Source: https://piaseckalaw.com/divorce
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 10:42:41+00:00

Document:
Q: How is property divided in divorce proceeding?
A: In Florida, marital property is divided between spouses by equitable distribution.
Q: What is equitable distribution of assets?
A: Equitable distribution of assets means division of marital property in a divorce under statutory guidelines. Equitable distribution is fair but not necessarily equal division of assets and liabilities between spouses.
Q: What are the statutory guidelines for equitable distribution of property?
“a. Assets acquired and liabilities incurred during the marriage, individually by either spouse or jointly by them.
Pursuant to Fla. Stat. 61.075(8), all assets acquired and liabilities incurred during the marriage and not specifically established as nonmarital assets or liabilities are presumed to be marital assets and liabilities. Also, all real property held by the parties as tenants by entireties, whether acquired prior or during the marriage, is presumed to be marital.
Assets acquired prior to marriage are nonmarital assets and remain separate property of the owner absent evidence of a gift or conveyance of the assets to the owner’s spouse. Moss v. Moss, 829 So. 2d 302 (Fla. 5th DCA 2002).
However, property acquired during the marriage through the exchange of nonmarital assets is nonmarital. Beaty v. Gribble, 652 So. 2d 1156 (Fla. 2d DCA 1995).
Q: What is nonmarital property?
Q: Is an engagement ring marital property?
A: The general rule is that an engagement ring is nonmarital property. Randall v. Randall, 56 So.3d 817 (Fla. 2d DCA 2011).
Q: What is the cut-off date for identifying marital assets?
A: In Florida, the cut-off date for determining whether or not assets and liabilities are marital is “the earliest of the date the parties enter into a valid separation agreement, such other date as may be expressly established by such agreement, or the date of the filing of a petition for dissolution of marriage. The date for determining value of assets and the amount of liabilities identified or classified as marital is the date or dates as the judge determines is just and equitable under the circumstances. Different assets may be valued as of different dates, as, in the judge’s discretion, the circumstances require.” Fla. Stat. 61.075(7).
Q: Are assets obtained after filing for dissolution of marriage marital?
A: Assets acquired by one spouse after filing for a divorce are generally deemed to be nonmarital. Beers v. Beers, 724 So.3d 388 (Fla. 2d DCA 2009).
Q: Are debts acquired by one spouse during marriage marital?
A: Generally, debts acquired by one spouse during marriage are marital. Fla. Stat. 61.075(6)(a)1.
Q: Are one spouse’s student loans marital debt if they were acquired during marriage?
A: Unfortunately, yes. Florida courts consider student loans of one spouse marital debt that should be shared equally amongst both spouses if the student loans were obtained during marriage. Rogers v. Rogers, 12 So.3d 388 (Fla. 2d DCA 2009).
Q: Can nonmarital property become marital?
A: Yes. Nonmarital property may turn to marital asset when it is commingled with marital assets (e.g. money is deposited in joint marital account). Pfrengle v. Pfrengle, 976 So.2d 1134 (Fla. 2d DCA 2008). The spouse seeking to have property declared as nonmarital asset has the burden of overcoming the presumption of gift by proving that a gift was not intended. Robertson v. Robertson, 593 So.2d 491, 494 (Fla. 1991).
Furthermore, pursuant to Fla. Stat. 61.075(6)(a)1b, a nonmarital asset may be become a marital asset to the extent that its value has been enhanced by marital funds or labor. Cole v. Robert, 661 So.2d 1156 (Fla. 2d DCA 1995). However, it has to be active appreciation in value.
Q: What is active appreciation of an asset?
A: Active appreciation occurs when one spouse’s marital efforts caused the increase in value of the asset.
Q: Is paying off the mortgage considered active appreciation?
A: The mortgage reduction may be considered an “enhancement value” subject to equitable distribution if the mortgage was partially or fully paid off during the marriage from marital funds. Stevens v. Stevens, 651 So.2d 1306 (Fla. 1st DCA 1995). When marital assets are used during the marriage to reduce the mortgage on non-marital property, the increase in equity is a marital asset subject to equitable distribution. See e.g. Gaetani-Slade v. Slade, 852 So.2d 343 (Fla. 1st DCA 2003).
Q: What is passive appreciation of an asset?
