Does Child Support End at 18 in Florida? Quick answer: Child support in Florida does not automatically end when a child turns 18. The obligation typically ends when the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever comes later, provided graduation occurs before age 19. Exceptions exist for children with special needs or when multiple children are involved. Many parents assume that child support ends the moment Read More
Florida’s No-Fault Divorce Law: What “Irretrievably Broken” Really Means
What "Irretrievably Broken" Means in Florida Divorce Quick answer: In Florida, "irretrievably broken" means a marriage has permanently collapsed with no realistic chance of reconciliation. Under Florida Statutes Section 61.052, this is the only legal ground required to file for divorce — no proof of fault or wrongdoing is needed. Few legal phrases carry more emotional weight than "irretrievably broken." For couples Read More
How Is Debt Split in a Florida Divorce?
How Is Debt Split in a Florida Divorce? Quick answer: Florida divides divorce debt through equitable distribution under Fla. Stat. § 61.075. Courts start with a 50/50 presumption for marital debt, then adjust based on each spouse's finances, contributions, and the circumstances under which the debt was incurred. Divorce is rarely simple — and figuring out who owes what can be one of the most stressful parts of the Read More
How Long Does Alimony Last in a Florida Divorce?
How Long Does Alimony Last in a Florida Divorce? Quick answer: Alimony in a Florida divorce depends on two things: the type of alimony awarded and how long you were married. After the 2023 reforms, permanent alimony no longer exists. Payments now follow strict caps — bridge-the-gap lasts up to 2 years, rehabilitative up to 5 years, and durational alimony is limited to a percentage of the marriage length. If you're Read More
The Difference Between Legal Separation and Divorce in Florida
Legal Separation vs. Divorce in Florida: Key Differences Quick answer: Florida does not recognize legal separation as a formal court status. Couples are classified as either legally married or divorced. However, spouses can use postnuptial agreements and separate maintenance petitions to establish binding separation terms without dissolving the marriage. Deciding how to restructure your marriage is one of the most Read More
What Expenses Does Florida Child Support Cover?
What Expenses Does Florida Child Support Cover? Quick answer: Florida child support coverage includes a child's basic living necessities, such as food, housing, utilities, clothing, transportation, and health insurance premiums. Additional Florida child support expenses like childcare, uninsured medical costs, and extracurricular activities are typically divided proportionally based on each parent's Read More
What to Expect at Your First Florida Divorce Hearing
What to Expect at Your First Florida Divorce Hearing Quick answer: Your first Florida divorce hearing is typically a brief status conference or temporary relief hearing lasting 10 to 30 minutes. The judge focuses on procedural matters, ensures compliance with paperwork like the Florida Family Law Financial Affidavit, sets temporary arrangements, and schedules next steps like mediation. Walking into a courtroom for Read More
What is a Substantial Change in Florida Family Law?
What Counts as a Substantial Change in Florida Family Law? Life rarely stays the same after a divorce or custody agreement is finalized. Jobs change, people move, and family dynamics shift over time. When these shifts happen, the original court orders governing child support, alimony, or time-sharing may no longer make sense. However, the legal system requires stability, meaning courts will not modify an order simply Read More
What are Temporary Orders in Divorce?
A Complete Guide to Temporary Divorce Orders in Florida Divorce is rarely a fast process. From the moment one spouse files the initial paperwork to the day the judge signs the final decree, months can pass. During this transitional period, life does not simply hit pause. Bills still need to be paid, children require daily care, and living arrangements must be managed by both parties. Without clear rules in place, Read More
What Does an Automatic Temporary Restraining Order Do?
What Does an Automatic Temporary Restraining Order Do in Divorce? Filing for divorce brings a flood of emotional and financial uncertainties. When spouses decide to end their marriage, fears about disappearing money, hidden assets, or sudden changes to insurance policies often take center stage. You might wonder how the court prevents one spouse from draining joint bank accounts or moving out of state with the Read More
