
Florida Contested Divorce Lawyers
Divorce is complicated and is never as simple as it seems as the offset. There is still a lot of legal and financial legwork to be done, even if you and your spouse agree that the marriage should end and have come to a general consensus on how you should go your separate ways. In cases of amicable divorce, couples sometimes start off in agreement but then come to a point where they experience conflict, at which time legal counsel is absolutely invaluable.
Regardless of whether your divorce is cordial or seemingly simple, reach out to The Virga Law Firm, P.A. today for help. We are committed to serving couples and families in Florida during divorce and making it as streamlined and easy as possible.
Call (800) 822-5170 or contact us online today to get in touch with a divorce litigation attorney in Florida.
What Is the Difference Between Contested and Uncontested Divorce?
Uncontested divorce, which is rare, occurs when two spouses agree on every aspect of divorce. However, agreement isn’t the only qualifier. To be eligible for an uncontested divorce, you must have only been married a short time and not have (or be expecting) any children. Of course, taking the uncontested route is certainly much faster than other divorces, as there is virtually no legal conflict to be resolved, but it is not suitable for couples who have major disagreements, intertwined assets, or children.
Such points of disagreement may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Property division
- Retention of major assets, such as cars, homes, stock, etc.
- Child custody and support
- Spousal support
- Pets
How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take?
Depending on how many points of conflict there are between you and your spouse and the nature of your disagreements, your divorce could take anywhere from 6 months to 18 months or more. Negotiation, mediation, and arbitration are some methods you and your divorce attorney may elect to use in order to avoid going to court. Alternative dispute resolution can take months and, if unsuccessful, will increase the length of time you spend getting divorced.
It is impossible to predict how long your divorce may take without consulting a profession. You and your spouse may disagree on a thing or two, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you are due for a contentious, year-long court battle. At the very least, it means it is in your best interest to consult a legal professional right away and get ahead of the curve in your divorce.
How We Can Help
Our Florida contested divorce lawyers are dedicated to guiding you through the complexities of a contested divorce with expertise and personalized care. Here’s how we can help:
- Comprehensive Legal Strategy: We develop tailored legal strategies based on your unique circumstances, ensuring your interests are protected throughout the process.
- Aggressive Representation: We aggressively advocate on your behalf, whether in negotiations or in court, to secure favorable outcomes on alimony, child custody, and asset division.
- Expert Negotiation: We are skilled negotiators who strive to reach amicable agreements whenever possible, saving you time, stress, and money.
- Thorough Case Preparation: Our team meticulously prepares your case, gathering evidence and building a strong argument to support your position in court.
- Child Custody Advocacy: Our goal is to ensure that your parental rights are protected and your children's best interests are taken into account when determining custody arrangements.
- Financial Protection: We help ensure that marital assets are divided fairly and that you receive or pay appropriate alimony and child support.
By consulting with the experienced Florida contested divorce lawyers at our firm, you gain experienced legal advocates dedicated to achieving the best possible results for your contested divorce.
Talk to a Florida Divorce Attorney Today by Calling (800) 822-5170
Many lawyers pride themselves in taking a snarling, hyper-aggressive approach to divorce. However, we know your best-case scenario probably doesn’t avoid a long, drawn-out legal brawl between you and your spouse. Our divorce lawyers at The Virga Law Firm, P.A. are trained to deescalate tension, negotiate until both parties are happy, and do everything possible to complete your divorce as soon as possible.
To speak with our experienced Florida contested divorce lawyers, give us a call at (800) 822-5170 or contact us online today.
Our Core Values
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The Client Comes First and All Else Will FollowWe take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
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Authenticity and TransparencyWe believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
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Relentless Pursuit of the WinWe achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
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Growth MindsetWe continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
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OwnershipWe take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
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Results DrivenWe focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
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Respect and Celebration for One AnotherWe support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
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Unquestionable IntegrityWe stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
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We are in it TogetherWe are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
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ReputationReputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
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Associate Attorney, In Person, Panama City Beach Office
Family Law Associate Attorney Position
The Virga Law Firm - Panama City Beach, FL
Are You Ready for More Than Just a Career?
We're not looking for just any lawyer – we're searching for an attorney committed to compassionate and excellent representation. If you're ready to make the practice of law both meaningful and rewarding, this opportunity could be what you've been waiting for. Join a firm where you're appreciated and part of a team dedicated to excellence.
Who We Are
The Virga Law Firm is a dynamic, high-growth family law firm dedicated to providing excellent legal representation and superb client care. Founded by Gerard Virga, who brings over twenty years of legal experience to the practice, our firm has established itself as a leader in family law throughout Florida. Our attorneys hold prestigious positions on various committees for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, demonstrating our commitment to shaping and advancing family law practice in our state.
Our core belief is "Caring is Contagious." We understand that nothing is more important than family – it's the bedrock of our civilization and closest to people's hearts. When clients entrust us with their family law issues, we recognize it as the highest honor and responsibility.
Each family is unique and requires specialized attention during the most emotionally trying times in their lives. Our mission is to protect our clients and their families, providing them with a strong new start to their lives. We achieve this by helping one family at a time through our multiple office locations throughout Florida.
Who You Are
The ideal candidate:
- Is obsessed with achieving results for clients
- Has a passion for family law
- Excels at identifying crucial case details
- Loves litigation and is comfortable in the courtroom
- Takes pride in developing litigation strategies
- Has strong negotiation skills with a compassionate approach
- Thrives in fast-paced environments
- Is committed to helping others and leading by example
Minimum Qualifications
- An active member in good standing with the Florida Bar
- Demonstrated experience in family law
- Proven history of passionate representation and client service
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Clio knowledge is a plus)
- Advanced knowledge in litigation and client relations
- Mastery of Zoom video conferencing for court presentations
- Ability to work independently and produce superior work product
Key Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive legal advice and analysis to clients
- Manage complex high-asset divorce cases
- Handle parental responsibility and timesharing cases
- Navigate cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues
- Represent clients in court proceedings and mediations
- Draft legal pleadings, motions, and orders
- Lead team members including Paralegals and professional staff
- Maintain a fast-paced workload with attention to detail
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive compensation package based on experience
- Dental and vision insurance options with family coverage
- Progressive Paid Time Off:
- One week per six months
- Up to 80 additional hours accruing each pay period
- Paid holidays and one flex holiday
- Parental and bereavement leave
- Paid continuing legal education, bar dues, and certification dues
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive team environment
Why Choose The Virga Law Firm
- Unified company culture dedicated to success
- Highly trained support staff including Paralegals and Discovery Specialists
- Diverse caseload and full pipeline from day one
- An environment that encourages innovation and creative problem-solving
- Commitment to personal and professional growth
- No-drama, no-judgment work environment
- Strong focus on team collaboration
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- Current resume
- Writing sample
- Two letters of recommendation
- Cover letter
How to Apply
- Call our career hotline at 850-565-3426
- Submit required documents
Additional Information
- Website: www.thevirgalawfirm/careers
- Email: careers@thevirgalawfirm.com
- Work Location: In-person at Panama City Beach office
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts
The Virga Law Firm is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace—A background check is required for final candidates.

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