Florida Divorce Laws and Information
The following information is a resource on Florida divorce law. You can also find divorce professionals, forms, support, and state laws. In addition to the resources listed below, you can find more help and information in our divorce article section.
ProfessionalsDivorce LawyersDivorce Mediation Paralegal Services Divorce Financial Analysts Financial Planners Accountants Private Investigators Background Checks Divorce SupportSupport Groups |
Divorce PapersDivorce and Separation FormsOnline Divorce Divorce Form Preparation Family Law ResourcesDivorce LawsFL Child Support Guidelines FL Child Support Calculation FL Child Support Enforcement Domestic ViolenceShelters and Hotlines |
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DIVORCE LAWYERS AND FIRMS
Lori Barkus, Esq.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Divorce Attorney
Lori Barkus' experience as a divorce attorney, divorce mediator, and Collaborative Law professional helps to preserve relationships between co-parents, and avoid litigation that could deplete your family's resources. She takes the time to give you a thorough evaluation and educate you on the divorce process so you can make your own decisions.
Christine G. Bauer, P.A.
5401 S. Kirkman Road Suite 310
Orlando, FL 32819
Counties Served: Orange, Seminole & Osceola
Phone: 407-926-0255
Fax: 407-926-0254
Email:
At the law office of Christine G. Bauer, P.A., we understand the emotional nature of family legal matters and the importance of trust in the attorney client relationship. Our firm helps people navigate the unknown and find the best possible outcome to difficult situations. With a commitment to communication, personal attention and timely results, you'll find that our firm not only knows the law, but knows people. For more information call us at 407-926-0255. You can also visit Christine's Divorce and Family Law Blog for the latest divorce news.
Alan Jay Braverman
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Divorce Law
Communication breakdown is a leading cause of divorce. That’s why, if you must divorce, it’s important that you choose a divorce attorney who communicates clearly and effectively. Alan Jay Braverman, a Florida divorce lawyer and partner with Braverman & Hymowitz in Fort Lauderdale, FL, fits that description to a tee.
Law Office of Romaine Brown, PA
5220 S. University Drive, Suite 101
Davie, Florida 33328
Counties Served: Broward
Phone: 954-880-0159
Fax: 954-880-0151
Email:
Providing representation in divorce, adoption, all family law cases including dependency court. Our offices offers specialized attention to clients. We hold your hand and walk you through the process of finalizing your divorce. We calculate child support and tailor marital settlement agreements specifically for each case. I am a divorce lawyer and mediator. Every person getting a divorce should be represented by counsel to negotiate, prepare and review documents regarding alimony, child support, equitable distributions, the sale of your home, and parenting issues.
The Divorce Center
15310 Amberly Dr.
Tampa, FL 33647
Counties Served: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando
Phone: 888-469-3486
Email:
Knowledge is Power. Visit our website for a free education on divorce, child custody, support, alimony, and all other divorce related issues. We have offices in Tampa, Clearwater, and New Port Richey, Florida. Divorce Attorneys Howard Iken and Brian Arrighi welcome your call. We also offer a free discussion forum at www.18884mydivorce.com/forum
Charlotte Karlan
Karlan & Associates, P. A
Miami, Florida Divorce Lawyer
The cornerstone of our success is the quality relationship, which we maintain with clients. Clients are treated with integrity and respect for their needs, goals, and objectives.
Law Office of Janet Langjahr, PA
Divorce Law · Child Custody Law · Domestic Violence Law
7300 W. Camino Real, Suite 221
Boca Raton, FL 33433
Counties Served: Palm Beach, Broward
Phone: 561-750-1401
Need a Divorce Lawyer?
DIVORCE MEDIATION
Bruce M. Berger & Company
Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Florida Divorce Mediation and Accounting
Bruce M. Berger, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who focuses largely on litigation support, devotes himself in his divorce work to reducing the conflict between the opposing parties.
Law Office of Romaine Brown, PA
5220 S. University Drive, Suite 101
Davie, Florida 33328
Counties Served: Broward
Phone: 954-880-0159
Fax: 954-880-0151
Email:
Providing representation in divorce, adoption, all family law cases including dependency court. Our offices offers specialized attention to clients. We hold your hand and walk you through the process of finalizing your divorce. We calculate child support and tailor marital settlement agreements specifically for each case. I am a divorce lawyer and mediator. Every person getting a divorce should be represented by counsel to negotiate, prepare and review documents regarding alimony, child support, equitable distributions, the sale of your home, and parenting issues.
DIVORCE FORM PREPARATION
Have All of Your Documents Completed For You! This easy to use, accurate, and up-to-date on-line divorce service is a perfect "do it yourself (without a lawyer)" solution for any uncontested divorce (with or without children) that will be filed in the state of Florida. You can get "Real Person" customer support by phone & e-mail, plus access to 40 downloadable books (valued at over $750). Start your Florida divorce form preparation today.
PARALEGALS
Paralegal Services by Michelle Ridge CP, CFLA9700 Stirling Road, Ste 103
Cooper City, FL 33024
Counties Served: Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade
Phone: (954) 430-3160
email:
We offer professional paralegal services for those individuals who represent themselves. We specialize in family law cases and possess an extensive amount of experience. Whether it is divorce, paternity, custody, child support, visitation or contempt issues, we can help.
CERTIFIED DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYSTS
Michelle L. Ash, CFP, CDFA10245 Centurion Pkwy N Suite 105
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Phone: (904) 861-0093
Fax: (904) 861-0098
Website: http://www.mysmartdivorce.com/
Divorce Financial Planning helps ensure you are getting the best settlement possible while avoiding common, but costly financial mistakes and omissions. We can help you: Understand what life will look like financially after your divorce. Determine if you can maintain your home financially for the long-term. Avoid unexpected future tax liabilities from assets you accept. Avoid giving away valuable retirement and benefit options unknowingly. Base your decisions on objective, accurate numbers and not emotion. Gain the confidence and self-assurance you need to manage your finances. Ensure that your own future retirement picture looks the way you want. For post divorce financial help, visit www.LadyWealth.com
FINANCIAL PLANNERS
Roderick Moe
Lake Worth
ACCOUNTANTS
Philip J. Shechter
Berenfeld Spritzer
Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida South Florida Divorce Accountants, Certified Public Accountants.
With several full-time accountants who are experienced in divorce, Berenfeld, Spritzer will settle your financial affairs with integrity and expertise.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS
Barnes Detective Agency
9672 SW 46th Ct
Ocala, FL 34476
Phone: 352-438-4633 or 407-436-2285
Website: http://www.bdasleuths.com
Email:
Although we handle all types of cases, we have experienced investigators that specialize in divorce, custody, and infidelity. Our Investigators are familiar with all aspects of the case including the court system and how it works. We handle cases in every county in the state and will travel where ever in the world the case takes us. Mention this site and receive 100 dollars off our services, plus payment plans are available. Barnes Detective Agency is here to help you in a difficult time, as always we are available 24/7 for your convenience, and all of our consultations are FREE
BACKGROUND CHECKS
Conduct Background Checks and Investigations - Obtain vital statistics, marriage and divorce records, credit record checks, criminal and court records, sex offender searches, driving and vehicle records, property records, general public records, business registration and property resources. Find out the truth about anyone!
DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUPS
Divorce Care can help you locate a divorce support group in your area. There are thousands of DivorceCare support groups throughout the USA and Canada, and many groups meeting internationally as well.
Partners in Prevention provides consulting and psychological services to
domestic abuse survivors before, during and post divorce. Additionally, we serve
as consulting experts in both civil and criminal domestic violence cases. We
also offer continuing medical and nursing education in domestic abuse assessment
and clinical management to healthcare professionals. You can contact us at:
13918 E. Mississippi Ave
Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: 720-222-1058
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES
Domestic Violence SheltersCertified Domestic Violence Centers
Coalition Against Domestic Violence - Florida Chapter
Domestic Violence Crisis and Support Services
DIVORCE LAW
Florida Online Divorce StatutesRESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS AND WHERE TO FILE: To obtain a dissolution of marriage in Florida, one of the parties to the marriage must reside 6 months in the state before the filing of the petition. The petition should be filed in the circuit court where either party resides. There waiting period of at least 20 days after the petition is filed before a dissolution of marriage may be granted; but the court, on a showing that injustice would result from this delay, may enter a final judgment of dissolution of marriage at an earlier date. [Based on Florida Statutes 61.021, 61.043, and 61.19]
LEGAL GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE: A dissolution of marriage in Florida may be granted based on the following grounds:
- The marriage is irretrievably broken.
- Mental incapacity of one of the parties for a preceding period of at least 3 years. [Based on Florida Statutes 61.052]
SEPARATION: Florida does not directly address legal separation, but does have provisions concerning spousal and child support, establishing the child's primary residence, and determining the custody and visitation rights of the parties. Such an action does not preclude either party from maintaining any other proceeding under this chapter for other or additional relief at any time. [Based on Florida Statutes 61.10]
MEDIATION OR COUNSELING REQUIREMENTS: In any proceeding in which the issues of parental responsibility, primary residence, visitation, or support of a child are contested, the court may refer the parties to mediation. If an agreement is reached by the parties on the contested issues, a consent order incorporating the agreement shall be prepared by the mediator and submitted to the parties and their attorneys for review. Upon approval by the parties, the consent order shall be reviewed by the court and, if approved, entered. Thereafter, the consent order may be enforced in the same manner as any other court order. [Based on Florida Statutes 61.183]
PROPERTY DISTRIBUTION: Florida is an equitable distribution state, meaning that the martial assets are divided on an equitable basis. The court may take the following factors into consideration when distributing the marital property: (a) The contribution to the marriage by each spouse, including contributions to the care and education of the children and services as homemaker; (b) The economic circumstances of the parties; (c) The duration of the marriage; (d) Any interruption of personal careers or educational opportunities of either party; (e) The contribution of one spouse to the personal career or educational opportunity of the other spouse; (f) The desirability of retaining any asset, including an interest in a business, corporation, or professional practice, intact and free from any claim or interference by the other party; (g) The contribution of each spouse to the acquisition, enhancement, and production of income or the improvement of, or the incurring of liabilities to, both the marital assets and the non-marital assets of the parties; (h) The desirability of retaining the marital home as a residence for any dependent child of the marriage, or any other party, when it would be equitable to do so, it is in the best interest of the child or that party, and it is financially feasible for the parties to maintain the residence until the child is emancipated or until exclusive possession is otherwise terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction; (i) The intentional dissipation, waste, depletion, or destruction of marital assets after the filing of the petition or within 2 years prior to the filing of the petition; (j) Any other factors necessary to do equity and justice between the parties.
"Non marital assets and liabilities" include: 1) Assets acquired and liabilities incurred by either party prior to the marriage; 2) Assets acquired by gift, bequest, devise, or descent; 3) All income derived from non marital assets during the marriage unless the income was treated, used, or relied upon by the parties as a marital asset; 4) Assets and liabilities excluded from marital assets and liabilities by valid written agreement of the parties. [Based on Florida Statutes 61.075]
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ALIMONY/MAINTENANCE/SPOUSAL SUPPORT: The court may grant alimony to either party,
as well as determine whether alimony shall be
rehabilitative or permanent in nature. In any award of alimony, the court may
order periodic payments or payments in lump sum or both. The court may consider
the adultery of either spouse and the circumstances thereof in determining the
amount of alimony, if any, to be awarded. In determining a proper award of
alimony or maintenance, the court shall consider all relevant economic factors,
including but not limited to:
- The standard of living established during the marriage.
- The duration of the marriage.
- The age and the physical and emotional condition of each party.
- The financial resources of each party, the non-marital and the marital assets and liabilities distributed to each.
- When applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable such party to find appropriate employment.
- The contribution of each party to the marriage, including, but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other party.
- All sources of income available to either party.
To the extent necessary to protect an award of alimony, the court may order any party who is ordered to pay alimony to purchase or maintain a life insurance policy or a bond, or to otherwise secure such alimony award with any other assets which may be suitable for that purpose. [Based on Florida Statutes 61.08]
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CHILD CUSTODY: Custody is determined in accordance with the best interests
of the child and in accordance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and
Enforcement Act, without regard to gender of either parent or the age or sex of
the child. Shared parental responsibility for a minor child is preferrable, unless the court finds that shared parental responsibility would be
detrimental to the child. The court shall order "sole parental
responsibility, with or without visitation rights, to the other parent when it
is in the best interests of" the minor child. In ordering shared parental
responsibility, the court may consider the expressed desires of the parents and
may grant to one party the ultimate responsibility over specific aspects of the
child's welfare or may divide those responsibilities between the parties based
on the best interests of the child. The court may order rotating custody if the
court finds that rotating custody will be in the best interest of the
child. For purposes of shared parental responsibility and primary
residence, the best interests of the child shall include an evaluation of all
factors affecting the welfare and interests of the child, including, but not
limited to:
- The parent who is more likely to allow the child frequent and continuing contact with the nonresidential parent.
- The love, affection, and other emotional ties existing between the parents and the child.
- The capacity and disposition of the parents to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care or other remedial care recognized and permitted under the laws of this state in lieu of medical care, and other material needs.
- The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity.
- The permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home.
- The moral fitness of the parents.
- The mental and physical health of the parents.
- The home, school, and community record of the child.
- The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of sufficient intelligence, understanding, and experience to express a preference.
- The willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent.
- Evidence that any party has knowingly provided false information to the court regarding a domestic violence proceeding pursuant to s. 741.30.
- Evidence of domestic violence or child abuse.
- Any other fact considered by the court to be relevant.
[Based on Florida Statutes 61.121 and 61.113]
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CHILD SUPPORT: The court may order either or both parents to
pay support in accordance with the State of Florida Child Support Guidelines. The court initially entering
a child support order shall have
continuing jurisdiction to modify the
amount and terms and conditions of the child support payments when the
modification is found necessary by the court in the best interests of the child,
when the child reaches majority, or when there is a substantial change in the
circumstances of the parties. Each order for support shall contain a provision
for health care coverage for the minor child when the coverage is reasonably
available. To the extent necessary to protect an award of child support, the
court may order the obligor to purchase or maintain a life insurance policy or a
bond, or to otherwise secure the child support award with any other assets which
may be suitable for that purpose. [Based on Florida Statutes 61.13]
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