Legal Separation in Florida
Florida does not have formal legal separation. Some states create a separate status called legal separation. Florida does not. You can live apart and file targeted actions, such as support unconnected with dissolution, but there is no official legal separation status that ends marital accruals the way a divorce would.
Is Legal Separation in Florida Recognized?
Unlike states that allow couples to remain legally married while separating finances and responsibilities, Florida does not offer a legal status called legal separation. You may live separately and seek limited court relief, but your marital status remains intact until a divorce is finalized. If you are researching legal separation in Florida, it helps to understand what options actually exist under state law and which filing path best fits your goals.
What You Can File Instead of Legal Separation in Florida
- Dissolution of marriage: The standard divorce that resolves property, support, and parenting.
- Support unconnected with dissolution: Requests financial relief without ending the marriage, useful when reconciliation is possible but urgent support is needed.
- Injunctions: For protection in domestic violence situations.
When to File for Dissolution Versus Waiting
- File for dissolution when property division and final orders are needed.
- Consider support unconnected with dissolution if immediate support is the priority and you are not ready to end the marriage.
How to Evaluate a Dissolution Attorney Near You
If you are searching for a dissolution attorney near me, focus on Florida-specific family law experience and a process that fits your needs. Proximity matters, but working with the right attorney near you can make a major difference in strategy, timeline, and cost.
- Look for deep experience in Florida family law, not a dabbling generalist.
- Ask how they approach durational alimony under the 2023 law.
- Expect a clear plan for mediation, not just talk about trial.
- Request a written fee structure that explains deposits, billing, and team roles.
- Choose a communicator who respects the emotional side of divorce, not just the legal side.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
- The last six months of income proofs for both spouses.
- A list of assets and debts with balances and statements.
- Any temporary living arrangements or safety concerns.
- Your top three goals for life after the case.
The Takeaway
In Florida, you choose between staying married while seeking targeted support or filing for dissolution to resolve everything. If you search for a dissolution attorney near me, focus on Florida-specific experience and a plan that fits your facts and your budget. If you are exploring legal separation in Florida, an attorney near you can explain the closest legal alternatives and the best next step based on your situation.
Sean Smallwood is an Orlando divorce attorney for the law firm Sean Smallwood, Orlando Divorce & Family Law P.A. where he represents clients in all areas of family law and divorce. 100% of the practice is devoted to family law. As an attorney in Orlando, he has helped many families with a wide variety of family law cases including Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, and many other issues.