Florida Divorce Attorney
An Easier Way
To Divorce
Most people hope their divorce will stay simple. Sometimes it does. But divorce can also become more complicated than expected once parenting, property, closely held businesses, investments, generational wealth, alimony, child support, and emotions take shape.
Our role is to help you prepare early, understand the road ahead, and move through the process with steady guidance, practical legal strategy, and as little unnecessary conflict as your situation allows.
Leap Frog Divorce serves families across Florida from offices in Orlando, Mount Dora, and Jacksonville. We focus only on divorce and family law, which means your case is handled by a team that understands Florida divorce law, Florida courts, and the decisions that can shape your life long after the divorce is final.
A Smarter Way Through Divorce
Not every case needs to become a fight. We help you explore resolution where possible—and prepare you when it’s not.
What Leap Frog Divorce Wants You To Know About Divorce Lawyers
Your lawyer should help you see the road ahead.
Your strategy should match your goals.
Choose legal support you can trust.
Our Services
Legal Expertise Delivered.
A divorce can start with one concern and quickly open the door to others. You may begin with a question about filing, then realize you also need to think through parenting time, the marital home, closely held businesses, investments, retirement accounts, or how to respond if your spouse is already several steps ahead.
Leap Frog Divorce helps Florida clients sort through those issues with a solid strategy, a clear legal plan, and a team that knows how the pieces connect.
Is Leap Frog Divorce Right For You?
Our firm is built to serve a range of Florida divorce situations. Leap Frog Divorce may be a good fit if:
- You are ready to file for divorce and want to understand your options before taking the next step
- Your spouse has filed for divorce and you need to know how to respond
- You want to resolve the divorce without unnecessary conflict, but still need to protect yourself
- You have children and want a parenting plan that supports their stability
- You need help sorting through property, debt, retirement accounts, support, or the marital home
- You are worried that emotions, pressure, or fear could lead to decisions you may regret later
- You want a divorce-focused legal team that can prepare for negotiation, mediation, collaboration, or court
- You are worried your spouse may not cooperate, may change their position, or may already be several steps ahead
- You want hopeful guidance, but you also want a legal team that is prepared if the divorce becomes more complicated
What To Know
Divorce In Florida
Every Florida divorce follows the same basic legal framework, whether your case is filed in Orange County, Duval County, Lake County, Polk County, or somewhere else in the state. Knowing the rules before you file can help you understand what decisions are ahead and where legal guidance may be useful.
01.
Florida Is a No-Fault Divorce State
You don’t have to prove cheating, abandonment, or other misconduct to get divorced in Florida. Most divorces are based on the marriage being irretrievably broken.
02.
Florida Residency Is Required
At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing. Residency may be shown through records such as a Florida driver’s license, voter registration, employment records, utility payments, or other proof accepted by the court.
03.
Florida Does Not Formally Recognize Legal Separation
Florida does not have a formal court process for legal separation. However, spouses who live apart may still need written agreements or court orders addressing support, parenting, expenses, or other responsibilities.
04.
Common Law Marriage Is Limited
Florida does not recognize new common law marriages created in the state after 1968. In some situations, Florida may recognize a common law marriage that was validly established in another state.
05.
Where You File Matters
Divorce cases are generally filed in the county where the spouses last lived together as a married couple with the intent to remain married, though there may be exceptions or agreements about venue.
A Clearer Way Through Divorce
Divorce is widely considered the second most stressful life event a person can experience. People often describe feeling like their entire world has been turned upside down, and that reaction is normal. So is the worry about money, children, shared businesses and accounts, and what life is going to look like a year from now.
The good news is that the process doesn’t have to add to that pain. With the right legal strategy, most Florida divorces can be resolved without protracted courtroom battles. At the same time, it helps to be prepared for the moments that may not go smoothly: emotional reactions, financial disagreements, parenting concerns, or a spouse who does something unexpected.
A steadier process starts with knowing what you’re facing and getting the right support before decisions become harder to unwind.
What clients typically walk away with:
- A clear plan for housing, parenting time, and shared decision-making
- A fair division of marital assets and debts under Florida's equitable distribution law
- An alimony structure (if applicable) that fits both spouses' real financial picture
- A child support order based on accurate income and time-sharing numbers
- A realistic sense of timeline, cost, and next steps
- A foundation to move into the next chapter of life with confidence
Key Divorce Issues
The Decisions That Shape a Florida Divorce
Parental Responsibility (Custody)
Time-Sharing (Visitation)
Equitable Distribution of Assets and Debts
Alimony (Spousal Support)
Child Support
Attorney's Fees and Name Restoration
A Divorce-Focused Legal Team
A divorce touches some of the most important parts of your life all at once. Your home, your retirement, your relationship with your children, your business, your investments, your generational wealth, and your future income are all affected.
When a firm focuses on divorce and family law, it’s looking at those issues every day. That focus helps your legal team spot details that can be easy to miss, from financial disclosure and analysis to parenting-plan concerns to settlement terms that may create problems later.
