Most “How to Get Divorced” articles focus narrowly on the legal mechanics of divorce in Florida—filing paperwork, court procedures, and timelines. These pieces are typically written by attorneys and, while helpful, they often overlook what ultimately drives outcomes in divorce: financial decisions.
In practice, divorce is rarely linear. It is a multi-layered process involving emotions, finances, children, property, taxes, and long-term planning. Legal steps matter, but they are only one part of a much larger puzzle. The choices made outside the courtroom often have the greatest impact on a person’s financial future.
With that in mind, this overview of divorce in Florida focuses on the three foundational components we believe are essential to navigating divorce thoughtfully and effectively.
#1: Financially Prepare and Protect Yourself Before the Divorce Begins
Divorce is first and foremost a financial restructuring. Before filing—or even before formally raising the subject—it is critical to understand your financial landscape and protect your position.
Early preparation typically includes:
Opening a separate checking account and credit card at a new financial institution
Reviewing and monitoring your credit report and credit score
Establishing private communication channels, such as a new email address or P.O. box
Gathering and securely storing copies of key financial and legal documents, including:
Tax returns
Bank, investment, and retirement account statements
Loan and credit card statements
Deeds, vehicle titles, and insurance policies
Estate planning documents (wills and trusts)
In Florida, which follows an equitable distribution framework, accurate financial records are essential. Missing or incomplete documentation can materially affect how assets, debts, and support are ultimately determined.
#2: Build the Right Professional Team—With Financial Expertise at the Center
Many people assume that the first and most important professional in a divorce is a lawyer. Legal counsel is essential, but divorce outcomes are rarely optimized through legal analysis alone.
Financial decisions drive divorce outcomes. The legal process implements them.
A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) plays a critical role in helping individuals and couples understand:
What assets and liabilities exist
How property may be classified and divided under Florida law
The short- and long-term cash-flow consequences of different settlement options
Tax implications of asset division, support, and retirement accounts
Whether a proposed settlement is financially sustainable—not just legally acceptable
Unlike attorneys, whose role is advocacy and legal procedure, a CDFA® focuses on analysis, modeling, and long-term financial clarity. This work often reveals settlement options that are more efficient, equitable, and durable—particularly in mediation or collaborative divorce.
Attorneys remain essential for:
Legal advice and representation
Drafting and reviewing agreements
Ensuring compliance with Florida statutes and court procedures
Therapists and, in some cases, divorce coaches can provide emotional or practical support during the process. However, they are complementary—not central—roles. For most divorcing individuals, financial planning is the linchpin that connects legal decisions to real-world outcomes.
#3: Understand Florida Divorce Law and Court Procedures
A basic understanding of Florida’s legal framework allows you to participate more effectively in decision-making and avoid unnecessary conflict or expense.
a. Legal Separation
Florida does not recognize legal separation. There is no formal legal status short of divorce.
That said, spouses may enter into binding agreements that address financial support, parenting arrangements, use of the marital home, and responsibility for debts—even before a divorce is finalized.
b. Residency Requirements
To file for divorce in Florida, at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months immediately prior to filing. Residency can be established through documentation or testimony.
c. Type of Divorce, Waiting Periods, and Filing
Florida is a no-fault divorce state. A divorce is granted when the marriage is deemed “irretrievably broken.”
There is no required separation period before filing. However:
A 20-day waiting period applies after filing, unless waived
Disputes over finances or parenting will extend the timeline
Divorce cases are filed in circuit court in the county where either spouse resides. Local court rules and procedures vary.
d. Financial Settlements, Support, and Parenting Plans
If spouses cannot resolve financial or parenting issues by agreement, those matters will be decided by the court.
Litigation is expensive and often inefficient. Fully contested divorces commonly cost tens of thousands of dollars or more. Mediation and collaborative divorce, supported by strong financial analysis, frequently lead to better outcomes at a fraction of the cost.
Florida courts focus on:
Equitable (not necessarily equal) distribution of marital assets and debts
Parenting plans that serve the best interests of the child
Support determinations based on statutory guidelines and financial evidence
When financial planning is integrated early, parties retain more control and are better positioned to reach informed, durable settlements.
