In your divorce trial, the court will analyze various aspects of your and your spouse’s lives to make life-altering decisions, such as the outcomes of alimony settlements, child custody and support agreements, and property division. But before this can happen, you must follow the proper procedure of filing. Read on to learn how a proficient Broward County divorce lawyer at The Finizio Law Group, P.A. can help you prepare for each step of the process ahead.
What is the first step of the divorce process in Florida?
In the state of Florida, the first step of the divorce process is to fulfill the residency requirement. For the court to establish jurisdiction, you must prove that you and/or your spouse were a resident of Florida for no less than six months prior to filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. The following are pieces of evidence that can be used to establish your residency in Florida:
- Proof of permanent employment in Florida.
- A signed lease in Florida.
- A document showing that you purchased a home in Florida.
- Your testimony which indicates your intention to make Florida your home.
- A driver’s license or vehicle registration which was obtained in Florida.
What else should I know about the divorce process?
In addition to the residency requirements, you must also cite your reasons for getting a divorce. Notably, Florida, is a no-fault state, meaning that divorce is not considered the fault of either party. So, you cannot file for divorce under traditional grounds such as adultery, abandonment, cruelty, or imprisonment for several years after your marriage began. Instead, you can cite no-fault grounds by declaring an “irretrievable breakdown for a period of six months or more prior to the commencement of the action for divorce.”
Also, there are different divorce options that you may pursue. There is a regular dissolution of marriage, which consists of a contested divorce or an uncontested divorce. A contested divorce is when you and your spouse cannot mutually agree on the specifics of the settlement agreement, and an uncontested divorce is the exact opposite. You can also file for a simplified divorce, particularly if you and your spouse are against seeking the aid of an attorney.
If you have any questions about which option is in your best interest, do not hesitate in reaching out to a talented Broward County family law attorney today.
Contact Our Experienced Broward County Firm
If you require legal representation for matters of personal injury, family law, criminal defense, commercial litigation, or aviation litigation, look no further than The Finizio Law Group. Our firm has decades of combined experience representing clients from all walks of life, and we are here to put those years of experience to work for you as well. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation with our team and to learn more about our services and how we can assist you.