You want a team that understands Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes, Florida’s current alimony law, time-sharing rules, and how divorce cases tend to move through the court system. You also want guidance from people who know when to slow conflict down, when to negotiate, and when stronger legal action may be needed. The right lawyer should also be someone you can speak with honestly, trust with sensitive details, and work with comfortably through a process that may take time.
Divorce can also change how you see yourself and your future. You may be making legal decisions while still processing grief, anger, fear, denial, resentment, bitterness, or relief. A divorce-focused team understands that those emotions are real, but they shouldn’t be the only things shaping your next chapter.
Trying to handle a Florida divorce yourself, or relying only on self-help family law forms, can leave critical questions unanswered. People sometimes agree to terms they don’t fully understand, miss key deadlines, or overlook rights and responsibilities that should have been addressed before the final judgment. A focused, strategic legal team helps you see the whole picture before you make decisions.
How It Works
The Florida Divorce Process, Step By Step
01.
Filing the Petition
Only one spouse needs to file the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and the other spouse doesn’t have to agree. This marks the first step of the divorce process.
02.
Confirming Residency and Service
Florida residency requirements are confirmed, and the other spouse is formally served with the petition. They then have a set window to respond.
03.
Financial Disclosure
Both spouses are required to exchange detailed financial information, including income, assets, debts, and expenses. Honest, complete disclosure is the foundation of a fair outcome.
04.
Choosing Your Path
This is where you decide how to resolve the case. Most divorces settle through negotiation, mediation, or the collaborative process. In our experience, only a small share go to trial. We help you understand the options, strategize, and choose the path that fits your situation.
05.
Reaching An Agreement
You and your spouse work toward a marital settlement agreement covering parenting, finances, property, support, and other divorce terms. If you have children, a parenting plan is required.
06.
Final Judgment
The court reviews and enters your agreement, or in a contested case, issues a ruling after trial. The marriage is officially dissolved, and the terms become enforceable.
What If Your Divorce Gets More Complicated?
Most divorces don’t move in a straight line. You may start in a calm place and hit a disagreement, or start in conflict and find common ground halfway through. A spouse may cooperate at first and then pull back. New financial information may surface. Parenting conversations may become more emotional than expected.
None of that means your divorce is out of control. It means your strategy may need to adjust.
If your conversations break down, we can help you explore negotiation, mediation, or the collaborative process when those paths still make sense. A structured process can give both sides room to work through difficult issues without turning every disagreement into a court fight.
If new issues surface, such as a hidden account, a business that needs to be valued, concerns involving the children, or a spouse refusing to cooperate, we adjust the strategy. That may mean bringing in a forensic accountant, vocational expert, business valuation expert, child specialist, or pursuing court intervention.
If the case has to go to court, we’re ready. Litigation can take longer and cost more than settlement, but sometimes it’s the necessary path to protect your children, your finances, or your future. You want a legal team that understands how to prepare for that possibility from the beginning.
You’re not locked into one option from day one. The right path can shift, and your legal team should be able to shift with it.
A Different Kind Of Divorce Firm
At Leap Frog Divorce, we have one singular focus: family law and divorce. No criminal cases, no immigration, no personal injury, no real estate closings on the side. Every attorney on our team is focused on helping people through divorce and divorce-related matters.
Our approach rests on three ideas:
Your Life, Your Divorce
We start by listening. Before any strategy is built, we want to understand what your life looks like, what you’re worried about, what your goals are, and what a workable outcome would look like for you and your family.
On Your Side At Every Step
Divorce has a lot of moving parts: filing, strategizing, planning, financial disclosure, parenting decisions, negotiation, mediation, and sometimes court. We build a plan around your priorities and stay there through filing, financial disclosure, negotiation, and resolution. You always know what's happening and what comes next.
The Next Chapter, Handled With Care
Our goal is to help you move into the next phase of your life with stability and confidence. That means resolving things efficiently, protecting your finances, keeping your children’s needs at the center, and preparing for stronger action when your situation requires it.
We also offer multiple paths, including collaborative divorce, mediation, uncontested and simplified divorce, and litigation when it’s needed. You shouldn’t be forced into a one-size-fits-all approach.
Testimonials
Legal Excellence Through Client Experiences.
Our clients’ words reflect what matters most to us: clarity, trust, and guidance through one of life’s hardest transitions.
Finding the right law firm, the right attorney, can be like finding a needle in a haystack. I found that needle in the haystack with Leapfrog Divorce Law Firm. From their paralegal (Kolby) to my attorney (Banda) I could not have been blessed more by God. The Leap Frog team were always Johnny on the spot for me whenever I needed them.
From the first moment I talked with AJ, I was given a clear outline of the process, my options, and the costs. Every step of the way, the team was there for me. I worked closely with April on the paperwork. They answered questions quickly, put my mind at ease during a very difficult time, and helped me reach a fair settlement. Thank you.
A.J. Grossman III handled a post-divorce matter for me, and he was kind, thoughtful, and responsive. His professional and caring demeanor provided support and expert guidance. His fee was very fair, and he resolved the matter quickly and efficiently, exactly as I requested. I highly recommend his family law services to anyone in need.
Mr. Grossman was exactly what I wanted and needed in an attorney. He was proficient, professional, and fought for me and what was right. He and his team were always there when I needed them. I would refer him to any family member or friend without question. Awesome job. Thanks again and blessings to you and your circle of love always.
