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What Divorce Attorneys in Florida Can and Can’t Do for You

By: Danielle Ostrovsky July 6, 2025 1:40 am

Time to read: 6 Minutes

What Divorce Attorneys in Florida Can and Can’t Do for You

Quick Answer: What Can a Divorce Lawyer Do in Florida?

In Florida, divorce attorneys handle all legal filings, represent you in mediation or court, draft agreements, and negotiate alimony, custody, and child support. 

 They cannot act as therapists, financial advisors, or guarantee specific court outcomes. For emotional support or asset valuations, other professionals like counselors or forensic accountants may be needed. 

Looking for a divorce attorney in Fort Lauderdale or Boca Raton? Schedule your consultation with Ostrovsky Law.  

couple standing in front of a family lawyer

Understanding What Divorce Lawyers Legally Handle  

When going through a divorce, it’s easy to assume your attorney will take care of everything—from paperwork to emotional support and asset division. But in reality, divorce attorneys in Florida have a clearly defined legal role. Knowing what’s within their scope—and what isn’t—helps you avoid confusion and ensure your case runs smoothly.  

Attorneys are essential for legal filings, representation, and negotiation. But they aren’t licensed therapists or financial planners. And they certainly can’t guarantee outcomes that are up to the court’s discretion.  

This guide breaks down what a divorce attorney can do for you—and where other professionals may be necessary.  

What Florida Divorce Attorneys Are Legally Allowed to Do  

A certified family law attorney in Florida is responsible for the legal execution of your case. Here’s what’s fully within their domain:  

They also guide you through procedural requirements, ensuring that no deadlines are missed and all documents meet Florida’s strict standards.  

For straightforward situations like an uncontested divorce, attorneys provide structure and ensure smooth completion. In more complicated cases—such as high-asset divorces or disputes involving child custody—their legal insight becomes indispensable.  

 What Divorce Attorneys Cannot Do (And Who Else You Might Need) 

While your lawyer is essential, there are limits to their role. Here’s what they can’t legally offer: 

Emotional Therapy – Licensed counselors handle emotional and trauma-related support. 
Financial Planning – For retirement advice, asset valuation, or tax planning, you’ll need a financial advisor or forensic accountant. 
Guaranteed Outcomes – Judges, not attorneys, make final decisions about timesharing and equitable distribution. 
Expert Evaluations – Parenting coordinators, child psychologists, and appraisers provide services outside your attorney’s license. 

In Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, many divorces involve collaboration between your legal team and outside professionals to protect your interests fully. 

Where Other Professionals Come In  

While your divorce attorney is the cornerstone of your legal strategy, complex family law cases often require a collaborative approach. Understanding when to bring in other professionals can help prevent delays and ensure a more favorable outcome.  

For example, if you’re disputing the value of shared property or jointly held business assets, your attorney may coordinate with real estate appraisers or forensic accountants. These experts deliver the detailed financial analysis needed for equitable distribution—but they’re outside the legal scope of the lawyer’s work.  

In custody cases, the court may require psychological evaluations or supervised visitations. Your attorney will handle the legal arguments, but therapists, social workers, or parenting coordinators provide the actual assessments. When children are involved, this collaboration is essential to upholding the child’s best interests.  

Additionally, once a divorce is finalized, many clients find they need to revisit their arrangements. That’s where services like modifications representation and child support enforcement come into play.  

Ostrovsky Law also helps clients with specific post-divorce changes, including requests for relocation, income-based support adjustments, or shifts in parental responsibilities.  

Choosing the Right Attorney Based on Your Needs  

The best divorce outcomes don’t happen through courtroom drama—they result from strategic planning, clear communication, and the right legal representation from the beginning.  

A qualified divorce attorney in Florida will walk you through what they can and cannot do. Look for someone who:  

  • Explains the legal process without overpromising  
  • Has specific experience in your case type—such as high-net-worth divorce, child support disputes, or postnuptial agreements  
  • Understands the emotional and financial stress you’re under—and refers you to other professionals when needed  
  • Communicates clearly and respects your boundaries  

Don’t just ask “Can they win my case?”—ask whether they’ll keep you informed, protect your rights, and work within Florida’s legal framework to pursue your goals.  

Final Thoughts: Get Legal Clarity, Not Legal Confusion 

A divorce attorney is your legal guide—not your emotional counselor or financial planner. The best results come when each professional plays their part, and when you know what to expect from your legal team. 

Ostrovsky Law is here for residents in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and surrounding South Florida communities, offering clarity, honest guidance, and seasoned legal representation. 

Need legal help now? Schedule your free consultation today and take the next step toward a divorce process that’s rooted in smart decisions—not guesswork. 

FAQs: Florida Divorce Law  

Q: Can a divorce attorney help with child custody in Fort Lauderdale? 

Yes. They handle legal filings and court representation, but may work with psychologists or parenting coordinators for evaluations. 

Q: What if I live in Boca Raton and have a high-net-worth divorce? 

A qualified attorney can manage the legal process, but you may also need appraisers, financial planners, or forensic accountants. 

Q: Can a Florida divorce lawyer offer tax advice? 

No. They can help with property division, but you’ll need a CPA or financial expert for tax planning or retirement guidance. 

Q: Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in South Florida? 

Technically no, but hiring an attorney ensures paperwork, timelines, and legal compliance are handled correctly—especially with kids or shared property. 

Danielle Ostrovsky

Danielle Ostrovsky is the founding partner of Ostrovsky Law, a boutique law firm that practices exclusively in the area of marital and family law throughout Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties.

With a sole focus on marital and family law, Danielle has refined her skills and gained extensive experience in divorce, spousal support, parental responsibility, timesharing, paternity, equitable distribution of assets and liabilities, high net worth asset division, child support, modifications and contempt of support, and prenuptial/postnuptial agreements.

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