Jacksonville Divorce Lawyer Blog
If you and your spouse are contemplating a Florida divorce, there are some basic rules you need to know before you proceed:
Residency requirement. At least one of you must be a Florida resident for at least six months prior to filing for divorce.
Grounds. Florida is a “no fault” divorce state where most divorces are based on the grounds of “irreconcilable differences”. However, “fault” may be considered when it comes to awarding alimony or property division.
Child custody. As in other states, Florida courts decide custody issues based on the best interests of the child or children. One of the key presumptions is that having both parents involved in the lives of the child or children is in their best interests, barring any finding of abuse or unfit parenting.
Property division. Florida is an equitable division state, which means that the court will divide a couple’s property in a way that it deems is fair. This does not necessarily mean equal.
Child support. Like other states, Florida requires both parents to provide for their children, and the issue of child support is generally decided according to the financial ability and resources of each parent.
If you need more information about obtaining a Florida divorce, contact a Jacksonville divorce attorney.