Divorce Lawyer in West Palm Beach, FL
Experienced Representation throughout Palm Beach County
Divorce remains one of the most painful and difficult legal processes that a family can endure, because it represents the shattering of a union that once seemed promising.
Divorce is not simply a legal process, however, as it often triggers issues of self-worth, compatibility, and compromise from which some people emerge stronger, but which for others leads to years of anger and resentment. Our experienced divorce lawyers in West Palm Beach, FL, can answer questions and help you understand your options during this stressful time.
Filing for divorce in West Palm Beach? Contact our lawyer, Eric C. Cheshire, online or by calling (561) 677-8090 today.
What Our Clients Have to Say
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"You can too trust him!"I am using Eric for the second time, he saved this child the first time when she needed it the most. I know God’s will placed him in my life and when an incident came up again I didn’t hesitate to call Eric Cheshire. He is a Godly Man that gets at the truth to help in the best way he can with the will of God. I trust him with the most precious gift God gave me, you can too trust him.- Former Client
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"A true gentleman and professional!"As a woman of God, I would never have dreamt I needed Eric and his firm’s services. Fortunately, it was one of my better decisions. For his professionalism and kind heart made me feel that I was not in this alone. He was walking with me during the entire ordeal and I am very blessed to have a Christian man such as himself to guide me and explain everything to me. A true gentleman and professional! Thanks Eric!- Former Client
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"He genuinely cares!"Mr. Cheshire is one of the good guys. He genuinely cares about his clients and what is important to them.- Former Client
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"I am so thankful to have found someone who was so knowledgeable and considerate."As you might imagine this was a difficult time in my life. I am so thankful to have found someone who was so knowledgeable and considerate to help me through my divorce.- Former Client
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"Will hire him again if I ever need an attorney for my legal needs"I’ve used Eric Cheshire, PA over the years for my divorce and he handled it in an understanding but prompt manner. I’ve recommended him to other family and friends and they’ve been elated with his representation also. Will hire him again if I ever need an attorney for my legal needs.- Former Client
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"Great Service!"Great Service! He was kind, understanding and easy to work with.- Former Client
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"Eric fought for our family to be together."Very nice and helpful. Give my husband his legal rights as a father to be able to see his son. Eric fought for our family to be together and he always checked in with us to see how things were going. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer and family man. He loves his family and he loves his clients too.- Former Client
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"Very grateful!"Atty Cheshire reviewed the case carefully with my daughter and communicated with other lawyers in Missouri where she lives. We spoke with him to give other pertinent info and he kept us posted. He spent we suppose several hours on her case which helped prevent some financial pitfalls on her part. My daughter and us parents are very grateful for his foresight and timely advice. We highly recommend Atty Cheshire. (Reviewed from a potential client who consulted with Attorney Cheshire).- Former Client
How Can We Help You?
We Fight for What's Best for You and Your Children
How a Divorce Lawyer in West Palm Beach Can Help You
When one or both spouses in a marriage decide that they no longer want to be legally bound together, they typically need the services of a West Palm Beach divorce lawyer with years of experience dealing with family law issues.
Issues such as child support, alimony, child custody (if children are involved), property division, or a high-asset divorce can become complicated when emotion and pain are mixed into what is already a combustible situation.
In my practice, I take time at the beginning of a case to understand your goals, your financial picture, and your concerns about your children so that we can create a plan that fits your circumstances instead of forcing you into a one-size-fits-all template. By preparing thoroughly, organizing financial documents, and identifying potential areas of dispute early, I work to reduce surprises later in the case and to keep you focused on long-term results rather than short-term emotions.
West Palm Beach Divorce Laws Explained
For legal purposes, West Palm Beach and the state of Florida refer to a divorce as a “dissolution of marriage.” Because Florida courts function under the “no fault” clause, you need to simply believe that your marriage is broken and cannot be repaired to file a petition for a divorce. You can also file if you can legally prove that your spouse is incompetent.
Florida law allows you to represent yourself in a divorce, and the relevant documents are available for download from the website of the Circuit Court in the county where you reside. However, because cases can rapidly become complicated and acrimonious, it is always best for you to consult with an experienced family lawyer before making any decisions about self-representation.
To start a dissolution of marriage in Palm Beach County, at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for a minimum amount of time, and the paperwork is usually filed with the clerk at the Main Courthouse in West Palm Beach or a branch courthouse that serves your area. Beyond the basic petition, most people will also need to complete financial affidavits, a parenting plan if minor children are involved, and mandatory financial disclosure within specific timeframes set by Florida family law rules. These requirements can feel overwhelming when you are also dealing with the emotional side of separation, which is why having guidance on what needs to be filed and when can prevent costly delays or mistakes.
