Practice Areas
Overview
At the Law Offices of David Sharp in Clearwater, Florida, we represent fathers and husbands in a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, timesharing, support, and domestic violence. Our skilled staff can provide you with exceptional service based on extensive experience both in and out of court, while offering knowledgeable advice about repercussions or possible outcomes of decisions you may make. With every case, we work steadfastly on your behalf to deliver practical and efficient
solutions, and are committed to reaching your legal goals. We thoroughly understand the difficult process of divorce and its ensuing issues, but are confident in our ability to help, by working to ensure fair financial treatment and see that your timesharing issues are resolved favorably.
If you are seeking a Florida Divorce Attorney or Family Law Lawyer, please contact us at (727) 797-3800; or tell us about your case by filling out our Simple Contact Form.
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Divorce
The dissolution of a marriage involves much more than just emotional pain and loss; it includes an
extensive range of complex legal issues, such as child timesharing,
spousal support, property division and
alimony. For more than 20 years the Law Office of David Sharp has been
assisting clients faced with divorce. We understand the implications of a collapsing relationship and are
prepared to help you in handling even the most difficult litigations and negotiations. As experienced family
law attorneys, we also strongly believe in serving the best interests of children, by preserving a consistent
relationship with both parents. Fathers and husbands deserve a strong voice throughout these important times.
Finding a lawyer is easy, but finding a true father’s rights advocate isn’t.
At Fathers Law, that’s all we do—we uphold your rights!
Contact a Divorce Attorney at (727) 797-3800; or tell us about your case by filling out our Simple Contact Form.
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Equitable Distribution
Establishing a fair marital distribution can be one of the most complicated and costly aspects in any divorce.
The concept itself is rather simple— to take the sum of your marital asset and liabilities, then
divide them equally between both parties—but in many cases, particularly those involving substantial assets, family businesses,
inherited assets, second marriages, and other complications, equitable distribution is anything but simple to carry out. The process
requires a careful attention to detail in first determining which assets and/or debts are marital, and then thoroughly accounting
for and valuing those assets in order to divide them equally.
Although reaching a settlement agreement with your spouse can be an enormous cost favor, an experienced family
law attorney will help ensure that everything is handled properly and fairly, and that your rights are protected.
In cases where marital settlements cannot be reached between both parties, a court must decide on how to divide
your property. Florida statistical reports show that property division has required more court hearing time than
any other family law issue. Whether you and your spouse are in agreement about your property division, or plan to
let a court decide, having an experienced Florida divorce attorney will ensure that your rights are protected in
court or during mediation and that a fair property settlement is reached. At the Law Office of David Sharp, P.A.,
in Clearwater, Florida, we have a background in civil and family litigation as well as extensive experience
representing fathers and husbands in divorce cases, drafting marital agreements and handling divorce and property settlements.
If you are in need of an experienced Property Division Attorney, Contact us today at(727) 797-3800; or
request an appointment through our Simple Contact Form.
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Timesharing & Fathers Rights
There’s little doubt that the best parent is both parents. But sometimes the emotional turmoil
that parents endure at the end of a marriage can lead to bitter child timesharing arguments. For fathers,
having an attorney who believes your child’s best interest isn’t just a benefit, but is
absolutely critical for reaching an agreement that puts children in the care of both parents. In Florida,
timesharing issues are resolved under the standard of "in the best interests of the child". However,
determining which parent serves the best interest of their child is a challenging process. The staff
at ‘Fathers Law’ has earned a reputation for being fierce defenders of such values,
representing clients to the fullest degree in order to resolve timesharing matters amicably—never
forgetting that a child’s future requires careful attention.
Timesharing is another important right designed for parents. Since you will be
the father of your children forever, you have a right to be in their lives, and
they have a right to see you even if you were never married to their mother! A father is not automatically entitled to these
rights unless paternity is first established. However, these can be given to the
father through a paternity agreement or court paternity action. If paternity is
established, the father will have legal father's rights, including the right to:
- Seek a court order for timesharing rights
- Request a change or modification in timesharing
- Request child support if he has timesharing of the child
- Assist in important legal decisions regarding the child
At the Law Office of David Sharp, we are very skilled at representing individuals in paternity actions.
Fathers’ Law is our cause, and it’s what we do best!
If you are in need of a Fathers’ Rights Lawyer who can get the results you need, contact us at
(727) 797-3800; or tell us about your case by filling out our Simple Contact Form.
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Alimony
Unlike child support, alimony doesn’t follow any set guidelines, nor is it automatically awarded in a
divorce. It rests on the court to consider a range of factors to determine: whether alimony should be awarded;
in what amount; and for how long. These kinds of intricate details can feel overwhelming while making such a
major transition. More than likely you have a million other matters going on right now, and what you’d
really like is to just move on. At the law office of David Sharp, P.A. we understand that straight forward
answers, and experienced knowledge about the laws which govern alimony, is the key to moving ahead with your life.
We have an impressive record for helping clients properly present the facts in their cases, and are prepared to
advise you in the best course of action. Selecting who will represent will you in these important areas should
be weighed carefully; alimony will directly impact your future and you lifestyle. Fathers Law is here to help
you get on track!
To speak with a lawyer about your alimony concerns please contact us at (727) 797-3800; or tell us about your
case by filling out our Simple Contact Form.
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Child Support
Child support in Florida is based on "guidelines", and the amount depends upon the parties' NET combined incomes,
after deducting income tax, social security, medicare, alimony or child support awards in previous cases, union dues,
and YOUR portion of any health insurance premiums which you pay. It also depends on how many "overnights" you spend
with the child(ren) β more than 40% (146 or more) per year utilizes a different formula, although still based on the
guidelines numbers, to calculate a reduced amount of support.
It can get rather complicated, for a number of reasons (split majority timesharing, reduction for support paid for
the child of a prior relationship, etc.) And you will almost always hear stories about how "so-and-so's only paying $_____ for his kids!
What's up with your lawyer?" What's up is that the guideline numbers are statutory β mandatory β and our Judges must follow them -
unless both parties agree otherwise, or there are other extraordinarily good reasons why the Court should deviate from them
("I can't afford it" is usually not considered a good reason)
An experienced attorney can work through the process, protecting your rights to a "best possible outcome" or "fair shake"
in the process. We've been doing that successfully for 20 years.
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Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence (DV) is an issue that seems to come up in almost one-half of divorce cases. Why? Obviously because it sometimes actually happens. More often, however, because itβs a means to gain immediate custody of children, keep your spouse out of the house and away from you, and subject him or her to embarrassment, harassment, and (often) expensive attempts to overcome the allegations.
There are many instances of a "significant other" or spouse injuring themselves (creating bruises, cuts, tearing their clothing, etc.) and then calling law enforcement. If there is visible evidence of abuse, the "other side" is most often taken away in handcuffs. Often, the mere allegation of violence having taken place will result in his or her being forced to leave the residence immediately or suffer arrest, and having no contact with spouse or children for some period of time.
An Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence is a potent weapon in the divorce or custody war. Normally, you will be served with a temporary injunction within 24 hours of filing, immediately escorted from your residence, and permitted no contact with your spouse, significant other, or children. Unless it is dismissed or vacated, it can cost you your job, your residence, your personal property, your reputation, and more. It will also "hang around" and be referenced throughout your case and beyond.
It is profoundly not something to be taken lightly.
We have extensive experience in dealing with these issues, and mounting successful defenses against them, or, if a "permanent" injunction is entered, helping find solutions to the problems they cause. One thing is certain: You should seek legal advice. We can provide that, and much more.
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