A.J.’s expertise and professionalism are top notch. I appreciated the time and effort he put into my case and my needs. I can’t thank him enough for his empathy, the confidence he gave me, and for listening to everything I shared. He made me feel validated and never made my problems feel minute. An actual lawyer who truly cares.
A.J. Grossman III and April Phillips were both wonderful during a time of stress and uncertainty. They always treated me with kindness, compassion, and professionalism. I can’t thank them enough for taking my case and providing exceptional legal service and support. I would recommend Leap Frog Divorce to anyone. Outstanding professionals.
AJ was great to work with. I was nervous about divorce and concerned about reaching an equitable custody arrangement. AJ answered my questions, explained the law, eased my concerns, helped move the divorce along quickly, and made sure the mediated agreement included the things that were important to me. I was very pleased with the outcome.
Leap Frog gets straight A’s across the board. I worked primarily with April, Attorney A.J. Grossman III’s long-time paralegal. She is exceptionally knowledgeable, experienced, detail oriented, and always carried through with everything she said she would do, while keeping to a very tight timetable during a stressful divorce process.
Our Team
Meet Your Leap Frog Divorce Team
A.J. Grossman III
Attorney at Law • Certified Family Mediator
A.J. Grossman III
Attorney at Law • Certified Family Mediator
Kiki Grossman
Lead Conflict Resolution Specialist • Attorney at Law
Kiki Grossman
Lead Conflict Resolution Specialist • Attorney at Law
Banda Nadeau
Attorney at Law • Certified Family Mediator
Banda Nadeau
Attorney at Law • Certified Family Mediator
April Phillips
Litigation & Trial Paralegal • Certified Guardian Ad Litem
April Phillips
Litigation & Trial Paralegal • Certified Guardian Ad Litem
Brett Castro
FRP, Discovery Specialist
Brett Castro
FRP, Discovery Specialist
Brianna Hendricks
Legal Assistant
Brianna Hendricks
Legal Assistant
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Florida
How long does a divorce take in Florida?
The timeline depends on the issues involved and how much the spouses agree on. A simplified or uncontested divorce can be finalized in a few weeks to a few months. Most collaborative divorces finish in less than 12 months. Contested cases that go to trial often take a year or more, sometimes two.
Do I have to prove my spouse did something wrong?
No. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t have to prove cheating, abandonment, or other misconduct to get divorced. You only need to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
Can I get divorced if my spouse doesn’t agree?
Yes. Neither spouse needs permission from the other to file for divorce. Your spouse cannot block the divorce simply by refusing to participate. Your spouse does have the right to respond and participate in decisions about property, support, parenting, and other issues.
What decisions have to be made in a Florida divorce?
Most Florida divorces involve decisions about property and debt division, alimony, child support, parenting plans, time-sharing, attorney’s fees, and the terms of the final judgment. The specific issues depend on your family, finances, and goals.
How is property divided in a Florida divorce?
Florida uses equitable distribution, which means marital assets and debts are divided fairly under the law. In many cases, that starts with an equal division, but the court can consider reasons for a different result.
How is child support calculated in Florida?
Florida child support is based on a statutory formula that considers each parent’s income, the time-sharing schedule, health insurance costs, childcare expenses, and other required factors.
How are parenting plans handled in Florida?
If you have children, your divorce must include a parenting plan. The plan addresses parental responsibility, time-sharing, communication, transportation, holidays, and other details that affect your children’s daily lives.
Can we settle our divorce without going to trial?
Many Florida divorces are resolved through negotiation, mediation, collaboration, or an uncontested process. Some cases still need court involvement, especially when spouses can’t agree or there are urgent legal issues.
When should I talk to a Florida divorce attorney?
It’s smart to talk with a divorce attorney before you file, respond to papers, sign an agreement, move out, make major financial changes, or agree to a parenting schedule. Early guidance can help you understand the risks before decisions become harder to change.
Can I use AI for my divorce?
AI can be a helpful place to organize your thoughts or prepare questions, but relying on open-source tools for legal guidance can create real risk. The answer may be wrong, incomplete, or based on law that does not apply to your Florida divorce, and sharing private case details may raise confidentiality or privilege concerns.
How do I choose the right divorce lawyer in Florida?
Start by looking for a lawyer who focuses on divorce and family law, understands Florida divorce issues, and has an approach that fits your goals. You should feel comfortable asking questions, discussing sensitive details, and trusting their guidance. Divorce is personal, practical, and legal all at once, so the right fit matters.
Take the First Leap Forward
Talk To a Florida Divorce Lawyer
Starting a divorce is hard. Doing it without the right legal team is harder. Florida divorces touch every part of your life, your finances, your children, your home, and your future. You deserve a guide who’s been through it many times before and knows how to protect what matters.
Family law and divorce-related matters are all we do at Leap Frog Divorce. We serve clients statewide from offices in Orlando, Jacksonville, and Lakeland. We’ll help you identify the issues in front of you, understand what may happen next, and choose a path that fits the facts of your case.
Schedule a consultation to get clarity on your next step.