How to Get Divorced in Florida
- File a Dissolution of Marriage with the Circuit Court. You will need to pay a fee that is determined by the county where you reside.
- The Clerk of the Court delivers a legal summons to your spouse, announcing that you have filed a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This summons is delivered by a process server or a local sheriff and will include a package of documents pertaining to the petition.
- You will receive a Return of Service note, which specifies the date that the summons was delivered, including the signature of the person who received the summons.
- Your spouse has 20 days to file a response to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. If your spouse does not file what is known as an “Answer,” then the Circuit Court processes a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. This is known as an uncontested case, and the entire process can be completed in less than six weeks. If your spouse files an Answer, and you are able to find common ground on issues such as child support, alimony, and separation of assets, then you will both sign a Marital Settlement Agreement. After the court approves this agreement, it becomes the official divorce decree.
Uncontested divorces are beneficial because they cost less money, require less time to finalize an agreement, and provide a stable transition for any children involved in the process.
Types of Divorce Cases I Handle in West Palm Beach
I work with clients in short-term marriages, long-term marriages, and relationships involving blended families or significant premarital property. Some cases can be resolved quickly through negotiation, while others require careful preparation for hearings in the Palm Beach County Circuit Court. Understanding what type of case you have helps set realistic expectations and guides the strategy we use together.
Many people come to me with uncontested or low-conflict matters where they agree on most major issues but need help turning their agreement into enforceable court orders. Others are dealing with contested divorces involving disputes over parenting time, relocation, or the valuation of businesses and retirement accounts. I also handle high-asset cases where detailed financial analysis is needed to trace separate and marital property, as well as situations that involve domestic violence injunctions or urgent temporary relief. By explaining how Florida law treats each of these scenarios, I help you choose a path that protects your interests while keeping conflict as low as possible.
Understanding Alimony in Florida Divorces
In June 2023, Florida passed new legislation that eliminated permanent alimony, making significant modifications to the state's alimony laws. Instead of permanent alimony, Florida now provides for durational alimony as the longest form of ongoing support.
Divorce Statistics in the U.S.
- Updated refined divorce data from the National Center for Family and Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University shows a continued gradual decline, with 14.2 women per 1,000 married women divorcing in 2024, down slightly from 14.4 in 2023. Nearly one million women divorced in 2024 (986,810), marking a small decrease from 992,677 in 2023.
- The divorce rate has fallen significantly over time from its historic peak of 22.6 divorces per 1,000 married women in 1980, reflecting a long-term downward trend rather than a short-term change.
Florida Divorce Statistics
- In Florida, the refined divorce rate was 15.1 per 1,000 married women in 2024, placing Florida 24th among all states.
Florida’s numbers reflect that many families in our state, including here in Palm Beach County, turn to the court system each year to resolve the end of their marriages. While the rate is only slightly higher than the national figure, it means that judges, court staff, and local attorneys are accustomed to handling a wide range of situations—from short-term marriages with few assets to long-term relationships involving businesses and complex property. Knowing that the process is familiar to the courts can give you some reassurance that there are established procedures in place to address your concerns about support, parenting, and division of assets.
Timeline and Costs of a Florida Divorce
One of the first questions many people ask is how long their divorce will take and what it is likely to cost. The answer depends on several factors, including whether your case is uncontested or contested, how quickly financial information is exchanged, and the level of conflict between you and your spouse. In Palm Beach County, straightforward uncontested matters can often be resolved within a few months, while contested cases that require multiple hearings or a trial can take a year or longer. Understanding these possibilities at the outset helps you plan for the emotional and financial commitment involved.
Costs also vary based on the complexity of your assets, whether experts are needed, and how much time is spent negotiating or appearing in court. During our initial meetings, I discuss typical expenses such as court filing fees, process server fees, and the legal work required so that you have a realistic range rather than vague estimates. Together we can look for ways to keep conflict low, which often reduces both the length and cost of a case while still protecting the issues that matter most to you. My role is to help you invest your time and resources wisely so that you can move forward with as much stability as possible once the divorce is final.
Contact an Experienced West Palm Beach Family Attorney
If you are thinking about filing for a divorce, or you are representing yourself and realize that you need help, please contact Eric C. Cheshire, P.A. at (561) 677-8090 for a personal legal consultation with West Palm Beach Attorney Eric Cheshire. We have the resources to take on even the most difficult cases. We also offer our services for same-sex divorce cases. Call our law office today.
If you are going through a divorce, please contact The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire at (561) 677-8090. Our West Palm Beach divorce lawyers have the experience and the resources to help ensure that your divorce proceeds amicably.