BEST Divorce Lawyer Near You
Sean Smallwood is widely recognized as one of the leading divorce lawyers in Orlando, Florida. Sean Smallwood has been recognized with awards for pro bono volunteering and has been named one of Orlando’s Legal Elite by Orlando Style Magazine. Sean Smallwood has also received recognitions including Super Lawyers, 10 Best Attorneys in Client Satisfaction, an AVVO Superb rating, and many other professional honors reflecting both legal excellence and client trust.
As an experienced Orlando family lawyer near you, Sean Smallwood practices exclusively in divorce and family law. Sean Smallwood represents clients in contested and uncontested divorce, child custody disputes, child support, alimony, and property division with focused strategy and hands-on advocacy.
Choosing the best divorce attorney near you can directly affect your finances, your parental rights, and your future. Whether your case requires negotiation, mediation, or litigation, Sean Smallwood provides disciplined representation and clear guidance throughout the divorce process.
Divorce is not just a legal matter, it is a major life transition. Sean’s approach combines strong legal strategy with practical communication, helping clients make informed decisions and move forward with confidence. Contact our office to discuss your divorce or family law matter.
Practice Areas - Orlando Family Law Attorney
Why Hire Sean Smallwood as Your Trusted Divorce Attorney in Orlando?
- Focused Divorce Experience: Sean Smallwood is an experienced family law attorney who practices exclusively in divorce and family law, giving clients the benefit of concentrated knowledge and proven strategy in complex divorce cases.
- Refundable Retainer Structure: Unlike many divorce lawyers, Sean offers refundable retainers, ensuring clients are only billed for work actually performed and reinforcing transparency and trust.
- Personalized Legal Strategy: Every divorce is different. Sean provides individualized attention and develops a case strategy tailored to your goals, finances, and family circumstances.
- Compassionate, Client-First Approach: Sean understands the emotional weight of divorce and approaches each case with professionalism, empathy, and respect for what clients are going through.
- Clear and Consistent Communication: Clients receive straightforward guidance and regular updates, allowing them to make informed decisions at every stage of the divorce process.
- Respected Reputation and Results: Recognized for legal excellence, client satisfaction, and pro bono service, Sean has a strong record of advocating effectively for his clients’ rights and long-term interests.
What Just A Few Recent Clients Say About Sean Smallwood - An Orlando Divorce Attorney
Types of Divorce in Florida
Florida divorce cases generally fall into three primary categories. Each type of divorce requires a different legal approach depending on the level of agreement between the parties and the issues involved.
Contested Divorce in Orlando
A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more issues, including child custody, child support, alimony, property division, or debt allocation. These cases often involve court hearings and formal litigation.
Many people searching for contested divorce lawyers benefit from exploring mediation and negotiation before trial. While litigation is sometimes necessary, many contested divorce cases resolve through court-ordered mediation with the help of experienced divorce mediation lawyers.
Uncontested Divorce in Orlando
An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree on all terms of the dissolution, including custody, support, alimony, and property division. Our firm regularly assists clients with Orlando uncontested divorce cases and focuses on efficient, cost-conscious resolutions.
Even in uncontested cases, Florida law requires a final hearing before a judge. Any unresolved disagreement can convert an uncontested divorce into contested litigation.
Collaborative Divorce in Florida
A collaborative divorce is a voluntary process where both spouses agree to resolve divorce-related issues outside of court with the guidance of their attorneys. The focus is on cooperation, transparency, and practical solutions rather than litigation.
Collaborative divorce can be appropriate for couples who want to minimize conflict and retain control over decisions involving children and finances. It is not suitable for every situation, particularly cases involving domestic violence or severe power imbalances.
Orlando Family Law Attorney
Sean Smallwood is an experienced Orlando family law attorney representing clients in divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, emergency custody matters, and fathers’ rights cases.
Divorce cases involving children require detailed parenting plans and court-approved time-sharing arrangements that serve the best interests of the children. Child support is calculated using financial disclosures and enforced through court orders. Emergency custody hearings may be necessary when a child’s safety is at risk.
Our firm works to reduce unnecessary conflict while protecting client rights. Clients seeking guidance from a men’s family law attorney receive practical, strategic representation tailored to their circumstances.
Alimony and Spousal Support in Florida
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is one of the most contested issues in a Florida divorce. Courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, income and earning capacity, standard of living during the marriage, and financial need.
Sean Smallwood represents clients seeking alimony as well as those defending against unreasonable support requests. Proper legal guidance is essential to protecting your long-term financial stability.
Annulment vs Divorce in Florida
An annulment is not a type of divorce. It is a legal determination that a marriage was invalid from the beginning and is only available in limited circumstances.
Many people ask why you need a lawyer for an annulment. Legal representation is important to determine eligibility and protect your rights throughout the process.
How Does Divorce Work in Orlando?
Every divorce case begins with a strategy. From the initial consultation, we assess your goals, identify key issues, and develop a plan designed to move your case toward resolution. Our firm handles amicable divorces, same-sex divorce in Florida, and complex contested litigation.
Depending on the case, the process may involve discovery, mediation, negotiations, or court hearings. In urgent situations involving children, we may pursue motions for emergency hearings in Florida.
While Florida divorce law is uniform statewide, local family court rules and court backlogs in Orlando can affect scheduling and timelines. Sean Smallwood advises clients on when court appearances are required and works to minimize unnecessary delays.
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Orlando?
The cost of divorce in Florida depends on factors such as complexity, level of conflict, and whether litigation is required. Most divorce and family law lawyers in Orlando charge hourly rates and require a retainer.
Many Orlando divorce attorneys near you charge non-refundable retainers, which can be costly if a case resolves early. Our firm primarily offers refundable retainers, meaning unused funds are returned at the conclusion of the case. This structure promotes transparency, accountability, and client trust.
“When people find out that we offer refundable fees, I think they realize that they really can trust us as their divorce and family law attorney.”
— Sean Smallwood, Esq.
Orlando’s cost of living can also influence divorce settlements, particularly property division, alimony, and child support. Housing costs, real estate values, and everyday living expenses often play a central role in financial negotiations.
Experienced Divorce Lawyer Serving Orlando and Surrounding Areas
Sean Smallwood serves clients throughout Orlando and Central Florida, including Orange County, Apopka, Baldwin Park, College Park, Delaney Park, Doctor Phillips, Hunters Creek, Winter Garden, Lake Nona, Maitland, Thornton Park, Windermere, and nearby communities.
If you are facing divorce or a related family law issue involving child custody, time-sharing, alimony, property division, or attorney’s fees, we can help you navigate the Florida divorce process. Assistance is also available from an experienced domestic violence attorney
when needed.
Contact our office to discuss your case and learn how an experienced Orlando divorce lawyer can help protect your rights.
390 N Orange Ave Suite 2300-M,
Orlando, FL 32801
407-574-6155
Available Monday to Friday between 9 am to 5 pm
Please take a moment to watch this quick intro video from Sean Smallwood:
