Divorce Attorney in Tampa, FL

Ending a marriage means answering big questions all at once: where the children will live, who keeps the home, and how each of you will support yourselves. You want those answers to be fair, and you want a real say in them.

Sparkman Law Firm is a divorce attorney in Tampa, FL that guides you through uncontested divorce and contested divorce from your first call to your final judgment.

Schedule a Free Consultation Call 813-374-2000

You Should Have Control Over the Decisions That End Your Marriage

Every divorce is different. Some couples agree on almost everything, and others disagree on almost everything. Either way, a Florida divorce runs on court rules and deadlines, and a few of them apply to nearly every case. Knowing them helps you decide what to do next.

Divorce Starts With Rules That Apply to Both Spouses

Neither spouse has to prove the other did anything wrong. Under Fla. Stat. § 61.052, the basic ground for divorce is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. One spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before the petition is filed, under Fla. Stat. § 61.021. After a petition is filed, no final judgment can be entered until at least 20 days have passed, unless the court finds that injustice would result from the delay (§ 61.19).

Whatever You Own and Owe Becomes Part of the Conversation

If you own a home, hold retirement accounts, run a business, or carry debt, a divorce has to account for all of it. Under Fla. Stat. § 61.075, assets acquired and debts incurred during the marriage are generally marital, and a court begins with the premise that they should be divided equally. It then looks at whether the facts justify a different split. Retirement benefits earned during the marriage can be marital assets, and so can a closely held business. Knowing what counts as marital, and what it is worth, is the first step toward a settlement you can accept.

Support May Be Part of Your Divorce, Whether You Expect to Receive It or to Pay It

Alimony law changed in 2023. Under Fla. Stat. § 61.08, a court may award temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, or durational alimony, and permanent alimony is no longer one of the options. Bridge-the-gap alimony may not exceed 2 years, and rehabilitative alimony may not exceed 5 years. Durational alimony is not available after a marriage shorter than 3 years, and it may not exceed 50 percent of the length of a short-term marriage (under 10 years), 60 percent of a moderate-term marriage (10 to 20 years), or 75 percent of a long-term marriage (20 years or more).

If You Have Children, Their Schedule Is Part of Your Divorce

Florida law uses the terms parental responsibility and time-sharing instead of custody, and a divorce with children includes a parenting plan. Since July 1, 2023, Fla. Stat. § 61.13 has started from a rebuttable presumption that equal time-sharing is in a child's best interests. When parents agree on a schedule, the court can approve it. When they don't, the judge weighs the statutory factors.

If Your Divorce Involves Money, Both Spouses Must Share Their Finances

Both spouses generally exchange sworn financial information. Under Rule 12.285 of the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, required financial documents must be served within 45 days of service of the initial pleading, including a financial affidavit. Accurate numbers are the foundation for property division, alimony, and child support, so it helps to start gathering records early.

Whatever your situation, you can take control with the right information and the right help. That is the work a divorce attorney in Tampa, FL does for you.

A Divorce Attorney in Tampa, FL Guides You From Filing to Final Judgment

Sparkman Law Firm matches each of those questions with a plan. We often encourage couples to try mediation or collaborative divorce before going to court, and Sparkman Law Firm takes your case to court when an agreement isn't possible.

A Clear Path Whether Your Divorce Is Contested or Uncontested (or if Mediation Is the Right Route)

When spouses agree on everything, an uncontested divorce is the more direct route. Sparkman Law Firm drafts the settlement agreement and prepares the filings for court approval.

If you agree on some issues but not others, mediation may be the right route. In mediation, a neutral mediator helps you and your spouse work toward an agreement, which can then be presented to the court for approval. Ms. Sparkman often encourages couples to try mediation or collaborative divorce before going to court.

When spouses can't agree, Sparkman Law Firm represents you in a contested divorce, including temporary hearings while the case is pending.

