Orlando Divorce Attorney

Legal issues surrounding your marriage and family can often be the most stressful type of legal issues. Not only are you facing significant time and money expenses as well as the stress of having to deal with the court when working through these issues, they are centered on the most intimate areas of your life. This is why you need an Orlando divorce attorney who is not only experienced and driven to succeed, but compassionate and sensitive to your needs.

Experienced Divorce Attorney – Steve W. Marsee

Firm president and one of the most experienced divorce attorneys in Orlando, Steve W. Marsee worked for years as an undercover drug investigator and chief of police before beginning his legal career. During his time in law enforcement, Mr. Marsee encountered a diverse range of people in difficult and stressful situations. This vast experience makes Mr. Marsee uniquely qualified to deal with the complex negotiations often involved in marital and family law matters. He enjoys using the analytical skills he developed to solve complicated issues and achieve the best possible solutions for his clients. Mr. Marsee was a Martindale-Hubbell® Client Distinction Award recipient in 2012, and was selected in 2015 as member of the nation’s top one percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

In the vast majority of cases that settle, the key differences as to why they do is because of the experience that your attorney has; their reputation for being knowledgeable of the law; their ability to read the nuisances of each party involved keeping in mind their motivation for acting a particular way and their reputation for being tough in a courtroom should a settlement not be reached. In sum, you must always negotiate from a position of strength but do so professionally and consistently so that other parties and their attorneys know that you speak from a position of knowledge and authority. I have gained this experience from my vast law enforcement experience and my equally vast experience as an Attorney. That’s why I settle more than 95% of my cases at mediation.

You need an Orlando divorce attorney who is not only experienced and driven to succeed, but compassionate and sensitive to your needs.

Work with a divorce attorney serving Orlando who can help you address all of your legal needs as well as those you anticipate facing, not just your immediate need. Steve W. Marsee is here to help you work through all of the legal issues attached to your divorce and life in the months and years that follow. Remember, your relationship with your spouse does not end with your divorce, especially if you have children. Steve W. Marsee can continue to serve you after your divorce as you navigate the world of co-parenting with a former spouse and find yourself on either the paying or receiving end of a spousal support agreement.

Our Family Law Firm Knows the Legal Processes

This is possibly the most important reason to retain an experienced Orlando divorce attorney when working through a divorce or other family law issue. Your attorney knows how to petition for each type of legal order and how to work with the court to make or change existing legal orders. Your attorney will help you avoid mistakes like missing deadlines or critical paperwork, filling out legal forms incorrectly, or violating the rules of your legal order.

Based in Orlando, the Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee assists clients throughout Central Florida with sensitive and often complex marital and family law matters, including divorce, child custody and support, and property distribution. We also handle separation agreements and domestic violence cases.

Orlando High Net Worth Divorce Attorney

High net worth divorce cases require a level of legal sophistication that goes well beyond the standard dissolution. When the marital estate includes a privately held business, significant real estate holdings, investment portfolios, executive compensation packages, or family trusts, the financial side of the case often becomes more challenging than the personal side. Steve W. Marsee has successfully litigated complex, high-asset Orlando divorces involving multimillion-dollar estates, and he brings the analytical discipline of his law enforcement and investigative background to every financial issue that arises.

In a high net worth divorce, the central battles are usually fought over valuation and characterization. What is the business actually worth on the date of filing? Which assets are marital and subject to equitable distribution, and which remain non-marital because they were owned before the marriage, inherited, or received as a gift? How should commingled accounts be traced back to their original source? Mr. Marsee works with a network of forensic accountants, business appraisers, vocational experts, and financial analysts to build a clear and defensible picture of the marital estate before negotiations begin.

Common issues handled in Orlando high net worth divorce cases include:

Closely held business and professional practice valuations
Goodwill analysis, including the distinction between enterprise and personal goodwill
Executive compensation, restricted stock units, performance shares, and stock options
Deferred compensation, carried interest, and partnership distributions
Trusts, including revocable, irrevocable, and discretionary beneficiary interests
Inherited wealth and gifts received before or during the marriage
Complex investment portfolios, hedge fund interests, and private equity holdings
Multiple residential and commercial real estate holdings, including out-of-state property
Retirement accounts, pensions, and qualified domestic relations orders
Hidden asset investigations, lifestyle analysis, and tracing of marital funds
Tax planning around equitable distribution and support obligations

Hidden assets deserve particular attention in high net worth cases. When one spouse controls the businesses, the accounts, and the financial information, the other spouse is often at a serious informational disadvantage. Mr. Marsee uses formal discovery, depositions, subpoenas to financial institutions, and forensic accounting techniques to identify unreported income, undisclosed accounts, suspicious transfers to family members or shell entities, and lifestyle spending that does not match the disclosed numbers. Concealing assets during a Florida divorce is not only unethical, it can result in sanctions, an unequal distribution favoring the innocent spouse, and in some cases a referral for further investigation.

