Jacksonville Family Law Attorney | Steven C. Fraser, P.A.
Jacksonville, FL  ·  Fourth Judicial Circuit

Northeast Florida
Family Law Attorney.
Your Family. Your Future.

Divorce is never just paperwork — it is the restructuring of a life. Attorney Fraser handles every case personally from first consultation through final judgment. No associates. No paralegals running your case. No handoffs.

Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator. Available to represent or mediate.

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Quick Answer

Steven C. Fraser, Esq. is a family law attorney licensed in Florida (FL Bar No. 625825) and Washington, DC (DC Bar No. 460026), practicing in the Fourth Judicial Circuit (Duval, Clay, and Nassau Counties) and throughout Northeast Florida. He handles divorce (contested and uncontested), child custody and timesharing, child support, alimony, military divorce (NAS Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, Camp Blanding), paternity, domestic violence injunctions, and modification actions. He is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family and Circuit Civil Mediator (Cert. No. 37256 CFR), available statewide. Free consultation: 877-862-7188.

Practice Areas

Comprehensive Family Law Representation

Every family situation is different. Attorney Fraser provides individualized strategy — not a one-size-fits-all approach — across every area of Florida family law.

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Contested Divorce

Full divorce litigation when the parties cannot agree. Discovery, financial disclosure, mediation (mandatory in the Fourth Circuit), temporary relief, equitable distribution, and trial. Attorney Fraser handles every hearing personally.

Fla. Stat. § 61.001 et seq.

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Uncontested Divorce

When both parties agree on all terms — property, custody, support — Attorney Fraser drafts the petition, marital settlement agreement, and parenting plan. Final hearing preparation included. Can finalize in as few as 30 days.

Simplified dissolution available for qualifying couples without children

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Child Custody & Timesharing

Florida uses “timesharing” rather than custody. Attorney Fraser develops parenting plans based on the 20 best-interest factors under § 61.13 — including plans for relocation, school schedules, and holiday rotations.

Fla. Stat. § 61.13 · 20 best-interest factors

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Child Support

Florida child support is calculated by statutory guidelines based on both parents’ incomes, timesharing percentage, healthcare costs, and daycare expenses. Attorney Fraser ensures accurate calculations — and pursues enforcement or modification when circumstances change.

Fla. Stat. § 61.30 · Guidelines worksheet

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Paternity

Establishing paternity is the legal foundation for timesharing and child support rights for unmarried parents. Attorney Fraser handles voluntary acknowledgments, contested paternity actions, and DNA testing orders.

Fla. Stat. § 742.011 et seq.

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Modification & Enforcement

Life changes — job loss, relocation, remarriage — may warrant modification of timesharing, child support, or alimony. When a former spouse ignores a court order, Attorney Fraser files motions for contempt and enforcement with sanctions.

Fla. Stat. § 61.14 · Substantial change in circumstances

Florida Family Law

What You Need to Know
Before Filing in Florida

Florida is a no-fault divorce state. You do not need to prove wrongdoing — only that the marriage is irretrievably broken. But “no-fault” does not mean “no strategy.” How property is divided, how timesharing is structured, and whether alimony is awarded depends entirely on the facts presented and the preparation behind them.

Attorney Fraser prepares every case as if it will go to trial — even when the goal is settlement. That preparation is what produces results at mediation.

No-Fault State

Florida requires only that the marriage is irretrievably broken. No proof of adultery or misconduct needed to file.

Equitable Distribution

Marital assets and debts are divided equitably — which does not always mean equally. The court considers each spouse’s contributions, economic circumstances, and more.

Mandatory Disclosure

Both parties must file sworn financial affidavits and produce tax returns, bank statements, and documentation of all assets and debts.

Parenting Plans Required

Every case involving children must include a detailed parenting plan addressing timesharing schedules, decision-making authority, and communication protocols.

Mediation Required

The Fourth Judicial Circuit requires mediation in all contested family law matters before a case may be set for trial.

