Articles Posted in Divorce

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When Florida courts dissolve a marriage, their judgments must comply with current statutes governing spousal support and equitable distribution. Changes in the law can significantly affect the types of relief a trial court may award. A recent decision from a Florida court reinforces the importance of ensuring that all alimony awards conform to the 2023 revisions to section 61.08 of the Florida Statutes, which eliminated permanent alimony as an available remedy. If you are involved in a divorce in Florida, a Miami family law attorney can help you navigate these complex statutory requirements.

History of the Case

It is reported that the defendant filed a petition for dissolution of marriage in May 2023, seeking to end a long-term marriage of thirty-seven years. The plaintiff, who was fifty-seven years old, had not been employed since 2007 and had devoted her time to raising the parties’ children and maintaining the household. The defendant, employed by the City of Riviera Beach, earned approximately $67,200 per year and was the family’s sole financial provider. In November 2023, both parties appeared pro se before a senior circuit judge for a final hearing. No court reporter was present to create a transcript of the proceedings.

Allegedly, following the hearing, the trial court entered a final judgment that dissolved the marriage and awarded the plaintiff permanent monthly alimony in the amount of $2,000. The judgment also stated that the court would retain jurisdiction to divide the defendant’s pension once sufficient information became available. The judgment included no further findings explaining the basis for the alimony award or detailing the parties’ financial circumstances. Continue reading ›

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When a divorce case goes to final judgment, the outcome has long-lasting effects on child support, health insurance, and financial obligations. Florida appellate courts often review trial court decisions to ensure that all statutory requirements have been met and that the judgment does not impose obligations beyond what the parties requested. A recent decision from a Florida appellate court shows how even small errors in a final judgment can require partial reversal and correction. If you are navigating a divorce in Florida, a Miami family law attorney can help you protect your rights and ensure that all court orders are properly crafted.

Factual and Procedural Setting

It is reported that the husband appealed a final judgment of dissolution of marriage, raising multiple claims of error. While most issues were affirmed, the appellate court identified four errors that required reversal and remand for correction.

Allegedly, the first error concerned the child support guidelines worksheet. Although the judgment generally referenced worksheets, it did not attach or specifically identify the worksheet relied upon. Florida law requires either attachment of the worksheet or a clear reference to it within the judgment. Continue reading ›

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Divorce cases involving businesses, marital homes, and child support often hinge on the sufficiency of financial evidence. Florida trial courts are tasked with weighing competing affidavits, financial statements, and testimony to arrive at equitable outcomes. A recent opinion issued by a Florida court highlights how appellate courts defer to trial courts when the record demonstrates competent, substantial evidence supporting the trial court’s decisions. If you are involved in a Florida divorce proceeding, a Miami family law attorney can help protect your financial interests and ensure that proper valuations are used in your case.

Case Setting

It is reported that the husband petitioned for dissolution of marriage, and the wife filed a counter-petition. Following a contested trial, the trial court entered a final judgment dissolving the marriage and addressing the division of marital property, child support, and related financial matters.

Allegedly, the wife challenged three key determinations in the final judgment. First, he disputed the trial court’s valuation of his business, a food company that both parties agreed was marital property. Second, he argued that the trial court erred in calculating his monthly income for purposes of child support and alimony. Third, he contended that the court improperly valued the marital home at an amount lower than his own assessment. Continue reading ›

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When former spouses return to court over alimony, the battles are often as much about procedure as they are about money. Florida courts frequently stress that trial judges must follow both statutory requirements and jurisdictional rules. A recent case from a Florida court demonstrates how crucial timing is in post-judgment alimony disputes. Even when a trial court attempts to move cases forward, its orders may be undone if they are entered before jurisdiction has returned from the appellate court. If you are seeking or opposing an alimony modification in Florida, a Miami family law attorney can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.

Factual and Procedural Background

It is reported that the former wife appealed a post-judgment order entered on September 12, 2023. That order reduced the former husband’s alimony obligation to $11,500 per month, required the former wife to pay over $400,000 in retroactive alimony, and granted the former husband a setoff that suspended his obligation until the repayment was made.

Allegedly, the case had already gone through earlier appeals. In a prior proceeding, the appellate court reversed an order modifying the former husband’s alimony obligation because the trial court failed to make the detailed findings required by Florida law. The case was remanded for further proceedings, but jurisdiction did not return to the trial court until the appellate mandate issued in February 2023. Continue reading ›

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Posted in: Alimony
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In Florida divorce proceedings, courts are tasked with making equitable decisions on financial issues, including child support, life insurance to secure that support, and the division of marital liabilities. However, these determinations must be grounded in both statutory requirements and factual findings. A recent Florida decision highlights the importance of careful judicial analysis when imposing child support and related obligations. If you are navigating a divorce involving financial complexities, a Miami family law attorney can ensure your interests are protected throughout the proceedings.

History of the Case

It is reported that the parties were married for nine years and had two minor children before the husband initiated dissolution proceedings. The case proceeded to a three-day final hearing in April 2023, during which the husband represented himself. The trial court entered a final judgment addressing child support, life insurance to secure support, and the classification of a substantial employment-related financial obligation.