A: Passive appreciation occurs when the increase or decrease of value is a result of passive or market forces, rather than the particular actions of a spouse.
Q: Who gets a jointly held business after divorce?
A: When deciding who the closely held business goes to, the court should take into consideration the desirability of retaining an interest in a business intact and free from any claim or interference by the other party. Fla. Stat. 61.075. Generally, it is improper for the court to leave the parties as joint owners of a joint business. Ross v. Bandi, 566 So.2d 55 (Fla. 4th DCA 1990). In many situations forcing the spouses to be business partners after divorce creates an “intolerable situation” especially when the spouses clearly state that they do not want to continue working together after the divorce. Id.
Q: Who gets marital residence after divorce?
A: Whenever children are involved, usually the spouse with the majority of the timesharing is awarded exclusive use and possession of the marital home until the minor children reach the majority or become emancipated or until the former spouse remarries. See Dolch v. Dolch, 368 So.2d 618 (Fla. 2d DCA 1979).
Q: How are the assets valued in a divorce proceeding?
A: Assets are valued according to the fair market value.
Q: What is fair market value?
A: Fair market value is the price that a seller is willing to accept and a buyer is willing to pay on the open market for a similar property.
Q: Can spouses agree to a different than equitable distribution of assets?
A: Yes, the spouses can always agree to a different distribution of assets in a marital settlement agreement, prenuptial agreement or postnuptial agreement.
A: A prenuptial agreement, also called “prenup” or premarital agreement is “an agreement between prospective spouses made in contemplation of marriage and to be effective upon marriage.” Fla. Stat. 61.079.
Q: What are the formalities required for a prenuptial agreement to be valid?
A: It must be in writing and signed by both parties. Fla. Stat. 61.079.
Q: What can a prenuptial agreement contain?
The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located; The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property; The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event; The establishment, modification, waiver, or elimination of spousal support; The making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement; The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy; The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement; and Any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of either the public policy of this state or a law imposing a criminal penalty.
Q: Can child support be reduced by a prenuptial agreement?
A: No. The right of a child to support may not be adversely affected by a premarital agreement. Fla. Stat. 61.079.
Q: When does a prenuptial agreement become effective?
A: A premarital agreement becomes effective upon marriage of the parties. Fla. Stat. 61.079.
Q: Can a prenuptial agreement be changed or revoked?
A: Yes. A premarital agreement may be amended, revoked, or abandoned but it must be done only by a written agreement signed by the parties. Fla. Stat. 61.079.
Q: How can a prenuptial agreement be challenged?
c. Did not have, or reasonably could not have had, an adequate knowledge of the property or financial obligations of the other party.
A: Alimony or spousal support is defined as “an allotment of sums of money payable at regular intervals or in lump sum, as distinguished from a portion of a spouse’s estate, and it is an obligation imposed by law separate and distinct from the parties’ property rights.” Cullen v. Cullen, 413 So.2d 1196, 1198 (Fla. 1st DCA 1982). In other words, it is court-ordered money that one spouse has to pay to the other spouse for maintenance or support during the lawsuit or after the divorce.
Q: What types of alimony are available in Florida?
Q: How does the court determine whether or not to award alimony?
A: Pursuant to Florida Statute 61.08(2)(a)-(j), income must be calculated for each party, which includes all sources of income. Income may also be imputed.
Q: How is alimony paid?
Q: Which factors does the court consider in determining the alimony award and its amount?
(j) Any other factor necessary to do equity and justice between the parties.” Fla. Stat. 61.08(2).
Q: Does it matter if my spouse cheated on me?
A: Yes. Although Florida is a non-fault state, in determination of alimony award courts “may consider the adultery of either spouse and the circumstances thereof in determining the amount of alimony, if any, to be awarded.” Fla. Stat. 61.08(1).
Q: How can I ensure that I actually receive my alimony?
A: “To the extent necessary to protect an award of alimony, the court may order any party who is ordered to pay alimony to purchase or maintain a life insurance policy or a bond, or to otherwise secure such alimony award with any other assets which may be suitable for that purpose. Fla. Stat. 61.08(3).
Q: Does the length of marriage matter in determination of alimony award?
