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, and their spouses living here, are presumed to be Florida residents and may not need six months of physical presence, but they must still intend to make Florida their permanent home.
- 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 covering parental responsibility (decision-making) and a time-sharing schedule, and child support will be set under Florida's child support guidelines. 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 may not be stuck with your spouse's secret spending (the court can account for intentional waste of marital assets within 2 years before filing or after filing), 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 for cases pending or filed on or after July 1, 2023.
- Uncontested: Typically 30 to 60 days
- Contested: 6 to 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, and in most uncontested cases the judge can enter the final judgment on the signed, sworn paperwork without a hearing. The judge may still set a short final hearing; whether you would appear in person or remotely depends on your judge's procedures. 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, so our loyalty is clear.
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 (a move of at least 50 miles for at least 60 consecutive days) requires either:
- A written agreement signed by both parents (and anyone else with court-ordered time-sharing) that consents to the move and sets the new time-sharing schedule and any transportation arrangements (ratified by the court when there is a court case or order)
- A sworn Petition to Relocate, filed with the court and served on the other parent, and a court order permitting the move
Also, while a divorce, paternity or modification case is pending in our circuit (Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington Counties), the court's standing order bars either parent from permanently moving the children, or changing their school or daycare, whatever the distance, without both parents' written agreement or a court order. 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 retired 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 can help make your agreement enforceable, protect your rights, and catch anything that's missing.
We serve clients across:
- Panama City
- Panama City Beach
- Lynn Haven, Callaway, Marianna, Mexico Beach, Chipley, Destin, Fort Walton
And throughout Northwest Florida
Dedicated to Your Future
WHY CHOOSE JUSTIN ANDERSSON, P.A.?
- Clarity, Strategy, and Real Guidance
- Focused on Divorce & Family Law
- Honest Communication
- Personalized Support
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.
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Want clear answers now? Get the free guide I wrote to help clients like you navigate divorce in the 850.