Family law is a popular area of law in Florida that is dealt with daily across the state. Family law is a vast area of law that acts as a canopy to several categories.
The different categories of family law range from domestic abuse, child access, and custody, annulment of marriage, protective rules, divorce, child support, etc.
These subcategories of family law are rampant and notorious in Florida; however, many of the persons involved do not know how to go about it.
Most times, people go on a voyage of their own to seek out answers to their questions and end up not doing things the right way. Ignorance of how to go about your family law issues in Florida need not leave you on the disadvantaged side.
You should not be completely ignorant of how family law works in Florida. Read on to have a basic understanding of these categories of family law in Florida. Your best option is to contact a family law attorney in Florida to assist you through the process.
Marriage laws in Florida
Marriage is beautiful, and the thought of spending the rest of your life with that person who makes everything worth it is exciting. However, you have to be within the legal age before thinking about marriage.
Under Florida law, marriage will become null and void if you are not old enough. Under Florida law, teenagers below 17 years cannot be legally married.
Whereas an 18-year-old teenager can be legally married even without the parents’ consent, a 17-year-old can only be legally married with the permission of the parents or guardian. To better understand the legal age requirement, you should contact a family attorney in Florida.
Another marriage law Florida provides for is forbidden marriages. In Florida, a marriage between persons connected by lineal consanguinity is not allowed. A union with a brother, sister, aunt, nephew, or niece is illegal in the eyes of the law.
Bigamy and common law marriages are also not allowed under Florida laws. If you plan to marry someone related to you but are unsure if it is allowed, do well to contact a family law attorney in Florida for advice and assistance.
Protective Order in Florida
Protective order simply means an order by the court ordering a person to avoid and stay away from another person. It can be said to be a restraining order against a person. In Florida, a protective order is usually filed in domestic violence cases.
Here, the person who files for a protective order usually has a special relationship with the person it is filed against. Florida laws will protect you if you are a domestic violence victim. Find a family law attorney today to get going on filing a protective order against your abuser.
Adoption Laws in Florida
In Florida, adopting a child is a legally confounded procedure and may take a long time. Beyond the physical processes involved, adopting a child is always an emotional process for the intending parents.
As much as the thought of having a new family member leaves one excited, the idea of the rigorous process also easily leaves one exhausted.
In arriving at a decision for or against an adoption request, the court usually considers the best interest of the child in question. Several factors and requirements precede the adoption of a child in Florida.
You will stand a better chance of having the child adopted if you get in touch with a family law lawyer in Florida to walk you through the different procedures.
Divorce Laws in Florida
In Florida, a person who wishes to file for divorce must show the court that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. Either of the parties is required to file for a dissolution of marriage with a petition.
The divorce will be concluded when the couple reaches a consensus on specific issues such as child custody, settlement, etc. However, where they do not, the matter will be taken up to trial for the court’s determination.
Divorce matters in court can be complex as both parties seek certain entitlements they believe they should have.
If care is not taken, you may lose out on several benefits and settlements to which you are ordinarily entitled. The moment you decide to file for a divorce, please do well to contact a family law attorney.
If you have already filed for a divorce without the help of a lawyer, you should still reach out to one immediately.
Child Custody Laws in Florida
Usually, when a couple with children from the marriage is filed for a divorce, the following pertinent issue is who gets custody of the children. This is a very sensitive issue as no parent wishes to be separated from their child.
The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act regulates child custody in Florida. In deciding which parent is to have control over the child and to what extent, one of the essential things the court will always consider is the best interest of the child in question.
Several other factors, such as the income of the parents or the stability of the parents, amongst other things, are always considered. Failing to contact a family law attorney in Florida to handle your custody matter is a significant risk you should not take. Your future with your children is at stake here and should not be taken lightly.
Child Support in Florida
Caring for and raising children is always not easy, especially with the expenses that come with it. Child support is usually dependent on several things, such as the financial capacity of the parents.
In Florida, as a single or an unmarried parent, you are entitled to some form of financial support to cover the bills to an extent. Florida child support laws are another complex area of Florida law, so you will require legal help to scale through.
Your best option is to contact a family law attorney to assist you with this.
Why You Need a Family Law Attorney in Florida
Family issues are always personal and sensitive, and nobody wishes to have the whole world discussing them and playing judge over them. When faced with a family law matter, it is only natural to be skeptical about letting it out there.
However, family laws in Florida are pretty complex and require a legal practitioner to help you understand how it works. Taking it up and settling it yourself can leave you in a not-so-great position.
You need a reasonable and competent family law attorney who you can confidently rely on to have your interest at heart. Due to their years of experience, family law attorneys will be in a better position to help get your matter solved without much hassle or unwanted attention.
Where or how to find such an attorney should not be an issue for you either.
Attorney Directory allows you to contact a family law attorney in Florida easily and quickly. Feel free to get in touch today and get started on getting your family issue settled.
FAQs in Family Law
Q: What is required to create a prenuptial agreement in Florida?
Ans: The essential thing required is the agreement of both partners. This agreement must be reasonable and must be put down in writing and signed. A family law attorney will best help you with this.
Q: Does a prenuptial agreement determine child custody?
Ans: No, it does not. In Florida, child support can only be determined at the time of separation.
Q: I want to file for a divorce in Florida. What should I do?
Ans: If you wish to file for a divorce in Florida, you should contact a family law attorney to assist you in filing a petition for the dissolution of the marriage. All you want from the court concerning the divorce in the petition should be stated explicitly. The other party will be notified by the court and will be required to give a reply within 20 days. The response will determine whether the matter would need a further hearing.
Q: How long does the divorce process take in Florida?
Ans: There is no specific period for the conclusion of divorce in Florida. Usually, it takes less time when both parties agree on the initial terms of the divorce.
However, where a party contests the terms given by the other, the case is bound to drag on in court, taking much more time than expected. If this is the case, the divorce should be concluded within weeks.
Q: Does relocating affect child custody in Florida?
Ans: No, it does not. This is referred to as a change of residence address in Florida. Where the other party agrees to the relocation, you must both sign a written agreement. However, if your former partner disagrees, you must file a notice of intent to relocate.
Your family law attorney will help you guide you on how to go about this.
Q: Can I file a protective order against my dad?
Ans: Yes, you can. However, you need to speak with a family law attorney in Florida to help assess your case.
Q: Is the consent of the child needed for adoption in Florida?
Ans: Yes, in Florida, the consent of a child who is 12 years or above is needed before adoption.
Q: I have more questions on family law in Florida that I would love to be clarified.
Ans: Do well to connect with a Florida family law attorney instantly.