Allegedly, the trial court calculated child support based on a 70/30 timesharing split in favor of the wife. It is reported, however, that this allocation did not match the timesharing schedule outlined in the parties’ Parenting Plan, which granted the husband five overnights and the wife nine overnights every two weeks. This schedule more closely resembles a 65/35 division rather than the 70/30 ratio used in the court’s child support calculation. Continue reading ›

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In Florida family law cases, courts possess broad authority to ensure compliance with discovery and support obligations. However, this authority is bounded by due process and the requirement that coercive sanctions, such as daily fines, be imposed only after careful judicial consideration of the contemnor’s ability to pay. A recent opinion issued by a Florida court illustrates the legal safeguards required before a court may impose such coercive measures. If you are facing contempt proceedings or other enforcement actions in a divorce case, a knowledgeable Miami family law attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the process.

Factual Background and Trial Court Proceedings

It is reported that the trial court entered a non-final order holding the petitioner in civil contempt for failure to comply with multiple prior agreed orders in an ongoing marital dissolution proceeding. The contempt finding stemmed from the petitioner’s alleged failure to file an updated financial affidavit, provide required financial discovery, and pay temporary support to the respondent.

Allegedly, the trial court had previously issued two orders in July 2024. It is reported that the petitioner did not fulfill his obligations under either order, prompting the respondent to pursue contempt sanctions. Continue reading ›

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In Florida, alimony determinations require careful application of a statutory two-step analysis designed to protect both parties’ financial rights while maintaining consistency with equitable principles. The process begins with a clear determination of each party’s actual financial need and the other party’s ability to pay. A recent decision from a Florida court demonstrates how improperly blending these analytical steps can lead to reversible error. If you are involved in a divorce proceeding where alimony is at issue, a Miami family law attorney can help ensure your rights are safeguarded through every phase of the litigation.

Factual Background and Trial Court Proceedings

It is reported that the parties’ marriage was dissolved by final judgment, during which the trial court evaluated alimony and other financial matters. The trial court found that the wife had a reasonable monthly need of $4,000 based on her testimony and documentary evidence. However, despite this explicit finding, the trial court immediately concluded that she had failed to demonstrate a need for alimony.

It is alleged that the court justified this conclusion by pointing to the wife’s physical ability to work and the substantial assets she received through equitable distribution. These findings appeared to contradict the initial recognition of a $4,000 monthly need. Continue reading ›

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In Florida family law, trial courts are granted broad discretion in making decisions related to parenting responsibilities, the division of marital assets, and the allocation of attorney’s fees. Appellate courts will not disturb such decisions unless they are unsupported by evidence or involve legal error. A recent ruling by a Florida court illustrates how this deferential standard of review functions in the context of contested divorce proceedings involving parental authority and disputed property classification. If you intend to seek a divorce, it is smart to talk to a Miami divorce attorney about what steps you can take to protect your interests.

History of the Case

It is reported that the plaintiff appealed a final judgment dissolving his marriage to the defendant, raising three central issues on appeal. First, he challenged the trial court’s decision to award the defendant ultimate decision-making authority over their minor child’s education and healthcare. Second, he contested the equitable distribution, claiming that the trial court improperly classified and awarded the defendant half of what he alleged to be nonmarital property. Third, he disputed the trial court’s order requiring him to pay the defendant’s attorney’s fees and costs in full.

It is alleged that during trial, the defendant presented testimony in support of her request for ultimate parental responsibility concerning the child’s medical and educational matters. The plaintiff reportedly did not present rebuttal evidence to challenge her request or demonstrate that joint decision-making would serve the child’s best interests. The trial court found the defendant’s evidence competent and substantial, warranting the award of decision-making authority. Continue reading ›

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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 raise issues in a rehearing can lead to the summary affirmance of a trial court’s judgment. If you are involved in a divorce and considering an appeal, it is critical to work with a Miami family law attorney who understands the importance of procedural preservation.

Facts and Procedure of the Case

It is reported that the former husband appealed a final judgment of dissolution of marriage, asserting five alleged errors committed by the trial court. His claims included the award of durational alimony to the former wife, the inclusion of certain expenses in the alimony calculation, the equitable distribution of a Chase Savings Account, the failure to credit him with two years of rent-free residence by the former wife, and the rejection of a purported marital agreement.

Lack of Preserved Error in Divorce Actions

It is alleged that the court reviewed the former husband’s claims in light of his failure to provide a transcript of the proceedings. Four of the five issues depended on the trial court’s factual determinations, credibility assessments, or evidentiary rulings. The court emphasized that it could not reverse decisions based on factual determinations without a transcript or an appropriate alternative. Citing established precedent, the court reiterated that appellants bear the burden of providing an adequate record. Without a trial transcript or a legally acceptable substitute, the appellate court found it could not meaningfully assess these claims. Continue reading ›

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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 of assets and liabilities must align with the record. If you are involved in a divorce with complex financial issues, working with a Miami family law attorney can help ensure your interests are properly represented.

Factual Setting and Procedural Background

It is reported that the parties purchased a twenty-acre property in 1992 with the initial goal of raising exotic parrots and later developing a bed-and-breakfast. After the husband relocated to Chicago in 1998, the wife remained in Florida and continued to maintain and operate the property and associated businesses. The husband ceased contributing financially in 2000 but benefited from shared tax filings and business deductions over the ensuing years.

It is alleged that the wife refinanced the property in her name to relieve the husband of liability and subsequently took out a home equity line of credit, from which she gave the husband $100,000. At trial, the court adopted the wife’s forensic accountant’s analysis, which apportioned 80% of the property’s $3.3 million value to the wife, based on her continued maintenance and investment. However, the trial court split the property-related liabilities equally and deducted hypothetical closing costs and depreciation recapture taxes from the property’s value. The husband appealed, challenging the unequal asset split, the equal liability allocation, and the reduction for speculative costs. He also contested the denial of attorney’s fees. Continue reading ›

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