Skip to Content
Top
Legal Separation Serving Families Throughout Jacksonville For Over 25 Years

Legal Separation Lawyer in Jacksonville

Legal Separation vs. Divorce in Florida

Florida is one of nine states across the country that does not formally recognize a "legal separation." Instead, when a couple having marital problems realizes they need to be apart in order to calm the situation down, they can separate without any sort of court hearing. If there are children involved, the family law courts in Jacksonville do recognize the need for both parents to continue to provide for the welfare and support of the children during such a separation, and will act to safeguard their best interests in the situation.

When you have questions about the legal and practical aspects involved in separating from your spouse, you are invited to contact us at Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. We can provide you with an initial consultation to review your options and give you the information necessary to make an informed decision.

Common Reasons Couples Choose to Separate

Why should you pursue a legal separation? Many couples choose this course of action out of a desire to observe deeply held religious prohibitions against divorce, as it makes it possible to effectively bring about the conditions of a dissolution of marriage without violating their religious convictions. Some do so in order to avoid losing health care coverage or other benefits, while others are hoping to salvage the relationship and merely want to impose time and space between themselves to let a heated situation cool down.

Perhaps one of the best reasons to legally separate is as a precursor to divorce—you and your spouse can test out terms of alimony, such as property division and child custody, to find out what works best for both parties, thereby avoiding a costly and protracted contested divorce and the necessity of post-decree modifications, which can be difficult to secure.

Even though Florida does not legally recognize separation, it is possible to petition the court for an order to pay child support to the parent who has primary custody of the children. We can help you and your spouse prepare the necessary agreements for a separation including financial support, child custody and visitation.

When a married couple decides to live apart, does not share a common bank account and each pays their own living expenses, they are considered separated. It is always helpful to put the agreements governing such an arrangement in writing, to avoid conflicts over assumed agreements and misunderstandings. If you are separated and are now needing child support or are being asked for child support, we can help you ensure that your children are properly cared for and their needs are met.

Actions for Support in Jacksonville

A petition for child support is called an "action for support." While it is a mandatory step of any divorce proceeding when children are involved, the parent seeking support during a separation must file it personally. Alimony or spousal support is often much more difficult to secure in our state outside of a divorce proceeding, so it is in your best interests to retain a skilled attorney who can effectively advocate on your behalf.

At the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., our Jacksonville separation attorneys are sincerely committed to defending our clients' best interests, and will work diligently to help you secure a separation agreement which works in your favor. Whether it is a short term arrangement or a plan which you expect to use for many years, you should realize that the terms of the agreement may have a significant impact on your life, determining whether you are financially stable and can spend as much time with your children as you would like.

Let us guide you through this process, contact us today to get started! Pick Porter!™

  • A Guided, Hands-On Approach
    Step-by-Step Guidance for Any Legal Matter
  • A Compassionate Team
    Your Story Matters - We're Here to Listen
  • Extensive Experience
    Approximately 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience On Your Side
  • Award-Winning Counsel
    Top-Rated Ethics & Legal Skill – AV Preeminent® Rating
  • Trusted & Recommended
    Trusted by the Media & Recommended by Our Clients
  • Top-Rated Attorneys
    Top-Rated Personal Injury, DUI, & Criminal Defense Lawyer

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Serving Jacksonville, FL Since 2004

    "Mr. Porter and his staff do an incredible job!"
    Mr. Porter and his staff do an incredible job! I would strongly recommend Mr. Porter, he is very easy to work with and does everything he can to help you in your situation.
    - N.B.
    "I wholeheartedly recommend their services"
    I am exceptionally pleased with the outstanding assistance Mr. Porter and his team have provided. Their expertise, dedication, and commitment to my husband’s case were truly remarkable. They navigated the complexities with ease, offered clear and strategic advice, and demonstrated a genuine concern for my family as well as my husband’s best interests. Mr. Porter and his team of attorneys professionalism, coupled with their exceptional communication skills, made the entire legal process smoother and more comprehensible. I am grateful for their remarkable support, and I wholeheartedly recommend their services.
    - B.M.
    "Thank you guys so much!!"
    We had the absolute best experience working with Mr. Porter’s office. Our daughter was severely hurt last summer due to someone else’s negligence and we won our settlement! We were extremely happy with this law firm!!!!! Dani is also the best paralegal and she was wonderful to work with and very prompt with all my emails and questions I had! Thank you guys so much!!
    - M.M.
    "Jason is the best lawyer in Jacksonville."
    Jason is the best lawyer in Jacksonville. I have had the pleasure of having him represent a family member and his work was above and beyond what any other attorney would have done. He will work with you where ever he can to get the best outcome. You can trust what he says. Very high ethics .I have called him my Perry Mason, and I really mean it. If you want THE BEST trust Jason Porter, he's real.
    - Carla B.
    "him and his team have WON EVERY CASE for me"
    Best attorney in town him and his team have WON EVERY CASE for me. Jason and his team will fix whatever you may have gotten yourself into. Keep your MOUTH SHUT AND THEN CALL JASON PORTER. YOU WONT REGRET THAT I PROMISE.
    - A.H.
    "Nicely Done! Success has been reached!"
    Many times when you meet attorneys to represent you, there are thoughts that reside in the back of your head...some good and some bad. "Are these guys REALLY going to help me," or "do they REALLY have my best interest," or "can I really trust them?" Those are the many thoughts, plus more, that I had--it did go away after my first initial visit with one of the attorney's at Jason's Porter's law office. For my case, I worked with two different attorneys which included Jason Porter himself. Both of those guys were with me 100% from the beginning, in court, after court, late in the evening by phone calls, text, and emails, it was a great experience. What was consistent and what I valued most is that I got to know both of them, what they like to do in their personal time with family, which felt like I could communicate openly and honestly. My case was a criminal case and because of them, I do not have to be viewed as a criminal. I want to share and express my gratitude for how they have helped me so others can choose Jason Porter.
    - JW
    "Glad We Picked Porter!"
    Jason and Gary have been a tremendous help and provided relief in a time of worry for my family. They kept us informed and went above and beyond for us! I will recommend this firm to everyone!
    - Anonymous
    "Nicole Carlucci is an absolutely amazing attorney."
    DIVORCE is one of the toughest things that you will ever experience in your life, especially when you have 4 young children involved. As a father fighting for 50% custody of my children this wasn't gonna be an easy task. Nicole Carlucci is an absolutely amazing attorney. Not only did she help me get 50% custody of my children, she absolutely destroyed the opposing attorney. They wanted 800$ a month child support, (I ended up paying 250$ a month) on 4 children. I would highly recommend Nicole Carlucci for any legal needs. Nicole Carlucci is always prepared & very professional.
    - Paul R.

Pick Porter!™ Today

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • *Motorcycle accident - $2,835,000
  • $1,502,500 Premises Liability - $1,502,500

    Bodily Injury Claim

  • *Wrongful Death - $1,000,000
  • Settled *Estate of Fred Fedorka

    Largest settlement ever against Volusia County.

  • *Medical Malpractice - $500,000