Divorce Rates Peak at the End of Summer
Every year, as the last days of summer fade away, there is a spike in the number of couples filing for dissolution of marriage, or divorce, according to researchers at the University of Washington. During summer vacations, couples spend more time together, and it often exacerbates marital discord. Rather than rekindle the hopes and dreams of the relationship, many couples become disillusioned with the marriage and are ready for it to end. When there are children, couples feel that a break-up at the end of summer gives them adequate time to adjust before the holidays.
Once the decision is made, a divorce settlement will shape your new life. It affects your children, your finances, and every aspect of your future. It is vital to have the counsel and representation of an experienced divorce attorney to inform you of the options to create a realistic plan. At Allen & Abaray, P.A., we understand that divorce is complex, and we want to help you confidently navigate your divorce proceedings. Our mission is to provide aggressive advocacy for our clients to achieve a favorable outcome.
The Primary Issues in a Divorce
- Property division is the process of identifying, disclosing, and dividing marital property and debts. Under Florida law, marital property is subject to equitable distribution. A judge considers all relevant factors in determining property divisions. Some examples are the length of the marriage, each party’s financial circumstances, interruptions in a spouse’s career or education due to parenting or other factors, the intentional debts of either spouse after filing for the divorce, and jointly owned businesses or real estate.
- Custody and timesharing orders are a function of the child’s best interest and well-being. A judge will determine how custody and timesharing are allocated based on the child’s specific needs. The parenting plan is an outline of how the parents will share responsibilities and obligations for a child. It includes housing, health care, school-related activities, a visitation schedule, transportation arrangements, and more.
- Spousal maintenance, or alimony, may be granted to the lower-earning spouse. There are five types of alimony in Florida, including bridge-the-gap alimony, rehabilitative alimony, durational alimony, permanent alimony, and temporary alimony. The alimony award is dependent on the facts of each case and is terminated in cases of death or remarriage.
- Child support is an obligation of both parents in Florida and a legal right of a child. The amount of support is determined through an Income Shares Model. Child support guidelines consider the parents’ incomes, the number of overnights the child spends with each parent, health care and childcare costs, court-ordered support for other children, and many other relevant factors.
Contact Allen & Abaray, P.A. for Compassionate Advocacy in a Dissolution of Marriage
The divorce process is complicated for individuals without solid legal representation. Some couples feel they can handle their divorce alone. However, an uncontested divorce between amicable couples can quickly become contested. Mistakes can cause delays, financial harm, and future regret.
The attorneys at Allen & Abaray, P.A. want to reduce the stress of your divorce, giving you more time to sort through your emotions and support your children. In addition to the primary issues, we provide legal services for all associated divorce matters, such as modifications, paternity, prenuptial agreements, relocation, termination of parental rights, and domestic violence injunctions.
If you require assistance with a divorce, schedule a free consultation at Allen & Abaray, P.A. at (877)-669-6899 or (863)-669-999 to discuss your options. We represent clients in Lake, Polk, Hillsborough, and Osceola Counties, Florida.
