Will I Have to Pay Alimony in My Divorce?
In Florida, judges calculate alimony using formulas based on earnings, living expenses, assets, and debts. But a judge can also consider the length of the marriage, the age of each spouse, each spouse’s earning capacity, and whether the supported spouse is caring for young children. If you have specific questions about your potential obligation to […]
How Much Alimony Will I Get in My Divorce?
Most courts decide whether to order alimony payments — and in what amount — based on a formula set by state law. These formulas take a variety of factors into consideration. You and your spouse can also negotiate an alimony settlement and ask the court to approve it. An experienced Tampa family law attorney can […]
How is Property Divided in Divorce?
Generally, spouses are allowed to keep their separate property ― assets they owned before the marriage and gifts or inheritance they received before, during, or after the marriage. Property acquired during the marriage — such as income, savings, retirement accounts, stocks, bonds, cars, homes, and furnishings — is considered shared property, and divided between the […]
What is a Legal Separation?
Legal separation is a specific status similar to divorce, for couples who don’t plan to resume their marital relationship but aren’t ready to dissolve their marriage. The only difference between legal separation and divorce is that legally separated parties aren’t free to remarry. A Tampa family law attorney can explain how Florida treats legal separation […]
Do Contested Divorces Cost More Than Uncontested Divorces?
It is difficult to predict how much your divorce will cost, because so much depends on the particular facts, but the overriding factor is whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. The cost of a contested divorce can escalate quickly, so it’s important to work closely with your Tampa divorce attorney to reduce expenses where […]
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Divorce?
The total cost of a divorce depends on the complexity of the case and whether the spouses can work together. Attorney rates depend on experience level and the market for legal services in your area. To reduce costs, spouses can try mediation, which is often less expensive. A local Tampa divorce attorney can explain the […]
Does My Spouse Have to Agree to the Divorce?
Married couples can disagree on anything and everything, including whether they should get a divorce. Once, a spouse’s objection made obtaining a divorce difficult or impossible, but today it’s much easier to dissolve your marriage without your spouse’s consent, by filing a “no-fault” divorce. If you’re considering divorce, a local Tampa divorce attorney at Sessums […]
What Do I Need to Start the Divorce Process?
The process for starting a divorce varies by Florida law and residency requirements. You might also need to live apart from your spouse for a certain time before filing. Visit your county courthouse or download a divorce petition from your court’s website. Once you’ve filled it out, you’ll need funds for the filing fee and […]
How Long Does it Take to Get a Divorce?
The divorce process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years, depending on Florida’s laws and your specific circumstances. Divorces with complex estates or challenging custody issues generally take longer than cases with few assets and no children. A local Tampa divorce attorney at Sessums Law Group, P.A. can help you understand […]
How Do I File For Divorce?
In Florida, you begin by completing a divorce “petition” or “complaint” where you provide basic information and indicate how you want the court to decide child custody, child support, property division and alimony. You should make two copies of your petition and file it in the court of the county where you or your spouse […]
