Divorce can be a challenging and emotional process, but at Natalie Lopez Attorney at Law, P.A., we are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. In Florida, the statutes governing divorce include Section 61.052 and Section 61.19 of the Florida Statutes, along with important updates enacted by House Bill 775 effective July 1, 2023.
These statutes outline the requirements and procedures for obtaining a divorce in the state. The divorce process involves various components depending on factors such as whether you have children together, whether the marriage is a simplified dissolution or contested, and other unique circumstances.
To file for divorce in Florida, either you or your spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least six months prior to filing. House Bill 775 has introduced a presumption of equal timesharing for child custody, emphasizing shared parenting responsibilities after divorce. This shift encourages both parents to maintain active roles in their children’s lives and promotes a more cooperative approach to co-parenting arrangements.
Significantly, House Bill 775 also brought additional important changes to alimony calculations and the duration of spousal support. The legislation establishes clearer guidelines regarding how alimony should be determined, taking into account factors such as the length of the marriage and the financial resources of each party. Under the new law, the duration of alimony is defined based on the length of the marriage as follows:
Furthermore, House Bill 775 stipulates that the maximum amount of alimony awarded cannot exceed 35% of the paying spouse’s gross income. This cap on alimony payments aims to create a more balanced approach, ensuring that the paying spouse retains sufficient income for their own living expenses while still providing necessary support to the receiving spouse.
As you navigate the division of assets and liabilities, it’s important to consider alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach a settlement agreement outside of court. Our law firm works diligently to negotiate a fair and favorable settlement that addresses important matters such as child timesharing, child support, spousal support, and the equitable division of marital property.
While we strive to reach a settlement that both parties can agree upon, we understand that not all divorces can be resolved amicably. In such cases, we are prepared to provide strong representation and advocate for your rights throughout the process. Our goal is to ensure that your voice is heard and that you receive a fair outcome.
However, for couples who are able to work together amicably, uncontested divorces can be a wonderful option. In these cases, both parties agree on key issues such as property division, child timesharing, and support arrangements, making for a smoother and more efficient process. At Natalie Lopez Attorney at Law, P.A., we have extensive experience in handling uncontested divorces and take a hands on collaborative approach to facilitate agreements that work for both spouses, reducing stress and costs compared to contested proceedings.
Divorce is a significant life event, and having an attorney by your side is crucial to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights. At Natalie Lopez Attorney at Law, P.A., we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation. We will work diligently to navigate the complexities of your divorce case, provide valuable advice, and support you every step of the way. If you are facing a divorce or considering filing for divorce, we encourage you to contact our firm at 954-888-8833 to schedule a confidential consultation to explore us navigating you through this challenging time and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family’s future.