A: “For purposes of determining alimony, there is a rebuttable presumption that a short-term marriage is a marriage having a duration of less than 7 years, a moderate-term marriage is a marriage having a duration of greater than 7 years but less than 17 years, and long-term marriage is a marriage having a duration of 17 years or greater. The length of a marriage is the period of time from the date of marriage until the date of filing of an action for dissolution of marriage.” Fla. Stat. 61.08(4).
Q: What is a short-term marriage?
A: A short- term marriage is a marriage of 7 years or shorter. Fla. Stat. 61.08(4).
Q: What is a moderate-term marriage?
A: A moderate- term marriage is a marriage greater then 7 years but shorter than 17 years. Fla. Stat. 61.08(4).
Q: What is a long-term marriage?
A: A long – term marriage is a marriage of 17 years or longer. Fla. Stat. 61.08(4).
Q: What is temporary alimony?
A: Temporary alimony is spousal support and/or suit money, which can be obtained during the divorce proceeding if a spouse can show well founded need for support and the other spouse has the ability to pay. See Vickers v. Vickers, 413 So.2d 788, 789 (Fla. 3d DCA 1982). “Throughout the pendency of a dissolution of marriage action, a party should not have consume a separate asset in order to support himself/herself in the same standard of living enjoyed during the marriage.” Byers v. Byers, 910 So.2d 336 (Fla. 4th DCA 2005).
Q: What is bridge-the-gap alimony? A: “Bridge-the-gap alimony may be awarded to assist a party by providing support to allow the party to make a transition from being married to being single. Bridge-the-gap alimony is designed to assist a party with legitimate identifiable short-term needs, and the length of an award may not exceed 2 years. An award of bridge-the-gap alimony terminates upon the death of either party or upon the remarriage of the party receiving alimony. An award of bridge-the-gap alimony shall not be modifiable in amount or duration.” Fla. Stat. 61.08(5).
2. The acquisition of education, training, or work experience necessary to develop appropriate employment skills or credentials.
(b) In order to award rehabilitative alimony, there must be a specific and defined rehabilitative plan which shall be included as a part of any order awarding rehabilitative alimony.
(c) An award of rehabilitative alimony may be modified or terminated in accordance with s.61.14 based upon a substantial change in circumstances, upon noncompliance with the rehabilitative plan, or upon completion of the rehabilitative plan.” Fla. Stat. 61.08(6).
Q: What is durational alimony?
A: “Durational alimony may be awarded when permanent periodic alimony is inappropriate. The purpose of durational alimony is to provide a party with economic assistance for a set period of time following a marriage of short or moderate duration or following a marriage of long duration if there is no ongoing need for support on a permanent basis. An award of durational alimony terminates upon the death of either party or upon the remarriage of the party receiving alimony. The amount of an award of durational alimony may be modified or terminated based upon a substantial change in circumstances in accordance with s. 61.14. However, the length of an award of durational alimony may not be modified except under exceptional circumstances and may not exceed the length of the marriage.” Fla. Stat. 61.08(7).
A: “Permanent alimony may be awarded to provide for the needs and necessities of life as they were established during the marriage of the parties for a party who lacks the financial ability to meet his or her needs and necessities of life following a dissolution of marriage. Permanent alimony may be awarded following a marriage of long duration if such an award is appropriate upon consideration of the factors set forth in subsection (2), following a marriage of moderate duration if such an award is appropriate based upon clear and convincing evidence after consideration of the factors set forth in subsection (2), or following a marriage of short duration if there are written findings of exceptional circumstances. In awarding permanent alimony, the court shall include a finding that no other form of alimony is fair and reasonable under the circumstances of the parties. An award of permanent alimony terminates upon the death of either party or upon the remarriage of the party receiving alimony. An award may be modified or terminated based upon a substantial change in circumstances or upon the existence of a supportive relationship in accordance with s.61.14.” Fla. Stat. 61.08(8).
Q: Can the court order alimony to be paid through depository?
A: “If there is no minor child, alimony payments need not be directed through the depository. If there is a minor child of the parties and both parties so request, the court may order that alimony payments need not be directed through the depository.” Fla. Stat. 61.08(10)(c)-(d).
Q: What is permanent alimony?