20-Day Waiting Period

Florida law requires a minimum 20-day waiting period between filing and finalization. The court may waive this in some circumstances.

Military Family Law

Military Divorce in Northeast Florida

Jacksonville is home to one of the largest military communities in the country. Attorney Fraser understands the unique legal issues military families face.

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NAS Jacksonville · Naval Station Mayport · Camp Blanding

Military divorce involves layers of federal law that most family attorneys rarely encounter. The Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) governs pension division. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides protections against default judgment during deployment. BAH, BAS, and TRICARE continuation require careful analysis. Attorney Fraser has represented both active-duty service members and military spouses throughout the Fourth Circuit.

Pension Division (USFSPA)

Military retirement pay can be divided as marital property. Requires a court order conforming to DFAS requirements — the 10/10 rule affects direct payment.

SCRA Protections

Active-duty members cannot be defaulted during deployment. The SCRA provides a mandatory 90-day stay of proceedings when deployment interferes with court appearances.

BAH & Support

Basic Allowance for Housing and other military-specific income must be properly accounted for in child support and alimony calculations.

TRICARE Continuation

Former spouses may retain TRICARE eligibility under the 20/20/20 or 20/20/15 rules. Coverage planning is essential before finalizing the divorce.

Survivor Benefit Plan

SBP elections must be addressed in the divorce decree. Failure to designate the former spouse within one year of divorce can permanently forfeit this benefit.

Deployment Custody

Florida’s military family law provisions under § 61.13002 protect deployed parents from permanent timesharing modifications based solely on deployment.

Florida Alimony Reform 2023

Alimony After SB 1416:
What Changed and What It Means

Florida’s 2023 alimony reform (effective July 1, 2023) eliminated permanent alimony and created clear guardrails. Here is what the new law actually says.

Fla. Stat. § 61.08 (as amended)

Types of Alimony

Four types remain available — each with specific purposes and durational caps.

TemporaryDuring proceedings only
Bridge-the-GapUp to 2 years
RehabilitativeUp to 5 years
DurationalCapped by marriage length
PermanentEliminated
Duration Caps — Durational Alimony

How Long Can It Last?

The maximum duration depends on how long the marriage lasted.

Short marriage (< 10 years)50% of marriage length
Moderate marriage (10–20 years)60% of marriage length
Long marriage (20+ years)75% of marriage length
Amount cap35% of income difference
AdulteryCourt may consider
RetirementGrounds for modification

Strategy Matters: Whether you are seeking alimony or defending against it, the 2023 reform created specific statutory factors the court must analyze. Attorney Fraser evaluates every alimony claim under the current statute — not outdated case law — and presents the financial picture that supports your position.

About Attorney Fraser

The Lawyer Behind Every Case

Family law is personal. It involves the people you love most and the future you are trying to protect. I became a family law attorney because I believe people going through the most difficult chapter of their lives deserve an advocate who shows up — every time, in every hearing, on every phone call. Not a revolving door of associates. Not a paralegal who “handles things” while the attorney you hired is in another courtroom.

I also believe that litigation should be the last resort — not the first move. As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, I know how to resolve cases without a trial when the facts support it. But when settlement is not possible, I prepare every case for the courtroom. That preparation is the difference.

You work with Steven Fraser directly — alwaysNo associates. No network. No handoffs. The attorney you hire is the attorney who appears in court.
Certified Mediator — litigation and resolution skillsFlorida Supreme Court Certified Family and Circuit Civil Mediator (Cert. No. 37256 CFR). Available statewide as neutral or as advocate.
Military divorce experience — NAS Jax, Mayport, Camp BlandingUSFSPA, SCRA, TRICARE, SBP, BAH — the federal layers most family attorneys overlook.
Dual-licensed — Florida and Washington, DCFL Bar No. 625825 · DC Bar No. 460026 · Admitted to multiple federal courts. Handles interstate custody and relocation matters.
25+ years of experienceFrom uncontested divorces to complex high-asset cases. From paternity to modification. Every phase of family law.
Recognition & Awards
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Lawyers of Distinction2022 · 2023 · 2024
Elite Lawyer2023 · 2024 · 2025
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Outstanding Pro Bono Services2023 · 2024
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Advocate for Equal Justice AwardAccess to Justice Recognition
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Attorney RecognitionHistorical reference; details available on request
FloridaBar No. 625825
District of ColumbiaBar No. 460026
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FL Supreme Court Certified MediatorFamily & Circuit Civil · Cert. No. 37256 CFR · All 20 judicial circuits statewide
Mediation Services

