The good news is that in Florida, you can still get a divorce even if the other party will not sign the divorce papers. Because Florida is a “no-fault” state, you don’t have to prove that one spouse or the other was at fault in the divorce. Instead, you just have to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
How much is a simple divorce in Florida?
Most Florida counties charge $408 to file a divorce, but a few charge $409. Duval County will penalize you for not having an attorney and will add an extra $12 to the cost.
How long does a Florida divorce take?
A divorce can take anywhere between 3 and 24 months depending on whether it is contested or uncontested. The average uncontested divorce takes 3 months. The average contested divorce takes 12 months.
What is the easiest way to get a divorce in Florida?
Florida divorce law provides a process called a ‘Simplified Dissolution of Marriage. ‘ Couples can use this to get a quick divorce, about 30 days from filing to finalization, as long as they have complete agreement on the terms of the divorce and it’s uncontested.
How can I get a free divorce in Florida?
You shouldn’t pay anyone (not even a low cost divorce firm) for basic Florida divorce information. The Florida Supreme Court will provide all legal forms to you for free. Most family law forms can be found online if you have the time, energy and inner fortitude to search for divorce forms online.
What is wife entitled to in divorce in Florida?
Under Florida divorce law, all marital property is subject to an equitable distribution. Typically, the court will divide marital property 50/50, unless there are reasons why an equal split would be inequitable (unfair).
How does Florida calculate alimony?
Alimony in Florida is calculated based upon need and ability to pay. The American Association of Matrimonial Lawyers provides a guideline, which takes 30% of the payer’s gross annual income minus 20% of the payee’s gross annual income to estimate the alimony.
Who is eligible for alimony in Florida?
Qualifying for Alimony in Florida If the court finds the “need and ability” the judge will then assess the following factors: the standard of living established during the marriage. the length of the marriage (seven or fewer years is short-term, severn-17 years is moderate-term, and 17 or more years is long-term)
Do you have to go to court for divorce in Florida?
In cases of standard uncontested dissolutions of marriage, only one spouse is required to appear at the final hearing. This means that one of you will never have to go to court to actually be granted a divorce.
Do you have to be separated before divorce in Florida?
A couple must live separately and apart to file for divorce. However, Florida does not require a waiting period or separation before filing for divorce. The only requirement to get a divorce is that at least one of the parties must reside in the state for at least half a year before filing for divorce.
What are the five stages of divorce?
There are two processes in divorce. The emotional process can be broken down into 5 stages: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.
Who gets the house in a divorce in Florida?
How is property divided in a divorce? Under Florida divorce law, all marital property is subject to equitable distribution. Typically, the court will divide marital property 50/50, unless there are reasons why an equal split would be inequitable (unfair).
What is it called when you can’t afford a lawyer?
If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may be able to help you. There are legal aid offices (also called legal services) throughout the United States. Legal aid offices are not-for-profit agencies that provide free legal help to people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
Can you get divorced without the other person signing?
Applying for a divorce can be a difficult decision to make, especially if you’re not sure your partner will sign your petition. Crucially though, you don’t need your partner’s consent to get a divorce. Although it may be a long process if your partner doesn’t comply, they won’t be able to stop you indefinitely.
Can I do my own divorce in Florida?
Deliver a Petition Copy to Your Spouse In Florida, the law does not allow you to complete the service on your own. You are required to hire someone to serve divorce papers. This can be either a sheriff or a process server, and the fees for their services will vary depending on the county.
What can be used against you in a divorce?
Spending marital money on extramarital affairs. Transferring marital funds to another person before a separation. Spending unreasonable amounts on business expenditures. Selling marital assets below the market value.
How many years do you have to be married to get spousal support in Florida?
How long do you have to be married for permanent alimony in Florida? There is no minimum amount of time you must be married in order to receive alimony. However, permanent alimony is generally reserved for a marriage lasting 17 years or longer.
Who gets the house in a divorce?
The two most common options for dealing with the house in a divorce are for the court to allocate the house to one person and have them buy out the other’s equity interest as part of the overall equalization of assets and debts, or order that the house be sold, and the proceeds divided.
Can a working wife get alimony?
Even though your spouse has a full-time job, they are still entitled to ask for spousal support. They can ask for support once a legal separation or divorce is filed with the court. If the judge deems it necessary, he or she can order you to pay spousal support even while your divorce is pending.
What is the maximum alimony in Florida?
The extent of durational alimony would not be allowed to exceed 50% of the length of the marriage. Rehabilitative alimony would not exceed 5 years, which is already the current rule. If an obligor remarries, the recipient will no longer be able to request a modification based on the income of the obligor’s new spouse.
Does a husband have to support his wife during separation?
If you’re in the process of filing for divorce, you may be entitled to, or obligated to pay, temporary alimony while legally separated. In many instances, one spouse may be entitled to temporary support during the legal separation to pay for essential monthly expenses such as housing, food and other necessities.
How does a wife get alimony?
You can ask for alimony as part of a divorce proceeding. If you and your spouse reach an agreement about alimony, you can ask the judge to make the agreement a part of the court order. If you cannot reach an agreement, the judge will decide whether you are entitled to alimony.
Does Florida require alimony?
Yes, Florida is a state where one may be required to pay alimony. Florida is one of the few states that offers bridge-the-gap alimony, which helps the oblige/recipient spouse meeting legitimate short-term needs while transitioning from married life to single life.
How long after a divorce can you ask for alimony?
Either you or your spouse, or both of you, can ask for alimony at the time of divorce. If the original divorce judgment didn’t mention alimony at all, you can file a complaint for alimony for the first time at any time after your divorce. Alimony can be changed after a divorce through a process called a modification.
Does it matter who files for divorce first in Florida?
“Since Florida is a no-fault divorce state, it does not matter which of the spouses files for divorce first,” says our experienced divorce attorney Fort Lauderdale. “When divorce papers are filed, neither party has a legal obligation to provide a cause of the dissolution of marriage.”