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Understanding Divorce in Florida
If you’re navigating through a divorce in Florida, you’re not alone. This page aims to be your friendly guide, offering key information about Florida’s divorce laws. Remember, for more detailed insights, there are links and resources available right here.
Divorce Laws in Florida
Florida stands out as a “no-fault” divorce state. This means you don’t need to prove your spouse did something wrong to get divorced. Mainly, you just state that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
For residency, one of you needs to live in Florida for at least 6 months before filing. Unlike some states, Florida doesn’t have a mandatory waiting period after filing for divorce, which can speed up the process a bit.
Process of Filing for Divorce
To start a divorce in Florida, you file a “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage” in your county. You’ll need to fill out the right forms, which you can find on your county’s court website.
After filing, you need to “serve” these papers to your spouse. This means giving them a copy in a legal way. Each county might have slightly different steps, so it’s good to check local rules.
For more, check out our in-depth article about How To File For Divorce in Florida.
Child Custody and Support
In Florida, child custody decisions focus on the child’s best interests. Courts look at many factors, like each parent’s relationship with the child and the child’s home, school, and community life. For child support, Florida uses a formula considering both parents’ incomes, the child’s needs, and how much time the child spends with each parent.
Alimony/Spousal Support
Alimony in Florida isn’t automatic. The court looks at things like each spouse’s financial situation, how long the marriage lasted, and what each person needs to maintain a standard of living similar to the marriage. Shorter marriages might not result in long-term alimony, unlike longer ones.
Property Division
Florida follows “equitable distribution” for dividing marital property. This means fair, but not always equal, division of assets and debts. The court considers factors like each spouse’s economic situation and contributions to the marriage.
State Resources
For more detailed info, don’t hesitate to explore links to Florida’s family law courts and legal aid resources. These can provide deeper insights into Florida’s divorce process.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Florida
Simplified Dissolution:
- Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
- Final Judgment of Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
- Family Court Cover Sheet
Contested or Uncontested Divorce (with or without children):
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Family Law Financial Affidavit
- Affidavit of Corroborating Witness
- Notice of Social Security Number
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
- Parenting Plan
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (optional)
Additional Forms:
Resources:
- Florida Courts – Family Law Forms: https://www.flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms
- Florida State Courts – Self-Help Center: https://www.flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Self-Help-Information
Disclaimer
This page offers general information and is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consider consulting a legal professional.
