Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Florida

We get it–-divorce can feel like you’re trying to navigate a maze blindfolded, while wearing ankle weights, the day after you ran a half-marathon. But don’t worry–Brava Law here to light the way and make sure you’re not left in the dark! 

Whether you’re wondering how custody (timesharing) works, what happens to your stuff, or how to kick off this whole process, we’ve got you covered. Every divorce is unique, but here are some frequently asked questions about divorce in Florida that can give you a starting point. If you book a consultation with our team, we can answer questions specific to your situation! 

Consider this your personal cheat sheet for navigating the next steps, so you can focus on enjoying the things that matter. We’ve got your back. Let’s get to it and put you on the path forward! 

I own a business. Do I have to split it in the divorce?

Ah yes, the business. Your blood, sweat, tears—and probably a few sleepless nights and way too many cups of coffee. Whether it’s a solo side hustle or a full-scale operation with employees and a storefront, your business could be considered marital property depending on when it was started, how it was funded, and how much it grew during the marriage. 

But don’t panic—this doesn’t mean your spouse automatically gets half. Our Florida divorce attorneys will work with financial professionals to determine how your business is valued and what options exist to protect what you’ve built. Our lead attorney, Jamie Marcario, was also a business attorney before she transitioned to family law, so she can offer a unique insight when it comes to things like valuations and trademarks that can give you an advantage!

Want to know what your options are? Book a consultation and we’ll walk you through it.

We have young kids and a crazy schedule—how does time-sharing even work?

If your Google calendar looks like a color-coded Tetris board, you’re not alone. For working parents (especially ones juggling school pickups, extracurriculars, and maybe a nanny or two), figuring out a parenting plan that actually works can feel like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. The good news? Florida law focuses on the best interests of your child—and that includes stability, routine, and quality time with both parents when possible. We’ll help you build a time-sharing plan that reflects your real life, not a generic schedule from a courtroom template. Let’s create something that fits your family, not frustrates it. 

How long will it take to get a divorce in Florida?

Most people want to know exactly how long they’ll have to wait to start living their new life, but unfortunately, it varies from case to case. On average, if everything goes smoothly (i.e., you and your spouse agree on the major issues), it can take about 3 to 6 months. Of course, if things get complicated or you and your spouse can’t agree on certain things, it could take longer. But don’t worry—we’ll keep the process as efficient and stress-free as possible, so you’re not stuck in divorce limbo longer than necessary. Let’s chat about your specific situation today–book your consultation now.

Do I need a lawyer for my divorce in Florida?

While it’s technically possible to go through a divorce without a lawyer, it’s a lot like trying to bake a cake without a recipe—you might get there eventually, but it’s going to be messy and stressful. (And the outcome of your divorce matters a lot more than a cake!) Having an experienced Florida divorce attorney by your side can make all the difference. 

We’ll guide you through the process, help you understand your rights, and make sure you’re making the best decisions for your future. Whether you’re trying to negotiate or your case must go to court, we’ve got your back every step of the way. Don’t risk having a go at it alone–these decisions can be hard to undo later! It’s best to have a skilled partner in your corner. 

Do I have to go to court to get divorced?

Nope. Going to court is only necessary if you and your spouse have tried everything to reach an agreement and you just can’t get on the same page. However, that doesn’t mean you have to get along with them (or even like them!) to work together to keep your case out of court, or work with attorneys to achieve the same goal. Our Florida divorce attorney can help keep things simple and stress-free–book your consultation today to learn how!

What’s the first step to starting a divorce in Florida?

How do we get things going? At Brava Law, the first step we take is a simple chat about where you’re at, what’s on your mind, and what a possible game plan might look like for your case. Then, our team can help you officially initiate your divorce by filing a petition for dissolution with the court. Don’t worry–we’ll walk you through all of this and take care of the paperwork, too. Ready to start now? Call today to book a consultation!

What happens to my stuff?

We’ll help you get your belongings sorted out, from your Tampa Bay Lightning Season Ticket Membership to your Netflix password. If you and your spouse are already in agreement about who’s keeping what, then things can move forward relatively smoothly. 

However, if you’re bickering, we might need to shift gears to try and reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation. If all else fails and you still can’t reach an agreement, a judge will have to make the final decision. If this happens, you can trust our skilled Florida divorce attorney to be your fierce advocate in court and fight to get a fair outcome.