DIVORCE

PATERNITY

FAMILY LAW

Our Practice

Dedicated to Serving Northwest Florida Families

Family law involves very personal issues that can impact you and your family for years to come. We understand that this can feel overwhelming. It’s hard to know where to turn for honest help resolving these emotional legal issues. Seeking a lawyer with experience and understanding is essential for getting through this difficult time. We understand that each family law case is unique because every person’s situation is different. We will give personal attention to your individual circumstances and will guide you through your family legal situation. There is no need to be worried or stressed because you aren’t alone. Rest assured that we will guide you through every step with confidence and compassion.

I am attorney Kristina M. Cook. I have been helping people solve their difficult legal issues for years and will put my skill and knowledge to work for you. Your team at The Cook Firm, PLLC, is here to listen, develop, and then implement an individualized solution for you and your loved ones. Let us provide you with the information you need to understand your legal options and show you the steps required to put this situation behind you. We can help you move forward with your life.

Our Services

Practice Areas

Contested & Uncontested Divorces

In Florida, an uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues, including property and debt division, alimony, child custody, parenting time, and child support. A contested divorce occurs when the spouses cannot agree on one or more of these matters, requiring negotiation, mediation, or a court hearing where a judge makes the final decisions. Uncontested divorces are generally faster and less costly, while contested divorces tend to involve more time, expense, and legal complexity.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial agreements

In Florida, a prenuptial agreement is a legal contract entered into before marriage that establishes how assets, debts, property, and potential alimony will be handled if the marriage ends. A postnuptial agreement addresses similar financial matters but is created after the couple is already married. Both agreements generally must be voluntary, properly disclosed, and in writing to be enforceable.

High Asset & High Conflict Divorces

We are here to help you understand your legal rights of property division, temporary and future support, child custody, child support, and medical support, so that you avoid unnecessary anxiety or unrealistic expectations.

Military Divorces

In Florida, a military divorce follows the state’s regular divorce laws but may also involve federal rules concerning military retirement pay, healthcare benefits, child support, and jurisdiction. Active-duty service can also affect scheduling or delay court proceedings under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Deployments and relocations may further complicate parenting plans, custody arrangements, and timesharing. Have questions? Give us a call.

paternity Actions

A paternity action is a legal proceeding used to establish a child’s biological and legal father when paternity has not already been determined. Once paternity is established—sometimes through DNA testing—the court may address parental responsibility, create a parenting and time-sharing plan, and establish child support and healthcare obligations. (Florida Statutes, Chapter 742)

Custody and Visitation

When child custody agreements are done well, a stable and peaceful routine can be reinstated for children after a divorce or breakup. Well written custody agreements can help clarify and establish the duties and responsibilities of both parents, even in cases where the parents were never married

Child Support

If it is possible, support orders can be negotiated outside of the courtroom. But if that isn’t an option, we will be prepared to present the case in front of a judge. Either way, we will advocate for the best interests of your children so they can receive the financial support they deserve.

modifications of child support, alimony, and parental responsibility

A job loss, promotion, or another financial change may require a modification to Child Support or Spousal Maintenance agreements or Orders. You may find it difficult to meet your Child Support obligations, or you may realize your family’s needs require more financial support from your former spouse.

Relocation

Relocation law governs when a parent seeks to move with a child at least 50 miles from their current primary residence for 60 consecutive days or longer. The relocating parent must generally obtain written agreement from the other parent or court approval. If the move is disputed, the court decides whether relocation serves the child’s best interests and may modify the parenting and time-sharing plan. (Florida Statute § 61.13001). Have questions? Need help? Give us a call, we can help you understand your choices.

collaborative law

Collaborative law is a voluntary, private process in which both parties and their specially trained attorneys work together to resolve divorce or other family-law matters without courtroom litigation. The process encourages open communication and cooperative solutions regarding property, alimony, parenting plans, time-sharing, and child support, often reducing the time, expense, and emotional strain of a traditional court dispute. (Florida Statute § 61.56) Have questions? Need help? Give us a call, we can help you understand your choices.

