Few times in one’s life are as stressful and emotionally devastating as the dissolution of a marriage. Nonetheless, it is important to realize that decisions affecting the rest of the person’s life moving forward are going to be made during this time. The Law Firm of Steven W. Bowden can explain the issues.
Assisting clients before, during and after divorces
How much can I get or how much do I have to pay?
In determining who you choose for your attorney in this most critical phase of your divorce, you should consider your attorney’s background. Whether or not he has an accounting background or a business background and also the time he has spent involved in forensic accounting.
When a marriage begins to fail, it is natural to be filled with uncertainty.
Get the answers to your questions. Call Steven Bowden at (850) 898-9850
Property Division
The concept the judge is guided by is referred to by Steven W. Bowden, a Pensacola family lawyer as “equitable distribution.” It should be noted that equitable does not mean equal and many factors will be considered.
Before dividing property, the Law Firm of Steven W. Bowden will determine whether either spouse owns any of the property separately. Separate, or “non-marital,” property is not subject to division in divorce. Property is separate if one spouse owned it before marriage or acquired it during marriage as a gift (not including gifts from the other spouse) or by inheritance.
What is Marital Property in Florida?
Child Custody
Florida family law courts are strongly interested in the care and well-being of minor children and require a parenting plan that describes how the child will be cared for.
The law presumes each parent has equal rights in parental decision making regarding how the child is raised. One of the primary matters to be considered is the visitation arrangement, which is also called a “time-sharing schedule.”
The following factors will be considered by the court in child custody decisions:
- Capacity of each parent to maintain a close relationship with the child
- Capacity of each parent to place the needs of the child first
- The physical and mental health of each parent
- The preference of the child, if of an appropriate age
- Moral fitness of each parent and the capacity of each to maintain a substance free household
Any prior incidents of physical or mental abuse or history of criminal behavior or drug or alcohol abuse will seriously impact a parent’s custody and visitation rights.