Divorce Law

Although many layman, attorneys, and judges still refer to "divorce," Florida changed the terminology to "dissolution of marriage" almost 30 years ago, when Florida became a "no fault" state.  The notion of "no fault" means that someone who wants to dissolve his or her marriage is not required to prove traditional grounds, such as adultery, abandonment, or cruelty, but instead must simply allege and prove, (usually by his or her testimony), that the marriage is "irretrievably broken."

Dissolution of marriage actions can be simple or complex involving issues related to division of assets and liabilities, alimony or spousal support, child support, attorney's fees, and other children's issues which might include a parenting plan and time-sharing schedule.  (As of October 1, 2008, Florida abandoned the concepts of  "custody" and "visitation" in favor of a "parenting plan" which should address shared and delegated parental rights and responsibilities and a time-sharing schedule.)