In Florida divorce proceedings, parties must follow procedural rules to ensure their right to appellate review. Without an adequate record, appellate courts are constrained in their ability to review the lower court’s findings. A recent Florida divorce case illustrates how the absence of a trial transcript and the failure to…
In Florida, the equitable distribution of marital property must reflect fairness and be grounded in the evidence presented at trial. While courts may deviate from a 50/50 split when justified, the rationale must be based on statutory factors and competent proof. A recent Florida ruling highlights how both the allocation…
In Florida divorce proceedings, courts are charged with distributing marital assets equitably and ensuring that each party receives fair treatment under the law. However, unequal distribution of assets, particularly when it is based on the destruction of nonmarital property, requires a clear factual basis. A recent Florida ruling demonstrates that…
When a party to a divorce seeks to challenge a final judgment on appeal, they must provide the court with a sufficient record to support their claims. Without a transcript of the trial or a properly preserved objection, courts are generally required to affirm the lower court’s ruling. A recent…
The legal landscape surrounding spousal support in Florida has undergone a significant transformation following the legislature’s 2023 decision to eliminate permanent alimony. A recent Florida divorce case demonstrates how courts must now reconsider alimony determinations when final judgments are pending on appeal after July 1, 2023. For anyone involved in…
Florida law allows parties to agree that a private judge may resolve their disputes in lieu of a traditional courtroom setting. When properly authorized, private judges have the same authority as trial judges to make binding rulings. A recent Florida case reinforces the legal enforceability of such agreements and the…
In Florida, annulments are granted under narrow circumstances and require proof of a legal defect in the marriage. Simply regretting a marital decision or believing that a spouse entered the union under false pretenses does not meet the legal standard. This was illustrated in a recent Florida case in which…
Property division in divorce cases is often a battleground, especially when significant assets like the marital home have appreciated in value. The timing of asset valuation can make a substantial difference in how property is distributed, and courts must carefully assess the appropriate date to ensure fairness. For example, in…
In Florida, the division of property in divorce cases must be supported by legally sufficient findings that justify any deviations from an equal division of marital liabilities and assets. This was emphasized in a recent Florida decision in which the court held that a trial court erred in assigning a…
In Florida, the rules of procedure grant parties the broad discretion to withdraw their cases, including dissolution proceedings. A recent Florida decision reaffirmed this principle, holding that a spouse who voluntarily dismisses a petition for dissolution of marriage retains the right to do so, provided there are no pending counterclaims.…
