FAMILY LAW
JUPITER LAW CENTER has prepared, reviewed, revised and represented clients in such areas as Divorce, Custody, Child Support, Visitation, Alimony, Modifications, Name Changes and Adoptions. We often deal with emotional issues and will try to explain the process in a simple, easy-to-understand way to make it less stressful.
Below are a few interesting facts about Family Law:
- Florida has abolished fault as a ground for Divorce. In fact, there are only two grounds for obtaining a Divorce in Florida: 1) the marriage is irretrievably broken; or 2) one spouse has been adjudicated incompetent for a period of at least three (3) years preceding the filing of a Petition for Dissolution. However, fault may be considered under certain circumstances when awarding Alimony, Equitable Distribution of Marital Assets and Liabilities and determination of Custody.
- COMMON-LAW MARRIAGE is no longer recognized in Florida. However, such a marriage entered into prior to 1968 carries the same rights as a ceremonial marriage. A Common-Law Marriage which was valid when entered into in a sister state is valid in Florida.
- In a DIVORCE, the process of dividing the real and personal property acquired during the marriage is called EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION. Since Equitable means fair, the distribution of the property does not always result in a 50/50 division.