Question 1

What makes FloridaDivorce.law different from other firms?

Accepted Answer

We're an AI-powered divorce law firm. Our founder didn't just adopt AI tools—he built them. Our proprietary Victoria AI OS handles document analysis, research, and case management, enabling us to offer transparent flat-fee pricing while providing personalized attention. You get the efficiency of technology with the experience of seasoned attorneys.

Question 2

How does flat-fee pricing work?

Accepted Answer

Unlike traditional hourly billing, our flat-fee pricing means you know exactly what your divorce will cost upfront. We handle a complete uncontested divorce — with or without children — for a $750 flat fee (court costs and notary not included). No retainers, no surprise bills, no uncertainty. Not sure where to start? Chat with our free Victoria AI assistant and she'll help assess your situation.

Question 3

What areas of Florida do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve clients throughout all 67 Florida counties. Our technology-forward approach enables us to handle cases efficiently regardless of your location. For the uncontested divorces we handle, no court appearance is required — we finalize your divorce by filing — so you can work with us from anywhere in Florida without traveling to our office.

Question 4

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Start by chatting with our free Victoria AI assistant—she'll help assess your situation, answer your questions, and outline your options at no cost. When you're ready, our complete uncontested divorce is a $750 flat fee (court costs and notary not included), with or without children. You'll have a clear understanding of your path before you spend a dollar on the filing.

Question 5

Is my information safe with AI technology?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Victoria AI OS was built by attorneys, for attorneys, with security as a foundational principle. All data is encrypted, stored securely, and never shared with third parties. Our AI operates under the same confidentiality protections required by Rule 4-1.6 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, and all AI-generated work is reviewed by Florida-licensed attorneys.

Question 6

Does AI replace the attorney?

Accepted Answer

No. Victoria AI OS is a tool that assists our attorneys, not replaces them. The AI handles time-consuming tasks like document analysis, research, and initial drafting, which frees our attorneys to focus on strategy, negotiation, and client communication. Every piece of AI-generated work is reviewed and approved by a licensed Florida attorney, as required by our ethical obligations.

Question 7

Is using AI ethical for legal work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our use of AI fully complies with Florida Bar Ethics Opinion 24-1 regarding artificial intelligence in legal practice. This opinion confirms that attorneys may use AI tools provided they maintain competence (Rule 4-1.1), preserve client confidentiality (Rule 4-1.6), supervise all work product (Rule 4-5.3), and communicate with clients about AI use (Rule 4-1.4). We follow all of these requirements.

Question 8

How long does a divorce take in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Florida has no mandatory waiting period for divorce, unlike many states. Uncontested divorces can be finalized in as little as 4-6 weeks from filing. Contested cases typically take 6-12 months. Under Florida Family Law Rule 12.200, most contested cases require mediation before trial, which often leads to settlement without lengthy litigation.

Question 9

What's the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?

Accepted Answer

An uncontested divorce means you and your spouse agree on all terms—property division, child custody, support, etc. Under F.S. 61.052(2), if both parties agree the marriage is irretrievably broken and submit a settlement agreement, the court may enter a final judgment without further proceedings. A contested divorce means there are disagreements requiring negotiation, mediation, or court intervention.

Question 10

Do I need to appear in court?

Accepted Answer

For the uncontested divorces we handle, no court appearance is required. We finalize your divorce by filing, so you don't attend a hearing at all — the entire process is handled remotely from anywhere in Florida.

Question 11

What are the residency requirements for divorce in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Under F.S. 61.021, at least one spouse must have been a Florida resident for at least six months immediately before filing for divorce. The statute states: 'To obtain a dissolution of marriage, one of the parties to the marriage must reside 6 months in the state before the filing of the petition.' Residency can be proven by Florida driver's license, voter registration, or sworn affidavit.

Question 12

What are grounds for divorce in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Florida is a pure 'no-fault' divorce state. Under F.S. 61.052(1), the only grounds are: (a) the marriage is irretrievably broken, or (b) mental incapacity of one spouse for at least 3 years. In practice, nearly all divorces proceed under the 'irretrievably broken' ground—you do not need to prove adultery, abuse, or any fault by your spouse.

Question 13

How is child custody determined in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Florida abolished traditional 'custody' terminology in 2008. Under F.S. 61.13(2)(c), courts now use 'parental responsibility' (decision-making authority) and 'time-sharing' (physical schedule). The statute requires courts to determine custody based on 'the best interests of the child' using 20 specific factors listed in F.S. 61.13(3), including each parent's capacity to provide for the child, moral fitness, and willingness to facilitate a relationship with the other parent. There is no presumption favoring mothers or fathers.

Question 14

What is a parenting plan?

Accepted Answer

Under F.S. 61.13(2)(b), a parenting plan is required in any proceeding involving minor children. The statute mandates that every plan must include: (1) how parents will share daily tasks, (2) the time-sharing schedule specifying overnights, (3) who is responsible for healthcare and school decisions, (4) methods of communication between parents, and (5) how disputes will be resolved. The court cannot ratify a marital settlement agreement without an approved parenting plan.

