In Florida, a divorce becomes contested when the spouses disagree on one or more essential terms of the separation, such as property division, alimony, parenting responsibilities, or child support. Under Florida Statutes § 61.052, a marriage dissolution can be filed because the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” However, when key terms cannot be settled between the spouses, the court must step in to resolve the disputes. That’s when having a strong, empathetic legal advocate matters most.
What’s at Stake in a Contested Divorce in Jacksonville? Key Issues That Often Require Court Intervention
- Property Division: Florida follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning assets and debts acquired during the marriage must be divided fairly, not necessarily equally.
- Alimony: The court considers factors like the length of the marriage, each party’s financial need and ability, and the standard of living established during the marriage. See § 61.08, Fla. Stat..
- Child Support: Based on the Florida Child Support Guidelines, courts calculate payments based on both parents' incomes, the number of children, and the time-sharing arrangement.
- Parental Responsibility & Time-Sharing: Courts aim for shared parental responsibility when possible, but may award sole responsibility if necessary to protect the child.