Common questions about divorce in Florida

When couples get married, they do not usually think about the possibility of divorce despite the fact that the half of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. Individuals thinking about getting divorced or spouses who have been served divorce papers probably have a lot of questions.

People facing divorce often feel scared and nervous about the future. These feelings are very common for spouses going through divorce. Individuals thinking about getting divorced or spouses who are already in the process of getting divorced should understand the basics of divorce in Florida to make the process easier for everyone involved.

Divorce can be a complex, difficult process for many people. That is why it is beneficial to understand as much about the divorce process to make appropriate decisions when negotiating the divorce settlement as well as when making other decisions that will impact you and your family’s future.

Spouses going through divorce often have similar questions. Some of the most common questions are listed below, along with answers about what steps individuals should take:

• Is there a waiting period to file for divorce? In Florida, there is no waiting period. However, the spouse filing divorce has to prove that either the marriage is broken or that one or both spouses did not have the mental capacity to get married.
• Where will I live? Spouses can continue living in the family home, even if one spouse says the other one has to move out. The only time a spouse will be required to move out is if the other spouse gets a court order.
• Can I date during the divorce? Dating someone will not impact property or asset distributions during the divorce process. However, spouses should try to avoid any behaviors that may cause anger or frustration to their ex during the divorce as it may only lead to arguments or delay the divorce proceedings.

Individuals considering divorce in Florida should also be sure to hire a divorce attorney that has their best interests and needs in mind. It is important to discuss any potential issues and concerns to make sure they will be addressed appropriately and not delay the divorce being finalized.

Source: ABC Action News, “7 things everyone wants to know before a divorce,” Yashica McArthur, Oct. 7, 2013