Supportive Counsel You Can Rely On
Pensacola Divorce Attorneys
Personalized Divorce Solutions to Protect Your Rights & Interests
Breaking up a marriage is one of the most emotionally tumultuous and personally painful transitions a person can undertake. Even without the legal battle that may ensue, divorce tends to be traumatic, demanding, and complex. When you add the nitty, gritty details divorce proceedings and the confusing, tedious process of disentangling accounts, property, parental responsibilities and so on, it can be a nightmare—but it doesn’t have to be that way.
If you are involved in a pending divorce action, then the Pensacola divorce attorneys at the Virga Law Firm can assist you. Our attorneys understand the importance of swift action when defending your rights in divorce litigation. This is true whether your divorce is uncontested or contested. Call our Pensacola office today to schedule your same day consultation.
Why Choose Our Lawyers?
- 24/7 Access to Your Attorney
- Same-Day Appointments Available
- In the National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- 100+ years' Combined Family Law Experience
Schedule Your Initial Case Review with a Pensacola, FL Divorce Attorney Today
If you are seeking a highly qualified and reputable attorney, The Virga Law Firm, P.A. is ready to be of service.
Contact our firm by calling 800-822-5170 to learn more about our services and discuss the best legal options to help you achieve your goals.
On This Page:
- Types of Divorce Cases We Can Help With
- Factors to Consider When Deciding to File for Divorce
- What is the Divorce Process?
- Grounds for Divorce in Pensacola
- Is Uncontested Divorce Right For Me?
- Is Contested Divorce Right For Me?
- Unique Challenges of Divorce in Pensacola
- What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Divorce Lawyer?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Local Divorce Resources
- Recommended Reading
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David Lohr Executive Director/Attorney
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Gerard Virga Founding Attorney
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Chad Self Fort Walton Beach Managing Attorney
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William West Ritchie Panama City Managing Attorney
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Taylor Tippel Panama City Beach Managing Attorney
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Andrea Ansley Attorney
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Christopher Melendez Attorney
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April Hand Operations Manager and Florida Registered Paralegal
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Danny Durnbaugh Chief Financial Officer
Meet Attorney David Lohr
If you need help with a divorce case in Pensacola, it is likely that your case will be primarily handled by Attorney David Lohr, the Executive Director of our firm and Pensacola branch. For more than a decade, Attorney Lohr has worked in the legal field, including several years as a Senior Managing Attorney for a firm that exclusively focused on family law disputes and divorce cases. Upon joining The Virga Law Firm, he was able to use his experience and insight to the benefit of our clients, including those whose cases went to trial.
Attorney David Lohr is admitted to practice before:
- All Florida State Courts
- Northern District of Florida
With Pensacola Divorce Attorney Lohr involved in your case, you can feel more confident about the path and processes that lie ahead. You’ll find that his balance of professionalism and compassion makes him easy to approach with any questions or concerns about your case, so please always feel free to reach out when you need help. As a Pensacola local, you can also trust his knowledge of local courts and judges, as well as his genuine interest in helping the people of his community through difficult times.
Backed by over 100 years of collective experience, our award-winning attorneys have what it takes to handle all types of Florida divorces. Our multi-disciplinary approach, coupled with our focus on providing personalized service, allows us to efficiently and effectively find the solutions our clients need.
We provide support for all types of divorce cases, including:
- Contested divorce
- Uncontested divorce
- Collaborative divorce
- Military divorce
- High net-worth cases
- Divorce involving infidelity
Divorce is as much a legal endeavor as it as personal journey, which means that there are many factors to consider when preparing for the process.
At Virga Law Firm, our attorneys take the time to help clients prepare for the journey ahead. From obtaining essential facts about our clients’ situations to uncovering their unique needs and goals, we leave no stone unturned in laying the foundation for future success.
If you’re contemplating a divorce in Pensacola, FL or are gearing up to begin the process, keeping a few considerations in mind can ensure that you’ll get started on the right foot:
- Your kids. Children are a priority in divorce. Apart from helping kids navigate difficult emotions and new arrangements, you’ll also need to consider factors such as visitation, child custody (including joint custody and temporary custody), and child support. Some divorces may involve more complicated matters such as relocation or domestic violence.
- Your finances. Dissolving a marriage requires divorcing spouses to carefully account for their assets and debts and find workable solutions for their division. In addition to completing financial affidavits, you’ll need to explore ways to effectively address financial issues such as alimony and the equitable distribution of marital property. In some cases, spouses will need to deal with prenuptial agreements or postnuptial agreements, or the various challenges that come with high-net-worth, professional practices, and other complicated assets.
- Your future. Family courts encourage divorcing parties to strike compromise when devising divorce settlements. As such, you’ll want to consider what is worth “fighting for” and what isn’t, as well as the cost and emotional savings that come with mediated or collaborative divorce. While courts allow for post-decree modifications, you should never bank on being able to change aspects of your settlement you don’t like.