Property Division That Accounts for Everything You Own and Owe

Sparkman Law Firm identifies which property is marital and which is yours alone, and builds your property division and business valuation case around the numbers. When finances are complicated, Sparkman Law Firm brings in appraisers, accountants, and business valuation experts. If you suspect assets are being hidden, Sparkman Law Firm looks into hidden assets and marital fraud. Clients with significant wealth can turn to Sparkman Law Firm for high net worth divorce, and business owners and other professionals for divorce for professionals matters.

Alimony and Support Terms Based on Current Florida Law

Whether you expect to receive or to pay alimony, Sparkman Law Firm helps you calculate and advocate for terms that fit the current statute. Sparkman Law Firm also handles child support matters and requests to modify or enforce existing orders.

If You Have Children, a Parenting Plan Built Around Their Real Routine

Sparkman Law Firm drafts and negotiates parenting plans around your actual week, including work hours, school, and activities. When parents disagree about child custody or one parent wants to move, Sparkman Law Firm handles those disputes, including relocation cases, and can ask for temporary time-sharing orders while your case is pending.

Planning Ahead and Special Situations

If you are still deciding what to do, Sparkman Law Firm can help you with planning for divorce. Sparkman Law Firm also represents service members in military divorce and helps couples with prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

Related Family Law Services

Testimonials

      GOOD  
   Based on 67 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Crystal Harrell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend my family law attorney Shazia Sparkman. From start to finish, they were professional, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my case. She explained everything clearly, kept me informed, and fought for the best possible outcome for my family. I felt supported during a very difficult time, and I’m extremely grateful for their dedication and hard work.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   annmarie alamia 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Finding the right lawyer was one of the hardest parts of an already heartbreaking situation. I went through so much before I found her, and from the very first conversation, I knew she was different. She didn’t just see a case—she saw me, my children, and everything we had been through.
Ms.Sparkman genuinely cares about the children and fights for what is right, not what is easy. During one of the most overwhelming times of my life, she brought clarity, strength, and hope. Every interaction with her was positive, supportive, and reassuring—-Something no other attorney has done for me.
I truly wish I had found Ms Sparkman sooner in my case. She is nothing short of a miracle worker, and I will forever be grateful for her dedication, compassion, and tireless advocacy for my family. I cannot recommend her enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Savannah Broxton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m very thankful for Shazia and the hard work she has put into my case. She has been diligent, attentive, and truly on top of everything from start to finish. She takes the time to explain things and makes sure nothing is overlooked.
She has also been very understanding and has worked with me on making payments, which has taken a lot of stress off my shoulders. I feel supported both legally and personally, and I highly recommend her to anyone needing reliable representation.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kayla Rosello 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shazia Sparkman of Sparkman Law Firm is exceptional. She is passionate, hardworking, and extremely smart. In custody and divorce matters, she aggressively protects her clients’ legal interests and stands out as one of the top attorneys in the courtroom. I would hire and recommend her for any highly contested case. Her dedication and results speak for themselves.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Get Stoked 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shazia is absolutely amazing. I highly recommend her! I had the best experience beginning to end and am so glad I chose Sparkman Law!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alexandra Avella 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve always been scared when it comes to dealing with lawyers. How do you know if they have your best interest at heart? Are they money hungry? Will they even fight for me? Let me tell you…This company went above and beyond. I’ll never use another law office, not only that….. we WON!!! Highly recommend
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Melissa Bretz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shazia and her team at Sparkman Law Group have been amazing to work with. I had a legal issue come up related to my business and Shazia responded quickly and helped me understand the necessary steps I needed to take. She followed through and resolved my legal issue quickly! She also spent the time to listen to me and my concerns and explained in detail the process. 5 stars absolutely

Your Divorce Moves Through Five Clear Steps, Starting With a Free Consultation

Call or request a consultation

Call 813-374-2000 or schedule a consultation. The consultation is free.

Gather your documents

Sparkman Law Firm's pre-meeting checklist lists what to bring, such as financial records and any existing court orders.

