Highly Skilled And Distinguished Divorce Attorney In Ocala

Last updated on March 9, 2026

Choosing to get a divorce can be an emotional and stressful decision. Not knowing what to expect or what to do next can only make matters worse. Beyond the emotional considerations, you must also figure out how to provide for your children, how to divide your property and how to take the next best steps for yourself and your family.

At the law office of Ami L. DiLorenzo, P.A., our Ocala divorce attorney can help guide you through each stage of the divorce process. With an emphasis on fair and practical advice, our law firm tries to take the emotion out of divorce so that clients throughout Florida can make smart and informed decisions about their futures.

How Divorce Works In Florida

A divorce is often one of the most stressful and emotionally traumatic situations a human being will ever go through. It is important to know what to expect and how long the process could potentially take.

The Possible Time Frame

A divorce begins upon the filing of a petition for dissolution of marriage and ends upon the entry of a final judgment of dissolution of marriage. This process, from beginning to end, can take as little as two weeks and as long as two years. The average divorce action takes approximately three to six months to resolve. The average post-dissolution matter also takes approximately three to six months to resolve.

Initial Consultation

This is the first time the client and the attorney meet. It is imperative that the attorney carefully listen to the client at this meeting and assess what the client expects. It is equally important that the attorney advises the client how the law will likely apply to the facts of their case and whether their expectations are reasonable.

When you schedule your initial consultation with us, our attorney can address any questions you may have about:

• Time frame, from filing the initial petition for dissolution to having your divorce granted
• Discovery such as depositions and financial disclosure
• Determining who the children will live with and how they will spend their time, through discussions of child custody, parenting time and parental responsibility
• Division of assets and debts acquired during the marriage, as well as those acquired prior to the marriage
• Determination of alimony (often called spousal support) and child support

It is at this meeting that our attorney can formulate your strategy with you going forward and begin the process of gathering documents for mandatory financial disclosure.

Financial Disclosure

Parties to most family law matters (divorce, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and modification or enforcement actions) must exchange financial disclosures. These documents consist of financial affidavits wherein the parties list their:

• Income
• Monthly bills and expenses
• Assets and liabilities

Each party must also produce tax returns, credit card statements, bank statements and other documents.

Other Forms Of Discovery

In some cases, it is necessary to hire certain professionals and take the depositions of these individuals prior to going to mediation or trial. The parties may also have their depositions taken.

Mediation

Most family law disputes settle in mediation. Mediation is an informal or formal meeting in which the parties and their attorneys meet and attempt to settle their case with the help of a mediator. The mediator is a neutral third party who is either an attorney or a retired judge with family law expertise.

If the parties reach an agreement at mediation, they can prepare and sign a marital settlement agreement that very day. Thereafter, the agreement is filed with the court and a final judgment of dissolution is entered, dissolving the marriage.

Trial

Trials can be very stressful and very expensive. However, trials are necessary in some cases. In matters in which the parties have unsuccessfully attempted to settle their case at mediation, a judge will hear the evidence presented and make a decision regarding all disputed issues. The judges’ decision will be in the form of a final judgment of dissolution of marriage.

Answering Your Questions About Divorce In Florida

Many people who get divorced have never been involved in the legal system before. They are unsure of what to expect and have many questions about the process. At the law office of Ami L. DiLorenzo, P.A., we provide clear answers to your questions so that you understand all aspects of divorce in Florida.

Am I entitled to alimony?

Every case is different, and it depends on the specifics of your case. In doing so, we must show why you need it. The court will consider a number of things such as:

• Your earning capacity
• Your standard of living
• The duration of your marriage

Many people ask for it simply to make ends meet until they can get back on their feet as a single person.

When it comes to asset distribution, we are an equitable distribution state. What does that mean?

This means that a court will split your assets and debts equally. This is not always right down the middle. From vacation homes to retirement accounts, it is all subject to division. They look at a number of factors when considering who gets what. Having the right attorney who will represent your best interests is essential.

Managing The Costs Of Divorce

Unfortunately, you may not have as much control over the cost of your divorce as you would like. It often depends on the lawyer your spouse hires, as well as the level of emotional control exercised and the role emotions play in the dissolution of the marriage. If emotions are left unchecked, the costs could be prohibitive to both parties in a divorce.

While each situation is unique, attorneys fees are usually awarded based on financial need versus the ability to pay. An award of fees can be determined at the beginning of your case, in the middle of the proceedings or at the final hearing.

Start Today

To schedule a consultation at the law firm of Ami L. DiLorenzo, P.A., call us at 352-580-1141 or simply contact us with any questions. We place great emphasis on answering email inquiries as quickly as possible. Our Ocala divorce lawyer is here to help you through this process, step by step.

Read What A Client Has To Say

“She shoots it straight and doesn’t hold back and this makes her an excellent attorney. She offers tough love, but it is needed in divorce situations.”

– Chris K.

Contact us online now to schedule a consultation with our Ocala divorce attorney!