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Divorce FAQ

Florida Divorce FAQ

Get clear, honest answers from a local divorce lawyer who understands the stakes.

Top Questions We Hear from Florida Divorce Clients

These are the real questions our clients ask. No jargon. No scare tactics. Just practical answers and honest expectations.

At least 6 months. One spouse must have lived in Florida for 6 months prior to filing. Military members stationed in Florida under orders may qualify without traditional residency.

  • Uncontested: Both spouses agree on all issues (property, custody, support). Faster and less expensive.
  • Contested: There’s disagreement about at least one major issue. Requires negotiation, mediation, and possibly trial.

Florida is a no-fault divorce state. You don’t have to prove wrongdoing — just that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”

You’ll need a Parenting Plan outlining custody (parental responsibility), timesharing, and child support. Florida courts focus on the child’s best interests, not parental preferences.

It depends. If the home is marital property, the court will determine who stays, who pays, or whether to sell it — often based on children, finances, and equity.

Just like assets, marital debts (credit cards, loans, mortgages) are divided equitably — not always equally. You won’t be stuck with your spouse’s secret spending, but all debts are reviewed.

Maybe. Florida allows temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational alimony based on:

  • Length of the marriage
  • Financial need and earning capacity
  • Standard of living
  • Contributions to the marriage

Permanent alimony has been abolished in Florida.

  • Uncontested: Typically 30–60 days
  • Contested: 6–12 months or longer, depending on complexity, court delays, and whether children are involved

Not always. Many divorces are resolved through mediation or settlement agreements. If issues can’t be resolved, you may attend temporary hearings or a final trial.

No. Florida ethical rules prohibit one attorney from representing both parties in a divorce, even if it’s amicable. We represent one spouse only to ensure loyalty and clarity.

You can still proceed with a contested divorce. After formal service of process, your spouse has 20 days to respond. If they don’t, you may pursue a default judgment.

Relocation with children (more than 50 miles) requires either:

  • Written consent from the other parent
  • A court-approved Petition for Relocation

This is a common issue — especially after divorce — and must be handled carefully to avoid contempt or modification.

Military divorce involves:

  • Jurisdictional flexibility
  • Delays due to deployment (under SCRA)
  • Division of pensions, TSP, and military pay
  • Unique custody arrangements and parenting logistics

We regularly represent military spouses and service members across the Panhandle.

Technically, no. But divorce impacts your:

  • Finances
  • Property rights
  • Custody of your children
  • Long-term stability

Even in uncontested cases, a lawyer ensures your agreement is enforceable, your rights are protected, and nothing is missed.

We serve clients across:

  • Panama City
  • Panama City Beach
  • Lynn Haven, Callaway, Marianna, Mexico Beach, Chipley, Destin, Fort Walton

And throughout Northwest Florida

Who We Serve

Proudly Representing Families Throughout the Florida Panhandle

From the coast to the Wiregrass line, we provide trusted legal representation in:

Bay County (Home Base):

  • Panama City
  • Panama City Beach
  • Lynn Haven
  • Callaway
  • Mexico Beach
  • Springfield
  • Parker

Surrounding Areas:

  • Jackson County
  • Marianna
  • Graceville
  • Sneads
  • Gulf County
  • Port St. Joe
  • Wewahitchka
  • Calhoun County
  • Blountstown
  • Altha
  • Washington County
  • Chipley
  • Vernon
  • Holmes County
  • Bonifay
  • Ponce de Leon

Wider Northwest Florida & Panhandle Region:

  • Walton County
  • Defuniak Springs
  • Freeport
  • Santa Rosa Beach
  • Okaloosa County
  • Fort Walton Beach
  • Crestview
  • Niceville
  • Santa Rosa County
  • Milton
  • Navarre
  • Escambia County
  • Pensacola
  • Cantonment
  • Gulf Breeze

Whether you live in Panama City or commute in from across the Panhandle, we offer virtual consultations, flexible scheduling, and personalized legal support from a team that understands Northwest Florida values.

See What Our Clients Say

Honest Feedback From Those We’ve Represented

Although I have not needed a divorce, I have utilized other legal services that Justin assisted me with. He was professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. He explained everything clearly and made the process smooth and stress-free. Based on my experience, I would confidently recommend Justin to anyone in need of legal support, including all family law matters.

Liane DeBoard

I recently moved my business to Panama and Justin was incredibly helpful in providing legal guidance to get things started. He was knowledgeable, professional, and generous with his time. Highly recommend him for anyone needing legal support in the area.

Escape D’amour

I can’t say enough good things about Justin. From the very first meeting, I felt heard, respected, and supported. And Laramie the office manager he is just so caring that makes you feel like part of the family. 🙏Justin and his team went above and beyond for me during a difficult point in my life. They were responsive, compassionate, and truly fought for my best interest.💪 If you need an attorney who actually cares — this is the place. Highly recommend!

Carmen Argueta Yacaman

Justin Andersson is an outstanding attorney. He is professional, responsive, and truly cares about his clients. I was always kept informed and he actually answered my phone calls (or called me back quickly)! Highly recommend his firm to anyone in need of honest and effective legal assistance.

DON MCCOY

I strongly recommend Attorney Andersson as your attorney if you are looking to protect your assets or consider a divorce. He is very diligent, pays a great attention to the details and goes above and beyond for his clients.
 
 

Anastasiia Diedkova

Justin and his team are diligent and extremely pleasant to work with. I recommend their legal services to anyone in need.
 
 

Stephen Matheny

I would highly recommend hiring Justin Andersson for your legal needs. He went above and beyond to help our family with legal needs.

glen warren

Mr Andersson took on a very unique case for one of my clients. His research , discovery , and timely manner was impeccable. I highly recommend his service.

GG Richardson

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Phil Skeen

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Disclaimer: The information on this site is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Justin Andersson is not board certified in marital and family law by The Florida Bar. For full details, please see our Legal Disclaimer page or email info@850DivorceLawyer.com to request a copy.

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