FL Statutes CH 61
-
Upload
pamela-girardi-coleman -
Category
Documents
-
view
214 -
download
0
Transcript of FL Statutes CH 61
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
1/171
PARTI
PARTII
2011FloridaStatutes
TITLEVI CIVILPRACTICEAND
PROCEDURE
CHAPTER61 DISSOLUTIONOF
MARRIAGE;SUPPORT;
TIME
SHARING
VIEWENTIRECHAPTER
CHAPTER61
DISSOLUTIONOFMARRIAGE;SUPPORT;TIMESHARING
GENERAL PROVISIONS
(ss.61.00161.45)
UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT
(ss.61.501
61.542)
PARTI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
61.001 Purposeofchapter.
61.011 Dissolutioninchancery.
61.021 Residencerequirements.
61.031 Dissolutionofmarriagetobeavinculo.
61.043
Commencementof
aproceeding
for
dissolution
of
marriage
or
for
alimonyandchildsupport;dissolutionquestionnaire.
61.044 Certainexistingdefensesabolished.
61.046 Definitions.
61.052 Dissolutionofmarriage.
61.061 Proceedingsagainstnonresidents.
61.071 Alimonypendentelite;suitmoney.
61.075
Equitable
distribution
of
marital
assets
and
liabilities.61.076 Distributionofretirementplansupondissolutionofmarriage.
61.077 Determinationofentitlementtosetoffsorcreditsuponsaleofmarital
home.
61.079 Premaritalagreements.
61.08 Alimony.
TheFloridaSenate
Page 1 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
2/171
61.09 Alimonyandchildsupportunconnectedwithdissolution.
61.10 Adjudicationofobligationtosupportspouseorminorchild
unconnectedwithdissolution;parentingplan.
61.11 Writs.
61.12
Attachmentor
garnishment
of
amounts
due
for
alimony
or
child
support.
61.122 Parentingplanrecommendation;presumptionofpsychologistsgood
faith;prerequisitetoparentsfilingsuit;awardoffees,costs,reimbursement.
61.125 Parentingcoordination.
61.13 Supportofchildren;parentingandtimesharing;powersofcourt.
61.13001 Parentalrelocationwithachild.
61.13002 Temporarytimesharingmodificationandchildsupport
modificationduetomilitaryservice.
61.13003 Courtorderedelectroniccommunicationbetweenaparentanda
child.
61.1301 Incomedeductionorders.
61.13015 Petitionforsuspensionordenialofprofessionallicensesand
certificates.
61.13016 Suspensionofdriverslicensesandmotorvehicleregistrations.
61.1354
Sharingof
information
between
consumer
reporting
agencies
and
theIVDagency.
61.14 Enforcementandmodificationofsupport,maintenance,oralimony
agreementsororders.
61.16 Attorneysfees,suitmoney,andcosts.
61.17 Alimonyandchildsupport;additionalmethodforenforcingorders
andjudgments;costs,expenses.
61.18
Alimonyand
child
support;
default
in
undertaking
of
bond
posted
to
ensurepayment.
61.181 Depositoryforalimonytransactions,support,maintenance,and
supportpayments;fees.
61.1811 ClerkoftheCourtChildSupportEnforcementCollectionSystem
TrustFund.
Page 2 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
3/171
61.1812 ChildSupportIncentiveTrustFund.
61.1814 ChildSupportEnforcementApplicationandProgramRevenue
TrustFund.
61.1816 ChildSupportClearingTrustFund.
61.1824
StateDisbursement
Unit.
61.1825 StateCaseRegistry.
61.1826 ProcurementofservicesforStateDisbursementUnitandthenon
TitleIVDcomponentoftheStateCaseRegistry;contractsandcooperative
agreements;penalties;withholdingpayment.
61.1827 Identifyinginformationconcerningapplicantsforandrecipientsof
childsupportservices.
61.183 Mediationofcertaincontestedissues.
61.19 Entryofjudgmentofdissolutionofmarriage,delayperiod.
61.191 Application.
61.20 Socialinvestigationandrecommendationsregardingaparentingplan.
61.21 Parentingcourseauthorized;fees;requiredattendanceauthorized;
contempt.
61.29 Childsupportguidelines;principles.
61.30 Childsupportguidelines;retroactivechildsupport.
61.401
Appointmentof
guardian
ad
litem.
61.402 Qualificationsofguardiansadlitem.
61.403 Guardiansadlitem;powersandauthority.
61.404 Guardiansadlitem;confidentiality.
61.405 Guardiansadlitem;immunity.
61.45 Courtorderedparentingplan;riskofviolation;bond.
61.001 Purposeofchapter.
(1)
Thischapter
shall
be
liberally
construed
and
applied.
(2) Itspurposesare:
(a) Topreservetheintegrityofmarriageandtosafeguardmeaningful
familyrelationships;
(b) Topromotetheamicablesettlementofdisputesthatarisebetween
partiestoamarriage;and
Page 3 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
4/171
(c) Tomitigatethepotentialharmtothespousesandtheirchildren
causedbytheprocessoflegaldissolutionofmarriage.
History.s.1,ch.71241;s.111,ch.86220.
61.011 Dissolutioninchancery.Proceedingsunderthischapterarein
chancery.History.s.1,Oct.31,1828;RS1477;GS1925;RGS3188;CGL4980;s.2,ch.
29737,1955;s.16,ch.67254;s.2,ch.71241.
Note.Formers.65.01.
61.021 Residencerequirements.Toobtainadissolutionofmarriage,one
ofthepartiestothemarriagemustreside6monthsinthestatebeforethe
filingofthepetition.
History.s.1,ch.522,1853;RS1478;s.1,ch.4726,1899;GS1926;RGS3189;
CGL4981;s.1,ch.16009,1933;s.1,ch.16975,1935;s.1,ch.5744;s.1,ch.57
1974;s.16,ch.67254;s.3,ch.71241;s.112,ch.86220.
Note.Formers.65.02.
61.031 Dissolutionofmarriagetobeavinculo.Nodissolutionof
marriageisfrombedandboard,butisfrombondsofmatrimony.
History.s.3,Feb.14,1835;RS1479;GS1927;RGS3190;CGL4982;s.16,
ch.67254;s.4,ch.71241.
Note.Formers.
65.03.
61.043 Commencementofaproceedingfordissolutionofmarriageorfor
alimonyandchildsupport;dissolutionquestionnaire.
(1) Aproceedingfordissolutionofmarriageoraproceedingunders.
61.09shallbecommencedbyfilinginthecircuitcourtapetitionentitledInre
themarriageof ,husband,and ,wife.Acopyofthepetition
togetherwithacopyofasummonsshallbeservedupontheotherpartytothe
marriagein
the
same
manner
as
service
of
papers
in
civil
actions
generally.
(2) Uponfilingfordissolutionofmarriage,thepetitionermustcomplete
andfilewiththeclerkofthecircuitcourtanunsignedanonymous
informationalquestionnaire.Forpurposesofanonymity,completed
questionnairesmustbekeptinaseparatefileforlaterdistributionbytheclerk
toresearchersfromtheFloridaStateUniversityCenterforMarriageand
Page 4 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
5/171
Family.Thesequestionnairesmustbemadeavailabletoresearchersfromthe
FloridaStateUniversityCenterforMarriageandFamilyattheirrequest.The
actualquestionnaireshallbeformulatedbyresearchersfromFloridaState
Universitywhoshalldistributethemtotheclerkofthecircuitcourtineach
county.History.s.5,ch.71241;s.11,ch.98403.
61.044 Certainexistingdefensesabolished.Thedefensestodivorceand
legalseparationofcondonation,collusion,recrimination,andlachesare
abolished.
History.s.6,ch.71241.
61.046 Definitions.Asusedinthischapter,theterm:
(1) BusinessdaymeansanydayotherthanaSaturday,Sunday,orlegal
holiday.
(2) ClerkofCourtChildSupportCollectionSystemorCLERCSystem
meanstheautomatedsystemestablishedpursuanttos.61.181(2)(b)1.,
integratingallclerksofcourtanddepositoriesandthroughwhichpayment
dataandStateCaseRegistrydataistransmittedtothedepartments
automatedchildsupportenforcementsystem.
(3) DepartmentmeanstheDepartmentofRevenue.
(4)
Depositorymeans
the
central
governmental
depository
established
pursuanttos.61.181,createdbyspecialactoftheLegislatureorotherentity
establishedbeforeJune1,1985,toperformdepositoryfunctionsandto
receive,record,report,disburse,monitor,andotherwisehandlealimonyand
childsupportpaymentsnototherwiserequiredtobeprocessedbytheState
DisbursementUnit.
