What is a Bifurcated Divorce in Florida?
A bifurcated divorce is a divorce that’s split into two parts. The first part ends your marriage legally. The second part handles everything else. This includes property division, custody, alimony, and child support. This option is a good one for couples who can’t wait for the closure that finalizing their divorce brings but need more time to resolve complex issues related to untying the knot. Florida law allows you to bifurcate your divorce in certain instances, giving you considerable flexibility when filing.
Why choose bifurcation?
Traditional, litigated divorces can stretch on for years because of financial disputes, disputes over child custody, and disputes over alimony. These disputes stall the process of finalizing your divorce. Bifurcation lets you move forward with your divorce now. This allows you to remarry, relocate, and rebuild your life while you work through the rest of the issues related to your divorce. Many folks proceed with this process because, for them, it’s about freedom from the emotional toll that the divorce process takes on individuals.
How does a bifurcated divorce work in Florida?
The Florida courts don’t automatically allow couples to bifurcate their divorce. One spouse is required to file a motion explaining why bifurcation is necessary. The court evaluates whether ending the marriage separately won’t harm the resolution of the couple’s issues. Judges tend to prioritize fairness. When bifurcation helps both parties without creating legal complications, the court’s tendency is to approve the request.
Who benefits from a bifurcated divorce?
Not every divorce requires bifurcation. But for some folks, it’s the right decision. For those who are emotionally prepared to move on with their lives, it may be best to finalize the divorce sooner rather than later. This is especially true for couples who are stuck in the negotiation phase of the divorce process. Are you facing complex property disputes that need time to decide? Bifurcation is designed for individuals who want the closure of a finalized divorce now even as several aspects of their divorce remain unsettled.
How does bifurcation benefit participants in a divorce?
Bifurcation can speed up part of the process and simplify the things that feel overwhelming. You will have legal and emotional closure without having to wait for every detail to fall into place. That makes it perfect for high-conflict divorces where tensions over custody or finances can slow everything down.
Common misconceptions about bifurcation
Some people believe that bifurcation actually skips steps in a divorce. It doesn’t. It streamlines the process of divorce but doesn’t forgo the need to resolve financial and custody matters. Some people also assume it guarantees faster results across the board. This isn’t true either. The process will take as long as it needs to take to resolve the issues related to your divorce. But you don’t have to wait for those issues to be resolved before you finalize your divorce.
Talk to a Tampa Divorce Lawyer Today
The Tampa, FL family attorneys at Westchase Law, P.A. represent the interests of Tampa residents who are pursuing a divorce. Call our office today to schedule a consultation, and we can begin discussing your goals and concerns right away.
