Understanding the Acronym PEACE in Florida Family Law

P - Parenting

Parenting, also known as custody or time-sharing, is a cornerstone of family law. We focus on creating a parenting plan that serves the best interests of the child, which includes:

• Time-Sharing Schedule: Detailed plans outlining when the child will spend time with each parent.
• Parental Responsibility: Decisions on whether parents will share decision-making or if one parent will have sole authority.
• Communication and Cooperation: Encouraging effective communication and cooperation between parents to ensure a stable and nurturing environment for the child.

E - Equitable Distribution

Equitable distribution involves the fair division of marital assets and liabilities upon divorce. In Florida, this means:

• Marital vs. Non-Marital Assets: Differentiating between assets acquired during the marriage and those owned individually before the marriage.
• Fairness and Equity: Dividing assets fairly, though not necessarily equally, considering each party's financial situation and contributions.
• Debt Allocation: Equitably distributing marital debts alongside assets.

Our goal is to achieve a fair financial settlement that allows both parties to move forward independently.

A - Alimony

Alimony provides financial assistance to the lower-earning spouse post-divorce. Types of alimony in Florida include:

• Temporary Alimony: Support during the divorce proceedings.
• Bridge-the-Gap Alimony: Short-term support to assist with the transition to single life.
• Rehabilitative Alimony: Support for education or training to help the recipient become self-sufficient.
• Durational Alimony: Time-limited support for a specific period.

The court considers various factors such as the length of the marriage, financial resources, and each party's earning capacity to determine the appropriate type and amount of alimony.

C - Child Support

Child support ensures a child's needs are met following a divorce. The amount is calculated based on:

• Parents' Income: Combined monthly net income of both parents.
• Child's Needs: Standard needs including housing, food, clothing, education, and healthcare.
• Time-Sharing Arrangements: Time each parent spends with the child can influence the support amount.
• Additional Expenses: Extraordinary expenses such as medical care, special needs, or extracurricular activities.

Child support aims to maintain a child's standard of living similar to what they enjoyed during the marriage.

E - Everything Else

“Everything Else” covers additional issues that may arise in family law cases, including:

• Domestic Violence: Addressing allegations and ensuring the safety of all parties.
• Relocation: Resolving disputes when a parent wishes to relocate with the child.
• Enforcement and Modification: Addressing the enforcement or modification of existing court orders as circumstances change.
• Name Changes: Option to change your name back to your maiden name in a divorce.