Equally important is the question of how income is calculated for alimony and child support purposes. A high-earning executive, business owner, or professional may receive compensation through a combination of base salary, bonus, equity awards, distributions, perquisites, and deferred arrangements. Treating only the W-2 line as income often produces a result that bears little relationship to the actual standard of living during the marriage. Mr. Marsee builds a complete income picture so that any support award, whether durational, rehabilitative, bridge-the-gap, or temporary, reflects the real financial circumstances of both parties.

High Net Worth Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements in Orlando

For individuals entering marriage with significant assets, a business interest, family wealth, or expected inheritances, a well-drafted prenuptial agreement is one of the most important financial decisions you will make. A prenuptial agreement allows you and your future spouse to define in advance how property will be characterized, how income generated during the marriage will be treated, and how alimony and asset division would be handled in the event of divorce or death. Done correctly, it protects what you bring into the marriage while creating clarity and reducing conflict if the marriage ends.

Steve W. Marsee drafts and reviews high net worth prenuptial agreements for Orlando clients across a range of situations, including business owners protecting equity from future claims, professionals with substantial future earning capacity, beneficiaries of family trusts, individuals entering second or third marriages who want to protect children from prior relationships, and couples where one party brings significantly greater premarital wealth into the relationship.

A strong Florida prenuptial agreement typically addresses:

Identification and characterization of separate and marital property
Treatment of appreciation, income, and distributions from premarital assets
Business ownership interests and how future growth will be handled
Trust interests, inheritances, and gifts from family members
Alimony waivers, caps, or formulas tailored to the parties’ circumstances
Treatment of debts brought into the marriage
Estate planning coordination and survivor protections
Dispute resolution procedures, including mediation and choice of law

Florida law requires that prenuptial agreements be entered into voluntarily, with full and fair disclosure of assets and liabilities, and without fraud, duress, coercion, or overreaching. Agreements that are rushed, signed too close to the wedding, lacking in financial disclosure, or imposed under pressure are frequently challenged and sometimes set aside. Mr. Marsee structures each agreement, and the process surrounding it, to maximize enforceability and to anticipate the arguments that could be raised against it years later.

For couples already married, a postnuptial agreement can serve a similar purpose. Postnuptial agreements are often used when one spouse starts or acquires a business during the marriage, when a substantial inheritance is received, when the parties want to resolve financial uncertainty short of divorce, or when reconciliation after a period of separation is conditioned on clear financial terms. The Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee handles both prenuptial and postnuptial drafting and review, and also litigates the validity of these agreements when they are challenged in divorce proceedings.

When High Net Worth Divorce Cases Belong in Litigation

Many of Mr. Marsee’s high-asset cases resolve at mediation, which is consistent with his overall settlement rate of more than 95 percent. Mediation can preserve privacy, control cost, and produce creative solutions that a court cannot order. At the same time, the willingness and demonstrated ability to take a case to trial is what makes meaningful settlement possible in the first place. Opposing counsel and opposing spouses settle on reasonable terms when they understand that the alternative is a fully prepared courtroom presentation by an attorney with decades of trial experience in Florida state courts and in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

When a case does require litigation, common flashpoints in high net worth Orlando divorces include disputes over business valuation methodology, claims that one spouse dissipated marital assets, fights over the characterization of trust interests, disagreements about imputed income for support purposes, and disputes over the enforceability of prior prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Mr. Marsee prepares every high-asset case as if it will be tried, even when the goal is to resolve it short of trial.

Orlando Divorce FAQs

What residence criteria applies for Orlando, Florida divorce filings?

At least one partner must have resided in Florida for six months before seeking divorce in Orlando. The Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. will easily guide you through the initial filing process and help determine whether you satisfy the residency requirements.

How long does a divorce take in Orlando?

The duration of a divorce depends on whether it is contested or uncontested, among other factors. While some cases settle in a few months, others may take longer due to disputes over custody, support, or division of assets. Our Orlando divorce attorney advocates for timely resolutions and works efficiently to simplify the process.

In what ways does a contested divorce differ from an uncontested divorce?

In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all major concerns. In a contested divorce, disagreements must be resolved through negotiation or court intervention. Orlando uncontested divorce attorney Steve W. Marsee has extensive experience handling both types of divorces and ensures your rights are protected at every stage.

How is property divided during a divorce in Orlando?

Florida follows equitable distribution laws, which means marital assets and debts are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. The Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. can help you determine what is considered marital versus non-marital property and advocate for a fair distribution based on your unique circumstances.

How does Florida determine child custody?

Known in Florida as “time-sharing,” child custody is based on the best interests of the child. Courts consider multiple factors, including the child’s needs, the stability of the home, and each parent’s involvement. Our Orlando child custody lawyer works with parents to create strong parenting plans and fights for outcomes that safeguard both your child and your parental rights.

Will I receive or be required to pay alimony?

Alimony is determined by several factors, such as the length of the marriage, financial need, and the other party’s ability to pay. Florida recognizes durational, rehabilitative, bridge-the-gap, and temporary alimony, each with its own purpose and limits. Whether you are requesting or contesting alimony, Steve W. Marsee, P.A. can assess your situation and advocate for fair and appropriate spousal support.

