Does quarantining with your spouse have you low-key Googling about divorce? If so, you are not alone. It is a stressful time, and a lot of couples are feeling the tension in their relationships. In fact, it is predicted that there will be a significant rise in divorces as a result of COVID-19, and co-quarantining is the driving factor.  

Why is an Increase in Divorce Likely? 

Many people are realizing that they are no longer able to avoid issues in their marriage now that they are at home together 24/7. Others are slowing down for the first time in years and coming to the realization that they have lost touch with themselves or their partner. Many couples are also facing financial and medical stressors and having to make incredibly difficult decisions, all on top of the stress of being confined and anxious about protecting and providing for themselves and loved ones during a global pandemic. It is a difficult time for many, but it can also be a time to reflect and realize that things do not have to be the way they have been up until this point. Change can come in many forms, and it is always good to know about your options.  

The Basics of Filing for Divorce in Florida: 

• There are two ways to file. There are two ways of filing for a dissolution of marriage in Florida. Most people file a “Regular Dissolution of Marriage.” The second method is a “Simplified Dissolution of Marriage.” 
• You do not have to provide a reason. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, which means you do not have to provide a reason as to why the marriage ended—you simply have to state that your marriage is irretrievably broken. Alternatively, you can assert that your spouse is mentally incapacitated, but this is a narrow basis and is rarely applied. 
• If you or your spouse have resided in Florida for at least six months, you meet the residency requirement to file here. If either you or your spouse have resided in Florida for at least six months, you can file for divorce in the county where you and your spouse last lived together, or where either of you resides. The court will likely look at things such as whether you hold a valid driver’s license, voter ID card, or have a lease or utilities in Florida when making the residency determination. If you are uncertain about whether you can file for divorce in Florida, an experienced Florida divorce attorney can easily help you find out.
• Lots of factors can influence the timeline. For instance, if you do not have children and your spouse does not contest the divorce, the court will grant your divorce once property division and spousal support are determined. If you and your spouse agree on these issues, the divorce can be resolved without a trial. On the contrary, if you have children or your spouse protests the divorce, the court may take other actions, such as ordering counseling, or pausing the proceedings for up to three months to allow for reconciliation. If you and your spouse do not agree on how to divide assets or on other issues, a hearing may be required. Talking to a lawyer and explaining your specific circumstances will provide you with a much better understanding of the process.  

Talk to a Brandon, Florida Divorce Attorney: 

Every divorce is different; the one thing that all divorces have in common is a person who knew in their gut it was the right choice for them. If you have that sense, reach out to a divorce lawyer for a free consultation. It is easy to get intimidated and overwhelmed when you start researching divorce, but the experienced divorce attorneys at Tampa Bay Legal Center, P.A. in Brandon, Florida, will assess your unique circumstances and help you determine if divorce is the best option for you.