Every marriage and breakup is unique, but there are some common problems people face when they get a divorce in Florida. The state’s laws on child custody, dividing assets, and financial support can seem complicated. To ensure you understand the law and get the best possible settlement, you must work with experienced divorce attorneys in Miami, FL, who can help make sure you are treated fairly throughout the process.
One of the most stressful parts of a divorce is deciding who gets custody of the kids and how child support will work.
Many people assume that Florida courts usually favor mothers over fathers when awarding custody, but that is not the case. The law sees both parents equally. When deciding who will take care of the kids, judges carefully evaluate each parent’s ability to provide for them, considering things like their work hours, living situations, and how close they are to each other.
Florida courts actually encourage shared parenting, which means they want both parents to stay involved in their kids’ lives. This usually leads to arrangements where kids can spend equal time with both parents unless one parent is proven to be unfit.
Child support is another decision that can create some tension.
People’s financial situation can take a big hit after going through a divorce, and the higher-earning spouse usually has to pay child support. This can cause disagreements, with one parent sometimes threatening to reduce payments or even stop them altogether.
Child support is not something you can negotiate over unless both sides mutually agree to an amount that the court will approve. Work with an experienced divorce attorneys in Miami, FL, to make sure the child support amounts are fair for both parents.
Florida uses an equitable distribution system when splitting up assets in a divorce. This does not always mean a 50-50 split. The court instead looks at different factors to make sure the division is fair based on each spouse’s contributions and needs.
A sizable part of a couple’s wealth is usually tied up in their house. Deciding who will keep the house or how to split the money from its sale can be complicated, especially if kids are in the picture. The parent with primary custody might have a stronger claim of staying in the house, but that does not mean they will definitely get it in the final settlement. Other non-monetary contributions like caring for children or supporting a spouse’s education can also influence who gets what.
Experienced divorce attorneys in Miami, FL, know how complicated asset division can be and will help you gather the right information to make sure you get your fair share from the marriage.
In many divorces, one spouse may need financial support from the other to maintain the lifestyle they had when they were married. Florida courts can award alimony, but how much and what kind can differ based on a bunch of factors — like how long the couple was married, how much money each spouse makes, what jobs they can have, and if one spouse had to stop working to take care of things at home.
Understanding if you should get alimony or if you have to pay it can be a very stressful part of divorce negotiations. This is another area where having experienced divorce attorneys in Miami, FL on your side helps.
Going from two incomes to one or handling child support and alimony can have a long-term impact on your financial situation. Divorce attorneys in Miami, FL, can help you understand what your financial settlement really means for your future. They will help you with everything from dividing retirement accounts to making sure assets are valued and divided fairly.
It would be great if everyone could get along and resolve things amicably, but the truth is that divorce can stir up unexpected conflicts, especially around money, property, and kids. The stakes are too high to go through this without some professional guidance.
Are you thinking about getting a divorce or already going through it? If so, you are in the right place. The team of Miami divorce attorneys at the Kirlew Law Firm is here to help you and make sure you get the best possible resolution. Contact the Kirlew Law Firm today for a free phone consultation! Call us at 305-521-0484.