Final Thoughts
Divorce in Florida is not just a legal event—it is a financial turning point. The most successful outcomes occur when legal strategy is informed by rigorous financial analysis and long-term planning.
Understanding your numbers, your options, and your future financial reality is not optional. It is foundational. If you would like help evaluating your financial position, modeling settlement scenarios, or integrating financial planning into your divorce strategy, we invite you to contact us or request a consultation.
If you’re considering divorce—or even if you’re simply preparing for the possibility—there is no better investment in your peace of mind than understanding your finances. Divorce is emotional, yes, but it is also a financial restructuring that can affect the rest of your life. Unfortunately, many people approach it the way they approach an emergency: reactive, rushed, and overwhelmed. By the time decisions are on the table, they’re already scrambling.
Pre-divorce financial planning flips the script. Instead of reacting, you’re preparing. Instead of hoping for “fair,” you’re working from data, projections, and financial facts.
Below are the core areas of planning that protect your future—not just during settlement discussions, but for the decades that follow.
1. Optimizing Your Financial Outcome
Not all assets are created equal. A $200,000 retirement account does not equal a $200,000 home.
One is liquid, one is not. One has tax implications and penalties for withdrawal, and the other has maintenance, mortgage costs, property taxes, and liquidity constraints.
A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) looks beyond the sticker price.
After-tax valuations
Short-term and long-term asset modeling
Spousal or child support projections
Retirement and pension division strategies
People regularly leave tens of thousands of dollars on the table simply because they negotiated from asset totals—not from cash flow realities and future value. Divorce planning helps you see the full picture so you don’t trade away your retirement for something that looks “even” today.
2. Shortening the Divorce Process
The divorce process has a reputation for dragging on because both parties rarely come prepared.
When financial documents are missing or incomplete:
Attorneys spend billable hours chasing information
Negotiations stall
Decisions are made blindly
Conflict increases
Financial prep eliminates these roadblocks.
A divorce financial professional gathers and organizes:
Income history and sources (W-2, bonus, RSUs, deferred comp, etc.)
Assets and liabilities
Tax returns
Retirement balances
Business valuations
Support estimates
Budgeting and lifestyle costs
With this information clearly laid out, negotiations accelerate. Settlement conversations become factual, not emotional, and every stakeholder (mediator, attorney, collaborative team) has the data they need.
3. Reducing Anxiety About Your Future
Divorce anxiety is deeply tied to financial fear:
“What will my life look like?”
“Can I afford the home?”
“What happens if support ends?”
“Will my retirement be secure?”
These questions aren’t emotional—they’re mathematical.
Through financial projections, you can see:
Short-term affordability (rent or mortgage, living expenses, childcare)
For many couples, the idea of a do-it-yourself divorce sounds like a relief. No lawyers. No sky-high fees. Just a few forms, a notary, and a trip to the courthouse — right?
It’s no wonder DIY divorce has become so popular. When emotions are high and money is tight, “keeping it simple” feels like the only way forward.
But there’s a catch: divorce paperwork is only as good as what’s behind it. If the financial details aren’t sound, or if key legal steps get missed, those “simple” decisions can create expensive, irreversible mistakes.
That’s why I always say — yes, you can do your own divorce. You just need to do it the right way.
What a DIY Divorce Really Means
A “DIY divorce” simply means handling your own process — completing and filing the paperwork, creating your settlement agreement, and managing the court filings — without hiring attorneys to do it all for you.
It can work well when:
You and your spouse are cooperative and transparent
Your finances are relatively straightforward
You both want to save money and time
But even in the simplest cases, it’s easy to overlook important financial details that have long-term consequences. Divorce isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about setting up two separate financial lives that still work.
Why People Choose It
Let’s be honest: most people don’t want a legal battle. They just want out — fairly and affordably.
The appeal of DIY divorce is real:
Lower cost: Legal fees can easily exceed $10,000 per spouse.
Faster timeline: You’re not waiting on attorneys’ schedules.
Control: You stay in charge of your own decisions.
The problem? Without professional review, you might not even know what you’re missing until it’s too late.
Common DIY Divorce Mistakes
Here are some of the biggest pitfalls I’ve seen over the years — and what they can cost.