(5) Electroniccommunicationmeanscontact,otherthanfacetoface
contact,facilitated
by
tools
such
as
telephones,
electronic
mail
or
email,
webcams,videoconferencingequipmentandsoftwareorotherwiredor
wirelesstechnologies,orothermeansofcommunicationtosupplementface
tofacecontactbetweenaparentandthatparentsminorchild.
(6) FederalCaseRegistryofChildSupportOrdersmeansthe
automatedregistryofsupportorderabstractsandotherinformation
Page 5 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
6/171
establishedandmaintainedbytheUnitedStatesDepartmentofHealthand
HumanServicesasprovidedby42U.S.C.s.653(h).
(7) Healthinsurancemeanscoverageunderafeeforservice
arrangement,healthmaintenanceorganization,orpreferredprovider
organization,and
other
types
of
coverage
available
to
either
parent,
under
whichmedicalservicescouldbeprovidedtoadependentchild.
(8) Incomemeansanyformofpaymenttoanindividual,regardlessof
source,including,butnotlimitedto:wages,salary,commissionsandbonuses,
compensationasanindependentcontractor,workerscompensation,
disabilitybenefits,annuityandretirementbenefits,pensions,dividends,
interest,royalties,trusts,andanyotherpayments,madebyanyperson,
privateentity,federalorstategovernment,oranyunitoflocalgovernment.
UnitedStatesDepartmentofVeteransAffairsdisabilitybenefitsand
unemploymentcompensation,asdefinedinchapter443,areexcludedfrom
thisdefinitionofincomeexceptforpurposesofestablishinganamountof
support.
(9) IVDmeansservicesprovidedpursuanttoTitleIVDoftheSocial
SecurityAct,42U.S.C.ss.651etseq.
(10) Localofficermeansanelectedorappointedconstitutionalor
chartergovernment
official
including,
but
not
limited
to,
the
state
attorney
andclerkofthecircuitcourt.
(11) Nationalmedicalsupportnoticemeansthenoticerequiredunder
42U.S.C.s.666(a)(19).
(12) Obligeemeansthepersontowhompaymentsaremadepursuant
toanorderestablishing,enforcing,ormodifyinganobligationforalimony,
forchildsupport,orforalimonyandchildsupport.
(13)
Obligormeans
aperson
responsible
for
making
payments
pursuanttoanorderestablishing,enforcing,ormodifyinganobligationfor
alimony,forchildsupport,orforalimonyandchildsupport.
(14) Parentingplanmeansadocumentcreatedtogovernthe
relationshipbetweentheparentsrelatingtodecisionsthatmustbemade
regardingtheminorchildandmustcontainatimesharingscheduleforthe
Page 6 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
7/171
parentsandchild.Theissuesconcerningtheminorchildmayinclude,butare
notlimitedto,thechildseducation,healthcare,andphysical,social,and
emotionalwellbeing.Increatingtheplan,allcircumstancesbetweenthe
parents,includingtheirhistoricrelationship,domesticviolence,andother
factorsmust
be
taken
into
consideration.
(a) Theparentingplanmustbe:
1. Developedandagreedtobytheparentsandapprovedbyacourt;or
2. Establishedbythecourt,withorwithouttheuseofacourtordered
parentingplanrecommendation,iftheparentscannotagreetoaplanorthe
parentsagreedtoaplanthatisnotapprovedbythecourt.
(b) Anyparentingplanformulatedunderthischaptermustaddressall
urisdictionalissues,includingtheUniformChildCustodyJurisdictionand
EnforcementAct,partIIofthischapter,theInternationalChildAbduction
RemediesAct,42U.S.C.ss.11601etseq.,theParentalKidnappingPrevention
Act,andtheConventionontheCivilAspectsofInternationalChild
AbductionenactedattheHagueonOctober25,1980.
(c) ForpurposesoftheUniformChildCustodyJurisdictionand
EnforcementAct,partIIofthischapter,ajudgmentororderincorporatinga
parentingplanunderthispartisachildcustodydeterminationunderpartII
ofthis
chapter.
(d) ForpurposesoftheInternationalChildAbductionRemediesAct,42
U.S.C.ss.11601etseq.,andtheConventionontheCivilAspectsof
InternationalChildAbduction,enactedattheHagueonOctober25,1980,
rightsofcustodyandrightsofaccessaredeterminedpursuanttothe
parentingplanunderthispart.
(15) Parentingplanrecommendationmeansanonbinding
recommendationconcerning
one
or
more
elements
of
aparenting
plan
made
byacourtappointedmentalhealthpractitionerorotherprofessional
designatedpursuanttos.61.20,s.61.401,orFloridaFamilyLawRulesof
Procedure12.363.
(16) Payormeansanemployerorformeremployeroranyotherperson
oragencyprovidingoradministeringincometotheobligor.
Page 7 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
8/171
(17) Sharedparentalresponsibilitymeansacourtorderedrelationship
inwhichbothparentsretainfullparentalrightsandresponsibilitieswith
respecttotheirchildandinwhichbothparentsconferwitheachothersothat
majordecisionsaffectingthewelfareofthechildwillbedeterminedjointly.
(18)
Soleparental
responsibility
means
acourt
ordered
relationship
in
whichoneparentmakesdecisionsregardingtheminorchild.
(19) StateCaseRegistrymeanstheautomatedregistrymaintainedby
theTitleIVDagency,containingrecordsofeachTitleIVDcaseandofeach
supportorderestablishedormodifiedinthestateonorafterOctober1,1998.
SuchrecordsshallconsistofdataelementsasrequiredbytheUnitedStates
SecretaryofHealthandHumanServices.
(20) StateDisbursementUnitmeanstheunitestablishedandoperated
bytheTitleIVDagencytoprovideonecentraladdressforcollectionand
disbursementofchildsupportpaymentsmadeincasesenforcedbythe
departmentpursuanttoTitleIVDoftheSocialSecurityActandincasesnot
beingenforcedbythedepartmentinwhichthesupportorderwasinitially
issuedinthisstateonorafterJanuary1,1994,andinwhichtheobligorschild
supportobligationisbeingpaidthroughincomedeductionorder.
(21) Supportordermeansajudgment,decree,ororder,whether
temporaryor
final,
issued
by
acourt
of
competent
jurisdiction
or
administrativeagencyforthesupportandmaintenanceofachildwhich
providesformonetarysupport,healthcare,arrearages,orpastsupport.When
thechildsupportobligationisbeingenforcedbytheDepartmentofRevenue,
thetermsupportorderalsomeansajudgment,decree,ororder,whether
temporaryorfinal,issuedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdictionforthesupport
andmaintenanceofachildandthespouseorformerspouseoftheobligor
withwhom
the
child
is
living
which
provides
for
monetary
support,
health
care,arrearages,orpastsupport.
(22) Support,unlessotherwisespecified,means:
(a) Childsupportand,whenthechildsupportobligationisbeing
enforcedbytheDepartmentofRevenue,spousalsupportoralimonyforthe
spouseorformerspouseoftheobligorwithwhomthechildisliving.
Page 8 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
9/171
(b) ChildsupportonlyincasesnotbeingenforcedbytheDepartmentof
Revenue.
(23) Timesharingschedulemeansatimetablethatmustbeincludedin
theparentingplanthatspecifiesthetime,includingovernightsandholidays,
thataminor
child
will
spend
with
each
parent.
The
time
sharing
schedule
shallbe:
(a) Developedandagreedtobytheparentsofaminorchildand
approvedbythecourt;or
(b) Establishedbythecourtiftheparentscannotagreeoriftheiragreed
uponscheduleisnotapprovedbythecourt.
History.s.113,ch.86220;s.1,ch.92138;s.1,ch.93188;s.59,ch.93268;
s.8,ch.94124;s.1363,ch.95147;s.3,ch.96183;s.1,ch.97170;s.41,ch.98
397;s.2,ch.2001158;s.1,ch.2002173;s.1,ch.2004334;s.1,ch.2007179;s.
2,ch.200861;s.1,ch.200990;s.1,ch.2009180.
61.052 Dissolutionofmarriage.
(1) Nojudgmentofdissolutionofmarriageshallbegrantedunlessoneof
thefollowingfactsappears,whichshallbepleadedgenerally:
(a) Themarriageisirretrievablybroken.
