Divorce
Florida divorce representation for professionals and business owners
Divorce in Florida affects professionals and business owners differently than it does the general public. Career reputations, business interests, equity compensation, and public visibility all raise the stakes, and a standard approach to divorce often does not account for them.
At the Law Offices of E.F. Robinson, P.A., we represent professionals, executives, and business owners throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties, with an emphasis on discretion, financial accuracy, and a plan built around your specific circumstances.
Florida Is a No-Fault Divorce State
Florida does not require either spouse to prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. A court only needs to find that the marriage is irretrievably broken, or that one spouse is mentally incapacitated. At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months immediately before filing.
Depending on the circumstances, a divorce proceeds through one of two paths.
- Simplified dissolution, available when both spouses agree on the terms, have no minor children, and neither is seeking alimony
- Regular dissolution, used for contested cases or those involving children, complex assets, or disputed support
Dividing Complex and High-Value Assets
Florida divides marital property under an equitable distribution standard, meaning a fair division rather than an automatic fifty-fifty split in every case. For professionals and business owners, this often involves assets that are harder to value than a bank account or a car.
- Business interests and closely held practices
- Executive compensation, including stock options and deferred bonuses
- Investment and rental real estate
- Retirement accounts and professional licenses acquired during the marriage
We work with forensic accountants and valuation professionals when a case calls for it, so that the division of these assets reflects their real value rather than a rough estimate.
A business or professional practice built before the marriage is not automatically excluded from division. Any increase in its value during the marriage can still be considered a marital asset, which is why early, accurate valuation matters.
Protecting Privacy and Professional Reputation
For executives, licensed professionals, and business owners, how a divorce is handled can matter almost as much as the outcome itself. We plan around client priorities such as limiting public exposure, minimizing disruption to a practice or business, and avoiding conflict that could affect professional relationships or standing.
Custody, Support, and Other Issues That Often Accompany Divorce
Most divorces involving children also require decisions about parental responsibility and timesharing, along with child support and, in some cases, alimony. Our Child Custody & Parental Responsibility and Alimony pages cover those topics in more depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Florida?
An uncontested divorce with a signed agreement can resolve in a matter of weeks. A contested divorce involving children, business valuation, or disputed support can take considerably longer, often a year or more, depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of the issues.
Will my business be divided in my divorce?
Not automatically, and not always in full. Whether a business is a marital asset, and how much of it is subject to division, depends on when it was formed, how it grew during the marriage, and how it was managed. This is a fact-specific question that benefits from an early valuation.
Can I keep my divorce private?
Florida court filings are generally public record, though there are procedural tools, such as sealing specific financial exhibits or resolving a case through collaborative divorce or mediation, that can reduce public exposure. We discuss the options that fit your situation during a consultation.
Do I need to prove my spouse did something wrong to get divorced?
No. Florida is a no-fault state, so the court only needs to find that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is unique, and the application of the law depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Viewing this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future matter. If you need legal advice regarding your situation, contact the Law Offices of E.F. Robinson, P.A. to discuss your case and receive personalized legal guidance.
