Florida Divorce Attorney

Divorce in Florida involves critical decisions that impact your finances, property, and parental rights for years to come. At The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C., we represent clients across Florida in all aspects of divorce, including asset division, spousal support, and parenting matters. Our firm focuses exclusively on family law, allowing us to navigate Florida statutes and court procedures with precision and strategic insight. From your initial consultation with a licensed attorney, we are committed to providing clear guidance, protecting your interests, and securing strong, enforceable outcomes for your future.

Strategic Representation in Dissolution of Marriage Cases Under Florida Law

Divorce legally referred to in Florida as a Dissolution of Marriage is governed primarily by Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes. While Florida is a no-fault divorce state, the legal and financial consequences of ending a marriage can be significant and long-lasting. Property division, alimony, child support, parental responsibility, and timesharing must all be addressed before a Final Judgment is entered.

The decisions made during your divorce will shape your financial security and your family structure for years to come. Strategic planning from the outset is critical.

The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. represents clients throughout Southwest Florida and the greater Tampa Bay region, including but not limited to, Sarasota County, Manatee County, Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Lee County, Hillsborough County, and Pinellas County. Every consultation is conducted directly with a licensed Divorce and Matrimonial Law Attorney, not a salesperson, not a case manager, and not an intake team.

What Is Divorce Under Florida Law?

In Florida, divorce is called Dissolution of Marriage and may be granted when:

  • The marriage is irretrievably broken
    or
  • One spouse has been adjudicated mentally incapacitated for at least three years

 

Florida does not require proof of fault such as adultery or abandonment. However, fault-related conduct may still affect financial or parenting determinations in certain cases.

Key Issues in a Florida Divorce

A Florida divorce typically addresses:

  • Equitable distribution of marital assets and debts
  • Alimony (spousal support)
  • Child support
  • Parental responsibility
  • Timesharing (custody and visitation)
  • Attorney’s fees and costs

 

Each issue is governed by specific statutory standards.

Equitable Distribution in Florida

Florida follows equitable distribution, meaning marital assets and liabilities are divided fairly though not necessarily equally under Section 61.075, Florida Statutes.

Marital assets may include:

  • Real estate
  • Retirement accounts
  • Business interests
  • Bank accounts
  • Investment portfolios
  • Bonuses and deferred compensation
  • Vehicles and personal property

 

Courts evaluate statutory factors to determine whether unequal distribution is appropriate

Alimony in Florida Divorce Cases

Alimony is governed by Section 61.08, Florida Statutes. Recent legislative changes significantly altered Florida’s alimony framework, eliminating permanent alimony and revising durational limits.

Courts consider factors such as:

  • Length of marriage
  • Standard of living
  • Financial resources
  • Earning capacity
  • Contributions to the marriage

 

Strategic analysis is essential, particularly in high-income or business-owner cases.

Parenting Plans and Timesharing

Florida courts require a Parenting Plan addressing:

  • Parental responsibility
  • Timesharing schedules
  • School and healthcare decisions
  • Communication protocols

 

Florida law presumes shared parental responsibility unless evidence shows it would be detrimental to the child.

Timesharing decisions are based on the child’s best interests under Section 61.13, Florida Statutes.

High-Asset Divorce in Florida

In complex financial cases, additional issues may include:

  • Business valuation disputes
  • Forensic accounting
  • Hidden assets
  • Stock options and RSUs
  • Trust interests
  • Real estate portfolios
  • International property

 

Proper financial investigation can significantly affect outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a divorce take in Florida?
The timeline depends on complexity, court scheduling, and whether the case is contested. Uncontested cases may resolve in a few months; contested cases may take significantly longer.

Is Florida a 50/50 divorce state?
Florida follows equitable distribution, which begins with equal division but allows deviation based on statutory factors.

Do I have to go to court for divorce in Florida?
Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation, but court approval is required for final judgment.

Speak With a Florida Divorce Attorney

If you are considering filing for divorce or have been served with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, early legal guidance can protect your financial and parental rights.

Contact The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. to schedule a confidential consultation regarding your Florida divorce case.

Call us at (773) 893-0228.

Locations

Address

123 W Main Street, Suite 400 Chicago, IL 60601

Address

1201 6th Ave W STE 100 Unit #677 Bradenton, Florida 34205