YOUR 850 DIVORCE LAWYER

Contested Divorce

Contested Divorce in Northwest Florida

When Divorce Isn’t Straightforward

When agreements fail, bring clarity, strategy, and a steady hand to your case. A contested divorce happens when you can’t agree with your spouse on one or more key issues: custody, timesharing, support, property division, or alimony. In Florida, this leads to:

  • Filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
  • Serving your spouse and allowing 20 days to respond
  • Engaging in discovery — exchanging financial affidavits, pay stubs, tax returns, and other documents 
  • Attending mediation, often required before trials  
  • If unresolved, moving to trial — where a judge decides 

A contested process demands clarity, strategic planning, and steady guidance — especially in emotionally charged conflicts.

What to Expect

Florida’s Required Steps in Contested Divorce

  • Filing & Service — File the petition and formally serve it; your spouse has 20 days to respond.
  • Discovery — Exchange all financial disclosures, including affidavits, bank statements, and retirement documents.
  • Mediation — Most counties require mediation to resolve issues before a judge hears the case.
  • Hearings & Motions — Temporary hearings may set interim orders, evidence is exchanged, and pretrial motions may be filed.
  • Trial — If unresolved, the case goes before a judge who makes binding decisions.
  • Final Judgment — The judge signs the divorce decree with specifics on custody, support, and asset division.

Timelines to Expect

Contested Florida divorces typically take 6–12+ months, depending on complexity, county caseload, and trial readiness

Avoid Costly Mistakes

Why You Need Expert Representation

  • Discovery mistakes can hide important financial assets
  • Legal nuance in custody, support, and property cases requires precision
  • Mediation tactics matter — preparation may make or break outcomes
  • Trial readiness ensures you're not blindsided in court

Without skilled representation, you risk losing valuable rights and leverage.

Comprehensive Legal Support

What We Do for You

  • One-on-One Legal Strategy — Justin Andersson develops a custom legal roadmap
  • Full Discovery Representation — We ensure compliance and strategic document exchange
  • Skilled Mediation Advocacy — We negotiate your interests toward resolution
  • Court Ready — We prepare you, gather evidence, file motions, and stand by you at hearings and trial
  • Steady Client Support — From planning through resolution, Laramie DeBoard guides every step
Our Commitment to You

Your Case Deserves a Steady Hand

Through this challenging process, we bring our brand pillars to life:

  • Clarity — You’ll always know where your case stands.
  • Strategy — We develop and adjust plans smartly.
  • A Steady Hand — You’re not alone, for every call, hearing, and document.
Who We Serve

Proudly Representing Families Throughout the Florida Panhandle

From the coast to the Wiregrass line, we provide trusted legal representation in:

Bay County (Home Base):

  • Panama City
  • Panama City Beach
  • Lynn Haven
  • Callaway
  • Mexico Beach
  • Springfield
  • Parker

Surrounding Areas:

  • Jackson County
  • Marianna
  • Graceville
  • Sneads
  • Gulf County
  • Port St. Joe
  • Wewahitchka
  • Calhoun County
  • Blountstown
  • Altha
  • Washington County
  • Chipley
  • Vernon
  • Holmes County
  • Bonifay
  • Ponce de Leon

Wider Northwest Florida & Panhandle Region:

  • Walton County
  • Defuniak Springs
  • Freeport
  • Santa Rosa Beach
  • Okaloosa County
  • Fort Walton Beach
  • Crestview
  • Niceville
  • Santa Rosa County
  • Milton
  • Navarre
  • Escambia County
  • Pensacola
  • Cantonment
  • Gulf Breeze

Whether you live in Panama City or commute in from across the Panhandle, we offer virtual consultations, flexible scheduling, and personalized legal support from a team that understands Northwest Florida values.

See What Our Clients Say

Honest Feedback From Those We’ve Represented

Although I have not needed a divorce, I have utilized other legal services that Justin assisted me with. He was professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. He explained everything clearly and made the process smooth and stress-free. Based on my experience, I would confidently recommend Justin to anyone in need of legal support, including all family law matters.

Liane DeBoard

I recently moved my business to Panama and Justin was incredibly helpful in providing legal guidance to get things started. He was knowledgeable, professional, and generous with his time. Highly recommend him for anyone needing legal support in the area.

Escape D’amour

I can’t say enough good things about Justin. From the very first meeting, I felt heard, respected, and supported. And Laramie the office manager he is just so caring that makes you feel like part of the family. 🙏Justin and his team went above and beyond for me during a difficult point in my life. They were responsive, compassionate, and truly fought for my best interest.💪 If you need an attorney who actually cares — this is the place. Highly recommend!

Carmen Argueta Yacaman

Justin Andersson is an outstanding attorney. He is professional, responsive, and truly cares about his clients. I was always kept informed and he actually answered my phone calls (or called me back quickly)! Highly recommend his firm to anyone in need of honest and effective legal assistance.

DON MCCOY

I strongly recommend Attorney Andersson as your attorney if you are looking to protect your assets or consider a divorce. He is very diligent, pays a great attention to the details and goes above and beyond for his clients.
 
 

Anastasiia Diedkova

Justin and his team are diligent and extremely pleasant to work with. I recommend their legal services to anyone in need.
 
 

Stephen Matheny

I would highly recommend hiring Justin Andersson for your legal needs. He went above and beyond to help our family with legal needs.

glen warren

Mr Andersson took on a very unique case for one of my clients. His research , discovery , and timely manner was impeccable. I highly recommend his service.

GG Richardson

Justin is very knowledgeable of the law and gives great advice.

Phil Skeen

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Disclaimer: The information on this site is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Justin Andersson is not board certified in marital and family law by The Florida Bar. For full details, please see our Legal Disclaimer page or email info@850DivorceLawyer.com to request a copy.

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