Divorce in Florida Blog

Identification and Vital Records Identity is the foundation. A valid photo ID ties filings to the right person, while a certified marriage certificate pins the legal relationship to an exact start date. Birth certificates link kids to parents. If your name shifted after the ceremony, the court wants to see the link between then and now. When these pieces are missing, clerks stall, hearings slip, and small gaps turn into long delays. Proof of Income and Employment Money decisi

Mistake 1: Filing Without a Real Plan People often rush because waiting hurts; pause anyway. Sketch a one-page map for the next 90 days that lists where you will live, who gets the car on Tuesdays, and which bills land on the first. Write it in ink and slip it into your bag. When emotions surge, that single sheet steadies your hands. Mistake 2: Ignoring the Money Map Numbers calm arguments. Gather the last 12 months of bank and card statements, three years of tax returns, rec

So if you’d rather not hand your lawyer a down payment on their next Tesla, stick with me. Here are five ways to save your money while saving your sanity. Stop Treating Court Like a Therapy Session Why are you dragging your ex to court over a toaster? Be honest. You don’t care about the toaster. You care about making them miserable. Meanwhile, your lawyer is sitting there thinking, “Please, keep talking—this bill is getting fatter by the minute.” Court should be your last res

The Non-Negotiable Waiting Period An uncontested divorce always begins with a mandatory cooling-off stretch of twenty days. No attorney, no perfectly crafted petition, and no heartfelt plea will shrink that number. Lawmakers created the pause so couples cannot file on Monday and marry someone else on Tuesday. Annoying, yes, but think of it as a seatbelt you must wear even when the ride feels smooth. You can either grumble or use the time wisely. Which choice sounds smarter? W

Court Fees Are Smaller Than Rumors People love repeating scary numbers even when those numbers lack context. Filing a basic petition usually costs less than a weekend road trip. You can verify exact fees with one phone call or by visiting the clerk website. Extra motions each carry smaller add-on costs, so keep your paperwork simple when possible. Resist filing duplicate requests merely to annoy the ex because the only winner at that point is the clerk cash register. Precisio

Divorce has its challenges, sure. But it’s not the horror movie people make it out to be. Myths about divorce weigh heavier on people than the actual process itself. And if you’re about to make big life decisions, wouldn’t you rather know facts than recycled gossip? Mothers Always Get Custody People assume judges always hand kids over to the mother and wave goodbye to the dad. Wrong. Today, courts look at what’s best for the child, not some outdated gender script. Shared cus

Case Complexity Complex cases with contested asset division and alimony negotiations add hours of attorney work and court filings. Do...

The Hidden Costs of Conflict Imagine filling a bathtub and then leaving the faucet on while the drain is open. That’s what a contested...

Ground Rules of Divorce Divorce law breaks down into a few core elements: grounds for divorce, property division, support obligations,...

1. Temporary Figures Often Become Permanent You nod along when a judge proposes temporary support. It sounds fair: cover rent, split...

Full Financial Disclosure The cornerstone of any enforceable prenup is honesty about assets and debts. Courts toss agreements when one...

Myth 1: You Need a Lawyer for Every Little Dispute A lot of folks assume you can’t handle any divorce detail without a lawyer breathing...

Understanding the Cost of Divorce Money often talks first in a divorce, and legal fees usually lead the conversation. You might spend a...

The Role of Alimony in Divorce One partner might have leaned on the other for support or put their career on hold. When separation...

Shifting Social and Cultural Norms Society's view of marriage has undergone a remarkable transformation. Marriage once meant lifelong...

1. Let Relationships Develop Naturally You love your new spouse, but that doesn't mean the kids will instantly feel the same way....

Understanding How Divorce Lawyers Charge Divorce attorneys typically charge in one of three ways: hourly rates, flat fees, or retainers....

Myth 1: Divorce Always Costs a Fortune While a messy, drawn-out court battle can drain your wallet, not every divorce leads to financial...

Attorney Fees Aren't the Only Legal Costs Most people assume that hiring a divorce attorney is the biggest expense, and while that's...

Divorce That's All About Simplification Divorce doesn't have to mean dragging out disagreements or drowning in paperwork. More than ever,...