Santana Torres Law Offices, PL

If you are going through a Divorce or have Parenting and Custody issues with an ex-spouse, or if you are just getting married or were recently married and are concerned about Asset Protection and future Property Division, or if you are Adopting a child or step-child, you should consider hiring a qualified Family Lawyer.

Family Law Practice is the representation of persons involved in legal proceedings which affect the traditional or non-traditional family unit, familial relationships, rights and responsibilities. These include Divorce (or Dissolution of Marriage), Alimony, Child Custody (Time Sharing) and Parenting, Parental Relocation, Child Support, Visitation (Parenting Plans and Time Sharing Schedules), Paternity, and Adoption. Related issues include Post-Judgment Modification or Enforcement, Marital Settlement Agreements, Separation Agreements, Pre-Nuptial or Post-Nuptial Agreements, and Estate Planning.

Our practice also assists families which find themselves in the juvenile dependency system in matters of parental rights, children's rights, and domestic violence.

Will you need an Attorney?

Each of these alone is a time-consuming and often stressful situation, and Florida families often encounter more than one at a time. It is important that families and individuals involved in these situations be well-informed and well-prepared for the legal proceedings. Hiring a lawyer is an important part of your preparation. The decision to hire a lawyer is an important one, which should be made only after you have had a fair opportunity to interview prospective lawyers and make an informed decision as to their qualifications and style. Finding an attorney with whom you feel comfortable and compatible should be a top priority if you are involved in or considering initiating a Family Law matter.

At Santana Torres Law Offices, we provide client-focused representation and legal advice. Our desire is to help our clients achieve their goals in a cost-effective and reasonable manner. A variety of low-cost options exist for simple or uncontested family matters. However, many situations can complicate family matters and place you in a legally precarious situation if you are not represented by a qualified attorney who has your best interests in mind.

Equity Courts & the Best Interests Standard

Remember, Family Law matters can be complex, particularly where children, businesses, or other significant property are involved and contested. It is important to understand that Florida’s Family Courts sit in Equity and have broad discretion in the matters over which they preside. Equity means that justice is administered according to principles of fairness rather than the letter of the law. In contrast, the General Civil Divisions of Florida’s Circuit Courts sit in Law rather than Equity. Their discretion is limited and strict adherence to the letter of the law is required. Although the written law leaves room for interpretation and argument, the outcome of a legal dispute involving such matters as consumer issues, business interests, landlord-tenant problems, or personal injuries is far more predictable than is the outcome of a legal dispute involving familial relationships, rights and responsibilities. 

The standard applied by Family Courts is a “best interests” standard which takes into account the best interests of each of the parties involved and attempts to balance these. In any situation involving children, the best interest of these is of particular interest to the Court and a Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the child in the relevant legal proceedings.

Santana Torres Law Offices

The importance of hiring the Right Lawyer, and not just any lawyer, cannot be underestimated. Whether or not you hire us, please hire somebody that inspires your trust, is compatible with you, and is prepared to litigate your matter in a style with which you feel comfortable.

Should you hire Santana Torres Law Offices, we have the experience and versatility necessary to handle matters as amicably or contentiously as necessary to put you in the best possible legal position with regard to your stated goals and objectives. We are committed to helping you realize those goals and objectives.