A: “Permanent alimony may be awarded to provide for the needs and necessities of life as they were established during the marriage of the parties for a party who lacks the financial ability to meet his or her needs and necessities of life following a dissolution of marriage.” Fla. Stat. 61.08(8). Generally, permanent alimony may be appropriate upon consideration of statutory factors in a long-term marriage of 17 years and more. See generally Levy v. Levy, 900 So.2d 737 (Fla. 2d DCA 2005). In moderate-term marriage, permanent alimony is allowed upon clear and convincing evidence and consideration of statutory factors. Id. Permanent alimony is not appropriate in short-term marriage absent exceptional circumstances. Id.
Q: What is lump sum alimony?
A: Lump sum alimony is a payment of specific amount of spousal support paid at once or in installments. Lump sum alimony can also be awarded to ensure that property acquired throughout marriage is equitably divided.
Q: When is alimony awarded?
A: In every request for alimony, the requesting spouse must proof her/his need for alimony and the other spouse’s ability to pay. Fla. Stat. 60.08(2). In Canakaris v. Canakaris, 382 So.2d 1197 (Fla. 1980), the Supreme Court held that both above factors must be present in order for any alimony to be awarded. When determining need, the court should consider the spouses’ earning ability, age, health, education, the duration of the marriage, and the standard of living during the marriage. Quinones v. Quinones, 84 So.3d 1101 (Fla. 3d DCA 2012). Ability to pay is established based on income available to the spouse. See Zold v. Zold, 911 So.2d 1222 (Fla. 2005). In Williams v. Williams, 10 So. 3d 651, 652 (Fla. 5th DCA 2009), the court reasoned that alimony awards should leave the paying spouse with significantly less income that the net income of the receiving spouse. In Hoffman v. Hoffman, 127 So.3d 863 (Fla. 2d DCA 2013), the trial court erred in ordering the husband to pay child support, temporary alimony and temporary attorney’s fees and costs totaling more than 80% of the husband’s net monthly income.
A: Alimony may be taxable to the receiving spouse if it meets the IRS’s definition of alimony and other requirements of the Internal Revenue Code.
A: Alimony may be tax deductible for the paying spouse if it meets the IRS’s definition of alimony and other requirements of the Internal Revenue Code.
Q: Can I seek alimony during marriage without filing for a divorce?
Q: Where can I find information about Florida adoption laws?
A: Private adoptions are regulated by Chapter 63 of the Florida Statutes – “Florida Adoption Act” Fla. Stat. 63. Public adoptions (permanency proceedings) are regulated by Chapter 39 of Florida Statutes. Fla. Stat. 39.
Q: What does “adoption” mean?
Q: Are adoption records public record?
Q: Who may be adopted or who may adopt?
Q: What are the rights of an unmarried biological father?
A: Generally (with certain exceptions), in order to preserve the right to notice and consent to an adoption, an unmarried biological father has to file a notarized claim of paternity form with the Florida Putative Father Registry maintained by the Office of Vital Statistics of the Department of Health, in which he must confirm his willingness and intent to support the child for whom paternity is claimed in accordance with state law. The claim of paternity must be filed before a petition for termination of parental rights is filed. Fla. Stat. 63.054.
An unmarried biological father has the responsibility to protect his rights and timely comply with the available legal steps to substantiate his parental interest. If he fails to act, he may lose his parental interest and the child may be adopted without his consent. Fla. Stat. 63.053. In every adoption proceeding, in order to avoid entry of the default judgment, the unmarried biological father must: file a claim of paternity with the Florida Putative Father Registry, file a verified response with the court, which includes a pledge of commitment to the child and provide support for the birth mother and a child. Fla. Stat. 63.062.
Q: What is Florida Putative Father Registry?
A: Florida Putative Father Registry is a registry run by the Office of Vital Statistics for the purpose of registration of unmarried biological fathers. Fla. Stat. 63.054.
Q: Is Florida Putative Father Registry public record?
A: No. All information contained in the Florida Putative Father Registry is confidential and not available to public. Fla. Stat. 63.0541.
Q: Whose must consent to adoption?
