Florida operates under a “no-fault” divorce principle, allowing irreconcilable differences as sufficient grounds for dissolution of marriage. A mandatory six-month residency in the state is required before filing. The legal process addresses several critical issues including property and debt division, child custody and support, alimony, and other matters concerning children, in addition to attorney fees.

Post-2008, Florida’s approach to child custody focuses on a parenting plan that best serves the child’s interests, moving away from the notion of a “primary residential care” parent. Plans range from Supervised/Safety-Focused to Local and Non-Local, depending on the parents’ agreement and geographical situations. Court interventions aim to ensure the child’s welfare, with plan modifications contingent on demonstrated need.

In Florida, both parents are mandated to financially support their minor children, taking into account day care, health insurance, and other necessary expenses. Child support calculations are state-guided, considering each parent’s income to ensure fair contribution.

Alimony considerations include the marital standard of living, marriage duration, each spouse’s age and health, financial resources, the time needed for self-sufficiency post-divorce, contributions to the marriage, and available income sources for both parties.

Under Florida law, a child born within a marriage is presumed to be the husband’s, with his name on the birth certificate unless proven otherwise. For children born out of wedlock, establishing paternity is crucial for determining the father’s visitation rights and child support obligations, often resolved through DNA testing.