Rice Law Firm serves families across Volusia County, from Ormond Beach and Port Orange to New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, DeLand, and Deltona. Our family law practice handles divorce, parenting plans, time-sharing, child support, alimony, and paternity, with a particular focus on divorce for spouses over 55.
Rice Law Firm has practiced volusia county family law since 1983. Paul E. Rice, Jr. is board certified in marital and family law by The Florida Bar, a credential a small percentage of Florida attorneys hold, and the firm’s family group has handled thousands of matters in this circuit.
Divorce Over 55 for Volusia County Clients
Divorce over 55 is a major focus of Rice Law Firm’s family law practice. If you are ending a long marriage, our attorneys can help you understand the divorce process, address questions about spousal support, and prepare for life after divorce.
Paul E. Rice, Jr. represents spouses over 55 and offers mediation and collaborative divorce options when appropriate. Explore the firm’s dedicated senior-divorce resource or schedule a consultation to discuss your circumstances.
The Seventh Judicial Circuit
Volusia County sits in Florida’s Seventh Judicial Circuit along with Flagler, Putnam, and St. Johns counties. Family cases are filed with the Volusia County Clerk of the Circuit Court and assigned to a family division. Mediation precedes a final hearing in most contested matters.
What that means for you is less about geography than about preparation. Judges in this circuit see the same procedural mistakes repeatedly: incomplete financial affidavits, mandatory disclosure under Rule 12.285 produced late or not at all, and parenting plans written in language too vague to enforce when the parents stop cooperating.
Family Law Matters We Handle
Divorce and dissolution of marriage, including contested and uncontested cases, spousal support, and parenting arrangements. More
Alimony under Florida Statute 61.08, substantially amended in 2023. More
Time-sharing and parental responsibility under Florida Statute 61.13, including the 2023 presumption of equal time-sharing. More
Child support under the Florida Statute 61.30 guidelines. More
Paternity for unmarried parents. More
Relocation with a child under Florida Statute 61.13001 generally involves a parent moving their principal residence 50 miles or more for at least 60 consecutive days, excluding qualifying temporary absences. A relocation agreement must meet the statutory requirements, and an existing court case may require court ratification; otherwise, court permission must be sought. More
Modifications and enforcement of existing orders. More
Injunctions for protection, both petitions and defense. More
Prenuptial agreements, collaborative divorce, and mediation. See all family law services
The Attorneys
Paul E. Rice, Jr., managing partner, focuses on marital and family law, including divorce for spouses over 55. He is board certified in marital and family law by The Florida Bar, a Florida Supreme Court certified family law mediator, and formally trained in collaborative divorce. Bio
Philip J. Bonamo, partner, handles marital and family law and criminal defense. He is board certified in criminal trial law by The Florida Bar. Bio
MaryCatherine Crock, Junior Partner. Family law, paternity, injunctions. Bio
Serena Baldacchino, Attorney. Family law, paternity, injunctions, with trial experience in high-conflict custody and support matters. Bio
Where in Volusia County We Serve
Daytona Beach · Ormond Beach · Port Orange · South Daytona · New Smyrna Beach · Edgewater · DeLand · Deltona · Holly Hill · Oak Hill
We also handle family matters in Flagler County, including Palm Coast and Flagler Beach.
Wills, Trusts and Probate
Rice Law Firm also handles wills, trusts, and probate. Matthew Shapiro leads the firm’s estate planning and probate practice. Learn about wills, trusts and probate.
Your First Consultation
Bring recent income information, tax returns, and any existing court orders. If children are involved, bring notes about the current parenting schedule. Use the consultation to discuss your concerns about divorce, support, parenting arrangements, or divorce after 55 and to ask about the next steps.
Call 386-257-1222 or use the form below. Rice Law Firm’s only office is at 222 Seabreeze Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32118.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Volusia County?
An uncontested dissolution with a signed agreement generally takes less time than a contested case. Disputes about support or parenting, required disclosure, and court availability affect the timeline. The amount the spouses agree on is an important factor.
Do both spouses have to live in Volusia County?
No. One spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing. Venue is generally where the parties last lived together as a married couple, or where the respondent resides.
Does Florida presume equal time-sharing?
Florida law creates a rebuttable presumption that equal time-sharing is in a child’s best interests. It is not an automatic outcome. The court evaluates the child’s best interests and the facts of the case under Florida Statute 61.13.
Will I have to testify?
A contested final hearing may require your testimony. Settlement at mediation can avoid a contested trial, but a final hearing and brief testimony may still be needed to complete the divorce. Your attorney will explain the requirements for your case and the assigned judge.
What is mandatory disclosure?
Rule 12.285 of the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure generally requires parties to exchange financial information, including tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and financial affidavits. The requirements depend on the proceeding and applicable exceptions or permitted waivers. Your attorney will explain which documents are required and the deadlines in your case.
Talk to a Volusia County Family Law Attorney
Four decades of practice in one circuit teaches you what a case like yours tends to be worth, how long it tends to take, and which fights are worth having. We will share that honestly, including when the answer is that you should settle. Call Rice Law Firm at 386-257-1222 or send us a message to schedule a consultation.
