Divorce and Family Law Attorney in Florida

Alan R. Burton, Attorney at Law

1600 West Commercial Boulevard, Suite 103 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 USA

 (954) 519-2314

www.alanburtonlaw.com
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Law Firm Overview Free Consultation

I am Alan Robert Burton, Attorney at Law. In more than 30 years of legal practice, I have served numerous clients across a wide range of situations. As unique as your specific situation may be, it is likely that I have helped someone in a similar situation. I am also at very much at ease arguing my client's position in a courtroom before a judge. In 1991, I appeared before the Supreme Court of Florida to argue the landmark case of Robertson vs. Robertson. This case has had a profound impact on martial property rights in Florida, and is cited frequently by trial judges throughout the state of Florida. I have additional experience arguing cases before appellate courts, having argued more than 40 cases before the Fourth District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach, Florida.

The other cornerstone of my work is my commitment to offering a high level of personal service to each client. I will respond promptly to your phone calls and e-mails, and will take the time to fully understand what you want in your case. I understand that the way in which your case is resolved will have a major impact on your life, and I move the case in the direction you want it to go. Divorce is an emotional event in one's life, and I know that personal attention and assistance is required after hours or on weekends. I will make myself available to you throughout the weekend and during evenings. I truly understand your situation and know I can help.

I will also give you realistic counsel about how your case is likely to proceed. I will not make promises or give you the idea that I can achieve results that are not likely to happen. Instead, I will inform you of your options and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Once we have agreed on a course of action, I will work hard to achieve your goals. I have offices in Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Practice Areas

Practice Areas Description

- Divorce

At the office of attorney Alan R. Burton, I work closely with men and women at all stages of a divorce proceeding, from the initial filing through negotiated settlements or trial. I also handle requests for modification or enforcement of existing divorce decrees. I help clients resolve all matters related to or arising out of a contested or uncontested divorce, including: Parenting plans and time sharing (formerly know as child custody and visitation); Child support; Alimony or spousal support; and, Equitable distribution of marital property.

- Equitable Distribution

I work with men and women to equitably divide the debts and assets of a marriage. When you hire me to help you with the distribution of marital property, I will work closely with you to determine what marital assets and debts exist and what their value is. I will then work with you to divide them fairly, starting at an equal distribution, keeping an eye out for the inappropriate use of assets or hidden debts/assets.

- Complex Divorce

Some divorces involve substantial marital estates with business interests or other complex assets. Other divorces may involve a family home that is underwater on the mortgage. It may be the case that you and your spouse simply disagree on many matters, and you anticipate drawn-out litigation. In a complex divorce, you need a lawyer who has represented men and women in divorce for many years. You need an attorney who has represented clients in all sorts of unusual circumstances and can use this experience to help you plan a successful strategy. My name is Alan Robert Burton, Attorney at Law. I have represented men and women in divorce for more than 30 years.

- Business Interests in Divorce

If you are contemplating divorce, and you or your spouse owns a closely-held company, family-owned business or professional practice, a lawyer is crucial to properly evaluate the worth of your company and protect your interests. I have access to many experts, such as forensic accountants and business valuation experts who can accurately determine the value of the company or professional practice. If you and your spouse cannot agree on the value of the company, I will be able to argue persuasively on your behalf in front of a judge. I will also go over any documents that outline each spouse's ownership interests in the business, such as partnership agreements, shareholder agreements, and prenuptial agreements. These documents can shed light on what each party is entitled to receive in the divorce process.

- Alimony

Alimony is frequently a point of substantial contention in a divorce. Furthermore, judges have a lot of discretion in determining whether a spouse should pay or receive alimony, and in what amounts. Florida recently revised the laws regarding alimony. Although the impact of these laws remains to be seen, there is no doubt that the changes in these laws will make an impact in divorces throughout the state. If you have questions or concerns about the role these new laws will play in your divorce, contact Alan Robert Burton, Attorney at Law.

- Child Support

Child support is a major issue in any divorce involving minor children. Florida has adopted child support guidelines that provide a standardized formula for courts to follow when determining child support obligations. There have been recent changes to these laws that have the potential to impact parents and children across the state. If you want to learn about the new child support guidelines, contact Alan Robert Burton, Attorney at Law. I have offices in Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, and serve clients across South Florida.

- Visitation and Time Sharing

Florida's legislature has taken the position that each parent should have meaningful involvement in the lives of their children. As a result, courts will rarely award sole custody. When determining a time sharing plan, both parents may find it advantageous to negotiate an agreement. Litigation can be costly. More importantly, litigation will leave many important decisions about your future up to a judge. I can help you seek constructive results in negotiation. Of course, in the event you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement as to time sharing, I will ably represent you in court as well.

- Relocation

In over 3 decades of practice, I have represented many custodial and non-custodial parents in cases involving requests to relocate. Under Florida law, in order for a custodial parent to move more than 50 miles away from the other parent, the court must grant permission for the move. This is accomplished by filing a supplemental petition to relocate with minor child or children. The court will then make a determination, based on a number of factors. Whether you are the custodial or non-custodial parent, I will handle all matters related to a relocation request, preparing and filing all documents required and acting as your advocate in all hearing or proceedings. If a move needs to take place in a fairly short period of time, I can help you expedite the process. If the relocation is approved, I will also help you seek modification of child custody, visitation and child support orders, if appropriate.

- Modification

In order to be successful in modifying alimony or child support, you must show that there has been a "substantial change in circumstances." A substantial change in circumstances could entail many things, such as a job loss, a promotion, or a serious health problem that prevents you or your ex-spouse from working. If you want to modify child custody and time sharing arrangements, you need to establish that the modification is in the best interests of your children. Relocation issues involve the modification of a divorce agreement. These issues are usually highly contested. If you want to relocate with your children you must take a number of steps in order to obtain permission from the court. If you oppose relocation, you have rights as well. In either event, I am able to represent your interests. I have more than 30 years of legal experience, and have represented parents on both sides of this issue.

- International Child Custody Disputes

When divorcing parents live in different countries or want to live in different countries, the parties must address many issues. These issues include determining the appropriate jurisdiction where the case should be heard, and preparing a parenting arrangement that works in the best interests of the children, while protecting the rights of each parent. I will take the appropriate steps to prepare a strategy that will protect your rights and your children's rights. If your child has been unlawfully removed from the United States to another country by the other parent, you need a lawyer to act quickly and decisively on your behalf. Depending on what country your child has been taken to, international treaties and the Hague Convention will govern the dispute. If a Petition for the Return of Your Child is required under the Hague Convention, I will prepare all of the necessary documentation. In addition, I will coordinate all activities with the State Department and lawyers in the country where your child is located in order to facilitate your child's return.

More Information on Alan R. Burton, Attorney at Law

Divorce Law Firm in Boca Raton, Florida
Complex Divorce Attorney in Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton, Florida Spousal Support Lawyer
Boca Raton, Florida Child Support Attorney
Child Custody Attorney in Boca Raton, Florida
Boca Raton, Florida Child Relocation Lawyer
Boca Raton, Florida Divorce Modification Lawyer
FL International Child Custody Disputes Lawyer
Alan R. Burton, Attorney at Law Blog
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Other Offices

• USA - Florida, Boca Raton - Main Office