Question 15

Can custody arrangements be modified later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under F.S. 61.13(3), a court may modify custody when there is 'a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances' and modification is in the child's best interests. For relocation over 50 miles, F.S. 61.13001 requires the relocating parent to file a petition with specific information and obtain either written consent or court approval at least 60 days before the proposed move.

Question 16

What factors do courts consider for time-sharing?

Accepted Answer

F.S. 61.13(3) lists 20 factors courts must evaluate, including: each parent's demonstrated capacity to maintain a loving relationship with the child; each parent's ability to provide consistency and routine; the child's developmental needs; the geographic viability of the parenting plan; each parent's moral fitness; evidence of domestic violence; and the reasonable preference of the child if the court deems them of sufficient intelligence and understanding.

Question 17

How is property divided in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Under F.S. 61.075, Florida is an 'equitable distribution' state. The court must begin with the premise that distribution should be equal, but may distribute assets unequally based on factors including: each spouse's contribution to the marriage (including homemaking), the economic circumstances of each party, the duration of the marriage, either spouse's interruption of career for the marriage, and intentional dissipation of marital assets. Non-marital property (owned before marriage, inherited, gifted) generally remains with the original owner per F.S. 61.075(6).

Question 18

How is child support calculated?

Accepted Answer

F.S. 61.30 establishes Florida's child support guidelines using the Income Shares Model. Both parents' net incomes are combined and looked up in statutory tables based on the number of children. Each parent pays their proportionate share. The formula accounts for: health insurance costs for the child, childcare expenses, and time-sharing credits if the paying parent has 20% or more overnights (73+ nights per year). Courts may deviate up to 5% from guidelines without written findings; larger deviations require specific justification under F.S. 61.30(1)(a).

Question 19

What types of alimony exist in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Under F.S. 61.08, Florida recognizes four types of alimony: (1) Bridge-the-gap alimony—short-term support (max 2 years) for transition; (2) Rehabilitative alimony—to acquire education or training with a specific plan; (3) Durational alimony—set period not exceeding the length of the marriage; and (4) Permanent alimony—for marriages over 17 years when no other form is fair. The 2023 alimony reform (SB 1416) eliminated permanent alimony for divorces filed after July 1, 2023, and established formulas capping durational alimony based on marriage length.

Question 20

What is the '7 year rule' for alimony in Florida?

Accepted Answer

F.S. 61.08(4) classifies marriages by duration: Short-term marriages are less than 10 years, moderate-term marriages are 10-20 years, and long-term marriages exceed 20 years. For marriages under 10 years, there is a rebuttable presumption against awarding durational or permanent alimony. For marriages over 20 years, there is no presumption either way. Durational alimony cannot exceed the length of the marriage for short-term marriages, 75% of the marriage length for moderate-term, and 75% for long-term marriages under the 2023 reform.

Question 21

What documents do I need to start my divorce?

Accepted Answer

Under Florida Family Law Rule 12.285, both parties must provide mandatory disclosure within 45 days of service. Required documents include: financial affidavit (Form 12.902(b) or (c)), tax returns (last 3 years), pay stubs (last 3 months), bank statements, credit card statements, loan applications, deeds, vehicle titles, retirement account statements, and business records if self-employed. For filing, you'll need a copy of your marriage certificate.

Question 22

What if my spouse won't agree to divorce?

Accepted Answer

Under F.S. 61.052, you do not need your spouse's consent to obtain a divorce. If you allege the marriage is irretrievably broken and your spouse denies it, the court may order counseling or continue the case for up to 3 months. If after that period you still allege the marriage is irretrievably broken, the court 'shall order either or both parties to consult with a marriage counselor' or, if that fails, shall enter dissolution. If your spouse fails to respond within 20 days of service, you may seek a default judgment under Florida Family Law Rule 12.080.

Question 23

Should I move out of the house before filing?

Accepted Answer

This decision requires careful consideration. Under F.S. 61.075, moving out does not affect your property rights—marital property is divided equitably regardless of who occupies the home. However, under F.S. 61.13(3), courts consider the 'geographic viability of the parenting plan' and 'the demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to maintain an environment for the child.' Moving out could impact time-sharing arguments. Additionally, if you pay the mortgage after leaving, you may be entitled to credit under equitable distribution. We recommend discussing your specific circumstances during a consultation.

Question 24

Can I change my name during the divorce?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under F.S. 61.14(2), either party may request restoration of a former name as part of the final judgment of dissolution. The statute states: 'In any proceeding for dissolution of marriage, the court shall, upon request of a party... restore the party's former name.' There is no additional filing fee. The final judgment then serves as legal documentation to change your name with Social Security, DMV, and other agencies.

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