Divorce in Florida
- 1. Divorce in Florida D I S C O V E R T H E I M P O R T A N T F A C T O R S I M P A C T I N G Y O U R C A S E
- 2. Important Issues to Resolve in a Divorce 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 A L I M O N Y / S P O U S A L S U P P O R T C H I L D S U P P O R T C H I L D C U S T O D Y P R O P E R T Y D I V I S I O N
- 3. Alimony (Spousal Support) Alimony refers to financial assistance provided by one spouse to the other spouse after a divorce. The purpose of alimony is to help ensure both people are able to maintain a comparable lifestyle as they enjoyed during the marriage. Factors that impact whether (and how much) alimony will be awarded include: • Standard of living prior to divorce • Duration of the marriage • Tax consequences • Finances of each spouse • Relative incomes of each spouse • One spouse’s potential need to obtain education/training in order to support themselves financially • Each spouse’s financial responsibilities regarding young children
- 4. Child Support Florida law requires both parents to provide financial support to their children up to the age of 18 or until they graduate from high school (if they will graduate before the age of 19). There are guidelines used to determine which parent will provide child support and how much monthly support will be paid. If there is a change in one or both parents' financial circumstances, the initial child support order can be modified to reflect these changes.
- 5. Factors Impacting Child Support in Florida Income of each parent Amount of parenting time for each parent Healthcare and childcare costs Special educational or medical needs of the child The existence of child support payments for children from another marriage
- 6. Child Custody The term "child custody" has been replaced with the concepts of "parental responsibility" and "parenting time." These terms govern issues related to legal and physical custody. When ruling on custody matters, the court will always evaluate what is in the best interests of the child.
- 7. Parental Responsiblity Parental responsibility refers to who will make decisions regarding the child's healthcare, education and daily well-being. Parenting Time Parenting time refers to how much time the children will spend with each parent. Whenever possible, the goal is to have these responsibilities shared by both parents.
- 8. Property Division Florida law uses the doctrine of equitable distribution when settling property division disputes. Under equitable distribution, money, property and other assets will be divided in an equitable, but not necessarily equal manner. The attorneys at Syprett Meshad can help you navigate Florida's equitable distribution laws to ensure you receive the assets and property to which you're entitled. EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION
- 9. Collaborative Divorce If you and your spouse can work together amicably to resolve all major issues, you may be able to settle your divorce without going to court. Syprett Meshad offers collaborative divorce services. Both parties will be represented by an attorney, but all issues will be resolved cooperatively through mediation. This significantly reduces the cost and acrimony associated with divorce, but it only works well when both parties can work together.
- 10. Thank You! S C H E D U L E A D I V O R C E C O N S U L T A T I O N W I T H S Y P R E T T M E S H A D T O D A Y ( 9 4 1 ) 3 6 5 - 7 1 7 1