Certified Family Mediator —
Resolve Without the Courtroom

Mediation is often faster, less expensive, and less adversarial than trial. Attorney Fraser serves as both advocate (for his own clients) and neutral mediator (for other attorneys’ cases) throughout Florida.

As Your Attorney at Mediation

When representing you, Attorney Fraser prepares a comprehensive mediation summary, coaches you on what to expect, and negotiates aggressively on your behalf. The goal: reach a settlement that protects your interests without the uncertainty and expense of trial.

As Neutral Mediator

Attorney Fraser is available as a Florida Supreme Court Certified neutral mediator for family and circuit civil cases throughout all 20 judicial circuits. He facilitates productive negotiation between parties and their attorneys to reach voluntary agreements the court can approve.

Dual Capability: Attorney Fraser can serve as advocate or neutral — but never both in the same case. If mediation does not resolve the dispute and you need trial representation, he is prepared. That combination — mediator training with litigation readiness — is what makes the difference at the negotiating table.

Beyond the Final Judgment

The Representation Doesn’t End
When the Judge Signs the Order.

Many family law firms consider their work done when the final judgment is entered. But orders get violated. Circumstances change. Former spouses stop paying support or ignore timesharing schedules. Attorney Fraser handles post-judgment enforcement and modification — holding the other side accountable when they ignore the court’s order.

Contempt & EnforcementWhen a former spouse ignores a court order — unpaid support, withheld timesharing, violated terms — Attorney Fraser files motions for contempt with sanctions, make-up time, and attorney’s fees.
Modification of AlimonyJob loss, retirement, remarriage, or supportive relationships can justify alimony modification under the 2023 reform. Attorney Fraser evaluates whether the statutory “substantial change” threshold is met.
Timesharing ModificationRelocation, safety concerns, or a child’s changing needs may warrant a modification of the parenting plan. The court applies the same 20 best-interest factors used at the original determination.
Child Support ModificationWhen income changes by 15% or more, or when timesharing changes substantially, child support may be recalculated. Attorney Fraser handles both increases and decreases.
The Bottom Line: A court order is only as good as the willingness to enforce it. When the other side violates the terms, Attorney Fraser goes back to court — and pursues contempt, sanctions, and attorney’s fees on your behalf.
Client Reviews

What Clients Say on Google

Reviews are independently posted and managed by Google — not edited or filtered by our firm. Every review reflects a real client experience.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Verified on Google Business Profile

Family law involves some of the most difficult decisions a person will ever make. We invite you to read what clients say about working with Attorney Fraser — directly on Google, where reviews cannot be curated, filtered, or edited by our firm.

Google Business ProfileSteven C. Fraser, P.A.
Place IDVerified listing
LocationJacksonville, FL · By appointment
Rule 4-7.13Compliant attorney advertising

Testimonial Disclaimer per Fla. Bar Rule 4-7.13 & 4-7.14: Client reviews reflect individual experiences; past results do not guarantee or predict future outcomes. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing or posting a review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Family Law Questions,
Straight Answers