Families and marriages are unique and no two divorces are exactly alike. However, there is a general process that Florida divorces adhere to and various ways of handling each phase of the process.
At Virga Law Firm, we provide step-by-step guidance to help clients navigate every stage of the Florida divorce process, including:
- Filing of a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
- Obtaining temporary orders, which may not be necessary in every case.
- Service of divorce papers and response.
- Negotiation of terms, or litigation in court if no resolution is made.
- Finalization of the divorce.
Learn more about the divorce process.
Couples may decide to separate for any number of reasons. Under Florida statute there are two main grounds for granting a divorce: (1) Irreconcilable Differences; and (2) Mental Incapacity of one of the parties.
The most common reasoning for separation is irreconcilable difference, or simply put, the parties just can’t get along anymore. Florida courts will also grant a divorce in cases where one of the parties has been mentally incapacity for a period of at least three (3) years.
When parties disagree on the terms of their divorce, this is commonly referred to as a contested divorce. The attorneys at our Pensacola office understand the emotional stress that comes with going through a divorce. We will work closely with you to ensure your litigation goals are properly addressed in and out of court, so you receive the best possible outcome when filing for divorce.
Divorce is challenging wherever you are. Here in Pensacola, though, you might see unique challenges that divorcing couples typically don’t worry about anywhere else. By hiring a family lawyer who is local to Pensacola, you can feel more confident in passing over these extra hurdles.
You might see these unique challenges while divorcing in Pensacola:
- Military divorces: The U.S. Navy has several bases in and around Pensacola, including Naval Air Station Pensacola and Corry Station. It is no surprise that a noticeable portion of the Pensacola community is in the military or is married to someone who serves. As a result, your divorce could become more complicated if it is a military divorce. From deciding how to fairly split military benefits and pensions to serving papers to a spouse who is deployed overseas, our local Pensacola divorce attorneys stand ready to help you overcome any challenge, expected or unexpected.
- Hurricanes: Pensacola is frequently hit by hurricanes each hurricane season. Boarding up and staying put during a hurricane could be an even bigger problem if you are going through a divorce and haven’t figured out who gets to stay in the family home yet. Or if you filed for divorce due to domestic violence and hunkering down with your soon-to-be ex-spouse is not a safe option. Our local Pensacola divorce lawyers know all about the headaches that hurricanes can cause for divorcing couples, so we can help you anticipate any such issues and make proactive choices.
- Real Estate and Housing Issues: Compared to many parts of Florida, Pensacola’s housing market shifts frequently with new openings, foreclosures, etc. If you’re going through a divorce, you might also be looking for a second home for yourself to rent or own during and after the dissolution process. The housing market of the city could mean you don’t have to go far, which can be a boon for you and your kids. As attorneys who know many local businesses, feel free to ask us during your case if we know any realtors who specialize in finding cozy, affordable housing for divorcing parents and their children.
- Party town and tourism: You never have to look far in Pensacola and Pensacola Beach for a party or a tourist hot spot. How could Pensacola being a “party town” affect your divorce? It could happen. Imagine that your ex-spouse says they need more alimony just to pay the bills, but an investigation into their finances reveals they have been spending thousands of dollars on Pensacola-brand fun each month! Our local attorneys know how to research and resolve any conflicts that could arise due to financial disputes, including those marked with overspending on tourist attractions and nights out on the town.
In matters as consequential as divorce, the representation you choose matters—and in more ways than you might realize. Experience with Florida’s family laws is clearly important, but so is knowledge specific to where you live. If you live in Pensacola and file for divorce, the attorney you hire should have local insight, so you can be confident your divorce is headed in the right direction.
By hiring a local Pensacola, FL attorney for your divorce, you can appreciate these benefits:
- Knowledge of the courts: No two family law courts are identical, and the same can be said of the people who work there. County clerks, judges, and even attorneys from various law firms all have different approaches to divorce and family law cases. Hiring our local Pensacola divorce attorneys gets you direct access to our local knowledge, letting you know what to expect as your case progresses. We know many of the faces you can see most days at the Clerk of Court Family Law Division on Government Street, for example, and we have worked with the professionals at Escambia County Clerk of Court – Juvenile and Child Support courthouse on Mary Avenue.
- Objective advice: A local divorce attorney from our firm can provide an honest and objective assessment of your options based on their experience with local family law courts and judges. If you hire a lawyer from another city or county, they likely won’t be able to base any of their advice on real people who live in Pensacola or real situations that have unfolded in the Pensacola-specific court systems.
- Personalized options: When deciding important aspects of your life post-divorce, you’ll want to work with someone who understands your expectations and preferences on a personal level. For example, a local Pensacola divorce attorney will know about local attractions and places that bring parents and their kids together, which could be crucial for you when considering child custody and visitation agreements. Do you like going to the Pensacola Children’s Museum each month with your children? Let us know and we can see what can be done to allow that to continue happening after your divorce.