A: The following persons must execute a consent to adoption: (1) the mother of the minor, (2) the father of the minor (if the minor was born during his marriage to the mother, if he adopted the child or if he was adjudicated by court to be the father before the date of a petition for termination of parental rights was filed), (3) certain unmarried biological fathers, (4) the minor, if 12 years of age or older, (5) any person lawfully entitled to custody of the minor if required by the court, (6) the court having jurisdiction to determine custody of the minor, if the person having physical custody of the minor does not have authority to consent to the adoption. If parental rights to the minor have previously been terminated, the adoption entity with which the minor has been placed for subsequent adoption may provide consent to the adoption. In such case, no other consent is required. In certain situations, the adoption entity’s consent may be waived by court. Fla. Stat. 63.062.
Q: What are the formalities required for the consent to adoption or affidavit of nonpaternity?
A: The consent to adoption or affidavit of nonpaternity must be signed in presence of two witnesses and acknowledged before a notary public, who cannot be one of the witnesses. Fla. Stat. 63.082.
Q: Which factors are taken into consideration by court in adoptions proceedings?
8. The right of the parent to determine an appropriate placement for the child.” Fla. Stat. 63.082(e).
Q: Who must attend the adoption hearing?
A: The petitioner and the person to be adopted must appear at the hearing, unless the person to be adopted is a minor under 12 years of age or the court excused their appearance for good cause. Fla. Stat. 63.142.
I have just been served with divorce papers in Clearwater, Florida. What should I do?
Can I file for a divorce in Clearwater, Florida if my spouse is not in Clearwater, Florida?
Can I file for a divorce in Clearwater, Florida if my spouse is not in Florida?
Can I file for a divorce in Clearwater, Florida if my spouse is not in the United States?
Can I file for a divorce in Clearwater, Florida if I do not know where my spouse is?
How much does a divorce cost in Clearwater, Florida?
How much does a contested divorce cost in Clearwater, Florida?
How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Clearwater, Florida?
How long does a divorce take in Clearwater, Florida?
How long does a contested divorce take in Clearwater, Florida?
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Clearwater, Florida?
Do I have to be living in Clearwater, Florida to qualify for a uncontested divorce in Tampa, Florida?
Does my spouse have to be living in Clearwater, Florida for me to qualify for a uncontested divorce in Clearwater, Florida?
Do I have to be living in Florida to qualify for a uncontested divorce in Clearwater, Florida?
Does my spouse have to be living in Florida for me to qualify for a uncontested divorce in Clearwater, Florida?
Do I qualify for alimony in Clearwater, Florida?
How is child custody determined in Clearwater, Florida?
Who gets custody of the child during the divorce proceedings in Clearwater, Florida?
Can I get a domestic violence injunction on my spouse in Clearwater, Florida?
How do I get a domestic violence injunction in Clearwater, Florida?
In Clearwater, Florida am I only entitled to equitable distribution of property?
Can I ask for unequitable distribution of property in Clearwater, Florida?
Has a judge ever agreed to the unequitable distribution of property in Clearwater, Florida?
Would signing a marital settlement agreement make the divorce process in Clearwater, Florida quicker?
Would the courts in Clearwater, Florida agree to the modification of prior judgments?
Do I need to contact the court in Clearwater, Florida before relocating with my child after a divorce?
In Clearwater, Florida does it matter if my souse cheated on me?
In Clearwater, Florida does it matter who’s fault it is that the marriage failed?
Can I ask the court in Clearwater, Florida to perform a paternity test during my divorce proceedings?
Can I ask the court to have my spouse pay for my divorce attorney’s fees in Clearwater, Florida?
Do courts in Clearwater, Florida award divorce attorney’s fees?
I, Attorney Aga Piasecka, can answer these and many other Divorce and Family Law questions regarding: Alimony, Child Support, Child Custody, Domestic Violence Injunctions, Equitable, Distribution of Property, Marital Settlement Agreements, Modification of Prior Judgments, Paternity Actions, Post Nuptial Agreements, Pre Nuptial Agreements, and Relocation. I am experienced in divorce, uncontested divorce, contested divorce and high-asset divorce. I have the knowledge and experience needed to obtain the best possible results for my divorce clients. I offer FREE consultations regarding all divorce matters and FLAT FEE uncontested divorces in Clearwater, Florida.
This website is for informational purposes only. Using this site or communicating with Agnieszka Piasecka, Esq. through this site does not form an attorney/client relationship. This site is legal advertising.

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