Tampa divorce attorneys family lawyers in Tampa, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Brandon, Carrollwood, Northdale, South Tampa, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County Florida
Se Habla Español | Falamos Português Call NOW for a *FREE Consultation 813-672-1900 Or TEXT to (813) 543-8960 Financing Available * Free in most cases
  • Facebook
  • Search

How Long Do You Have To Be Married In Florida To Get Half?

Tampa divorce lawyers law firm Florida

It is a common misconception that when a couple gets a divorce, they will each get half of everything. This is true in community property states, which recognize that each spouse should receive 50 percent of marital property. However, Florida is governed by equitable distribution law. Under this law, marital property is divided fairly, which does not always mean equally. Neither spouse is ever guaranteed to receive half of the marital property during divorce in the Sunshine State, regardless of how long the couple has been married.

Separate Property vs. Marital Property

Along with knowing the equitable distribution law of the state, it is just as important to realize that only marital property is divided during a divorce. As such, you are not entitled to any of your spouse’s separate property. For example, if your spouse purchased a home before you were married and you moved in after the wedding, they would likely argue that the home is separate property. On the other hand, if the mortgage loan was refinanced in both of your names, you could make the argument that it is marital property and therefore, subject to property division law.

Determining which property is separate and which is marital is not always easy. A Tampa divorce lawyer can help you understand what property is divisible during divorce.

Factors Considered During Property Division

A judge will take many factors into consideration when making decisions in property division matters. These are as follows:

  • The contributions each spouse made to the marriage, including maintaining the household and raising the children
  • The financial situation of each party
  • The length of the marriage
  • The support of one spouse in furthering the career or employment opportunities of the other
  • The preference of either spouse to keep the marital home as the primary residence of children

The length of the marriage is one factor a judge will consider. In shorter marriages, the couple has not had a long time to commingle assets and purchase property together. Due to this, people in shorter marriages may have a lower chance of receiving half of certain property. Still, these matters can become very complex, so it is always best to work with a lawyer who can advise on your case.

Length of Marriage and Alimony

The length of marriage can have a direct effect on alimony matters. In Florida, a short marriage is one that lasts less than seven years. If one spouse wants to pursue alimony, they generally should have been married for at least seven years. The longer a couple is married, the more alimony someone can usually receive and the longer they can receive it.

Our Family Lawyers in Tampa Can Provide the Sound Legal Advice You Need

If you are getting a divorce, our Tampa family lawyers at All Family Law Group, P.A. can provide the sound legal advice you need. Call us now at 813-672-1900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and determine your options.  Se habla español.

Resources:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.08.html

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.075.html

All Family Law Group, P.A.
The law firm of All Family Law Group, P.A. provides legal services to the Florida cities including Tampa, Clearwater, Brandon, Riverview, Hyde Park, South Tampa, Ybor City, Northdale, Valrico, Gibsonton, Lithia, Mango, Palm River, Plant City, Seffner, Sun City Center, Wimauma, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Temple Terrace, Carrollwood, Northdale, Westchase, Citrus Park, Town N Country, Thonotosassa, Lutz, Fish Hawk, New Tampa, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, MacDill Air Force Base and all of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties. We will also represent DIVORCE clients in Polk, Hernando or Manatee Counties.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

No content on this site may be reused in any fashion without written permission from All Family Law Group, P.A.

MileMark Media - Practice Growth Solutions

© 2014 - 2024 All Family Law Group, P.A. All rights reserved.
This law firm website SEO by Lynette Silon-Laguna and website management by MileMark Media.

Contact Form Tab