contempt/ enforcement

In Florida, contempt and enforcement proceedings are used when a person fails to comply with a family-court order involving matters such as child support, alimony, property division, or time-sharing. The affected party may ask the court to enforce the order and impose appropriate remedies, which can include payment of overdue support, make-up parenting time, attorney’s fees, fines, or other sanctions. (Florida Courts)

Domestication and Modifications of foreign judgements

In Florida, domestication of a foreign judgment is the legal process of registering a court order issued in another state so it can be recognized and enforced by a Florida court. Once domesticated, orders involving child support, custody, time-sharing, or other family-law matters may be enforced—and, when Florida has jurisdiction and legal requirements are met, modified—to address substantial changes in the parties’ circumstances. (Florida Statutes § 55.503)

domestic violence injunctions

In Florida, a domestic violence injunction, sometimes called a restraining order, is a civil court order intended to protect someone who has experienced domestic violence or reasonably believes they are in immediate danger of becoming a victim. The order may prohibit contact, require the alleged abuser to leave a shared residence, establish temporary time-sharing arrangements, and provide other protections. Violating an injunction can result in arrest and criminal penalties. (Florida Statute § 741.30)

Name Changes

In Florida, a legal name change allows an adult, child, or family to change a first, middle, or last name through the court. The process generally requires filing filing filing a petition, completing a background check when applicable, and showing that the change is sought for a lawful purpose. A spouse may also request restoration of a former legal name as part of a divorce proceeding. (Florida Statute § 68.07)

Attorney

Kristina M. Cook grew up in Louisville, Kentucky where she attended Louisville Collegiate School. She graduated from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business in New Orleans, Louisiana with a Bachelor of Science and Management Degree in Finance and German, and a Minor Degree in French, graduating cum laude and a recipient of the German Award.  Kristi received her Juris Doctorate from Tulane School of Law and volunteered with Volunteer Lawyer for the Arts, New Orleans Film Festival and New Orleans Art Council.

Kristi is a professional attorney in Navarre, Florida who has devoted her practice to marital and family law. With her years of experience, Kristi has successfully represented clients throughout Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties in a wide array of unique family law issues and complex litigation matters.  Kristi enjoys helping people and is committed to going the extra mile.

BAR & COURT ADMISSION

Florida Bar Association

Florida Bar Association, Family Law Section, Member

American Inns of Court, Pensacola Chapter, Member

Escambia-Santa Rosa County Bar Association, Member

EDUCATION

Tulane University School of Law, JD

Tulane University, cum laude, BSM

A.B. Freeman School of Business, Majors Finance and German, Minor French

 

Call or email today for a free and confidential consultation by Zoom.

“I am so grateful and fortunate to live in this community and to have the opportunity to serve and help families navigate to a better tomorrow and brighter future.”
– Attorney Kristina Cook

We strive to provide our clients with excellent customer service and the knowledge and experience they need to navigate their legal circumstances. Ready to learn more? Give us a call.

Phone

(850) 665-2800

Address

3182 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
Gulf Breeze, Florida 32563

Monday – Thursday 08:30 am – 04:30 pm

Friday 08:30 am – 12:30 pm by Appointment Only

Serving: The State of Florida, including
Bagdad, Bellview, Crestview, Ensley, Ferry Pass, Ft. Walton Beach, Gonzalez, Goulding, Gulf Breeze, Holley, Mary Ester, Milton, Molino, Navarre, Oriole Beach, Pace, Point Baker, Pensacola, East Pensacola Heights, West Pensacola, Shalimar, Tiger Point, Wallace, Woodlawn Beach, Santa Rosa County, Escambia County, Okaloosa County.

Schedule Your Free Initial Zoom or In Person Consultation

 

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.