Port Orange Family Law Attorney

Handling Divorces, Child Custody Cases & More

Whether you are considering a divorce or looking to grow your family through adoption, the legal team at Buckmaster & Ellzey stands ready to meet your family law needs in Port Orange and the surrounding communities. Our attorneys bring over 40 years of combined experience helping families through the legal process. 

Trusting skilled attorneys to advocate for you can ease your burden and help you move forward. Even when challenges feel overwhelming, working with a knowledgeable guide helps you prepare and pursue the best possible result. At Buckmaster & Ellzey, we draw on a deep understanding of Florida’s family law to resolve legal matters with care and clarity.

If your legal situation requires a family law attorney, the legal team at Buckmaster & Ellzey is ready to help. Call today at (888) 785-6548 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation.

Buckmaster & Ellzey Family Law Practice Areas

At Buckmaster & Ellzey, we offer guidance and representation across a wide range of family law cases, including:

• Adoption: For those seeking to grow their family through adoption, our attorneys offer direction on how to navigate the process and avoid complications.
• Alimony: Whether you seek or pay alimony, our team can help you pursue a fair and balanced outcome.
• Child Custody: Our attorneys assist in creating parenting plans that respect your child’s best interests. We focus on helping families find solutions that work for everyone involved.
• Domestic Violence: Our team provides measured representation for both those seeking protection and those responding to accusations. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and prioritize your safety and peace of mind.
• Mediation: Many disputes can be resolved through alternative methods. We guide clients through mediation—whether finalizing a divorce or negotiating agreements—in pursuit of practical results.
• Modifications: Life brings change, and sometimes court orders need to adapt. Modifications offer an opportunity to update agreements, provided circumstances meet the legal requirements.
• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: Couples can prepare for the future by setting clear expectations before or during marriage. Our attorneys assist with drafting and finalizing these agreements to bring clarity to marital finances.
• Property Division: Dividing assets and debts requires careful attention to Florida’s equitable distribution laws. Our attorneys address each factor, including the type of property, marriage length, and your financial picture, to reach sound resolutions.

Our family law practice addresses needs specific to Port Orange and Volusia County families. For example, courts apply Florida’s equitable distribution rule for dividing property and debts, but every situation is different based on assets, marriage duration, and each person’s finances. 

When addressing parenting plans or child support, we consider the needs of local families, school assignments, and community support structures. We adapt every strategy to work with state law and to reflect the priorities of families in Port Orange.

How Family Law Cases Move Through Volusia County Courts

Family law cases in Port Orange proceed through the Volusia County Courthouse, which handles divorce, custody, and other family-related hearings. Each matter begins with a petition. The 7th Judicial Circuit oversees cases in Port Orange, assigning judges who stay current with Florida’s family law statutes.

During the process, parents may need to complete parenting courses and file financial documents, which inform the judge’s decisions. Our attorneys guide clients through each phase so they know local requirements and can keep their focus where it matters most—on their family’s future.

Our team maintains close communication with court staff, tracks critical deadlines, and answers client questions before issues arise. With direct experience working in Volusia County courts, we help clients set realistic expectations and approach each step with confidence.

The Volusia County Litigation Process for Family Law

The legal process for divorce and custody in Port Orange moves through the Circuit Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit (Volusia County). We guide clients through every stage:

• Filing and Service: The process begins with filing the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and formally serving the opposing party.
• Temporary Relief Hearings: Often, urgent issues—such as temporary time-sharing, temporary alimony, or the payment of temporary attorney's fees—must be decided quickly. Our firm utilizes temporary relief hearings to secure immediate, favorable terms for the client while the case is pending.
• Discovery and Depositions: This phase involves the exchange of information, written questions (interrogatories), and sworn testimony (depositions) to gather all facts necessary for trial. Our firm uses the forensic training of a former prosecutor to conduct rigorous discovery.
• Mediation and Trial: If mediation fails, the case proceeds to a final trial before a Circuit Court judge. Our firm’s trial readiness is paramount, ensuring we are prepared to present compelling arguments and evidence on all matters of time-sharing, distribution, and support.

What Can Clients Expect When They Choose Buckmaster & Ellzey

The Port Orange family law attorneys at Buckmaster & Ellzey provide compassionate, thoughtful representation across a wide range of family law cases. We understand that these matters often involve challenging emotions and decisions. Clients in Port Orange and neighboring communities turn to our experienced team for guidance they can rely on.

Our proximity to Port Orange allows us to meet in person when needed and ensures that we stay directly involved from start to finish. Our knowledge of Volusia County courts and their procedures helps clients avoid unnecessary setbacks and prepare for each deadline. We keep you supported every step of the way so your case can progress smoothly.

Our attorneys are trusted because they’re: 

• Client-focused representation
• A team of compassionate advocates on your side
• Former state prosecutor
• 40+ years of collective experience
• Dedicated attorneys

Whether your family needs help with custody arrangements or divorce mediation, our attorneys provide steady, dedicated support throughout the process.

Are you ready to learn more about how our Port Orange family law attorneys can help you through your divorce or related dispute? Call us now at (888) 785-6548 or use our convenient online contact portal.

FAQs on Common Family Law Issues in Port Orange

How long does a typical family law case take in Port Orange?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the issues and the pace of the Volusia County court calendar, but many cases resolve in several months. Disputes involving property division or child custody may require more time, especially when multiple hearings or evaluations are necessary.

Do Florida courts require mediation during a divorce?

Most family law cases in Volusia County require mediation before a final hearing, giving both sides an opportunity to reach an agreement outside of court. Mediation creates a structured setting to settle disputes without the stress and cost of trial.

Can I modify an existing court order if circumstances change?

Yes. You may request a modification in Volusia County if there is a substantial change in your circumstances—such as a relocation, a shift in income, or changes in your child’s needs. The court will evaluate whether your situation meets the legal requirements for modification under Florida law.

What if my spouse refuses to cooperate during the divorce process?

Even if one spouse is uncooperative, the case can still move forward. Florida courts allow a divorce to proceed without the other party’s full participation, as long as legal notice requirements are met. A Port Orange family law attorney can help ensure you meet all procedural rules and avoid delays.

How is child custody determined in Florida?

Florida uses the “best interests of the child” standard, considering factors such as each parent’s involvement, stability, moral fitness, and ability to meet the child’s needs. Courts in Port Orange strongly favor shared parental responsibility unless one parent poses a risk to the child’s welfare.

What happens if the other parent violates our parenting plan?

If a parent refuses to follow the court-ordered parenting plan, you can file a motion for enforcement or contempt in Volusia County. Judges can impose make-up time, fines, and other remedies to ensure compliance with the existing order.

How is child support calculated in Port Orange?

Florida uses a statutory formula based on each parent’s income, the number of overnights shared, childcare costs, and health insurance expenses. A family law attorney can help you understand what to expect under the guidelines or whether deviations might apply.

Do grandparents have visitation rights in Florida?

Grandparent visitation is limited, but possible in specific situations, such as when a parent is deceased, missing, or has been adjudicated unfit. Courts evaluate whether visitation is in the child’s best interests and whether it would interfere with parental rights.

Can I keep my house after a divorce in Florida?

Possibly. Florida is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly—not necessarily equally. You may keep the home if both parties agree, or if the court determines it is appropriate based on financial circumstances, contributions, and the needs of any children.

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