Getting a divorce can be a relatively smooth process, or it can be confusing and painful. Here are some things you need to know about the divorce process and family law.
- Contested versus Uncontested Divorce
A disputed or contested divorce Tampa is a divorce where one spouse challenges the idea that a couple needs to divorce or some aspect of the terms of the divorce. An uncontested divorce, by contrast, is when both spouses agree on the divorce terms. Points of contention may be child support or custody, whether alimony needs to be paid and how to divide up property ownership, among other things. The process of settling a contested divorce can take up to eighteen months or so.
- Alimony
Alimony is a payment one spouse makes to their ex-partner as part of a divorce settlement. There are three types: rehabilitative, permanent and temporary. Rehabilitative alimony is a short-term payment to aid the spouse who makes less money as he or she establishes a post-divorce life. Permanent alimony is paid either for life or until the recipient remarries. Temporary alimony is also short-term but is usually only paid until the divorce proceedings end.
- Property Distribution
Property distribution is a common aspect of divorce proceedings. Spouses often own shared property in the form of real estate, accounts and appliances, among other things. Any property acquired during the marriage, including things like separate cars, can be included in the settlement. Anything acquired before or after the marriage usually isn’t included. Courts strive to divide property equitably to help both spouses establish financial independence in the wake of the divorce. This doesn’t necessarily mean a fifty/fifty split. The courts take into account the spouses’ income and contributions to property accumulation, among other things.
Be sure to discuss these topics with your divorce lawyer, as well as any other concerns or questions you have.