(b) Mentalincapacityofoneoftheparties.However,nodissolutionshall
beallowed
unless
the
party
alleged
to
be
incapacitated
shall
have
been
adjudgedincapacitatedaccordingtotheprovisionsofs.744.331fora
precedingperiodofatleast3years.Noticeoftheproceedingfordissolution
shallbeservedupononeofthenearestbloodrelativesorguardianofthe
incapacitatedperson,andtherelativeorguardianshallbeentitledtoappear
andtobeheardupontheissues.Iftheincapacitatedpartyhasageneral
guardianotherthanthepartybringingtheproceeding,thepetitionand
summonsshall
be
served
upon
the
incapacitated
party
and
the
guardian;
and
theguardianshalldefendandprotecttheinterestsoftheincapacitatedparty.
Iftheincapacitatedpartyhasnoguardianotherthanthepartybringingthe
proceeding,thecourtshallappointaguardianadlitemtodefendandprotect
theinterestsoftheincapacitatedparty.However,inalldissolutionsof
Page 9 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
10/171
marriagegrantedonthebasisofincapacity,thecourtmayrequirethe
petitionertopayalimonypursuanttotheprovisionsofs.61.08.
(2) Basedontheevidenceatthehearing,whichevidenceneednotbe
corroboratedexcepttoestablishthattheresidencerequirementsofs.61.021
aremet
which
may
be
corroborated
by
avalid
Florida
drivers
license,
a
Floridavotersregistrationcard,avalidFloridaidentificationcardissued
unders.322.051,orthetestimonyoraffidavitofathirdparty,thecourtshall
disposeofthepetitionfordissolutionofmarriagewhenthepetitionisbased
ontheallegationthatthemarriageisirretrievablybrokenasfollows:
(a) Ifthereisnominorchildofthemarriageandiftherespondingparty
doesnot,byanswertothepetitionfordissolution,denythatthemarriageis
irretrievablybroken,thecourtshallenterajudgmentofdissolutionofthe
marriageifthecourtfindsthatthemarriageisirretrievablybroken.
(b) Whenthereisaminorchildofthemarriage,orwhentheresponding
partydeniesbyanswertothepetitionfordissolutionthatthemarriageis
irretrievablybroken,thecourtmay:
1. Ordereitherorbothpartiestoconsultwithamarriagecounselor,
psychologist,psychiatrist,minister,priest,rabbi,oranyotherpersondeemed
qualifiedbythecourtandacceptabletothepartyorpartiesorderedtoseek
consultation;or
2. Continuetheproceedingsforareasonablelengthoftimenottoexceed
3months,toenablethepartiesthemselvestoeffectareconciliation;or
3. Takesuchotheractionasmaybeinthebestinterestofthepartiesand
theminorchildofthemarriage.
If, at any time, the court finds that the marriage is irretrievablybroken, the
court
shall
enter
a
judgment
of
dissolution
of
the
marriage.
If
the
court
findsthat the marriage is not irretrievablybroken, it shall deny the petition for
dissolutionofmarriage.
(3) Duringanyperiodofcontinuance,thecourtmaymakeappropriate
ordersforthesupportandalimonyoftheparties;theparentingplan,support,
Page 10 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
11/171
maintenance,andeducationoftheminorchildofthemarriage;attorneys
fees;andthepreservationofthepropertyoftheparties.
(4) Ajudgmentofdissolutionofmarriageshallresultineachspouse
havingthestatusofbeingsingleandunmarried.Nojudgmentofdissolution
ofmarriage
renders
the
child
of
the
marriage
achild
born
out
of
wedlock.
(5) Thecourtmayenforceanantenuptialagreementtoarbitrateadispute
inaccordancewiththelawandtraditionchosenbytheparties.
(6) Anyinjunctionforprotectionagainstdomesticviolencearisingoutof
thedissolutionofmarriageproceedingshallbeissuedasaseparateorderin
compliancewithchapter741andshallnotbeincludedinthejudgmentof
dissolutionofmarriage.
(7) Intheinitialpleadingforadissolutionofmarriageasaseparate
attachmenttothepleading,eachpartyisrequiredtoprovidehisorhersocial
securitynumberandthefullnamesandsocialsecuritynumbersofeachofthe
minorchildrenofthemarriage.
(8) PursuanttothefederalPersonalResponsibilityandWorkOpportunity
ReconciliationActof1996,eachpartyisrequiredtoprovidehisorhersocial
securitynumberinaccordancewiththissection.Eachpartyisalsorequiredto
providethefullname,dateofbirth,andsocialsecuritynumberforeach
minorchild
of
the
marriage.
Disclosure
of
social
security
numbers
obtained
throughthisrequirementshallbelimitedtothepurposeofadministrationof
theTitleIVDprogramforchildsupportenforcement.
History.s.7,ch.71241;s.26,ch.73333;s.38,ch.81259;s.1,ch.86150;s.
114,ch.86220;s.1,ch.8961;s.107,ch.8996;s.1,ch.91246;s.2,ch.93188;s.
4,ch.96183;s.1,ch.96392;s.2,ch.97170;s.3,ch.97242;s.12,ch.98403;s.
1,ch.99375;s.3,ch.200861.
61.061Proceedings
against
nonresidents.Proceedings
may
be
brought
againstpersonsresidingoutofthestate.
History.s.1,Feb.4,1833;RS1482;GS1930;RGS3193;CGL4985;s.2,ch.
29737,1955;s.16,ch.67254;s.8,ch.71241.
Note.Formers.65.06.
Page 11 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
12/171
61.071 Alimonypendentelite;suitmoney.Ineveryproceedingfor
dissolutionofthemarriage,apartymayclaimalimonyandsuitmoneyinthe
petitionorbymotion,andifthepetitioniswellfounded,thecourtshallallow
areasonablesumtherefor.Ifapartyinanyproceedingfordissolutionof
marriageclaims
alimony
or
suit
money
in
his
or
her
answer
or
by
motion,
and
theanswerormotioniswellfounded,thecourtshallallowareasonablesum
therefor.
History.ss.1,2,ch.3581,1885;RS1483;GS1931;RGS3194;CGL4986;s.
2,ch.29737,1955;s.16,ch.67254;s.9,ch.71241;s.319,ch.95147.
Note.Formers.65.07.
61.075 Equitabledistributionofmaritalassetsandliabilities.
(1) Inaproceedingfordissolutionofmarriage,inadditiontoallother
remediesavailabletoacourttodoequitybetweentheparties,orina
proceedingfordispositionofassetsfollowingadissolutionofmarriagebya
courtwhichlackedjurisdictionovertheabsentspouseorlackedjurisdiction
todisposeoftheassets,thecourtshallsetaparttoeachspousethatspouses
nonmaritalassetsandliabilities,andindistributingthemaritalassetsand
liabilitiesbetweentheparties,thecourtmustbeginwiththepremisethatthe
distributionshouldbeequal,unlessthereisajustificationforanunequal
distributionbased
on
all
relevant
factors,
including:
(a) Thecontributiontothemarriagebyeachspouse,including
contributionstothecareandeducationofthechildrenandservicesas
homemaker.
(b) Theeconomiccircumstancesoftheparties.
(c) Thedurationofthemarriage.
(d) Anyinterruptionofpersonalcareersoreducationalopportunitiesof
eitherparty.
(e) Thecontributionofonespousetothepersonalcareeroreducational
opportunityoftheotherspouse.
(f) Thedesirabilityofretaininganyasset,includinganinterestina
business,corporation,orprofessionalpractice,intactandfreefromanyclaim
orinterferencebytheotherparty.
Page 12 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
13/171
(g) Thecontributionofeachspousetotheacquisition,enhancement,and
productionofincomeortheimprovementof,ortheincurringofliabilitiesto,
boththemaritalassetsandthenonmaritalassetsoftheparties.
(h) Thedesirabilityofretainingthemaritalhomeasaresidenceforany
dependentchild
of
the
marriage,
or
any
other
party,
when
it
would
be
equitabletodoso,itisinthebestinterestofthechildorthatparty,anditis
financiallyfeasibleforthepartiestomaintaintheresidenceuntilthechildis
emancipatedoruntilexclusivepossessionisotherwiseterminatedbyacourt
ofcompetentjurisdiction.Inmakingthisdetermination,thecourtshallfirst
determineifitwouldbeinthebestinterestofthedependentchildtoremain
inthemaritalhome;and,ifnot,whetherotherequitieswouldbeservedby
givinganyotherpartyexclusiveuseandpossessionofthemaritalhome.
(i) Theintentionaldissipation,waste,depletion,ordestructionofmarital
assetsafterthefilingofthepetitionorwithin2yearspriortothefilingofthe
petition.
(j) Anyotherfactorsnecessarytodoequityandjusticebetweenthe
parties.
