Palmetto Bay

Deciding what happens to the family home

Most Palmetto Bay households own their home, and for many it is the largest asset in the marriage. The options are to sell and divide the proceeds, have one spouse buy out the other, or allow one parent to stay temporarily while the children finish school. We run the numbers on each option — including the mortgage, taxes and upkeep — before you commit to one.

Keeping children’s lives stable

With school-age children, the parenting plan matters as much as the property division. We focus on keeping children in the same school and activities where possible, and on schedules that work for both parents’ commutes and jobs.

Retirement accounts and long-term savings

401(k)s, pensions and IRAs built during the marriage are generally marital, even if they are in one spouse’s name. Dividing them correctly usually requires a separate court order so funds can move without early-withdrawal penalties or unexpected taxes.

Child support that reflects both households

Florida’s child support guidelines consider both parents’ incomes and the number of overnights each parent has. Health insurance, child care and school-related costs are addressed as well, so nothing important is left out of the order.

What to expect in a Miami-Dade family case

• Cases are filed in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit and heard at the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center.
• Florida requires at least 20 days between filing and a final judgment.
• Most contested family cases go through mediation before trial.