Florida Family Law Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Florida family law attorneys who can navigate Florida’s equitable distribution and the 2023 alimony reform. Whether you’re in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, or anywhere in the state, we’ll match you with the right attorney — at no cost to get started.

Florida has a 20-day mandatory waiting period from filing before the court can enter a final judgment (Fla. Stat. § 61.19). Uncontested divorces (simplified dissolution if eligible) typically finalize in 30–60 days. Contested cases generally take 6–18 months.

Yes — Florida is a no-fault state. The only grounds under Fla. Stat. § 61.052 are irretrievable breakdown of the marriage or mental incapacity of a spouse for at least 3 years. Fault is generally not a ground but can be relevant to equitable distribution and alimony.

No pre-filing separation is required. Florida only imposes a 20-day waiting period from filing to final judgment under Fla. Stat. § 61.19.

Florida is an equitable distribution state with a presumption of equal division of marital assets and liabilities under Fla. Stat. § 61.075. Deviations are based on 10 statutory factors including contributions, duration, economic circumstances, interruption of careers, contribution to enhancement of marital assets, desire to retain home for children, and intentional dissipation. Separate (non-marital) property is exempt.

Florida uses time-sharing and parental responsibility instead of custody. Under Fla. Stat. § 61.13, shared parental responsibility (joint decision-making) is presumed unless detrimental. Time-sharing schedules are determined under 20 best-interests factors. A 2023 amendment also created a rebuttable presumption of equal time-sharing.

Florida uses the Income Shares model under Fla. Stat. § 61.30. Both parents’ net incomes are applied to the state guideline schedule and prorated. Time-sharing adjustments apply when each parent has 73+ overnights per year, and there are healthcare and childcare adjustments.

Yes. Time-sharing and parental responsibility can be modified on a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances. Child support requires a 15%+ or $50 change. Alimony modification depends on type — bridge-the-gap is non-modifiable; rehabilitative and durational can be modified on substantial change. Property division is final.

Why Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Florida?

Florida allows divorce on irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under Fla. Stat. § 61.052. Residency is 6 months in Florida before filing (Fla. Stat. § 61.021). Florida is an equitable distribution state under Fla. Stat. § 61.075 — a presumption of equal distribution of marital assets and liabilities, with deviations based on statutory factors. Custody is now called time-sharing and parental responsibility under Fla. Stat. § 61.13 — Florida has a presumption favoring shared parental responsibility. The 2023 Alimony Reform (SB 1416) abolished permanent alimony, capped durational alimony, and created a new bridge-the-gap/rehabilitative/durational framework.

When Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Florida?

Our network includes Florida family law attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Family Law Cases in Florida

From the moment you connect with a Florida family law attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Assuming permanent alimony is still available — the 2023 reform abolished it

Hiding assets — Florida’s mandatory disclosure under Rule 12.285 imposes severe sanctions for nondisclosure

Posting on social media — Florida courts regularly admit it in time-sharing disputes

Communicating ex parte with the judge

Filing in Florida when the child’s home state under UCCJEA is elsewhere — or relocating without complying with § 61.13001

Missing the 6-month residency requirement under Fla. Stat. § 61.021 (requires sworn proof)

Assuming permanent alimony is still available — the 2023 reform abolished it

Hiding assets — Florida’s mandatory disclosure under Rule 12.285 imposes severe sanctions for nondisclosure

Posting on social media — Florida courts regularly admit it in time-sharing disputes

Communicating ex parte with the judge

Filing in Florida when the child’s home state under UCCJEA is elsewhere — or relocating without complying with § 61.13001

Missing the 6-month residency requirement under Fla. Stat. § 61.021 (requires sworn proof)

Common Florida Family Law Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do Florida Family Law Attorneys Cost?

Flat Fee

Most matters are billed as a flat fee per petition or filing — fee depends on case complexity.

Family law cases in Florida are not handled on contingency. Florida Rule of Professional Conduct 4-1.5(f)(3) — patterned on ABA Model Rule 1.5(d) — prohibits contingent fees in domestic relations matters where the fee is contingent on securing a divorce or on the amount of alimony, support, or property settlement. Florida family law attorneys charge hourly (billed against a retainer) or a flat fee for uncontested matters. Courts may award fees under Fla. Stat. § 61.16 based on relative need and ability to pay.

What Can Your Florida Family Law Compensation Include?

Property Division

Equitable distribution with presumption of equal division under Fla. Stat. § 61.075. Deviations based on 10 statutory factors. Florida homestead exemption interplay is complex.

Alimony

Under the 2023 reform: bridge-the-gap (up to 2 years), rehabilitative (up to 5 years), and durational alimony (capped by marriage length). No permanent alimony.

Child Support

Income Shares under Fla. Stat. § 61.30, with time-sharing adjustments at 73+ overnights per parent.

Custody and Parenting Time

Time-sharing and parental responsibility under Fla. Stat. § 61.13 — shared parental responsibility presumed; rebuttable presumption of equal time-sharing as of 2023.

Attorney’s Fees

Florida courts award attorney’s fees under Fla. Stat. § 61.16 based on financial resources of the parties (need and ability), to ensure both have similar ability to obtain competent counsel.

Protective Orders

Injunctions for protection against domestic violence under Fla. Stat. § 741.30 — emergency and final permanent injunctions (often of unlimited duration).

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Florida Family Law Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Florida?

When Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Florida?

Types of Family Law Cases in Florida

Common Florida Family Law Mistakes

How Much Do Florida Family Law Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your Florida Family Law Compensation Include?

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