How long does a divorce take in Florida?
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An uncontested divorce with no children can be finalized in as few as 30 days after filing. Uncontested divorces with children require a 20-day waiting period. Contested divorces typically take 6 to 12 months depending on complexity, discovery disputes, and the court's calendar in the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Complex cases involving business valuations, hidden assets, or custody disputes may take longer.
How is child custody decided in Florida?
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Florida uses the term timesharing rather than custody. Courts determine timesharing based on the best interests of the child under Florida Statute § 61.13, evaluating 20 specific factors including each parent's capacity to facilitate a close relationship with the other parent, the child's home and community ties, and the mental and physical health of all individuals involved. There is no automatic presumption of 50/50 timesharing, though equal time is increasingly common when both parents are fit.
How is alimony calculated in Florida after the 2023 reform?
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Florida's 2023 alimony reform (SB 1416) eliminated permanent alimony and established four types: temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational. Durational alimony is capped at 50% of the marriage length for short marriages (under 10 years), 60% for moderate (10–20 years), and 75% for long marriages (20+ years). The amount cannot exceed 35% of the difference between the parties' net incomes. The court also considers adultery, the standard of living during the marriage, and each party's earning capacity.
What qualifies as a military divorce in Florida?
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A military divorce involves at least one spouse who is active-duty, reserve, or retired military. Florida courts have jurisdiction if the service member is stationed in Florida or either spouse has resided in Florida for at least 6 months. Military divorces involve unique considerations including USFSPA pension division, Survivor Benefit Plan elections, TRICARE continuation (20/20/20 and 20/20/15 rules), BAH and BAS treatment in support calculations, and SCRA protections against default judgment during deployment. Attorney Fraser represents both service members and military spouses at NAS Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, and Camp Blanding.
What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?
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In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all terms including property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. A marital settlement agreement is drafted, signed, and submitted to the court. In a contested divorce, the parties disagree on one or more issues, requiring negotiation, mediation (mandatory in the Fourth Circuit), and potentially trial. Many cases begin as contested and resolve through mediation before reaching trial.
Is mediation required before trial in Duval County family cases?
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Yes. The Fourth Judicial Circuit requires mediation in all contested family law matters before a case may be set for trial. Attorney Fraser is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator (Cert. No. 37256 CFR) and can serve as a neutral mediator for other attorneys' cases or represent clients through the mediation process in his own cases. Most cases settle at mediation when both sides come prepared.
How is property divided in a Florida divorce?
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Florida follows equitable distribution — marital assets and debts are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers each spouse's contributions (including homemaking), economic circumstances, duration of the marriage, interruption of career or education, and the desirability of retaining a particular asset. Non-marital property (owned before marriage, inherited, or gifted to one spouse) is generally not subject to division, but commingling can convert non-marital property into marital property.
Can I relocate with my children after divorce?
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Under Florida Statute § 61.13001, any move of 50 or more miles from the principal residence at the time of the last custody order requires either written consent from the other parent or a court order. The relocating parent must file a detailed petition. The court evaluates the child's best interests, the reason for relocation, the impact on the child's relationship with the non-relocating parent, and more. Failure to follow the statutory relocation procedure can result in sanctions including loss of timesharing.
What can I do if my ex ignores the court order?
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Attorney Fraser files motions for contempt and enforcement. If a former spouse fails to pay support, violates the timesharing schedule, or ignores any provision of the final judgment, the court can hold them in civil or criminal contempt. Remedies include make-up timesharing, purge payments, attorney's fees assessed against the violating party, and in extreme cases, jail. Document every violation — dates, communications, missed payments — and contact Attorney Fraser immediately.
How is Attorney Fraser different from a large family law firm?
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Large firms assign associates and paralegals to handle day-to-day case management. You may meet the named partner at the initial consultation and then never speak with them again. Attorney Fraser handles every case personally — every phone call, every filing, every hearing, every mediation. He is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, which means he brings settlement skills to the negotiating table and trial preparation to the courtroom. No handoffs. No rotating attorneys. One lawyer, your case, start to finish.

Free Consultation

Speak directly with Attorney Fraser

  • Attorney-client privilege from first contact
  • Case assessment and strategy discussion
  • Alimony and timesharing analysis
  • Military divorce evaluation
  • Same-week appointments available
  • Phone or video — your choice
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