Considerations For Men During A Florida Divorce

Divorce is stressful for everyone, but research has shown that men have a more difficult time acclimating to life after divorce than women do. This is largely related to the fact that men tend to socialize through their wives and end up without a strong social support system in place after divorce. This is one consideration you’ll have to navigate as a man going through a divorce. As your attorneys, we can offer little help when it comes to the emotional impact the divorce will have on your life. Instead, we can help inform you of your rights and ensure your best interests moving forward. In this article, the Tampa, FL divorce attorneys at Faulkner Law Group, PLLC will discuss men’s rights when it comes to divorce in Florida.

What you should know 

Florida laws have recently changed in ways that tend to benefit men. First, Florida has done away with “permanent alimony” in favor of durational alimony which is calculated based on the length of the relationship. Secondly, Florida now operates under a 50/50 timesharing presumption when it comes to child custody arrangements. Women, who generally retained possession of the marital home, tended to be favored when it came to timesharing agreements. Today, the courts default on the prospect that children will split time between their parents. In other words, the courts want to ensure that children spend an equal amount of time with both parents and they need a good reason to deviate from that policy.

No more permanent alimony 

The Florida legislature did away with permanent alimony in favor of durational alimony which is calculated based on the length of the marriage. Spouses (not strictly wives) are entitled to alimony when the court determines that the potential recipient has a financial need and the payer of alimony has the ability to pay. The purpose of alimony is to ensure that one party is not impoverished in the settlement and can maintain their standard of living after the divorce.

Understanding child support obligations 

Child support is calculated based on the parents’ incomes and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. Men should be aware that providing accurate financial information and correctly documenting the time-sharing arrangement is key for a fair child support calculation.

Equitable distribution 

Florida is considered an equitable distribution state. While some states simply cut the marital estate in half during a divorce, Florida divides the marital estate based on what is fair and equitable to both parties. This means that one party can be favored in the distribution of marital assets over the other party, especially when the two parties have vastly different earning powers.

Talk to a Tampa, FL Divorce Lawyer Today 

Faulkner Law Group, PLLC represents the interests of divorcing Tampa residents who are looking for experienced representation. Call our Tampa family lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin advising you on key matters related to your divorce right away.