Divorce marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Florida is a “no-fault” divorce state, which means you don’t have to prove wrongdoing, only that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” Even so, the process can bring major emotional and financial decisions that will shape your future. Our goal is to help you move through this transition with clarity, confidence, and support.

We assist clients with both contested and uncontested divorces, helping you make informed choices about property division, spousal support, and parenting arrangements. Whenever possible, we strive for fair and amicable resolutions through negotiation or mediation. However, when litigation becomes necessary, we provide strong, strategic advocacy in court to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Parenting Issues/ Timesharing

At Dane Family Law, we know that few issues in family law are as emotionally charged as those involving children. Florida law no longer uses the terms “custody” or “visitation.” Instead, parents share timesharing and parental responsibility—reflecting the understanding that children thrive when both parents remain actively involved in their lives. Our goal is to help families create parenting arrangements that foster stability, cooperation, and meaningful parent-child relationships.

Timesharing refers to how much time a child spends with each parent, while parental responsibility governs how major decisions—such as those involving education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities—are made. Florida law presumes that shared parental responsibility is in a child’s best interests unless evidence shows otherwise. We work closely with parents to develop comprehensive parenting plans that outline schedules, communication methods, transportation, and other practical details, helping minimize future conflict.

When parents cannot agree, the court must determine a timesharing arrangement based on the best interests of the child as outlined in Florida Statute §61.13(3). These factors ensure the court’s focus remains on the child’s welfare rather than parental preferences.

Florida’s Timesharing Factors

When evaluating timesharing, the court considers numerous factors, including but not limited to:

• Each parent’s demonstrated ability to encourage and support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
• The anticipated division of parental responsibilities and the ability of each parent to honor the parenting plan.
• Each parent’s capacity to put the child’s needs ahead of their own desires.
• The child’s emotional ties and relationship with each parent.
• The length of time the child has lived in a stable environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity.
• The moral fitness, physical and mental health of each parent.
• The child’s home, school, and community record.
• The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child mature enough to express it.
• Each parent’s demonstrated knowledge, capacity, and willingness to be involved in the child’s life, including education, healthcare, and daily activities.
• The ability of each parent to provide a consistent routine, including discipline, meals, and bedtime.
• Evidence of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect.

Any other factor the court finds relevant to determining the child’s best interests.

Equitable Distribution / Marital and Non-Marital Property Division

Under Florida Statute §61.075, marital assets and debts must be divided equitably, which means fairly, though not always equally. We help you identify and properly value marital versus non-marital property, from real estate and retirement accounts to business interests and personal belongings. Our goal is to protect your financial future and ensure a fair outcome.

Alimony/Spousal Support

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is designed to help one spouse maintain financial stability after divorce.

Under Florida Statute §61.08, the court may award alimony when one spouse has a demonstrated need for support and the other has the ability to pay. The amount and duration of alimony depend on several factors, such as:

• The length of the marriage (short-term, moderate-term, or long-term)
• Each spouse’s income, earning capacity, and financial resources
• Contributions to the marriage, such as homemaking, child-rearing, and supporting the other spouse’s career
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• The age, health, and educational background of each spouse

Florida now recognizes four types of alimony: temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational. In some cases, the court may also order lump-sum alimony, providing a one-time payment instead of ongoing support.

Our firm helps clients seek, modify, or defend against alimony claims, ensuring that any support order is based on your financial circumstances and in accordance with the law. We also help clients negotiate alimony buyouts or lump-sum settlements that provide clarity and finality, allowing both parties to move forward with clarity and finality.

Child Support

Florida’s child support guidelines, outlined in Florida Statute §61.30, establish a formula based on each parent’s income, the number of overnights the child spends with each parent, and expenses such as health insurance, daycare, and uncovered medical costs. While the formula provides a framework, courts may consider additional factors when appropriate, such as a parent’s earning capacity or the child’s specific needs. We guide clients through the financial disclosure and calculation process, ensuring that all financial information is complete, accurate, and fairly represented.