How Problems That Occurred During The Pandemic Could Impact Your Divorce
Currently in Phase 2 of the reopening process, the Broward County Family courts have finally reopened to the public, effective June 1, 2020. For many people who chose to ride out the pandemic with their partner and to wait in taking any action to end their marriage, this means they can now move forward in filing for divorce. In these cases, it is important to be aware of how pandemic related problems and issues during the preceding months could potentially impact your case.
How COVID-19 May Have Impacted Your Marriage and Your Divorce Proceedings
For months, the Broward County Family Court was closed to the general public during the coronavirus pandemic. While there were exceptions for certain types of emergency hearings and legal documents could still be filed online, there are plenty of couples who had previously considered filing for divorce but chose to delay filing their divorce petition due to the uncertain nature of the situation.
Now that Florida has begun the phased reopening process, many of these couples are now pursuing divorce proceedings. However, the situation between you and your spouse may have changed somewhat over the previous months. Issues that may have arisen during this time could impact the outcome in your case and your rights in any marital settlements. Examples of this include:
Division of Marital Property
Under the Florida Statutes, any property or assets earned, acquired, or otherwise accumulated over the course of your marriage must be divided between you and your spouse on an equitable basis. This means the judge will consider various factors in determining an arrangement that is fair to both parties.
If you lost your job or suffered adverse health impacts due to the virus, you could be entitled to a greater share in a settlement. At the same time, the pandemic may have taken a toll on your overall financial situation, meaning there is less marital property to divide.
Spousal Support
Otherwise known as alimony, spousal support may be awarded in cases where one spouse makes significantly more than the other or when one of the parties sacrificed their own career or education for the sake of the marriage. If your spouse lost their job as a result of the pandemic, it could impact your rights to alimony and the amount you are entitled to receive.
Child Timesharing
In Florida, the court encourages both parents to remain active and involved in their child’s life. Parenting plans are used to determine the amount of time the child spends in each parent’s home. If your spouse struggled with bad behavior during the pandemic, such as increased bouts of anger or issues with alcohol and drug abuse, it could impact their parenting rights.
Reach Out to Us Today for Help
Problems that arose during the pandemic could have a major impact on your divorce proceedings. In dealing with potential issues, Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney Vanessa L. Prieto provides the trusted legal guidance you need. Call or contact our office online and request a consultation today.