(2) Ifthecourtawardsacashpaymentforthepurposeofequitable
distributionofmaritalassets,tobepaidinfullorininstallments,thefull
amountordered
shall
vest
when
the
judgment
is
awarded
and
the
award
shall
notterminateuponremarriageordeathofeitherparty,unlessotherwise
agreedtobytheparties,butshallbetreatedasadebtowedfromtheobligor
ortheobligorsestatetotheobligeeortheobligeesestate,unlessotherwise
agreedtobytheparties.
(3) Inanycontesteddissolutionactionwhereinastipulationand
agreementhasnotbeenenteredandfiled,anydistributionofmaritalassetsor
maritalliabilities
shall
be
supported
by
factual
findings
in
the
judgment
or
orderbasedoncompetentsubstantialevidencewithreferencetothefactors
enumeratedinsubsection(1).Thedistributionofallmaritalassetsandmarital
liabilities,whetherequalorunequal,shallincludespecificwrittenfindingsof
factastothefollowing:
(a) Clearidentificationofnonmaritalassetsandownershipinterests;
Page 13 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
14/171
(b) Identificationofmaritalassets,includingtheindividualvaluationof
significantassets,anddesignationofwhichspouseshallbeentitledtoeach
asset;
(c) Identificationofthemaritalliabilitiesanddesignationofwhichspouse
shallbe
responsible
for
each
liability;
(d) Anyotherfindingsnecessarytoadvisethepartiesorthereviewing
courtofthetrialcourtsrationaleforthedistributionofmaritalassetsand
allocationofliabilities.
(4) Thejudgmentdistributingassetsshallhavetheeffectofaduly
executedinstrumentofconveyance,transfer,release,oracquisitionwhichis
recordedinthecountywherethepropertyislocatedwhenthejudgment,ora
certifiedcopyofthejudgment,isrecordedintheofficialrecordsofthecounty
inwhichthepropertyislocated.
(5) Ifthecourtfindsgoodcausethatthereshouldbeaninterimpartial
distributionduringthependencyofadissolutionaction,thecourtmayenter
aninterimorderthatshallidentifyandvaluethemaritalandnonmarital
assetsandliabilitiesmadethesubjectoftheswornmotion,setapartthose
nonmaritalassetsandliabilities,andprovideforapartialdistributionofthose
maritalassetsandliabilities.Aninterimordermaybeenteredatanytime
afterthe
date
the
dissolution
of
marriage
is
filed
and
served
and
before
the
finaldistributionofmaritalandnonmaritalassetsandmaritalandnonmarital
liabilities.
(a) Suchaninterimordershallbeenteredonlyupongoodcauseshown
anduponswornmotionestablishingspecificfactualbasisforthemotion.The
motionmaybefiledbyeitherpartyandshalldemonstrategoodcausewhy
themattershouldnotbedeferreduntilthefinalhearing.
(b)
Thecourt
shall
specifically
take
into
account
and
give
appropriate
creditforanypartialdistributionofmaritalassetsorliabilitiesinitsfinal
allocationofmaritalassetsorliabilities.Further,thecourtshallmakespecific
findingsinanyinterimorderunderthissectionthatanypartialdistribution
willnotcauseinequityorprejudicetoeitherpartyastoeitherpartysclaims
forsupportorattorneysfees.
Page 14 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
15/171
(c) Anyinterimorderpartiallydistributingmaritalassetsorliabilitiesas
providedinthissubsectionshallbepursuanttoandcomportwiththefactors
insubsections(1)and(3)assuchfactorspertaintotheassetsorliabilities
madethesubjectoftheswornmotion.
(d)
Asused
in
this
subsection,
the
term
good
cause
means
extraordinarycircumstancesthatrequireaninterimpartialdistribution.
(6) Asusedinthissection:
(a)1. Maritalassetsandliabilitiesinclude:
a. Assetsacquiredandliabilitiesincurredduringthemarriage,
individuallybyeitherspouseorjointlybythem.
b. Theenhancementinvalueandappreciationofnonmaritalassets
resultingeitherfromtheeffortsofeitherpartyduringthemarriageorfrom
thecontributiontoorexpenditurethereonofmaritalfundsorotherformsof
maritalassets,orboth.
c. Interspousalgiftsduringthemarriage.
d. Allvestedandnonvestedbenefits,rights,andfundsaccruedduring
themarriageinretirement,pension,profitsharing,annuity,deferred
compensation,andinsuranceplansandprograms.
2. Allrealpropertyheldbythepartiesastenantsbytheentireties,
whetheracquired
prior
to
or
during
the
marriage,
shall
be
presumed
to
be
a
maritalasset.If,inanycase,apartymakesaclaimtothecontrary,theburden
ofproofshallbeonthepartyassertingtheclaimthatthesubjectproperty,or
someportionthereof,isnonmarital.
3. Allpersonalpropertytitledjointlybythepartiesastenantsbythe
entireties,whetheracquiredpriortoorduringthemarriage,shallbe
presumedtobeamaritalasset.Intheeventapartymakesaclaimtothe
contrary,the
burden
of
proof
shall
be
on
the
party
asserting
the
claim
that
the
subjectproperty,orsomeportionthereof,isnonmarital.
4. Theburdenofprooftoovercomethegiftpresumptionshallbebyclear
andconvincingevidence.
(b) Nonmaritalassetsandliabilitiesinclude:
Page 15 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
16/171
1. Assetsacquiredandliabilitiesincurredbyeitherpartypriortothe
marriage,andassetsacquiredandliabilitiesincurredinexchangeforsuch
assetsandliabilities;
2. Assetsacquiredseparatelybyeitherpartybynoninterspousalgift,
bequest,devise,
or
descent,
and
assets
acquired
in
exchange
for
such
assets;
3. Allincomederivedfromnonmaritalassetsduringthemarriageunless
theincomewastreated,used,orrelieduponbythepartiesasamaritalasset;
4. Assetsandliabilitiesexcludedfrommaritalassetsandliabilitiesby
validwrittenagreementoftheparties,andassetsacquiredandliabilities
incurredinexchangeforsuchassetsandliabilities;and
5. Anyliabilityincurredbyforgeryorunauthorizedsignatureofone
spousesigningthenameoftheotherspouse.Anysuchliabilityshallbea
nonmaritalliabilityonlyofthepartyhavingcommittedtheforgeryorhaving
affixedtheunauthorizedsignature.Indetermininganawardofattorneys
feesandcostspursuanttos.61.16,thecourtmayconsiderforgeryoran
unauthorizedsignaturebyapartyandmaymakeaseparateawardfor
attorneysfeesandcostsoccasionedbytheforgeryorunauthorizedsignature.
Thissubparagraphdoesnotapplytoanyforgedorunauthorizedsignature
thatwassubsequentlyratifiedbytheotherspouse.
(7)
Thecut
off
date
for
determining
assets
and
liabilities
to
be
identified
orclassifiedasmaritalassetsandliabilitiesistheearliestofthedatethe
partiesenterintoavalidseparationagreement,suchotherdateasmaybe
expresslyestablishedbysuchagreement,orthedateofthefilingofapetition
fordissolutionofmarriage.Thedatefordeterminingvalueofassetsandthe
amountofliabilitiesidentifiedorclassifiedasmaritalisthedateordatesas
thejudgedeterminesisjustandequitableunderthecircumstances.Different
assetsmay
be
valued
as
of
different
dates,
as,
in
the
judges
discretion,
the
circumstancesrequire.
(8) Allassetsacquiredandliabilitiesincurredbyeitherspousesubsequent
tothedateofthemarriageandnotspecificallyestablishedasnonmarital
assetsorliabilitiesarepresumedtobemaritalassetsandliabilities.Such
presumptionisovercomebyashowingthattheassetsandliabilitiesare
Page 16 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
17/171
nonmaritalassetsandliabilities.Thepresumptionisonlyforevidentiary
purposesinthedissolutionproceedinganddoesnotvesttitle.Titleto
disputedassetsshallvestonlybythejudgmentofacourt.Thissectiondoes
notrequirethejoinderofspousesintheconveyance,transfer,or
hypothecationof
aspouses
individual
property;
affect
the
laws
of
descent
anddistribution;orestablishcommunitypropertyinthisstate.
(9) Thecourtmayprovideforequitabledistributionofthemaritalassets
andliabilitieswithoutregardtoalimonyforeitherparty.Afterthe
determinationofanequitabledistributionofthemaritalassetsandliabilities,
thecourtshallconsiderwhetherajudgmentforalimonyshallbemade.
