Clearwater Contested Divorce Attorney

Former Prosecutors Who Know the Sixth Judicial Circuit Inside & Out

A contested divorce arises when spouses can’t agree on one or more terms, or when their circumstances disqualify them from a simplified dissolution of marriage. If you’re heading into contested proceedings, the decisions ahead about your children, your property, and your financial future deserve careful preparation and strong representation. Talk to one of our skilled Clearwater divorce attorneys before proceedings begin.

Call us at (727) 245-9009 or fill out our online form to schedule a case consultation today!

Why Clearwater Residents Choose Tinny, Meyer & Piccarreto, P.A.

Our attorneys include two former Assistant State Attorneys who served the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, the same court system that handles every contested divorce filed in Clearwater. That local courtroom experience shapes how we build strategy from the very first consultation, because knowing how a circuit operates, its Family Division procedures, and local practices can be an advantage.

Attorney Kevin J. Piccarreto was trained as a domestic violence prosecutor before shifting his focus to marital and family law. He handles divorce, child custody, and alimony cases, bringing the same courtroom discipline to every contested matter we take on. Across our team, we carry 35 years of combined legal experience.

When a contested divorce involves high-stakes decisions about children, property, and finances, clear communication matters as much as legal skill. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we keep clients informed of developments so they understand where their case stands. Because no two situations are alike, we take time to understand each client’s background, goals, and circumstances before recommending any course of action. When you hire our firm, you have the backing of a full legal team, not just one attorney.

What Makes a Divorce Contested in Florida?

Even couples who agree on most terms may still need to pursue a contested divorce if their circumstances disqualify them from a simplified dissolution. Under Florida law, couples with children under 18 aren’t eligible for simplified dissolution. The same applies when spouses haven’t fully agreed on how to divide all property and debts, when there is an unresolved alimony claim, or when any other term remains in dispute.

When spouses can’t reach agreement on property and debt division, spousal support, child custody, visitation, or child support, those unresolved issues go first to mediation. If mediation doesn’t resolve them, a judge in the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s Family Division decides the disputed matters. Cases filed in Clearwater are heard by the Pinellas County Circuit Court under that same circuit.

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Florida?

The average contested divorce in Florida takes at least 12 months, though the timeline in any given case can range from 3 to 24 months depending on the issues involved. The primary driver is whether the parties reach agreement before or through court-ordered mediation. Cases that settle earlier move faster. Disputes over timesharing, a marital home, business valuation, or other complex assets extend the process considerably.

If minor children are involved or it’s contested whether the marriage is irretrievably broken, Florida courts may continue proceedings for up to three months to allow for possible reconciliation. We help clients understand these timelines realistically from the start so they can plan accordingly.

Mediation in a Clearwater Contested Divorce

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution in which a neutral third party helps both spouses work toward agreement on contested issues. In Pinellas County, the Sixth Judicial Circuit requires mediation before a contested final hearing is scheduled. It isn’t an optional step. Private family mediators in the area typically charge by the hour, with costs split between both parties.

Mediation addresses the full range of issues a contested divorce can raise:

Mediation is less formal than a courtroom hearing and allows both parties to negotiate directly, often with their attorneys present. If mediation resolves all issues, the case may be finalized without a contested trial. If it doesn’t, unresolved matters go before a judge. Our attorneys guide clients through the mediation process as part of their contested divorce representation, helping them arrive prepared and negotiate from a clear position.

Ready to Talk? We’re Available Around the Clock.

If you and your spouse need help navigating a contested divorce, we’re here to help you understand your options and build a strategy tailored to your situation. Our Clearwater family law attorneys can take time to review your case and recommend a realistic path forward. Visit our Divorce FAQ page for more information. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we keep communication open at every stage so you’re informed about where things stand.

Schedule your consultation by contacting us at (727) 245-9009 or by filling out our online form with your case details. We look forward to hearing from you.