About The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire — divorce West Palm Beach Florida
The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire is a dedicated divorce West Palm Beach firm that has fought for families across Palm Beach County for decades. Attorney Cheshire focuses exclusively on family-related legal matters, bringing focused, experienced counsel to clients in some of the most personal cases they will ever face. The firm handles divorce, child custody and time-sharing, alimony, paternity, domestic violence injunctions, and post-judgment modifications — serving clients throughout West Palm Beach and surrounding South Florida communities.
Clients at this firm work directly with Attorney Cheshire, not case managers. He takes time to explain options clearly, prepare clients for what to expect in the Palm Beach County family courts, and build a strategy tailored to each family’s situation. Many cases resolve through negotiation or mediation; when they cannot, Cheshire is fully prepared to advocate in the 15th Judicial Circuit.
What Clients Say
Clients consistently highlight Attorney Cheshire’s clear communication and steady presence during difficult moments. Reviewers note that he explains complex custody and divorce procedures in plain language, keeps clients informed throughout the process, and approaches each case with genuine care for the outcome — particularly when children’s best interests are at stake.
divorce West Palm Beach — Practice Areas & Services
- Divorce & High-Asset Divorce: Full representation in contested and uncontested divorces in Palm Beach County, including cases involving business interests and complex asset division.
- Child Custody & Time-Sharing: Advocacy for parenting plans and time-sharing schedules under Florida’s best-interest standard in the 15th Judicial Circuit.
- Alimony & Spousal Support: Petitioning and defending alimony claims, including durational and bridge-the-gap support under Florida’s 2023 alimony reform law.
- Domestic Violence Injunctions: Filing and defending injunctions for protection in Palm Beach County court.
- Paternity & Parental Rights: Establishing paternity, securing time-sharing rights, and modifying existing orders when circumstances change.
- Post-Judgment Modifications: Petitioning to modify custody, support, or alimony orders in response to substantial life changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Palm Beach County?
An uncontested divorce in Palm Beach County can close in as little as 30 days once both parties sign the required documents. Contested divorces heard in the 15th Judicial Circuit typically take six months to two years, depending on the complexity of asset division and custody disputes. Mediation is mandatory before trial in most cases.
Does Florida require a waiting period before filing for divorce?
Florida requires at least one spouse to have been a resident for six months before filing. There is no mandatory separation period — Florida is a no-fault divorce state, so either party can cite the marriage being irretrievably broken. The 15th Circuit courthouse is located at 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach.
How does Palm Beach County determine child time-sharing?
Florida courts use a 20-factor best-interest analysis to determine time-sharing. Palm Beach County judges weigh each parent’s demonstrated history of involvement, the child’s adjustment to home and school, and each parent’s willingness to support the other’s relationship with the child. There is no automatic preference for either parent based on gender.
Quick Facts: Family Law in West Palm Beach, Florida
- Palm Beach County divorce filings: 3,951 new divorce cases and 12,212 total family law matters filed in 2024 — Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator
- Mediation requirement: Florida requires mediation before trial in most contested family cases; roughly 75–80% of Palm Beach County family cases resolve without a judge’s final ruling — Palm Beach County Family Division
- Filing fee: The filing fee for a divorce petition in Palm Beach County is approximately $419, plus $40–$60 for service — Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts

