Jacksonville divorce attorney, with more than 35 years of experience in the state of Florida, Dorsey knows Florida divorce law and how to apply it to get his clients the best possible outcome. He guides his clients through the entire process.
If you are considering a prenup, our team would be happy to help you learn more about the process in Florida. By hiring a divorce attorney, you’re laying the groundwork for a better result.
William J. Dorsey founded the Dorsey Law Firm in 1975 and has practiced family law and tried numerous trials throughout Florida in state and federal courts.
To request your in-person consultation at The Dorsey Law Firm’s Jacksonville Law Office or if you have any questions, call 904-346-3883 or click our Jacksonville Divorce Attorney page for more information.
For the most part, whether we go through it ourselves or not, we all know divorce isn’t a happy time or easy process, although it can lead many couples to greener pastures.
Divorce can be a complicated, messy process, especially if you and your spouse are not getting along and there are children and assets involved.
As a couple enters the divorce process, there’s a lot they are going to learn that they have never been told before.
As a Jacksonville divorce attorney, with more than 35 years of experience in the state of Florida, our team at Dorsey Law Firm wanted to let you in on a few things about divorce that no one really talks about.
Divorces can drag on and be a very long process. Some divorce processes can last over a year. If you and your spouse can work out a lot before the process begins, the process will go a lot faster.
The divorce process can go well beyond the day the divorce decree is issued due to circumstances regarding child support.
You may need court involvement even if you and your spouse agree on everything. Certain issues, like the splitting of retirement, needs a judge’s approval even if there is no dispute.
It’s in your best interest to come to an agreement with your spouse in order to save yourself a lot of time, money, and heartache.
Don’t go in thinking there’s a “winner” to a divorce case, as there is seldom a winner. Most couples do not end up with everything they want.
Resist the urge to make quick decisions to make the case shorter.
Every divorce process is different, so don’t go into yours thinking it will be like those you know who have gone through the process.
Listen to your attorney who knows all the details of your situation to understand what your process will be like.
Be honest with your attorney and your spouse so your case can be properly analyzed and managed. Hidden things won’t necessarily stay hidden.
Make copies of important documents, like a prenup, as you start the divorce process.
Go into the divorce process with reasonable expectations. Listen to your attorney to learn how the law applies to your case and what the potential outcomes are.
Need a Divorce Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL?
This may be your first divorce, but it’s not ours. William J. Dorsey is a practiced divorce attorney and understands each divorce case is unique. Dorsey knows Florida divorce law and how to apply it to get his clients the best possible outcome. He guides his clients through the entire process.
If you are considering divorce, our team would be happy to help you learn more about the divorce process in Florida. We know this is an emotional time for you, and we promise to keep a clear head during this emotional time to get you through the process. By hiring a divorce attorney, you’re laying the groundwork for a better result, especially if your divorce is complicated.
William J. Dorsey founded the Dorsey Law Firm in 1975 and has practiced family law and tried numerous trials throughout Florida in state and federal courts. Dorsey and his team take time to work with clients every step of the divorce process.
To request your in-person consultation at The Dorsey Law Firm’s Jacksonville Law Office or if you have any questions, call 904-346-3883 or click our Jacksonville Divorce Attorney page for more information.
We all know what divorce is, but most people don’t actually know the facts about divorce and the process of divorce itself until they go through the process themselves. For example, did you know that in the state of Florida all that is necessary for a divorce is to prove that the marriage is irretrievably broken? It’s true.
As a Jacksonville divorce attorney, with more than 50 years of experience in the state of Florida, our team at Dorsey Law Firm wanted to share a few frequently asked questions (FAQ) about divorce in the state of Florida. If you’re considering divorce, it’s never a bad idea to educate yourself on some divorce information before entering the process.
Q. On average, how long does a divorce take in Florida?
A: It depends. An uncontested divorce, which is when both spouses agree on everything, may take less than a month or two. A contested divorce, which is when the court needs to decide on things (alimony, child support, custody, debts, etc.) can take six or more months. If the courts are busy, the divorce process can take up to a year or more.
Q: Do I need to prove my spouse is at fault?
A: No; however, when it comes to things like alimony or distribution of assets, the amount may change or disappear for the person who was supposed to receive support if they committed faults such as wasting assets or income.
Q: How do I start the divorce process?
A: You file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, which will include claims of yours regarding assets and liability alimony, child support, custody, debts, etc. A process server will deliver the papers to your spouse.
Q: Can the same lawyer represent both spouses?
A: No, it is not possible for both spouses to have the same lawyer. That is a conflict of interest.
Q: What if I need a lawyer but cannot afford one?
A: If you have a low income, you can potentially qualify for free representation from Legal Aid. If your spouse has the financial ability, he/she may be court-ordered to pay your attorney’s fees.
Q: How do I get child custody/time-sharing?
A: In Florida, the court does not show a preference for the father or mother for a time-sharing schedule and the state’s policy is that the child can maintain contact with both parents after the divorce. You will create a parenting plan with your spouse, and it must be approved by the judge. If you both cannot agree on a plan, the judge will create a parenting plan for you.
Q: What does child support cover in Florida?
A: In Florida, child support covers basic needs (food, clothing, shelter, school supplies, entertainment for the child), daycare costs, and health insurance.
Looking for a Divorce Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL?
Divorce can get complicated, and there’s a lot to know beyond the few FAQs above. Our team would be happy to help you learn more about the divorce process in Florida.
As divorce attorneys, it’s our job to help people save time, lessen stress, and increase their odds at a favorable outcome. We know the law and keep a clear head during this emotional time for the couple.
Although some people choose to do a DIY divorce, hiring a divorce attorney can help a client make better decisions for his/her future. By hiring a divorce attorney, you’re laying the groundwork for a better result, especially if your divorce is complicated.
William J. Dorsey founded the Dorsey Law Firm in 1975 and has practiced family law and tried hundreds of trials throughout Florida in state and federal courts. Dorsey and his team take time to work with clients every step of the divorce process.
To request your in-person consultation at The Dorsey Law Firm’s Jacksonville Law Office, call 904-346-3883 or click our Jacksonville Divorce Attorney page for more information.
This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.