1. The Missing QDRO
A couple agrees to split a retirement account 50/50 and puts it in their paperwork. But they never file the required Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). Years later, when one spouse retires, the other gets… nothing. Cost: $100,000+ in lost retirement income.
2. The House Headache
One spouse keeps the home “for stability.” No refinance, no appraisal, no tax review. Months later, they can’t afford the mortgage and learn they can’t qualify for refinancing — or claim the capital gains exemption later. Cost: tens of thousands in taxes and credit damage.
3. The Tax Time Surprise
A “simple” agreement leaves one parent unable to claim dependents or deductions. Come April, they owe thousands more than expected. Cost: $10,000 in lost tax savings — and a lot of stress.
Each of these started as a DIY divorce that seemed fine — until the details caught up.
How to Do DIY Divorce the Right Way
That’s where DIY Divorce Done Right™ by TruNorth comes in.
It’s designed for couples who want a low-cost, no-lawyer divorce option — without costly mistakes.
Instead of navigating confusing legal forms and hoping everything holds up, you get:
Guided, questionnaire-based input — no legal jargon, no guesswork.
Step-by-step filing guidance — exactly where to file, how to submit, and what to expect.
Best-practice checklists for smooth court processing.
Two hours of CDFA review — a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst reviews your proposed settlement and final agreement for financial fairness and soundness.
Optional full-service preparation and filing — for those who want to hand it off completely.
This isn’t just “DIY paperwork.” It’s DIY with professional backup.
Who It’s Right For
DIY Divorce Done Right™ is ideal for couples who:
Want to stay amicable and cooperative
Have manageable assets (like a home, retirement accounts, or savings)
Agree on most terms but want to make sure everything is financially fair
Value peace of mind as much as saving money
Even if your situation is a bit more complex, starting with a guided DIY process can help you clarify your goals — and upgrade to full service if needed.
Why It Matters
Once a divorce is finalized, it’s incredibly hard to undo financial mistakes. Courts rarely reopen settled cases, even if you later realize something was missed.
That’s why an affordable review by a divorce financial professional can make all the difference. It’s the safeguard that lets you move forward confidently, knowing your agreement truly supports your future — not just your present.
The Bottom Line
A DIY divorce can absolutely work — if you do it the right way.
With DIY Divorce Done Right™ by TruNorth, you can:
Save money and time
Keep control of your process
Avoid the financial traps that catch so many others off guard
Because when you’re ending a marriage, the last thing you need is a costly surprise.
Do it yourself — with the clarity, guidance, and peace of mind you deserve.
One of the most common questions during divorce is: “Will an inheritance remain mine?”
The answer depends on how the inheritance was managed during the marriage. While inheritances are generally considered separate property, certain actions can cause them to be reclassified as marital property and subject to division. Understanding how the law views inheritances, and the mistakes that can put them at risk, is critical to protecting long-term financial stability.
Separate vs. Marital Property
Divorce law typically categorizes assets into two groups:
Separate property: Assets owned prior to marriage or received individually through inheritance or gift.
Marital property: Assets acquired during the marriage, usually subject to division regardless of whose name is on the title.
Although inheritances begin as separate property, they can lose that status depending on how they are treated during the marriage.
When an Inheritance Remains Separate
An inheritance is more likely to remain protected in divorce if:
The funds are kept in an account held solely in the recipient’s name.
They are never deposited into joint bank accounts.
They are not used for shared household expenses.
Documentation clearly traces the inheritance to its source and shows it has remained under individual control.
For example, keeping inherited funds in a separate account with a clear record of origin helps strengthen the case for the inheritance to remain outside the marital estate.
How an Inheritance Can Become Marital Property
Inheritances may lose their separate status if they are mixed, or “commingled,” with marital assets. Courts may reclassify inheritances as marital property if:
Inherited money is deposited into joint accounts.
Funds are used for marital purposes such as mortgage payments, household expenses, or vacations.
Inheritance money is applied as a down payment on jointly titled property.
A spouse’s name is added to the title of inherited real estate or other property.
These actions often occur with good intentions, but they can significantly affect how inheritances are treated in divorce.
Common Mistakes That Put Inheritances at Risk
Certain decisions frequently lead to the loss of an inheritance’s separate classification, including:
Mixing inherited funds with marital checking or savings accounts.
Paying off joint debts with inherited money without maintaining proper documentation.
