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).

Consequently, 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.”

Who gets to stay in the house during a divorce? Can my wife/husband take my house in a divorce/dissolution? Whether or not you contributed equally to the purchase of your house or not, or one or both of your names are on the deeds, you are both entitled to stay in your home until you make an agreement between yourselves or the court comes to a decision.

Keeping this in consideration, 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.

Are premarital assets protected in divorce in Florida?

In a Florida divorce a pre-existing house is normally not marital property and therefore is not divided. One exception is if marital funds are used to pay down a mortgage, significantly improve the house, or are used to refinance the house.

How long does it take to get a divorce Florida? An uncontested divorce can take as little as four to five weeks. If the matter is contested — that is, the court must decide any of these issues — it can take six months or longer. In counties where the courts are extremely busy, it can easily take a year or more.

Is mediation required for divorce in Florida? Unlike many states, Florida actually requires divorcing couples to attempt mediation. While not all mediation proceedings are successful, they can save couples a significant amount of time, money, and stress, so making a real attempt to settle your differences is encouraged.

Is husband responsible for wife’s credit card debt in Florida? When spouses have joint credit cards, car loans, and mortgages together, it is considered marital debt. Under Florida law, both spouses would be responsible for this type of debt.

Can my husband make me sell our house in a divorce?

In summary, the court can force the sale of your house on divorce, and will usually do so if it considers that the other party is entitled to a share, and you are unable to buy them out.

Can my husband make me move out? In California, it is possible to legally force your spouse to move out of your home and stay away for a certain length of time. One can only get such a court order, however, if he or she shows assault or threats of assault in an emergency or the potential for physical or emotional harm in a non-emergency.

Is my wife entitled to half my savings?

If you decide to get a divorce from your spouse, you can claim up to half of their 401(k) savings. Similarly, your spouse can also get half of your 401(k) savings if you divorce. Usually, you can get half of your spouse’s 401(k) assets regardless of the duration of your marriage.

Does Florida require separation before divorce? There is no specific requirement in the Florida Family Law Rules requiring that the spouses must be separated for days or weeks or months or years before petitioning for divorce. Partially, this is because Florida is a no fault divorce state.

How much does the average divorce cost in Florida?

According to the 2020 study, the average divorce in Florida costs $13,500, including $11,600 in attorneys’ fees. Attorneys’ fees make up a large portion of the cost of divorce because the average hourly rate for attorneys in Florida is $295.

Can a judge deny a divorce?

Thus, the courts can deny you a divorce if the judge is convinced you haven’t sorted all your kid’s custody issues. Not proving at-fault divorce – If you stated fault-based grounds for divorce, such as adultery, and you failed to sufficiently support these claims with evidence, the court can deny your divorce.

Who pays the mortgage when you separate? If you both signed the mortgage forms, you’re equally responsible for repayments, regardless of your income. This is especially true if both of you decide to move out of the property, and you’ll need to keep making repayments until it can be sold.

Can I buy a house while separated in Florida? Now if you happen to buy a home and you’re separated and you not going to be able get a mortgage when you buy a home in Florida if you’re married without the joint of your spouse because the Florida constitution requires that a spouse join in any conveyance or any mortgage as far as your homestead is concerned.

Can I buy my husband out of the house before divorce?

Yes. When it comes to real property, courts can order a sale. This is actually quite common, especially now, when many couples are facing difficult financial times. When couples separate and one spouse moves out, there are suddenly two households to maintain, often with only one income.

How can I get a divorce without going to court 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.

What qualifies you for alimony in FL?

Qualifying for Alimony in Florida

  • 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)
  • each spouse’s age and physical and emotional health.

Who pays for mediation in Florida? All fees must be paid to the Clerk of Court in the county of filing, prior to the mediation. If the combined income of the parties is $100,000 or more, they must select a private mediator and pay an agreed upon fee – directly to the mediator.

What should you not say during mediation?

Don’t rule out all opening statements because you have had bad experiences with them before. Think about whether there is anything either side could say that would be productive. Avoid saying alienating things, and say difficult things in the least alienating way possible.


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