(10) Todoequitybetweentheparties,thecourtmay,inlieuoforto
supplement,facilitate,oreffectuatetheequitabledivisionofmaritalassets
andliabilities,orderamonetarypaymentinalumpsumorininstallments
paidoverafixedperiodoftime.
(11) Specialequityisabolished.Allclaimsformerlyidentifiedasspecial
equity,andallspecialequitycalculations,areabolishedandshallbeasserted
eitherasaclaimforunequaldistributionofmaritalpropertyandresolvedby
thefactorssetforthinsubsection(1)orasaclaimofenhancementinvalueor
appreciationofnonmaritalproperty.
History.s.1,
ch.
88
98;
s.
2,
ch.
91
246;
s.
3,
ch.
93
188;
s.
1,
ch.
94
204;
s.
1,
ch.96305;s.1,ch.2002244;s.1,ch.200846.
61.076 Distributionofretirementplansupondissolutionofmarriage.
(1) Allvestedandnonvestedbenefits,rights,andfundsaccruedduring
themarriageinretirement,pension,profitsharing,annuity,deferred
compensation,andinsuranceplansandprogramsaremaritalassetssubjectto
equitabledistribution.
(2)
Ifthe
parties
were
married
for
at
least
10
years,
during
which
at
least
oneofthepartieswhowasamemberofthefederaluniformedservices
performedatleast10yearsofcreditableservice,andifthedivisionofmarital
propertyincludesadivisionofuniformedservicesretiredorretainerpay,the
finaljudgmentshallincludethefollowing:
Page 17 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
18/171
(a) Sufficientinformationtoidentifythememberoftheuniformed
services;
(b) CertificationthattheServicemembersCivilReliefActwasobservedif
thedecreewasissuedwhilethememberwasonactivedutyandwasnot
representedin
court;
(c) Aspecificationoftheamountofretiredorretainerpaytobe
distributedpursuanttotheorder,expressedindollarsorasapercentageof
thedisposableretiredorretainerpay.
(3) Anorderwhichprovidesfordistributionofretiredorretainerpay
fromthefederaluniformedservicesshallnotprovideforpaymentfromthis
sourcemorefrequentlythanmonthlyandshallnotrequirethepayortovary
normalpayanddisbursementcyclesforretiredorretainerpayinorderto
complywiththeorder.
History.s.3,ch.8898;s.5,ch.20075.
61.077 Determinationofentitlementtosetoffsorcreditsuponsaleof
maritalhome.Apartyisnotentitledtoanycreditsorsetoffsuponthesale
ofthemaritalhomeunlessthepartiessettlementagreement,finaljudgment
ofdissolutionofmarriage,orfinaljudgmentequitablydistributingassetsor
debtsspecificallyprovidesthatcertaincreditsorsetoffsareallowedorgiven
atthe
time
of
the
sale.
In
the
absence
of
asettlement
agreement
involving
the
maritalhome,thecourtshallconsiderthefollowingfactorsbefore
determiningtheissueofcreditsorsetoffsinitsfinaljudgment:
(1) Whetherexclusiveuseandpossessionofthemaritalhomeisbeing
awarded,andthebasisfortheaward;
(2) Whetheralimonyisbeingawardedtothepartyinpossessionand
whetherthealimonyisbeingawardedtocover,inpartorotherwise,the
mortgageand
taxes
and
other
expenses
of
and
in
connection
with
the
marital
home;
(3) Whetherchildsupportisbeingawardedtothepartyinpossessionand
whetherthechildsupportisbeingawardedtocover,inpartorotherwise,the
mortgageandtaxesandotherexpensesofandinconnectionwiththemarital
home;
Page 18 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
19/171
(4) Thevaluetothepartyinpossessionoftheuseandoccupancyofthe
maritalhome;
(5) Thevalueofthelossofuseandoccupancyofthemaritalhometothe
partyoutofpossession;
(6)
Whichparty
will
be
entitled
to
claim
the
mortgage
interest
payments,
realpropertytaxpayments,andrelatedpaymentsinconnectionwiththe
maritalhomeastaxdeductionsforfederalincometaxpurposes;
(7) Whetheroneorbothpartieswillexperienceacapitalgainstaxable
eventasaresultofthesaleofthemaritalhome;and
(8) Anyotherfactornecessarytobringaboutequityandjusticebetween
theparties.
History.s.1,ch.97249.
61.079 Premaritalagreements.
(1) SHORTTITLE.ThissectionmaybecitedastheUniformPremarital
AgreementActandthissectionappliesonlytoproceedingsunderthe
FloridaFamilyLawRulesofProcedure.
(2) DEFINITIONS.Asusedinthissection,theterm:
(a) Premaritalagreementmeansanagreementbetweenprospective
spousesmadeincontemplationofmarriageandtobeeffectiveupon
marriage.
(b) Propertyincludes,butisnotlimitedto,aninterest,presentor
future,legalorequitable,vestedorcontingent,inrealorpersonalproperty,
tangibleorintangible,includingincomeandearnings,bothactiveand
passive.
(3) FORMALITIES.Apremaritalagreementmustbeinwritingand
signedbybothparties.Itisenforceablewithoutconsiderationotherthanthe
marriageitself.
(4) CONTENT.
(a) Partiestoapremaritalagreementmaycontractwithrespectto:
1. Therightsandobligationsofeachofthepartiesinanyoftheproperty
ofeitherorbothofthemwheneverandwhereveracquiredorlocated;
Page 19 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
20/171
2. Therighttobuy,sell,use,transfer,exchange,abandon,lease,consume,
expend,assign,createasecurityinterestin,mortgage,encumber,disposeof,
orotherwisemanageandcontrolproperty;
3. Thedispositionofpropertyuponseparation,maritaldissolution,death,
orthe
occurrence
or
nonoccurrence
of
any
other
event;
4. Theestablishment,modification,waiver,oreliminationofspousal
support;
5. Themakingofawill,trust,orotherarrangementtocarryoutthe
provisionsoftheagreement;
6. Theownershiprightsinanddispositionofthedeathbenefitfromalife
insurancepolicy;
7. Thechoiceoflawgoverningtheconstructionoftheagreement;and
8. Anyothermatter,includingtheirpersonalrightsandobligations,notin
violationofeitherthepublicpolicyofthisstateoralawimposingacriminal
penalty.
(b) Therightofachildtosupportmaynotbeadverselyaffectedbya
premaritalagreement.
(5) EFFECTOFMARRIAGE.Apremaritalagreementbecomeseffective
uponmarriageoftheparties.
(6)
AMENDMENT;REVOCATION
OR
ABANDONMENT.After
marriage,apremaritalagreementmaybeamended,revoked,orabandoned
onlybyawrittenagreementsignedbytheparties.Theamendedagreement,
revocation,orabandonmentisenforceablewithoutconsideration.
(7) ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Apremaritalagreementisnotenforceableinanactionproceeding
undertheFloridaFamilyLawRulesofProcedureifthepartyagainstwhom
enforcementis
sought
proves
that:
1. Thepartydidnotexecutetheagreementvoluntarily;
2. Theagreementwastheproductoffraud,duress,coercion,or
overreaching;or
3. Theagreementwasunconscionablewhenitwasexecutedand,before
executionoftheagreement,thatparty:
Page 20 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
21/171
a. Wasnotprovidedafairandreasonabledisclosureofthepropertyor
financialobligationsoftheotherparty;
b. Didnotvoluntarilyandexpresslywaive,inwriting,anyrightto
disclosureofthepropertyorfinancialobligationsoftheotherpartybeyond
thedisclosure
provided;
and
c. Didnothave,orreasonablycouldnothavehad,anadequate
knowledgeofthepropertyorfinancialobligationsoftheotherparty.
(b) Ifaprovisionofapremaritalagreementmodifiesoreliminates
spousalsupportandthatmodificationoreliminationcausesonepartytothe
agreementtobeeligibleforsupportunderaprogramofpublicassistanceat
thetimeofseparationormaritaldissolution,acourt,notwithstandingthe
termsoftheagreement,mayrequiretheotherpartytoprovidesupporttothe
extentnecessarytoavoidthateligibility.
(c) Anissueofunconscionabilityofapremaritalagreementshallbe
decidedbythecourtasamatteroflaw.
(8) ENFORCEMENT;VOIDMARRIAGE.Ifamarriageisdeterminedto
bevoid,anagreementthatwouldotherwisehavebeenapremarital
agreementisenforceableonlytotheextentnecessarytoavoidaninequitable
result.
(9)
LIMITATIONOF
ACTIONS.Any
statute
of
limitations
applicable
to
anactionassertingaclaimforreliefunderapremaritalagreementistolled
duringthemarriageofthepartiestotheagreement.However,equitable
defenseslimitingthetimeforenforcement,includinglachesandestoppel,are
availabletoeitherparty.
