What Are Your Options In Divorce?

When you decide it’s time to divorce, you are making just the first in a long series of choices. Every divorce is a little different, there are several points where you can make a decision, and that decision will have a wide impact. Not knowing the realities of your choices puts you at a disadvantage.

At The Law Office of Tonya D. Cromartie, P.A., attorney Tonya Cromartie works diligently for clients across Daytona seeking a divorce. She works diligently with clients who face the confusing issues ahead, and with 20 years of experience in Florida family law, she can walk you through the many decisions you must make and advocate for you at every turn. Her goal is to help you pursue a strong financial position for your life after divorce.

Uncontested Vs. Contested Divorce

One key decision in the divorce process is determining whether you and your spouse can pursue an uncontested divorce, or if a contested divorce is necessary. When a divorcing couple remains cordial and can still trust each other, they may be able to save time and money with the uncontested divorce process.

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree to getting divorced and settle matters like property division, child support and child custody before filing for divorce in family court. This can be accomplished through negotiations or mediation, but it does not mean working with a Daytona Beach divorce attorney is unnecessary. In fact, even in a nonconfrontational style of divorce like uncontested divorce, it is easy for someone unfamiliar with Florida family law to make a costly mistake that damages their property or parental rights. Tonya Cromartie provides exceptional advice and time-tested negotiation skill to uncontested divorce cases. She can help you save time, money and worry through uncontested divorce – without sacrificing the well-being of yourself or your children.

A contested divorce is one in which the parties cannot agree on at least one key term before filing. This can require tough negotiations and, potentially, going to court to resolve disputes. As a Daytona Beach divorce attorney who is a Supreme Court-certified family mediator, Tonya Cromartie is highly experienced in both traditional divorce and divorce mediation. She will develop an effective strategy that defends your interests and leads to a reasonable and sustainable settlement or court decree.

No-Fault Vs. Fault

Possibly the earliest decision in your divorce filing will be choosing between a “no-fault” divorce and a “fault” divorce. A “no-fault” divorce is one where neither party needs to prove any wrongdoing. It is simply entered as “irreconcilable differences,” and the divorce proceeds. A “no-fault” divorce means that the only consideration in any decision will be “what’s fair.”

However, pursuing a faulty divorce means proving that your ex committed some kind of wrong-doing. This could be:

• Infidelity
• Bigamy
• Fraud
• Abuse

Or any of a dozen possible violations of the marital contract. However, proving that is always difficult and may not be worth the fight.

Mediation Vs. Litigation

Another important decision is choosing mediation or litigation to resolve disputes. Even in an extremely friendly, mutual divorce, there is inevitable conflict. How you resolve that conflict makes all the difference in the world. The traditional path is litigation, and this means settling issues by making arguments before a judge. This is a highly stressful and costly path.

Mediation is another option to resolve conflict. Compared to going to court, working out disagreements before a mediator can be faster, less expensive and more amicable. As a certified family law mediator, Tonya Cromartie has keen insight into this part of the process and can guide you through this with skill and efficiency.

Custody, Property, Alimony And Much More

Your decisions won’t stop at just how you divorce and where you settle disputes. You’ll have to make more and more choices about every facet of your marriage. Reach out to The Law Office of Tonya D. Cromartie, P.A., at to schedule your meeting today. You can also use this online form.