Should You Separate Or File For A Divorce In Fort Lauderdale?

If your marriage is no longer working, you may be debating a separation or filing for a divorce through the Broward County court. Only you can decide the best course of action. However, before making such a potentially life-changing decision, it’s important to know the differences between the two and your legal rights. Our Fort Lauderdale family attorney explains more about each process and how to determine which is in your best interests.

What You Need To Know About Legal Separation In Fort Lauderdale

If you are pondering whether to separate or get a divorce in Fort Lauderdale, the first thing to know is how state laws apply. There is no such thing as a legal separation in Florida. However, couples can still live apart and separate their finances and other responsibilities through separate maintenance.

Under the Florida Statutes, you can get a temporary order that dictates your rights regarding marital property, child custody, and support. While these issues are typically addressed in divorce proceedings, getting a separate maintenance order provides the same benefits without legally dissolving your marriage. Reasons why some couples prefer this to getting a Fort Lauderdale divorce include:

• They hope to save their marriage, but need time to work on problems.
• They want to see if a spouse will follow through on promises to work on specific issues, such as getting counseling or changing bad habits.
• They want a divorce, but it is against their religion, culture, or other beliefs.
• It allows couples to continue sharing essential benefits, such as access to health care or Social Security.

When Getting A Divorce In Fort Lauderdale May Be Your Better Option

Legal separation in Fort Lauderdale is a viable option for couples who are unsure about their marriage and need time apart to address marital issues. Divorce, on the other hand, officially dissolves the legal bond you entered into as a couple and is appropriate when both parties are ready to end the marriage permanently. The following are situations in which filing a divorce petition through the Broward County Family Court may be the best available option:

• You are firm in the decision to end the marriage and move on.
• You want a clean break and to permanently resolve legal issues, such as property division and spousal support.
• Your spouse is engaged in dangerous, questionable, or potentially illegal behavior, which could put you and your family at risk.
• Your spouse is guilty of abuse or has shown tendencies toward domestic violence, which requires immediate legal action.

For Trusted Legal Guidance In Making The Right Decision, Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Family Attorney

Pursuing a separation or divorce in Fort Lauderdale can have major impacts on your life. Get the trusted legal guidance you need to make such an important decision at The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio.

Our experienced Fort Lauderdale family attorney provides caring support and comprehensive legal services, helping you understand and weigh your options. Call or contact us online today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061ContentsIndex.html

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family