File the petition

Hillsborough County divorces are heard in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, and the Unified Family Court sits at the Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs Street, in downtown Tampa.

Exchange financial information

You and your spouse each provide the required financial documents, including a sworn financial affidavit.

Settle or go to court

Many couples reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation. When they can't, Sparkman Law Firm presents the case to the judge, who decides the open issues in the final judgment.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Pros and Cons of an Uncontested Divorce?

Sparkman Law Firm's Attorneys and Staff Support You Through Your Divorce

You are trusting people with one of the most personal decisions of your life, so you should know who they are. Sparkman Law Firm's attorneys and staff work together to support you from your first call. Shazia Sparkman, who founded Sparkman Law Firm, is a divorce attorney in Tampa, FL who was born and raised here.

Shazia Sparkman, Founder and Managing Partner

Ms. Sparkman was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2005 and the New York Bar in 2004, and she earned her J.D. at the University at Buffalo School of Law. The Florida Bar's public directory lists her as a member in good standing, eligible to practice in Florida, and you can check any lawyer's status there before you hire them. She served as an Assistant State Attorney in Tampa and Bradenton from 2004 to 2006, and she is a member of the Florida Bar Family Law Section and the Hillsborough County Women's Bar Association.

The People Who Support Your Case

Nikki Baxley Leonard, Sparkman Law Firm's lead legal assistant, has more than eight years of experience in the legal field and is the first person you meet when you walk into the office. Gordon Phipps, a legal administrative assistant, is one of the first people to answer calls. Sparkman Law Firm offers services in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Urdu.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Tampa

Do I have to prove my spouse did something wrong to get divorced in Florida?

No. The basic ground for divorce under § 61.052 is that the marriage is irretrievably broken, so neither spouse has to prove fault. Your case can focus on property, support, and any children instead of on who is to blame.

Can my spouse stop the divorce by refusing to agree?

A spouse who disagrees can deny that the marriage is irretrievably broken, and the court may take other action it considers in the best interest of the spouses and any child. But if the court finds at any point that the marriage is irretrievably broken, it must enter a judgment of dissolution. When spouses disagree on the terms, a contested divorce lets the judge decide the open issues.

How long do I have to live in Florida before I can file?

One spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before the petition is filed, under § 61.021. You can show residency with a Florida driver license, voter registration card, or Florida ID card, or with testimony or an affidavit from a third party.

How long does a divorce take?

Florida requires at least 20 days after the petition is filed before a final judgment can be entered, unless the court finds that injustice would result from the delay (§ 61.19). Beyond that, timing depends on whether you and your spouse agree, how complicated your finances and parenting issues are, and the court's schedule. An uncontested divorce can often move faster than one that has to be litigated.

Who keeps the house in a Florida divorce?

It depends. A home acquired during the marriage is generally marital property, and the court can consider whether keeping it is best for a dependent child. Spouses can also agree to sell the home and divide the proceeds, or to let one spouse keep it.

Will I pay or receive alimony?

Alimony is not automatic. Under § 61.08, a court may award temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, or durational alimony as is equitable. Whether it applies to you depends on the facts of your marriage, and an attorney can explain how the alimony limits apply to your situation.

What happens with our children in a divorce?

A divorce with children includes a parenting plan. Parents who agree on a schedule can ask the court to approve it, and Sparkman Law Firm drafts and negotiates parenting plans for Hillsborough County families. When parents don't agree, the judge weighs the statutory factors in § 61.13.

Does Sparkman Law Firm offer a free consultation?

Yes. Schedule a consultation or call 813-374-2000 to talk through your situation with an attorney at Sparkman Law Firm. Sparkman Law Firm's pre-meeting checklist lists what to bring.

Start With a Free Conversation About Your Divorce

On your first call, you describe your situation, and an attorney at Sparkman Law Firm explains your options and what to expect next. Sparkman Law Firm is a divorce attorney in Tampa, FL that builds a plan around your family's priorities, whether you expect an agreement or a courtroom.