- Paperwork: The divorce process has many requirements for parties to file the correct forms, documentation, and paperwork. With the support of a local attorney, you can be sure that the papers are not only filled out correctly but also in a way that local county clerks and judges prefer. Even the smallest details in a case can end up making a big difference when you are trying to convince the court to see your side of a family law situation or conflict.
- Genuine care and compassion: Florida law systems can feel impersonal and uncaring at times, which can be startling when you’re in the middle of something as personal as a divorce or family law conflict. By hiring our local attorneys here in Pensacola, you can know that someone is genuinely listening to you and wants to help. We care about our community and the people who make it amazing, and we show it by providing compassionate legal counsel.
- What Should I Look for When Choosing a Divorce Lawyer?
- Do You Offer Same-Day Consultations in Pensacola?
- Where Is Your Office Located and How Can I Schedule a Consultation?
- What Should I Bring to My Initial Consultation?
- What Questions Should I Ask My Pensacola Divorce Attorney in My Initial Consultation?
- How Should I Prepare for My Divorce?
- How Much Does a Pensacola Divorce Lawyer Cost?
- How Much Does it Cost to File for Divorce in Pensacola?
- Does My Spouse Have to Pay for My Divorce Lawyer?
- Can I Serve the Divorce Papers Myself?
- What Happens After I File for Divorce?
- Can I Divorce My Spouse if They’re Missing?
- Can I Get a Divorce without a Lawyer?
- How Long Does It Typically Take To Finalize a Divorce?
- Can I Change My Divorce Agreement After It’s Been Finalized?
- Do I Have to Go to Court for My Divorce?
- What Are the Residency Requirements for Filing for Divorce in Pensacola, Florida?
- What Are the Tax Implications of Divorce in Pensacola?
At The Virga Law Firm, P.A. in Pensacola, we want our clients to feel supported at all times, even when that means getting help from outside experts and organizations. Please take a moment to look through this list of local resources that can help you through this challenging or confusing time, as well as a few resources that you should know as someone entering a family law case or divorce.
Clerk of Court Family Law Division
The Clerk of Court Family Law Division is likely where your divorce or family law case will be filed. We are familiar with this court, its procedures, and many of the legal professionals who work there.
- Address: 190 W Government St, Pensacola, FL 32502 (in M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building)
- Phone: 850-595-4331
- More information: https://www.escambiaclerk.com/
Escambia County Clerk of Court – Juvenile and Child Support
Escambia County Clerk of Court – Juvenile and Child Support Division is likely where any family law case that involves child support, and custody cases involving dependency issues (i.e., abuse, abandonment, or neglect of the minor child). As it is with the main family courthouse, our team is highly familiar with the procedures and people here.
- Address: 1800 St Mary Ave, Pensacola, FL 32501
- Phone: 850-595-3780
- More information: https://www.escambiaclerk.com/
Pensacola Children’s Home Society of Florida
The Children's Home Society of Florida provides services for parents including family early childhood development programs, counseling, and visitation centers for those times the parties need a safe place to exercise timesharing with the children.
- More information: https://capc-pensacola.org/
Olive Baptist Church
Members of the Olive Baptist Church proudly run its Divorce Recovery program, which is designed to help people get through the confusion and hurt that often come with divorce. Although the program is religious leaning because it is run by the Olive Baptist Church, people from all walks of life can apply to use the program.
- Address: 1836 E Olive Rd, Pensacola, FL 32514
- Phone: 850-476-1932
- More information: https://olivebaptist.org/divorce
DivorceCare
DivorceCare is a nationwide organization that provides various forms of support for people who are struggling with life adjustments made necessary by a divorce. In-person and online support programs are available.
- More information: https://www.divorcecare.org/about
Society of St. Vincent De Paul
The Council of Pensacola Tallahassee branch of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul offers financial assistance to people who are financially struggling. If divorce has left you in a difficult financial situation, you may be eligible to use the services of this organization, such as food pantries, rent assistance, and more.
- More information: https://rightservicefl.org/node/21498
Community Action Program Committee
Locals in Pensacola who are experiencing financial hardship and poverty can find help through the Community Action Program Committee, Pensacola division. Support services like rental and mortgage assistance, family self-sufficiency programs, and others might be useful to you if divorce has dramatically changed your financial stability.
- More information: https://capc-pensacola.org/
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“I will definitely be recommending to anyone I know that needs a child custody or divorce attorney!” - A Divorce Client
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“If you are looking for an attorney who is professional, honest, knowledgeable and responsive to your needs, Gerard Virga meets such requirements.” - A Divorce Client
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“He responded to my messages promptly and I never felt rushed when speaking with him in meetings and phone conversations.” - A Divorce Client
Our Firm Gets Results
More Reasons to Hire Us:
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Committed to Aggressive Representation
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Same-Day Scheduling Available
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6 Locations Throughout Florida
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Over 100 Years of Collective Experience