(10) APPLICATIONTOPROBATECODE.Thissectiondoesnotalter
theconstruction,interpretation,orrequiredformalitiesof,ortherightsor
obligationsunder,
agreements
between
spouses
under
s.
732.701
or
s.
732.702.
History.s.1,ch.2007171.161.08 Alimony.
(1) Inaproceedingfordissolutionofmarriage,thecourtmaygrant
alimonytoeitherparty,whichalimonymaybebridgethegap,rehabilitative,
durational,orpermanentinnatureoranycombinationoftheseformsof
Page 21 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
22/171
alimony.Inanyawardofalimony,thecourtmayorderperiodicpaymentsor
paymentsinlumpsumorboth.Thecourtmayconsidertheadulteryofeither
spouseandthecircumstancesthereofindeterminingtheamountofalimony,
ifany,tobeawarded.Inalldissolutionactions,thecourtshallinclude
findingsof
fact
relative
to
the
factors
enumerated
in
subsection
(2)
supporting
anawardordenialofalimony.
(2) Indeterminingwhethertoawardalimonyormaintenance,thecourt
shallfirstmakeaspecificfactualdeterminationastowhethereitherpartyhas
anactualneedforalimonyormaintenanceandwhethereitherpartyhasthe
abilitytopayalimonyormaintenance.Ifthecourtfindsthatapartyhasa
needforalimonyormaintenanceandthattheotherpartyhastheabilityto
payalimonyormaintenance,thenindeterminingthepropertypeand
amountofalimonyormaintenanceundersubsections(5)(8),thecourtshall
considerallrelevantfactors,including,butnotlimitedto:
(a) Thestandardoflivingestablishedduringthemarriage.
(b) Thedurationofthemarriage.
(c) Theageandthephysicalandemotionalconditionofeachparty.
(d) Thefinancialresourcesofeachparty,includingthenonmaritaland
themaritalassetsandliabilitiesdistributedtoeach.
(e)
Theearning
capacities,
educational
levels,
vocational
skills,
and
employabilityofthepartiesand,whenapplicable,thetimenecessaryfor
eitherpartytoacquiresufficienteducationortrainingtoenablesuchpartyto
findappropriateemployment.
(f) Thecontributionofeachpartytothemarriage,including,butnot
limitedto,servicesrenderedinhomemaking,childcare,education,andcareer
buildingoftheotherparty.
(g)
Theresponsibilities
each
party
will
have
with
regard
to
any
minor
childrentheyhaveincommon.
(h) Thetaxtreatmentandconsequencestobothpartiesofanyalimony
award,includingthedesignationofalloraportionofthepaymentasa
nontaxable,nondeductiblepayment.
Page 22 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
23/171
(i) Allsourcesofincomeavailabletoeitherparty,includingincome
availabletoeitherpartythroughinvestmentsofanyassetheldbythatparty.
(j) Anyotherfactornecessarytodoequityandjusticebetweentheparties.
(3) Totheextentnecessarytoprotectanawardofalimony,thecourtmay
orderany
party
who
is
ordered
to
pay
alimony
to
purchase
or
maintain
alife
insurancepolicyorabond,ortootherwisesecuresuchalimonyawardwith
anyotherassetswhichmaybesuitableforthatpurpose.
(4) Forpurposesofdeterminingalimony,thereisarebuttable
presumptionthatashorttermmarriageisamarriagehavingadurationof
lessthan7years,amoderatetermmarriageisamarriagehavingadurationof
greaterthan7yearsbutlessthan17years,andlongtermmarriageisa
marriagehavingadurationof17yearsorgreater.Thelengthofamarriageis
theperiodoftimefromthedateofmarriageuntilthedateoffilingofan
actionfordissolutionofmarriage.
(5) Bridgethegapalimonymaybeawardedtoassistapartybyproviding
supporttoallowthepartytomakeatransitionfrombeingmarriedtobeing
single.Bridgethegapalimonyisdesignedtoassistapartywithlegitimate
identifiableshorttermneeds,andthelengthofanawardmaynotexceed2
years.Anawardofbridgethegapalimonyterminatesuponthedeathof
eitherparty
or
upon
the
remarriage
of
the
party
receiving
alimony.
An
award
ofbridgethegapalimonyshallnotbemodifiableinamountorduration.
(6)(a) Rehabilitativealimonymaybeawardedtoassistapartyin
establishingthecapacityforselfsupportthrougheither:
1. Theredevelopmentofpreviousskillsorcredentials;or
2. Theacquisitionofeducation,training,orworkexperiencenecessaryto
developappropriateemploymentskillsorcredentials.
(b)
Inorder
to
award
rehabilitative
alimony,
there
must
be
aspecific
and
definedrehabilitativeplanwhichshallbeincludedasapartofanyorder
awardingrehabilitativealimony.
(c) Anawardofrehabilitativealimonymaybemodifiedorterminatedin
accordancewiths.61.14baseduponasubstantialchangeincircumstances,
Page 23 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
24/171
uponnoncompliancewiththerehabilitativeplan,oruponcompletionofthe
rehabilitativeplan.
(7) Durationalalimonymaybeawardedwhenpermanentperiodic
alimonyisinappropriate.Thepurposeofdurationalalimonyistoprovidea
partywith
economic
assistance
for
aset
period
of
time
following
amarriage
ofshortormoderatedurationorfollowingamarriageoflongdurationif
thereisnoongoingneedforsupportonapermanentbasis.Anawardof
durationalalimonyterminatesuponthedeathofeitherpartyoruponthe
remarriageofthepartyreceivingalimony.Theamountofanawardof
durationalalimonymaybemodifiedorterminatedbaseduponasubstantial
changeincircumstancesinaccordancewiths.61.14.However,thelengthof
anawardofdurationalalimonymaynotbemodifiedexceptunder
exceptionalcircumstancesandmaynotexceedthelengthofthemarriage.
(8) Permanentalimonymaybeawardedtoprovidefortheneedsand
necessitiesoflifeastheywereestablishedduringthemarriageoftheparties
forapartywholacksthefinancialabilitytomeethisorherneedsand
necessitiesoflifefollowingadissolutionofmarriage.Permanentalimonymay
beawardedfollowingamarriageoflongdurationifsuchanawardis
appropriateuponconsiderationofthefactorssetforthinsubsection(2),
followingamarriage
of
moderate
duration
if
such
an
award
is
appropriate
baseduponclearandconvincingevidenceafterconsiderationofthefactors
setforthinsubsection(2),orfollowingamarriageofshortdurationifthere
arewrittenfindingsofexceptionalcircumstances.Inawardingpermanent
alimony,thecourtshallincludeafindingthatnootherformofalimonyisfair
andreasonableunderthecircumstancesoftheparties.Anawardof
permanentalimonyterminatesuponthedeathofeitherpartyoruponthe
remarriageof
the
party
receiving
alimony.
An
award
may
be
modified
or
terminatedbaseduponasubstantialchangeincircumstancesoruponthe
existenceofasupportiverelationshipinaccordancewiths.61.14.
(9) Theawardofalimonymaynotleavethepayorwithsignificantlyless
netincomethanthenetincomeoftherecipientunlesstherearewritten
findingsofexceptionalcircumstances.
Page 24 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
25/171
(10)(a) Withrespecttoanyorderrequiringthepaymentofalimony
enteredonorafterJanuary1,1985,unlesstheprovisionsofparagraph(c)or
paragraph(d)apply,thecourtshalldirectintheorderthatthepaymentsof
alimonybemadethroughtheappropriatedepositoryasprovidedins.61.181.
(b)
Withrespect
to
any
order
requiring
the
payment
of
alimony
entered
beforeJanuary1,1985,uponthesubsequentappearance,onorafterthatdate,
ofoneorbothpartiesbeforethecourthavingjurisdictionforthepurposeof
modifyingorenforcingtheorderorinanyotherproceedingrelatedtothe
order,orupontheapplicationofeitherparty,unlesstheprovisionsof
paragraph(c)orparagraph(d)apply,thecourtshallmodifythetermsofthe
orderasnecessarytodirectthatpaymentsofalimonybemadethroughthe
appropriatedepositoryasprovidedins.61.181.
(c) Ifthereisnominorchild,alimonypaymentsneednotbedirected
throughthedepository.
