Your rights after divorce in Florida
If you’re going through a divorce in Florida, it’s important to know your rights. Here’s a simplified overview:
Equitable distribution of property
Florida is an equitable distribution state, which means that the court will divide marital property in a way that it deems fair. This doesn’t necessarily mean a 50/50 split. The court will consider a number of factors, including the length of the marriage, the financial contributions of each spouse, and the needs of any children.
Alimony
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is financial assistance that one spouse pays to the other after a divorce. The court may award alimony if one spouse has a financial need and the other spouse has the ability to pay. The court will consider a number of factors when determining whether or not to award alimony, including the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and the age and health of both spouses.
Child custody and support
If you have children, the court will determine their custody and support arrangements. Custody refers to who the children will live with and when they will spend time with each parent. Support refers to the financial assistance that one parent pays to the other to help care for the children. The court will always make decisions based on the best interests of the children.
Name change
If you want to change your name back to your former name after a divorce, you can do so by filing a petition with the court. The court will typically grant your request unless there is a good reason to deny it.
Other rights
In addition to the rights listed above, you also have a number of other rights after divorce in Florida, including the right to:
Maintain your health insurance coverage through your former spouse's employer for a certain period of time
Continue to participate in any retirement benefits that you accrued during the marriage
Divide any debts that you incurred during the marriageIf you have any questions about your rights after divorce in Florida, you should consult with an experienced divorce attorney.
Here are some additional tips for protecting your rights after divorce:
Gather all of your financial records, including bank statements, investment statements, and tax returns.
Make copies of all important documents, such as your marriage certificate, divorce decree, and child custody and support orders.
Keep a journal of your expenses and income.
Be prepared to negotiate with your spouse or their attorney.
If you can't reach an agreement with your spouse, you may need to go to court.Getting a divorce can be a difficult experience, but it’s important to know your rights and protect your interests.
This blog post does not constitute legal advice and is provided as content for this website, a portfolio project for Envoy Web Design