First and foremost, a divorce can be a very frustrating, lengthy and costly process, especially if many debts and/or assets are involved or minor children are involved. The good news is that your divorce trial will for all practical purposes end the divorce process for the time being.
Secondly, like all trials, a divorce trial carries substantial risk because there is no certainty in a trial. Ultimately, the Court could rule totally against you or for you, but generally the Court will “split the baby” and decide somewhere in the middle. The Court generally does this because usually the just and fair position lies between the competing parties, you and your soon to be ex-spouse. While this is certainly frustrating, it is ultimately the likely outcome of the proceeding. The clear exception to this is child support. In Florida, child support is set by state tables and somewhat complex calculations. Ultimately, regardless of your attorney and their arguments, you will almost always have to pay child support pursuant to the amounts set forth in the Florida mandated tables.
Lastly, like all trials, a divorce trial includes live testimony, evidence, objections and arguments from attorneys. It is principally for all practical purposes, a divorce trial like those we see on television in shows like Law and Order, without the over the top television dramatics. There will be a judge, witnesses, a court reporter and a bailiff. The Tampa divorce attorneys of Hackworth Law pride themselves on ensuring you are prepared for your final hearing, including performing mock cross and direct examinations and a thorough explanation of the process.
If you or someone you know is preparing for their final divorce hearing, contact the Tampa family law lawyers of Hackworth Law for a free case consultation.