Can we settle our divorce without going to court?

Yes. Many divorces are resolved through mediation or negotiation without the need for trial. Our Orlando divorce lawyer supports out-of-court solutions whenever possible and provides strong representation throughout the settlement process to secure the best possible outcome.

What should I do if my spouse is hiding assets?

Hiding assets during divorce is illegal and can affect the final settlement. Steve W. Marsee has the tools and resources to uncover hidden income or property through discovery and forensic accounting, ensuring your settlement is just and equitable.

What qualifies as a high net worth divorce in Orlando?

There is no single statutory definition, but a high net worth divorce typically involves a marital estate worth in the seven figures or more, or one that includes complex assets such as a privately held business, significant investment accounts, multiple real estate holdings, trust interests, executive compensation, or substantial inherited wealth. The Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. has handled Orlando divorces across this range and understands the specialized issues these cases present.

How is a business valued in a Florida divorce?

Business valuation in a Florida divorce generally involves a qualified appraiser using one or more recognized approaches, including the income approach, the market approach, and the asset approach. Issues such as enterprise goodwill versus personal goodwill, owner compensation normalization, minority discounts, and the valuation date can have a major impact on the final number. Steve W. Marsee works with experienced business appraisers and forensic accountants to challenge inflated or deflated valuations and to protect his client’s interest in the marital business.

How are stock options, RSUs, and executive compensation handled?

Restricted stock units, stock options, performance shares, and deferred compensation are frequently the largest assets in an executive’s marital estate. Florida courts look at when the awards were granted, what services they were intended to compensate, and what vesting schedule applies. Awards earned during the marriage are generally marital, while those tied to future services may be treated differently. Mr. Marsee structures division and offset strategies that account for tax treatment, vesting risk, and the practical limits on transferring employer equity.

How are trusts and inherited assets treated in an Orlando divorce?

Inheritances and gifts received by one spouse are generally non-marital under Florida law, but the analysis becomes more complex when trust distributions are used to support the marital lifestyle, when inherited funds are commingled with marital accounts, or when one spouse has access to discretionary trust distributions. Steve W. Marsee analyzes the trust instruments, distribution history, and tracing evidence to protect inherited wealth and to challenge improper claims against it.

Do I need a prenuptial agreement?

A prenuptial agreement is worth serious consideration any time one or both parties bring significant assets, business ownership, expected inheritances, or substantial earning capacity into the marriage. It is also valuable for individuals entering a second or third marriage who want to protect children from a prior relationship. A properly drafted Florida prenuptial agreement can reduce conflict, protect family wealth, and provide certainty in the event of divorce or death. The Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. drafts, reviews, and litigates prenuptial and postnuptial agreements for Orlando clients.

Do I need a lawyer for my Orlando divorce?

While not legally required, hiring an experienced Orlando divorce law firm can make a significant difference. Steve W. Marsee provides strategic, results-driven guidance to help you navigate the process, avoid common mistakes, and protect your rights and interests.

How can the Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. help with my divorce?

With decades of experience in Florida family law, Steve W. Marsee delivers aggressive representation, compassionate support, and a commitment to achieving favorable results. From your first consultation through the final judgment, he ensures that you are informed, prepared, and fully protected every step of the way.

Serving Throughout Orlando

Downtown Orlando
Baldwin Park
College Park
Lake Nona
Winter Park
Audubon Park
Lawsona/Fern Creek
Delaney Park
Lake Eola Heights
South Eola
Thornton Park
Colonialtown North
Milk District
Mills 50
Dr. Phillips

Our Orlando Divorce & Family Law Attorneys Can Help

When searching for an “Orlando divorce attorney near me”, selecting the best attorney means selecting someone who combines compassion, strategy, and a dedication to your best interests with great legal understanding. Whether it concerns child custody, property division, alimony, or high-conflict conflicts, divorce may be emotionally and financially complicated. Therefore, it is imperative to engage with an attorney who knows Florida family law and has expertise managing cases much like yours. The top divorce attorney in Orlando will spend time to thoroughly explain your alternatives, grasp your objectives, and aggressively advocate both in and outside of court for a just result. Search for a professional with a solid background, stellar client comments, and approach that will help you feel confident and encouraged all along.

Orlando divorce lawyer Steve W. Marsee works with families to achieve an amicable divorce through mediation. He is certified as a Family Law Mediator by the Florida Supreme Court, and his negotiation skills help clients obtain agreements that are mutually beneficial, both financially and emotionally. However, if his clients’ interests are best served by going to trial, Mr. Marsee is an aggressive advocate in the courtroom. His extensive trial experience includes litigating in the state courts of Florida and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Contact a Skilled Orlando Divorce Attorney

If you need help resolving a family law or divorce dispute while protecting your family’s physical, financial and emotional well-being, contact the Orlando divorce attorneys of the Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee today at 407-521-7171 for an initial consultation.