Are you getting divorced in Florida? Understanding the divorce decree is essential when you’re dissolving your marriage. Signing it finalizes the process, which means you will want to be sure you agree with all of its terms and conditions.
Is property divided correctly?
One element of the divorce decree is the division of property. Since you don’t live in a community property state, equitable distribution will be used. This means that any property or money you’ve both acquired belongs to the spouse who bought it or earned it.
Alimony
Another factor to consider in the divorce decree is alimony, which is also referred to as spousal maintenance or support. If you are the higher earner in the relationship, you may be ordered to pay your ex-spouse alimony to help them with general living costs. However, several circumstances will be considered such as your age, health, the standard of living and other factors.
Dividing your debts
Before you file for divorce, you can pay off your debts. However, if the debt is significant, you may need to decide who’s responsible for handling it. Examining who incurred it or benefited will be conducted by the court. Other payments related to attorney’s fees or taxes will also be included in the divorce decree.
Accuracy is critical
Before you sign your divorce decree, it’s essential to ensure it’s accurate and doesn’t contain any specific language that would jeopardize your legal interests. Problems can occur if the following is included in your divorce decree:
- Vague language
- Unclear child visitation and custody terms
- Unclear terms regarding the division of pension funds or a QDRO
It’s also vital to ensure there are no missing agreements, provisions or other pertinent information that should be included. Knowing how to read a divorce decree and all sections is crucial if you want to ensure you’ve made the right decision after it’s finalized.