What are grounds for Divorce in Florida?

Florida calls divorce a “dissolution of marriage”. Florida is a “no fault” divorce state, which means that spouses only need to tell a court that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” in order to get a divorce. Some other states call this “irreconcilable differences.” In this case, either spouse may file for the dissolution of marriage.

What can I expect to lose in a Divorce?

Florida is an “equitable distribution” state, which means that courts will divide property in a way it believes to be fair, which is not necessarily an equal split. The family law and divorce attorneys at Brandon Legal Group will work with you to protect your assets as much as possible in your divorce proceeding.

Will I have to pay Alimony / will I receive Alimony?

Alimony is no longer a forgone conclusion. There are several factors that will determine whether or not a judge will award alimony. These range from, the duration of the marriage, to each spouses ability to support themselves and/or their “capacity” to support themselves outside of the marriage.

Our Services

Divorce Attorneys

Divorce Attorneys Divorce is a sensitive issue and is rarely simple. Divorce can be devastating for families and is filled with pressing issues such as child support and custody, home ownership, asset division and alimony. Our divorce attorneys have experience in courtrooms throughout the Greater Tampa Bay Area, and across the State of Florida. When you are experiencing an emotionally charged and legally challenging time, you need someone you can trust on your side. Our attorneys are here to provide you with the legal guidance and support you need.

Divorce can involve some difficult decisions. It’s hard to make the right choices without being fully informed. We will encourage you to think about a variety of outcomes pertaining to your divorce including: property division, alimony and child support. It’s important to us that all of our clients understand their options and have considered all the possible outcomes of their individual matter.

Collaborative Divorce

Divorce can be an emotionally trying process, but it doesn’t have to involve a bitter fight. Thanks to collaborative divorce, you can dissolve your marriage more quickly and efficiently. You and your spouse could be divorced in a faster, less costly manner with minimal animosity. Our trained collaborative divorce attorneys can help you decide if this is the right choice for you.

As the name suggests, the aim of collaborative divorce is for you and your spouse to work together. All of the questions associated with a traditional divorce will be answered with a collaborative divorce. The process avoids cultivating a “me against them” attitude. Instead, you both approach the divorce recognizing that you have the same ultimate goal: to remain amicable. It avoids any decisions motivated by spite, bitterness, or anger. At the beginning of a collaborative divorce, both parties and their attorneys will sign a document. It confirms that you will work together to make decisions for the divorce to be finalized.

Military Divorce

Every divorce is different. There are issues that arise in certain cases of divorce that may not be necessary to address in another. When one or both spouses are in the military, there may be implications that become far more difficult to settle. Active deployments and military retirements are just a few of the areas that may need to be addressed when pursuing a divorce within a military family. Our attorneys are ready to provide military members or their spouses the experienced representation they need.

Your marriage did not need to occur in Florida in order to be divorced in Florida. If you have lived, or been stationed, in Florida it could be possible for you to file for divorce in the state. One of the benefits of divorcing in Florida is that you can obtain a no fault divorce. This means that neither party needs to have done anything in particular to warrant the divorce.

Same Sex Divorce

In 2015 legal recognition of same-sex marriage in Florida created a new reality, same-sex divorce. A same-sex relationship can come to an end just like any other. It is imperative to recognize the issues and complexities involved. In the state of Florida, divorce is treated the same for same sex couples as any other couple. It is however, important to recognize the issues involved. We are able to acknowledge all the issues that are the same as any other marriage as well as the areas where there may be subtle differences.

Along with same-sex marriage, same-sex divorce is still relatively new. There were previously some issues about who could be granted a same-sex divorce in Florida. Now anyone married in Florida or another state can seek a same-sex divorce. Our experienced attorneys are up to date on recent events within the community and will support you through this troubling time.

FAMILY LAW MYTHS & FAQS

IF YOU DON’T KNOW, NOW YOU KNOW.

What are grounds for Divorce in Florida?

