How Divorce Works in Florida?

How Divorce Works In Florida: The Five Things Every Florida Resident Needs To Know Now

Introduction

Sometimes divorce is inevitable. You try everything you can to make it work, including marriage counseling. Sometimes, though, the marriage is beyond repair. Some things cannot be fixed.

That us when you and your partner agree to start on a pathway towards divorce. There are five things you need to know before you begin that route.

1. Documents

You or your partner have to be a full-time resident of our state. You cannot live here for six months and the rest of the time somewhere else. You both have to agree on the documentation that the marriage is beyond repair.

What happens when only one partner agrees to the divorce while the other person is holding on?

The courts here in Florida might order family counseling( if there is a child) or a psychologist to visit you. We take marriage seriously here in Florida. That is why we request that both people sign in writing that divorce is the only option.

2. How Do You Begin?

You and/or your partner have to file papers under “Petition For Dissolution of Marriage” with the courts. You will need to talk to the family department of the local circuit courts. The courts will serve the other person with the papers.

You or your other spouse have a limited window to respond. The paperwork is filed if you and your spouse agree to the terms, including asset division and child custody (if you have kids).

What happens if there is a disagreement over the terms?

That is when a court hearing begins. The hearing might move into a full trial if the disagreement becomes that intense and nasty.

3. Division of Assets

Most of the time, couples can settle their differences amicably. Some get rather nasty about the division of assets. That is why some cases do go to trial. Most courts will say that the assets each of you brought into the marriage are yours. The court’s only concern is what was earned during the marriage.

4. Alimony

Alimony is sometimes a bone of contention with married couples. Alimony is what one spouse will continue to pay so they can support the other person, even in the event of divorce.

We only pay out alimony in Florida if the reasons are well-founded and deserved. Courts take into account everything from earnings to the health and well-being of the person.

5. Other Things You Might Need

You will need documents showing the debts you owe and taxes you pay. You will need documentation showing the current household budget. Those papers help to determine what, if any, alimony is paid out and to whom.

Child support will be determined things like the child’s age and the current household income

Visit http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html for more information on how divorce works in Florida.