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When Does Alimony End in Florida?

When a Florida couple divorces , the family court may grant that either spouse pay alimony to their husband or wife. There are four categories of alimony in Florida: 1) bridge-the-gap, 2) rehabilitative, 3) durational, and 4) permanent, or any combination of the above. The court can order a spouse to make periodic payments, a lump sum payment, or both. Much of the decision has to do with a ...

What Are the Requirements for Receiving Alimony in Florida?

When a couple gets divorced , one party may be required to pay the other party an amount of money that allows them to pay for necessary living expenses according to the lifestyle that they established during the marriage. These payments are called “ alimony ” or “spousal support.” This blog discusses what a party must demonstrate in order to qualify for receiving alimony payments. Types of Alimony ...

Which Type of Bankruptcy is Right for Me?

Bankruptcy offers solutions to financial stress, but there are different paths that you can take. Both Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy might offer solutions to help get you back on your feet, but which one is right for you? Chapter 7 Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as liquidation, allows a debtor to get rid of most of their debts and start over with a clean slate. A debtor must ...

How Long Will a Bankruptcy Remain on My Credit Report?

Escalating job losses, declining home values and weakening consumer confidence pushed over a million of individuals into bankruptcy in 2008—during the midst of the Great Depression. While filings have declined since then—with fewer than 775,000 people filing in courts last year—bankruptcy remains a word that strikes fear. However, after other options are considered, bankruptcy may be the only ...

The Benefits of Filing for Bankruptcy

Deciding whether or not to declare bankruptcy is without a doubt one of the most difficult things you’ll ever have to face. The emotional toll that it will take on your self-esteem and financial future is tough to wrap your mind around, but unforeseen live events can cause bankruptcy—and the truth is—it’s not all bad news. Benefits of Bankruptcy Bankruptcy is neither inherently bad or good, but it ...

Divorce: Can I Move Out Without the Kids?

Some married couples have amicable divorces. They approach their divorce realistically, and with an agreement about dividing their property and debts. They also come up with a practical child custody schedule that will serve their children’s best interests. Other couples are not as fortunate, especially if their feud is over child custody. If you are a parent who is headed toward divorce and you ...

Domestic Violence & Divorce in Florida

Few things complicate a divorce quite like domestic violence, even more so when there are children involved. As a victim of domestic violence, you deserve to get out as fast as you can, which can be a challenge if you are married to an abuser. The state of Florida condemns violent spouses with criminal charges, which has an inevitable ripple effect in all other court cases. Domestic violence ...

How to Create a Parenting Plan for Divorce

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of divorce is when children are involved, as it is inevitable there will be some conflicts or tension regarding future parenting. Divorced parents find it difficult to agree on much of anything, especially when it comes to your shared children. Tensions run high as both parents want to protect as much of their time with their child as possible--as well as an ...

When Does Alimony End in Florida?

When a Florida couple divorces , the family court may grant that either spouse pay alimony to their husband or wife. There are four categories of alimony in Florida: 1) bridge-the-gap, 2) rehabilitative, 3) durational, and 4) permanent, or any combination of the above. The court can order a spouse to make periodic payments, a lump sum payment, or both. Much of the decision has to do with a ...

Divorce: Can I Move Out Without the Kids?

Some married couples have amicable divorces. They approach their divorce realistically, and with an agreement about dividing their property and debts. They also come up with a practical child custody schedule that will serve their children’s best interests. Other couples are not as fortunate, especially if their feud is over child custody. If you are a parent who is headed toward divorce and you ...

Lips Sealed with a Kiss: The Confidential Marital Communications Privilege

Communication is an essential part of the marital relationship. When a marriage falls apart, a breakdown in communication is either primarily or partly responsible. However, the importance of communication to a marriage is not a new concept. In fact, the facilitation and protection of marital communications are why states across the country recognize a privilege against the disclosure of such ...

Protective Factors for Supporting and Strengthening Families During Stressful Life Events

Stressful family events can have a lasting impact on a child. Whether a family is going through economic hardship, divorce, or a death in the family, it is important to help children through stressful life events, so they have a healthy outlook of those types of situations. In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, this blog discusses several protective factors to help support and ...

Lips Sealed with a Kiss: The Confidential Marital Communications Privilege

Communication is an essential part of the marital relationship. When a marriage falls apart, a breakdown in communication is either primarily or partly responsible. However, the importance of communication to a marriage is not a new concept. In fact, the facilitation and protection of marital communications are why states across the country recognize a privilege against the disclosure of such ...

Domestic Violence & Divorce in Florida

Few things complicate a divorce quite like domestic violence, even more so when there are children involved. As a victim of domestic violence, you deserve to get out as fast as you can, which can be a challenge if you are married to an abuser. The state of Florida condemns violent spouses with criminal charges, which has an inevitable ripple effect in all other court cases. Domestic violence ...

Domestic Violence & Divorce in Florida

Few things complicate a divorce quite like domestic violence, even more so when there are children involved. As a victim of domestic violence, you deserve to get out as fast as you can, which can be a challenge if you are married to an abuser. The state of Florida condemns violent spouses with criminal charges, which has an inevitable ripple effect in all other court cases. Domestic violence ...

Who Gets the House After a Divorce?

When a married couple buys a house, they ordinarily have joint ownership over it. As a result, both spouses have an equal and undivided right to live in the home. After a divorce , most couples usually aren’t too keen on continuing the previous living arrangement. However, since both spouses have an equal right to live there, how does a court determine who gets to live in the house after a ...

How to Identify Marital Assets

It is common knowledge that houses, cars, and dining sets are items that are equally divided during a divorce . However, does your spouse have a right to half of your business, employment benefits, or pension? The answer depends on whether those things qualify as a marital asset. This blog discusses how Florida courts identify marital assets. Equitable Distribution Under the Florida law, the ...