Florida calls divorce a “dissolution of marriage”. Florida is a “no fault” divorce state, which means that spouses only need to tell a court that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” in order to get a divorce. Some other states call this “irreconcilable differences.”

In this case, either spouse may file for the dissolution of marriage.
What can I expect to lose in a Divorce?

Florida is an “equitable distribution” state, which means that courts will divide property in a way it believes to be fair, which is not necessarily an equal split.

The family law and divorce attorneys at Brandon Legal Group will work with you to protect your assets as much as possible in your divorce proceeding.
Will I have to pay Alimony / will I receive Alimony?

Alimony is no longer a forgone conclusion.

There are several factors that will determine whether or not a judge will award alimony. These range from, the duration of the marriage, to each spouses ability to support themselves and/or their “capacity” to support themselves outside of the marriage.

Florida Divorce Articles

How to Address Marital Debt During Divorce Proceedings

Marital debt can overwhelm divorce proceedings, but strategic action is key. This guide clarifies marital vs. separate debt and offers steps to address it decisively. Brandon Legal Group provides unwavering clarity and aggressive advocacy to ensure a fair debt division, protecting your credit and empowering your financial future post-divorce.

The Legal Process for Modifying Divorce Agreements Post-Judgment

Life changes, and sometimes divorce agreements need to too. Modifying alimony, child support, or custody post-judgment in Florida requires a “substantial, material, and unanticipated change.” Learn the legal process, from filing a petition to court hearings. Brandon Legal Group offers decisive guidance and unapologetic advocacy to navigate these complex modifications.

What Strategies Helped You Rebuild Your Identity After Divorce?

Divorce often disorients one’s identity. This guide offers proactive strategies for rebuilding yourself: rediscover passions, set boundaries, cultivate new supports, and embrace independence. Brandon Legal Group ensures legal clarity, providing the foundation and freedom to forge a strong, authentic new identity and pursue your post-divorce future with courage.

Best Interests of the Child: The Hard Truths, Not the Feel-Good Myths

What does “best interests of the child” really mean in Florida courts? Learn the hard truths and statutory factors that judges actually use to decide custody.

What Is a Prenuptial Agreement and Should You Consider One?

A prenuptial agreement provides crucial financial clarity and protection before marriage. It safeguards assets, manages debts, and defines spousal support, offering peace of mind. Brandon Legal Group empowers clients with direct truths and strategic insights to make decisive choices for their future.

Sole Legal Custody: When Sharing Decisions is a Recipe for Disaster

Sole legal custody grants one parent exclusive decision-making rights. Learn when Florida courts award it and how it differs from joint custody arrangements.

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Case Study: Because legal issues rarely stand their own

Our client had gotten a divorce two years earlier. In the Marital Settlement Agreement, her former husband was to pay her 50% of the proceeds from the sale of his medical practice.

The former husband requested that she agree to a lower amount, indicating that once she exhausted that money, he would seek to obtain sole custody of their son.

She came to the office for post-judgment help.

We were able to have the spouse’s accounts frozen until he complied with the original terms of the Marital Settlement Agreement.

Divorce Attorney Brandon Brandon Legal Group

MEET YOUR ATTORNEY'S

OVER 50 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE

INGRID HOOGLANDER

In 2008 after gaining years of experience under the watchful eyes of her predecessors, Ms. Hooglander opened her own private practice that has grown into what Brandon Legal Group is today.Her weight lifting and Kick Boxing training contribute to a reputation as a "force of nature" in both her personal life and her presence in the court room.

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LUKE MATTSON

Mr. Mattson found his niche in family law and has focused his practice in that area since 2000. In particular, Luke often handles matters involving divorce, time-sharing, parenting plans, child support, alimony, paternity, and civil domestic violence. Mr. Mattson might look like he’s all business, but you'd be surprised to discover the incredible fun loving attitude he brings to the practice. When outside the courtroom, Mr. Mattson can often be found watching Lightning games or riding his bike around downtown Tampa.

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