How do the Courts divide property in a divorce? 

Florida uses an approach referred to Equitable Distribution when dividing a couple’s marital property in a divorce.  Equitable Distribution is where the couple’s joint property is divided fairly (this doesn’t always mean equally) between them. There are a few factors the judge will take into consideration when making that decision. Such as: 

1. The contributions of each spouse to the marriage 

2. The economic circumstances of each party 

3. The duration of the marriage 

4. If either spouse had to interrupt their personal career or put their eduction on hold during the marriage 

5. The contribution of one spouse to the education or career of the other 

6. One side’s desire to retain a certain asset 

7. The contribution of each spouse in obtaining, enhancing, and producing income of that asset

8. Whether or not there is a reason to maintain the marital home for a child’s benefit, and if that’s a reasonable possibility 

9. If one spouse intentionally wasted or depleted marital assets