Family Law FAQ
Last updated on January 9, 2026
Whether you’re dealing with child support modifications, divorce proceedings, custody issues or other family law concerns, our legal team at the Law Offices of Mark Abzug, P.A., in Coral Springs is here to provide you with preliminary guidance and insight into your legal options. We understand that family law can be complex and emotionally challenging, and we are here to help clarify your doubts.
Top Frequently Asked Family Law Questions And Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get divorced?
Answer: Some divorces take longer than others. If the parties are able to enter into a marital settlement agreement prior to the filing of the divorce petition, the divorce case should not take more than 30 days from the date it is filed. If the parties are unable to enter into a marital settlement agreement prior to the filing of the divorce petition, the divorce case will probably take somewhere between six months and a year. A lot of it depends upon the parties’ willingness to compromise as well as the complexity of the issues being litigated. The moral of the story is that if you want a fast divorce, you must be willing to compromise.
How much money will my divorce case cost me?
Answer: An uncontested divorce case is much less expensive than a contested case. If there are any issues that cannot be amicably resolved, then your divorce case is contested. For example, if the parties cannot agree on a visitation schedule or upon child support, the case is contested. Most law firms bill clients by the hour. Of course, it’s impossible to predict how much time will be expended in a contested divorce case, so it’s impossible to state with any reasonable degree of certainty how much money your divorce case will cost you. The range can be anywhere from $1,000.00 to ????. Again, the moral of the story is that if you want to keep your legal fees down, you must be willing to compromise.
How does the court decide custody?
Answer: Generally speaking, the court will always do what it believes to be in the best interests of the children. The court does not award custody based on which parent earns the most money. The court examines a variety of statutory factors. See Florida Statute 61.13.
If I move out of my house, will I lose it?
Answer: No, of course not. If the home was acquired during the course of your marriage, it is probably a marital asset regardless of whether you reside in it or not. Furthermore, your name need not be on the deed. There are exceptions to every rule, and you should consult with our office. The most common exceptions involve inherited property and property that was owned by a party prior to the marriage.
How much child support will I receive?
Answer: Child support is governed by Florida Statute 61.30. Generally, child support is determined by utilizing a mathematical formula. Both parties’ incomes are considered along with other factors, including health insurance, day care, and child support or alimony obligations owed from prior relationships. For further information, please contact our office.
Will I receive permanent alimony?
Answer: Every case is different, so without knowing the specifics of your case, this question cannot be answered. However, there are a few generalities that might help you get an idea as to whether you are a strong candidate for alimony. The longer you have been married, the more likely it is that you will be awarded alimony. There is no “magic number” of years that you have to be married to be awarded alimony, but it is unusual for a spouse to be awarded permanent alimony for a marriage that’s less than 10 years. Another important factor is whether there is a large disparity of income between you and your spouse. Of course, there are other factors that come into play – too many to put down on paper. For more information, please contact our office.
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
Answer: First of all, the law does not require you to be represented by a lawyer. However, you will probably have a better result if you have one. It’s possible that the court will order your spouse to pay all or a portion of your attorney fees. If your spouse earns more money than you do, chances are he or she is in a better position to pay your legal fees than you are. The court wants to make sure that there is a “level playing field.” In other words, if your spouse has a great lawyer with 10 years of experience and you don’t have a lawyer at all, it can’t be a fair game. It’s as if the Yankees are playing against the Bad News Bears. The court will balance out the situation and make your spouse help you with your legal fees. The main criterion for an award of attorneys’ fees is disparity of income.
What if my spouse doesn’t want a divorce?
Answer: Florida is a no-fault state. You do not need permission from your spouse to get divorced. Thus, it really doesn’t matter if your spouse agrees to a divorce. Of course, if your spouse doesn’t want a divorce, he or she could make it more difficult for you to obtain a divorce. They can contest certain matters such as custody, child support, visitation, etc. Remember, a contested divorce takes much longer and costs a lot more money than an uncontested divorce. Your spouse cannot stop you from getting a divorce but can make it more time-consuming and expensive. The court has the authority to sanction a party for taking unreasonable positions not supported by the facts of your case or the law.
What kind of visitation rights will my spouse get?
Answer: Every case is different. However, assuming that your spouse is a decent, law abiding citizen who has a healthy relationship with your child(ren), the court will usually award at least alternating weekends and one night during the week. If you are the primary residential parent, you are required to foster and encourage the relationship between your children and your former spouse. Remember, the court only cares about your children. The court cares very little about you and your spouse. Your children deserve to have a good relationship with both parents, and the court will do everything in its power to make this happen. The court presumes that children are best off having a strong relationship with both parents. This presumption can be overcome. If your spouse has criminal issues or lifestyle problems (drugs, alcohol, etc.), the court will not be so willing to bend over backward. The court’s main concern is the children’s safety, happiness and well-being.
If I were to get divorced, who would keep what?
Answer: The court starts out with the presumption that all assets and debts acquired and/or incurred during the marriage will be divided equally. The court has the power to deviate, but there must be reasons. For more information, please contact our office.
What factors does a Broward County court consider when determining spousal support (alimony)?
In Broward County, courts evaluate spousal support by closely following Florida Statute 61.08. The goal is to determine whether one spouse has a financial need and whether the other has the ability to pay. Judges begin by examining the length of the marriage, which strongly influences both the type and duration of spousal support that may be awarded.
The court also looks at the standard of living established during the marriage and whether it can reasonably be maintained after divorce. Financial resources play a major role, including income, assets, liabilities and earning capacity of each party. Contributions to the marriage are reviewed as well, including child care and homemaking efforts that supported the household.
Additional considerations include the age and physical condition of each spouse, tax consequences and responsibilities related to child custody. Because spousal support decisions are fact-specific, working with a family law attorney familiar with local courts can be critical. A skilled divorce lawyer can present financial evidence clearly and address disputes that commonly arise in contested cases.
What is the role of a family law attorney in a child custody case, and when should I hire one?
A family law attorney plays a central role in protecting parental rights during a child custody case. Custody disputes often involve emotional tension, disputed facts and complex legal standards. An attorney helps parents understand how Florida courts evaluate custody based on the best interests of the child.
In contested cases, family lawyers assist by gathering school records, medical documentation, witness statements and other evidence that supports a parent’s position. They also communicate with the other parent’s counsel and work toward negotiated parenting plans when possible. When disputes cannot be resolved, an attorney advocates for the client in court through hearings and a trial.
Hiring a lawyer early can be especially important when relocation, allegations of misconduct or disagreements over time sharing arise. Parents in Coral Springs, Palm Beach and surrounding communities benefit from representation that understands local procedures and judicial expectations. A Coral Springs family law attorney can help clients present their case effectively while avoiding common mistakes that may impact long-term custody arrangements.
Whether addressing spousal support, custody or broader divorce concerns, legal guidance provides structure and clarity during an uncertain time.
Call Us Today To Have All Your Questions Answered
Do you have more specific questions or need personalized advice regarding your family law situation? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and start your journey toward a resolution. You can reach us by calling 954-840-8883 or by filling out our online contact form.