Florida Divorce Laws: Everything You Need to Know
Florida state laws require meeting certain general requirements before you can get a divorce. Some of these requirements apply to all divorce cases, but others depend on your situation. The Law Office of Matthew Z. Martell is a Sarasota Florida divorce law firm. Contact them to learn more about divorce requirements in the State of Florida.
By law, you or your spouse must have been legal Florida residents for at least six months before filing for divorce. You are also required to complete and file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in your local circuit court. Once this is done, your spouse will receive notice of your filing by Summons. Your spouse is legally allowed 20 days (exclusive of the day of service) to respond to the divorce petition after he or she has been served.
You can file for a motion of default if your spouse doesn’t respond to the divorce petition. If a clerk’s default judgment is granted, you’ll still have to complete more required divorce forms and also set a date for the final hearing. You are also required by law to notify your spouse of the final divorce hearing by filing a Notice of Hearing.
Divorce in Florida can get complicated. In the simplest cases, both spouses agree to the all aspects of the divorce. But in most cases your spouse will contest the divorce, which means he or she disagree with the terms of your divorce petition. The situation can become more complicated if children, alimony, property, or businesses are involved in your divorce. You and your attorney should have a clear line of communication so you’ll know what to expect in court. And finally, your attorney should have the skill to communicate with your spouse’s attorney.
It’s in your best interest to contact the Law Office of Matthew Z. Martell, a Sarasota Florida divorce law firm. Having a divorce attorney in your corner can help you get the best possible outcome. In conclusion, there are several things to consider when filing for divorce. It’s important to understand your rights and what you want from the divorce. Contact Sarasota divorce attorney Matthew Z. Martell at (941) 556-7020 for help with your divorce.