Retitling inherited property to include both spouses’ names.
Each of these actions can transform a separate inheritance into marital property, subjecting it to division.
Best Practices to Protect an Inheritance
Steps that can help safeguard an inheritance include:
Keep accounts separate. Place inherited funds in an account held solely in the recipient’s name.
Maintain thorough documentation. Preserve records that trace the inheritance and its use.
Use caution when spending. Avoid applying inherited funds to joint expenses or property without understanding the legal implications.
Seek professional guidance. A financial or legal professional can clarify how specific actions may affect classification.
Being intentional from the start provides the best chance of keeping an inheritance separate in divorce.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
The difference between preserving an inheritance and losing part of it often depends on small details—such as documentation, account structure, and financial decisions made years earlier. Tracing funds and analyzing how they have been used is often necessary to determine whether an inheritance is separate or marital property. Professional guidance can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure that assets are classified correctly.
Final Thoughts
Inheritances are not automatically protected in divorce. While they begin as separate property, choices such as depositing funds into joint accounts or retitling property can put them at risk. Keeping inheritances separate, maintaining detailed records, and consulting professionals are essential steps for safeguarding these assets.
At TruNorth Divorce Solutions, clients receive guidance on navigating complex financial issues in divorce, including the treatment of inheritances. Those with questions about how an inheritance—or any other asset—may be classified are encouraged to book a complimentary consultation to gain clarity and protect their financial future.
It’s no secret that over 50% of marriages end in divorce, even more if you’re in your 2nd or 3rd marriage. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing depends on your perspective. I’m a believer that life is short and everyone is entitled to their happiness. My guess is that if you’re not happy in your marriage, your spouse isn’t either.
If you’re thinking about ending your marriage there a few steps you need to take before you initiate your divorce. These will help to ensure the best outcome for you should you decide to move forward. This is not a decision to be taken lightly and a little preparation can go a long way. The reality is that you now have to stop thinking emotionally and start thinking financially.
#1 Get Real and Start Planning
Divorce may be the toughest this you’ll ever do. Believe me, I know. Right now all you may be thinking about is how miserable you are and that you have to get out. Before you pull the plug though, take a deep breath. Then start planning so that you (and your children) have the best foundation for a happier future.
Start by assessing your current lifestyle and what you’d be able to afford on your own. What’s your current budget and spending? How much will it cost you to live on your own? How much more will you need to get by? Will this come from child support, alimony, a new job? If child support or alimony, best get some help figuring out how much that will be. If you need a new job, will that require more schooling or training? Do you want to keep the marital home? If so, can you refinance it in order to keep it? Can you really afford it? Too often this is an overly emotional decision. Will the kids really be happier in their current house if you’re struggling to pay the mortgage and utility bills?
Finally, what do you want your life to look like in five, ten, twenty years? What other situations in your life have you encountered where you had to call on your best qualities to succeed? Which qualities will you need now to get you where you want to go? How will you define a “successful divorce”? How will you take care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually over the next difficult months to ensure that success?
# 2 Get Divorce Support
Now that you’ve taken stock and assessed what you’ll need. What kind of support will you need? A good therapist for emotional strength? A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) or a CDFA®-Mediator to help you plan financially and for what a realistic settlement will look like? A divorce coach to help with all the decisions you’ll need to make along the way? A lawyer if you think litigation is inevitable?
A piece of advice, your first phone call should not be a lawyer! Assess your alternatives and ask for support where applicable but don’t assume you’ll need a lawyer for your divorce.
#3 Protect Yourself Financially
You will need to prepare for divorce and set some things up financially before your spouse is aware that you want a divorce or has reason to make life difficult for you. Start by opening your own checking and savings accounts and make sure there’s enough in them to get you by for two or three months. Get your credit report and start monitoring it periodically. Apply for a credit card or two in your own name. Last, consider you will, as well as beneficiaries on investment accounts and insurance policies. You should make appropriate chances in case something happens to you.
The divorce process can be scary and overwhelming. Starting with a plan and professionals that you trust to guide you through the process can be key in making sure you’re ready for you future. If you’re thinking about divorce schedule your complimentary divorce strategy session where we’ll explore your options and connect you with any resources you might need.
