Child Custody in Florida
Florida Child Custody Essentials
One of the most stressful parts of any divorce case involving children is the determination of child custody. Not only is a custody determination a complex legal matter, but the process is often emotionally difficult as well, with both parents deeply concerned about their children’s well-being.
In Florida, custody can be defined in two ways:
- The contribution to the marriage by each spouse, including contributions to the care and education of the children and services as a homemaker.
- The economic circumstances of the parties.
- The duration of the marriage.
- Any interruption of personal careers or educational opportunities of either party.
- The contribution of one spouse to the personal career or education opportunity of the other spouse.
- The desirability of retaining any asset, including an interest in a business, corporation, or professional practice, intact and free from any claim or interference by the other party.
- The contribution of each spouse to the acquisition, enhancement, and production of income or the improvement of, or the incurring of liabilities to, both the marital assets and the nonmarital assets of the parties.
- The desirability of retaining the marital home as a residence for any dependent child of the marriage when it would be equitable to do so.
- The intentional dissipation, waste, depletion, or destruction of marital assets.
- Any other factors necessary to do equity and justice between the parties. li>
During a divorce, the less couples argue over the division of marital assets and liabilities, racking up legal fees in the process, the more assets are left to divide between the parties. The goal is to assist clients in dividing marital assets and not dissipate them during a contentious divorce. At Waterhouse Law Firm, we are committed to advocating for our clients’ best interests with regard to equitable distribution. We help clients understand what is and is not considered marital property and to negotiate a division that is equitable and fair.
The divorce attorneys of Waterhouse Law Firm have the courtroom experience to litigate equitable distribution issues if that is in our client’s best interests, but we are also skilled negotiators with years of practice in alternative dispute resolution. We strive to achieve the best possible distribution of property with the least conflict and expense necessary. We believe couples should divide their assets with each other–not with their attorneys.
Dividing Marital Estates of All Sizes and Types
Our divorce attorneys have worked with clients in short-term marriages with few assets, and also with clients who have complex, multimillion-dollar marital estates. Some types of property, such as bank accounts, can be relatively easy to divide. Others, such as family businesses, are much more complicated.
Waterhouse Law Firm is experienced in dealing with a broad spectrum of marital asset and debt types. We have relationships with financial and business professionals who can assist with issues such as accurate valuation of family businesses and their assets.
Most of all, we are mindful that equitable distribution of a marital estate is about much more than just money. As with every aspect of our divorce and family law cases, we remain aware that our goal is to guide our clients successfully through a difficult transition in their lives, with as little stress as possible.
Get in Touch
With Us
Working with someone you trust is essential. At the Waterhouse Law firm, you can rest assured that we will handle your case with the level of detail and care we would give to our very own family.
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Waterhouse Law firm, P.A.
909 Mar Walt Drive, Suite 1011
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
- 850.424.1651
- Casey@WaterhouseLawFirm.com