Infidelity & Divorce in Florida
Do I Have Grounds for Divorce in Florida?
While you do have to provide the court with a reason for your divorce, Florida is a no-fault divorce state. This means divorcing couples don’t need to prove that either party is responsible for the failure of their marriage. The state of Florida allows couples to divorce on grounds of “irretrievable brokenness” or the mental incapacity of one spouse for 3 years or more. You would cite irretrievable brokenness if your divorce is the result of infidelity.
Despite the fact that Florida is a no-fault state, infidelity could still affect the terms of your final divorce decree. If you and your spouse plan to go head-to-head over child custody and alimony, the court may factor in the reality of your extramarital affair(s) or other forms of infidelity.
Will Cheating Affect Child Custody?
It certainly can, though this is not a guarantee. The court assesses both parties in order to determine parental fitness. If the court deems you an unfit parent, your parenting time may be cut down to visitation and limited custody.
In determining parental fitness, the court evaluates each party’s relative morality and the impact their individual beliefs, decisions, and lifestyles are likely to have on the child in question. A court may determine a spouse who has engaged in illicit sexual behavior such as adultery is not morally fit to be the primary custodial parent.
As previously stated, this is not a guarantee of what will happen if you or your spouse has been unfaithful. However, you will need the help of a skilled lawyer in order to help ensure an unfaithful spouse is held accountable or prevent your own affair from injuring your chances at a desirable custody agreement.
(This is especially true if you are in a romantic relationship with someone other than your spouse during the time of your divorce. If this sounds like you, it is imperative that you consult with an attorney to protect yourself and avoid the classic pitfalls of dating during divorce.)
Will an Affair Affect Alimony and Property Division?
As with child custody, infidelity can certainly change the landscape of your divorce trial. Because alimony and property division are more about money and less about morality, the court is likely to consider the ways an affair has led to unethical use, misuse, or abuse of shared property and assets. A Florida court could determine that facilitating an extramarital affair with family money is a waste of shared assets. As such, the offending party could be required to pay more substantial alimony or given a lesser portion of shared property, as a punitive measure.
Worried that Adultery Will Negatively Impact the Outcome of Your Divorce? Call 800-822-5170 to Get Answers.
At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., we are here to help you navigate the complexities of divorce that can come up when infidelity is in the mix. Our aggressive attorneys are on your side, whether you are concerned that your own infidelity will hurt you in your divorce or want to hold an unfaithful spouse accountable for the damage done. In either case, you will need a skilled legal representative to help you work toward the outcome you want in your divorce.
Schedule your consultation with one of our skilled lawyers today.
Our Core Values
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Associate Attorney, In Person, Panama City Beach Office
Job Title: 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.
Meet Your Attorneys
Compassionate Counsel, Relentless Representation.
