Should I Hire a Lawyer for an Uncontested Divorce Hearing
My question involves a marriage in the state of: Florida
I'm getting a divorce in Panama City FL. My spouse works for a family law attorney, and with her help, we have filed a settlement agreement. My spouse and I are agreeing to all terms, and we have our court date June 9 2013. when I recieved the court date via e-mail it stated "EXPARTE FINAL HEARING", translated to me as I'm not required to attend. My plan is to attend, but should I have a lawyer present on my side? I'm sure my spouse's boss will be there for her, but as of right now, I do not have representation.
Re: Should I Hire a Lawyer for an Uncontested Divorce Hearing
This is a hearing for entry of a consent judgment that you have approved and signed? If it were me I would show up "just in case", but I wouldn't retain a lawyer for something that simple, and that unlikely to result in any trickery.
Re: Should I Hire a Lawyer for an Uncontested Divorce Hearing
Yes sir. The MSA (Marital Settlemnet Agreement) has been signed by both the petitioner (Wife) and Respondent(Me) and notorized. You hit the correct word "trickery". I'm afraid her boss may throw out some legal mumbo-jumbo that my simple civilain mind might not comprehend. My wife and I are on descent communication terms, and she assured me nothing like that would/could happen. The hearing should last approx 5-10 mins tops.
Re: Should I Hire a Lawyer for an Uncontested Divorce Hearing
Now I have a new question. The hearing went well, very straight forward and relatively quick (10 mins). As the judge was signing/stamping the final judgment, she mentioned the importance on keeping the final judgment in case of "future amendments". Of course my initial concern became her continued eligibility to file amendments (i.e. alimony, my retirement benefits). Is there a certain time frame where, if she felt compelled, to file and amendment to receive alimony or a portion of my retirement, even though we have a signed judgment stating she "waives any and all rights" to these?