Absolute Versus Limited Divorce in Florida
Posted on Jun 14, 2012 12:15pm PDT
When you determine that you want a divorce, as a Floridian you can choose
from one of two options. If you choose an absolute divorce, then the court
will decree that your marriage is legally over and that you are permitted
to remarry. This type of
divorce also terminates any property claims, and is considered absolutely permanent.
If you opt for a limited divorce instead, then you are asking for a divorce
that isn't permanent and you will not be able to remarry. Also, you
may be able to settle property claims, but they will not be terminated.
Essentially, a limited divorce only legalizes separation and allows for
support, such as temporary
alimony.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to obtain a limited divorce
before you are allowed to receive an absolute one. People often think
that a limited divorce is step one and an absolute divorce is step two,
but this is not the case. If you choose to apply for both divorces in
this order, it may be a good way to find out whether or not you are making
the right decision. Some people will obtain a court-granted limited divorce
and then realize that they don't want to separate from their husband
or wife at all. Because the courts did not grant a permanent dissolution
of your marriage, you can go back to your spouse and still be held under
all of the legal implications of a marriage.
If neither of these options are what you are looking for, there is another
way to end your matrimony. An annulment can make it seem as though your
marriage never existed. The courts will declare that you and your spouse
were never married. Often an annulment is practiced when a couple was
married for a very short amount of time, especially when the situation
was due to some sort of arrangement based on another person's interests.
By knowinng about these three choices, you will be better equipped to
end your marriage in the way that works best for you.