Divorce is a complicated matter, not only emotionally but also legally. When you get married, you intertwine legal rights and responsibilities with your spouse. Similarly, when you divorce, you need to disentangle them. As a result, there are certain issues that need to be resolved before your divorce can be finalized. The most important of these are discussed in the material below. To discuss your specific situation, reach out to a Melbourne divorce lawyer.
When you get divorced, you will need to agree on the way that your marital assets will be divided or have a court decide the matter for you. In the event that a court decides for you, the judge assigned to your case will divide your assets in a way that he or she decides is “fair and equitable.”
If you have children, you will also need to resolve the issue of “time-sharing,” which is how the law now refers to child custody. You will need to submit a parenting plan to the court, even in cases where time-sharing is not in dispute. In the event that you cannot agree to a parenting plan or the plan is not approved by the court, the court will impose one.
Under Florida law, parents are required to contribute to the financial support of their children, regardless of whether they are married, single, or divorced. When you get divorced, the court may impose a child support obligation based on Florida’s child support guidelines. In some cases, the court may deviate from these guidelines.
Finally, in some cases, the court may order one spouse to pay the other spouse alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance.
If you are in the midst of a divorce or think your marriage may be in trouble, it’s a good idea to talk to an attorney as soon as you can. At Harnage Law, PLLC, we can advise you regarding all of your options and protect your rights throughout the process. To learn more, contact us online or call our office today at 351.549.7886.