(d)1. Ifthereisaminorchildofthepartiesandbothpartiessorequest,the
courtmayorderthatalimonypaymentsneednotbedirectedthroughthe
depository.Inthiscase,theorderofsupportshallprovide,orbedeemedto
provide,thateitherpartymaysubsequentlyapplytothedepositorytorequire
thatpaymentsbemadethroughthedepository.Thecourtshallprovidea
copyof
the
order
to
the
depository.
2. Iftheprovisionsofsubparagraph1.apply,eitherpartymay
subsequentlyfilewiththedepositoryanaffidavitallegingdefaultor
arrearagesinpaymentandstatingthatthepartywishestoinitiate
participationinthedepositoryprogram.Thepartyshallprovidecopiesofthe
affidavittothecourtandtheotherpartyorparties.Fifteendaysafterreceipt
oftheaffidavit,thedepositoryshallnotifyallpartiesthatfuturepayments
shallbe
directed
to
the
depository.
3. InIVDcases,theIVDagencyshallhavethesamerightsastheobligee
inrequestingthatpaymentsbemadethroughthedepository.
History.ss.7,12,Oct.31,1828;RS1484;GS1932;RGS3195;CGL4987;s.
1,ch.23894,1947;s.1,ch.63145;s.16,ch.67254;s.10,ch.71241;s.1,ch.78
Page 25 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
26/171
339;s.1,ch.84110;s.115,ch.86220;s.2.ch.8898;s.3,ch.91246;s.1,ch.
2010199;s.79,ch.201192.1Note.Section80,ch.201192,providesthat[e]ffectiveJuly1,2011,the
amendmentstos.61.08,FloridaStatutes,madebythisactapplytoallinitial
awardsof
alimony
entered
after
July
1,
2011,
and
to
all
modifications
of
alimonyofsuchawardsmadeafterJuly1,2011.Suchamendmentsmaynot
serveasabasistomodifyawardsenteredbeforeJuly1,2011,orasabasisto
changeamountsordurationofawardsexistingbeforeJuly1,2011.The
amendmentstos.61.08,FloridaStatutes,madebythisactareapplicabletoall
casespendingonorfiledafterJuly1,2011.
Note.Formers.65.08.
61.09 Alimonyandchildsupportunconnectedwithdissolution.Ifa
personhavingtheabilitytocontributetothemaintenanceofhisorherspouse
andsupportofhisorherminorchildfailstodoso,thespousewhoisnot
receivingsupportmayapplytothecourtforalimonyandforsupportforthe
childwithoutseekingdissolutionofmarriage,andthecourtshallenteran
orderasitdeemsjustandproper.
History.ss.1,2,ch.3581,1885;RS1485;GS1933;RGS3196;CGL4988;s.
2,ch.29737,1955;s.1,ch.65498;s.16,ch.67254;s.11,ch.71241;s.116,ch.
86220;
s.
320,
ch.
95
147;
s.
4,
ch.
2008
61.
Note.Formers.65.09.
61.10 Adjudicationofobligationtosupportspouseorminorchild
unconnectedwithdissolution;parentingplan.Exceptwhenreliefis
affordedbysomeotherpendingcivilactionorproceeding,aspouseresiding
inthisstateapartfromhisorherspouseandminorchild,whetherornotsuch
separationisthroughhisorherfault,mayobtainanadjudicationofobligation
tomaintain
the
spouse
and
minor
child,
if
any.
The
court
shall
adjudicate
his
orherfinancialobligationstothespouseandchildandshallestablishthe
parentingplanfortheparties.Suchanactiondoesnotprecludeeitherparty
frommaintaininganyotherproceedingunderthischapterforotheror
additionalreliefatanytime.
Page 26 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
27/171
History.s.1,ch.61112;s.16,ch.67254;s.12,ch.71241;s.117,ch.86220;
s.321,ch.95147;s.5,ch.200861.
Note.Formers.65.101.
61.11 Writs.
(1)
Wheneither
party
is
about
to
remove
himself
or
herself
or
his
or
her
propertyoutofthestate,orfraudulentlyconveyorconcealit,thecourtmay
awardaneexeatorinjunctionagainstthepartyorthepropertyandmake
suchordersaswillsecurealimonyorsupporttothepartywhoshould
receiveit.
(2)(a) Whenthecourtissuesawritofbodilyattachmentinconnection
withacourtorderedsupportobligation,thewritorattachmenttothewrit
mustinclude,ataminimum,suchinformationontherespondentsphysical
descriptionandlocationasisrequiredforentryofthewritintotheFlorida
CrimeInformationCentertelecommunicationssystemandauthorizationfor
theassessmentandcollectionoftheactualcostsassociatedwiththeserviceof
thewritandtransportationoftherespondentincompliancethereof.Thewrit
shalldirectthatserviceandexecutionofthewritmaybemadeonanydayof
theweekandanytimeofthedayornight.
(b) Theclerkofthecourtshallforwardacopyofthewritforservicetothe
sheriffof
the
county
in
which
the
writ
is
issued.
(c) Uponreceiptofawritfromtheclerkofthecourt,thesheriffshallenter
theinformationonanyunservedwritintotheFloridaCrimeInformation
Centertelecommunicationssystemtomaketheinformationavailabletoother
lawenforcementagencieswithinthestate.Thewritshallbeenforceableinall
countiesofthestate.
(d) Uponreceiptofthepurgepayment,thereceivingagencyshallprovide
thesubject
with
awritten
receipt
acknowledging
such
payment,
which
must
becarriedonthepersonoftherespondentforaperiodofatleast30daysfrom
thedateofpaymentasproofofsuchpayment.Asheriffreceivingsuch
paymentshallforwardthefundstothesheriffwhoenteredtheinformation
aboutthewritintotheFloridaCrimeInformationCentertelecommunications
systemandwhoshallforwardthefundstotheappropriateclerkofcourt.
Page 27 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
28/171
(e) Afterawritismodified,purged,recalled,terminated,orotherwise
renderedineffectivebyrulingofthecourt,theclerkofthecourtshallnotify
thesheriffreceivingtheoriginalwrit.Thatagencyshallmodifyorcancelthe
entryintheFloridaCrimeInformationCentertelecommunicationssystemin
accordancewith
such
notification.
History.s.13,Oct.31,1828;RS1487;GS1935;RGS3198;CGL4990;s.16,
ch.67254;s.13,ch.71241;s.2,ch.92138;s.322,ch.95147;s.52,ch.96175;s.
1,ch.96190;s.3,ch.2001158.
Note.Formers.65.11.
61.12 Attachmentorgarnishmentofamountsdueforalimonyorchild
support.
(1) Somuchasthecourtordersofthemoneyorotherthingsduetoany
personorpublicofficer,stateorcounty,whethertheheadofafamilyresiding
inthisstateornot,whenthemoneyorotherthingisdueforthepersonal
labororserviceofthepersonorotherwise,issubjecttoattachmentor
garnishmenttoenforceandsatisfytheordersandjudgmentsofthecourtof
thisstateforalimony,suitmoney,orchildsupport,orotherordersin
proceedingsfordissolution,alimony,orchildsupport;whenthemoneyor
otherthingsoughttobeattachedorgarnisheedisthesalaryofapublic
officer,state
or
county,
the
writ
of
attachment
or
garnishment
shall
be
served
onthepublicofficerwhosedutyitistopaythesalary,whoshallobeythewrit
asprovidedbylawinothercases.Itisthedutyoftheofficertonotifythe
publicofficerwhosedutyitistoauditorissueawarrantforthesalarysought
tobeattachedimmediatelyuponserviceofthewrit.Awarrantforasmuchof
thesalaryasisorderedheldunderthewritshallnotissueexceptpursuantto
courtorderunlessthewritisdissolved.Nomoreofthesalaryshallbe
retainedby
virtue
of
the
writ
than
is
provided
for
in
the
order.
(2) Theprovisionsofchapter77oranyotherprovisionoflawtothe
contrarynotwithstanding,thecourtmayissueacontinuingwritof
garnishmenttoanemployertoenforcetheorderofthecourtforperiodic
paymentofalimonyorchildsupportorboth.Thewritmayprovidethatthe
salaryofanypersonhavingadutyofsupportpursuanttosuchorderbe
Page 28 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
29/171
garnisheedonaperiodicandcontinuingbasisforsolongasthecourtmay
determineoruntilotherwiseorderedbythecourtoracourtofcompetent
urisdictioninafurtherproceeding.Anydisciplinaryactionagainstthe
employeebyanemployertowhomawritisissuedpursuanttothissection
solelybecause
such
writ
is
in
effect
constitutes
acontempt
of
court,
and
the
courtmayentersuchorderasitdeemsjustandproper.
