Miami Family Law Attorney

Why families come to Connect Attorneys

Connect Attorneys is a Miami law firm serving clients throughout South Florida. We understand that family law matters are personal and often stressful, and we focus on giving clients clear information and steady guidance from the first conversation through resolution.

Our family law attorneys handle the full range of related matters, from divorce and time-sharing to child support, alimony, property division, paternity, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and post-judgment modifications. Many families come to us with more than one of these issues at the same time, and we work to bring them together into a single, coordinated plan rather than a series of disconnected cases.

We take time to explain how Florida law may apply to your situation, what your options are, and what to expect at each stage. Every client works directly with an attorney, and we keep you informed as your case moves forward. We serve South Florida families in English and Spanish.

Types of family law matters we handle

Family law covers a range of related issues. Many cases involve more than one of these at the same time, such as a divorce that also includes custody, support, and property questions. Below is an overview of the areas we handle, with links to learn more about each.

How family law works in Florida

Family law in Florida is governed mainly by Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes. A few basics apply to most cases.

You usually need to have lived in Florida before filing for divorce.

To get a divorce in Florida, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months before the case is filed. (Source: Fla. Stat. § 61.021.)

Florida is a no-fault state.

A spouse does not have to prove wrongdoing to get a divorce. In most cases, the ground for divorce is simply that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." Florida law also allows divorce on the ground of mental incapacity in limited circumstances. (Source: Fla. Stat. § 61.052.)

Property is divided through equitable distribution.

Florida courts divide marital assets and debts in a way that is fair, which often means roughly equal but is not always a straight 50/50 split. Property that one spouse owned before the marriage, or received by gift or inheritance, is generally treated as non-marital and stays with that spouse. (Source: Fla. Stat. § 61.075.)

Alimony rules changed in 2023.

Florida law on alimony was significantly revised in 2023. For divorce cases finalized on or after July 1, 2023, the courts can no longer award permanent (lifetime) alimony. The forms of alimony that remain are temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational, and the length of durational alimony is limited based on how long the marriage lasted. Whether alimony applies in a given case, and what type, depends on the specific facts. (Sources: Fla. Stat. § 61.08; 2023 Senate Bill 1416.)

Florida favors equal time-sharing for children.

Florida law was also revised in 2023 to add a rebuttable presumption that equal time-sharing between parents is in the best interest of the child. This means equal time-sharing is the starting point, and a parent who believes a different arrangement is better must show, by the greater weight of the evidence, that equal time-sharing is not in the child's best interest. Courts still weigh a list of best-interest factors in every case. (Sources: Fla. Stat. § 61.13; 2023 House Bill 1301.)

Child support follows statewide guidelines.

Florida calculates child support using a formula set by state law that considers both parents' incomes, the number of children, the time-sharing schedule, and certain costs such as health insurance and childcare. Because the numbers change, we do not publish specific figures here. (Source: Fla. Stat. § 61.30.)

This is general information about Florida law, not legal advice. Every family is different, and how these rules apply depends on the details of your situation. Talking with an attorney is the best way to understand what they mean for you.

Serving Miami-Dade and South Florida

Our office is at 701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1550, in the heart of Miami. We help clients across Miami-Dade and the surrounding South Florida communities.

Family law cases in Miami-Dade are generally handled through the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court, and divorce and related petitions are filed with the Miami-Dade Clerk of the Courts. Court procedures, forms, and filing fees can change, so we help clients understand the current requirements for their specific case.

Talk with a family law attorney

If you have questions about divorce, custody, support, or another family law matter, we are here to help you understand your options. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and we will listen to your situation and explain how Florida law may apply.

Fee arrangements vary depending on the nature and complexity of your matter. Contact us for details.