
Divorce Attorney in Sarasota
Comprehensive Support for Sarasota & Manatee County Residents
Divorce is commonly a complex and emotional process affecting both couples and their children. The end of a marriage can invoke a range of strong emotions, including sadness, anger, frustration, and anxiety. While dealing with the emotional toll, it can also require navigating complex legal processes and making significant decisions about your future, which can be stressful and overwhelming.
Divorce often involves major changes in lifestyle and routine. You may need to sell the family home, divide assets and debts, and establish new living arrangements. These changes can be disruptive and unsettling, particularly if children are involved.
In some cases, divorce may also involve bitter conflict between spouses. This further complicates the process, making reaching rational and mutually agreeable solutions difficult. Understanding each party's legal rights and responsibilities is crucial in navigating these disputes effectively.
At McDermott Law Offices, PLLC, we understand the challenges involved in the divorce process. Our attorney has handled thousands of cases and has built a reputation for integrity, dedication, and responsive client service. Attorney Paul McDermott brings clients over two decades of experience, including litigation, negotiation, formal mediation, and collaborative law as options to the divorce process. In addition to guiding clients through the traditional process, we place a strong emphasis on resolving conflicts through peaceful means, believing that a personalized approach often leads to more sustainable outcomes.
Learn more about your options by consulting our divorce attorney in Sarasota. Call (941) 837-5071 or contact us online to get started.
Divorce Resolution Methods in Sarasota
Various litigation and non-litigation methods can be used to obtain a divorce in Florida. Litigation typically involves going to court and having a judge decide about the multiple issues involved in the divorce. Understanding the litigation process is important, as it can be time-intensive and costly, but also provides a definitive legal ruling on contentious matters. For many, it's a necessary path when parties cannot reach an amicable agreement through other means.
Non-litigation methods, such as formal mediation and collaborative divorce, offer alternative ways to resolve disputes and come to mutually agreeable solutions. These methods are often lauded for preserving relationships because they encourage mutual decision-making rather than adversarial confrontation.
Formal mediation involves a neutral third party who helps the couple negotiate and reach a settlement agreement. Attorney Paul McDermott has represented clients in hundreds of mediations. The Court requires the parties to mediate before scheduling a trial in the case. Mediation can be a less stressful option for couples, as it gives them more autonomy over the outcome, allowing them to tailor solutions to fit their unique circumstances.
Collaborative divorce involves each spouse hiring their divorce attorney and committing to resolving disputes through negotiation and cooperation rather than litigation. Mr. McDermott is a trained collaborative divorce lawyer. In collaborative divorce settings, both parties and their attorneys agree, in writing, to prioritize negotiation and to keep proceedings out of the courtroom, fostering a respectful exchange focused on the future instead of past grievances.


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Paul is a good listener, gave sound advice, didn't waste time, and was extremely efficient, timely and took a sincere interest in representing me.
- David E. -
I was shown nothing but respect, professionalism, compassion, and integrity... my case was handled with the utmost care and importance.
- Joseph L. -
Paul McDermott is very helpful and professional. He is also patient and provided excellent advice.
- Former Client -
Mr. McDermott graciously reviewed my case with a sincere interest. I have never encountered a lawyer attorney with his level of professionalism, kindness and empathy.
- Carol L. -
I strongly recommend using Paul McDermott. Paul always had my best interests in mind when deciding our course of action.
- William G. -
Paul was always calm, organized, and helpful during my time of need. The team was also very caring and considerate like it was their own life they were dealing with!
- Casey E. -
As you can imagine any divorce is traumatic. Working with Mr. McDermott made the process better. His good listening skills, compassion and legal expertise were excellent.
- Jeffrey H. -
Great attorneys - more like family. Will never go anywhere else. Gave me way more than I could afford because they care about people. Just great.
- Pete L.