Getting Married and Divorced in Florida Guide

What does marriage really mean? Is it also a legala party denies that the marriage is "irretrievably
relationship? What are the consequences of marriagebroken" then the court may order counseling and the
and divorce? How will it change your life? What doesproceedings may be delayed up to (3) months for
the dissolution of marriage mean and what is involvedpossible reconciliation. Most courts where children are
in the proceeding?involved require parenting classes. Divorce proceedings
Getting married isn't just living together until death orare public proceedings and are available for review at
divorce. When you marry you enter into a legalthe courthouse.
relationship with many consequences on yourThe court begins the process of division by first setting
ownership of money, your possessions, your childrenaside "non marital" which were owned prior to
and ultimately how you relate. Persons getting marriedmarriage or inherited or properties agreed to in a
should research information about what marriage reallywritten agreement between both parties as non
means and what impact it can have on your future.marital. Assets and liabilities will be distributed equally or
For those considering marriage there are pre-maritalnot, based on equitable factors; for example a career.
classes. A "prenuptial agreement" can determine theThe court may award some assets to each party and
economic issues if one dies or the marriage isbalance the difference through a cash payment.
dissolved. If there isn't a written or verbal agreementA trial judge may enter orders while the divorce action
referencing assets and liabilities; the court will have ais pending dealing with support, maintenance,
trial to determine who gets what and who will paypossession, where any children may live, and the time
what. If a party owes a debt prior to the marriage andspent with each parent, and also, attorney fees and
that debt still exists at the time of the divorce thatcosts.
party will still be responsible for that debt unless otherA final judgment from the court must be obtained to
agreed to arrangements were made.dissolve the marriage. Matters of property, support and
Once a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed inchild-related issues will be determined.
Florida, then legal service is required of the otherIn summary, getting married is a legal relationship which
person. That party must file a written answer. Financialhas bearing on many factors including your future and
information to and from his or her spouse is required.how you relate to each other. There are premarital
Most courts where children are involved requireclasses to research information on what marriage can
parenting classes. In Florida there are (2) legallymean for you. Consider a "prenuptial agreement" to
acceptable reasons for divorce. They are: if a party isdetermine the economic issues if one dies or the
declared legally incompetent for over (3) years or themarriage ends. Is your marriage "irretrievably broken"
marriage is "irretrievably broken" This means there isor will counsel help?
nothing that the court can do. If there are children and