History.s.1,ch.4973,1901;GS1937;s.10,ch.7838,1919;RGS3200;CGL
4992;s.16,ch.67254;s.14,ch.71241;s.1,ch.7726;s.1,ch.7863;s.2,ch.84
110;s.1,ch.84135.
Note.Formers.65.13.
61.122 Parentingplanrecommendation;presumptionofpsychologists
goodfaith;prerequisitetoparentsfilingsuit;awardoffees,costs,
reimbursement.
(1) Apsychologistwhohasbeenappointedbythecourttodevelopa
parentingplanrecommendationinadissolutionofmarriage,acaseof
domesticviolence,orapaternitymatterinvolvingtherelationshipofachild
andaparent,includingtimesharingofchildren,ispresumedtobeactingin
goodfaithifthepsychologistsrecommendationhasbeenreachedunder
standardsthatareasonablepsychologistwouldusetodevelopaparenting
planrecommendation.
(2) Anadministrativecomplaintagainstacourtappointedpsychologist
whichrelatestoaparentingplanrecommendationconductedbythe
psychologistmaynotbefiledanonymously.Theindividualwhofilesan
administrativecomplaintmustincludeinthecomplainthisorhername,
address,andtelephonenumber.
(3) Aparentwhodesirestofilealegalactionagainstacourtappointed
psychologistwho
has
acted
in
good
faith
in
developing
aparenting
plan
recommendationmustpetitionthejudgewhopresidedoverthedissolutionof
marriage,caseofdomesticviolence,orpaternitymatterinvolvingthe
relationshipofachildandaparent,includingtimesharingofchildren,to
appointanotherpsychologist.Upontheparentsshowingofgoodcause,the
courtshallappointanotherpsychologist.Thecourtshalldeterminewhois
Page 29 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
30/171
responsibleforallcourtcostsandattorneysfeesassociatedwithmakingsuch
anappointment.
(4) Ifalegalaction,whetheritbeacivilaction,acriminalaction,oran
administrativeproceeding,isfiledagainstacourtappointedpsychologistina
dissolutionof
marriage,
case
of
domestic
violence,
or
paternity
matter
involvingtherelationshipofachildandaparent,includingtimesharingof
children,theclaimantisresponsibleforallreasonablecostsandreasonable
attorneysfeesassociatedwiththeactionforbothpartiesifthepsychologistis
heldnotliable.Ifthepsychologistisheldliableincivilcourt,thepsychologist
mustpayallreasonablecostsandreasonableattorneysfeesfortheclaimant.
History.s.1,ch.2003112;s.7,ch.200861;s.4,ch.200921.
61.125 Parentingcoordination.
(1) PURPOSE.Thepurposeofparentingcoordinationistoprovidea
childfocusedalternativedisputeresolutionprocesswherebyaparenting
coordinatorassiststheparentsincreatingorimplementingaparentingplan
byfacilitatingtheresolutionofdisputesbetweentheparentsbyproviding
education,makingrecommendations,and,withthepriorapprovalofthe
parentsandthecourt,makinglimiteddecisionswithinthescopeofthecourts
orderofreferral.
(2)
REFERRAL.Inany
action
in
which
ajudgment
or
order
has
been
soughtorenteredadopting,establishing,ormodifyingaparentingplan,
exceptforadomesticviolenceproceedingunderchapter741,andupon
agreementoftheparties,thecourtsownmotion,orthemotionofaparty,the
courtmayappointaparentingcoordinatorandreferthepartiestoparenting
coordinationtoassistintheresolutionofdisputesconcerningtheirparenting
plan.
(3)
DOMESTICVIOLENCE
ISSUES.
(a) Iftherehasbeenahistoryofdomesticviolence,thecourtmaynotrefer
thepartiestoparentingcoordinationunlessbothparentsconsent.Thecourt
shalloffereachpartyanopportunitytoconsultwithanattorneyordomestic
violenceadvocatebeforeacceptingthepartysconsent.Thecourtmust
Page 30 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
31/171
determinewhethereachpartysconsenthasbeengivenfreelyand
voluntarily.
(b) Indeterminingwhethertherehasbeenahistoryofdomesticviolence,
thecourtshallconsiderwhetherapartyhascommittedanactofdomestic
violenceas
defined
s.
741.28,
or
child
abuse
as
defined
in
s.
39.01,
against
the
otherpartyoranymemberoftheotherpartysfamily;engagedinapatternof
behaviorsthatexertpowerandcontrolovertheotherpartyandthatmay
compromisetheotherpartysabilitytonegotiateafairresult;orengagedin
behaviorthatleadstheotherpartytohavereasonablecausetobelieveheor
sheisinimminentdangerofbecomingavictimofdomesticviolence.The
courtshallconsiderandevaluateallrelevantfactors,including,butnot
limitedto,thefactorslistedins.741.30(6)(b).
(c) Ifthereisahistoryofdomesticviolence,thecourtshallorder
safeguardstoprotectthesafetyoftheparticipants,including,butnotlimited
to,adherencetoallprovisionsofaninjunctionforprotectionorconditionsof
bail,probation,orasentencearisingfromcriminalproceedings.
(4) QUALIFICATIONSOFAPARENTINGCOORDINATOR.A
parentingcoordinatorisanimpartialthirdpersonwhoseroleistoassistthe
parentsinsuccessfullycreatingorimplementingaparentingplan.Unless
thereis
awritten
agreement
between
the
parties,
the
court
may
appoint
only
a
qualifiedparentingcoordinator.
(a) Tobequalified,aparentingcoordinatormust:
1. Meetoneofthefollowingprofessionalrequirements:
a. Belicensedasamentalhealthprofessionalunderchapter490or
chapter491.
b. Belicensedasaphysicianunderchapter458,withcertificationbythe
AmericanBoard
of
Psychiatry
and
Neurology.
c. BecertifiedbytheFloridaSupremeCourtasafamilylawmediator,
withatleastamastersdegreeinamentalhealthfield.
d. BeamemberingoodstandingofTheFloridaBar.
2. Completeallofthefollowing:
a. Threeyearsofpostlicensureorpostcertificationpractice.
Page 31 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
32/171
b. AfamilymediationtrainingprogramcertifiedbytheFloridaSupreme
Court.
c. Aminimumof24hoursofparentingcoordinationtraininginparenting
coordinationconceptsandethics,familysystemstheoryandapplication,
familydynamics
in
separation
and
divorce,
child
and
adolescent
development,theparentingcoordinationprocess,parentingcoordination
techniques,andFloridafamilylawandprocedure,andaminimumof4hours
oftrainingindomesticviolenceandchildabusewhichisrelatedtoparenting
coordination.
(b) Thecourtmayrequireadditionalqualificationstoaddressissues
specifictotheparties.
(c) Aqualifiedparentingcoordinatormustbeingoodstanding,orinclear
andactivestatus,withhisorherrespectivelicensingauthority,certification
board,orboth,asapplicable.
(5) DISQUALIFICATIONSOFPARENTINGCOORDINATOR.
(a) Thecourtmaynotappointapersontoserveasparentingcoordinator
who,inanyjurisdiction:
1. Hasbeenconvictedorhadadjudicationwithheldonachargeofchild
abuse,childneglect,domesticviolence,parentalkidnapping,orinterference
withcustody;
2. Hasbeenfoundbyacourtinachildprotectionhearingtohaveabused,
neglected,orabandonedachild;
3. Hasconsentedtoanadjudicationorawithholdingofadjudicationona
petitionfordependency;or
4. Isorhasbeenarespondentinafinalorderorinjunctionofprotection
againstdomesticviolence.
(b)
Aparenting
coordinator
must
discontinue
service
as
aparenting
coordinatorandimmediatelyreporttothecourtandthepartiesifanyofthe
disqualifyingcircumstancesdescribedinparagraph(a)occur,orifheorshe
nolongermeetstheminimumqualificationsinsubsection(4),andthecourt
mayappointanotherparentingcoordinator.
Page 32 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
33/171
(6) FEESFORPARENTINGCOORDINATION.Thecourtshall
determinetheallocationoffeesandcostsforparentingcoordinationbetween
theparties.Thecourtmaynotorderthepartiestoparentingcoordination
withouttheirconsentunlessitdeterminesthatthepartieshavethefinancial
abilityto
pay
the
parenting
coordination
fees
and
costs.
(a) Indeterminingifanonindigentpartyhasthefinancialabilitytopay
theparentingcoordinationfeesandcosts,thecourtshallconsiderthepartys
financialcircumstances,includingincome,assets,liabilities,financial
obligations,resources,andwhetherpayingthefeesandcostswouldcreatea
substantialhardship.
(b) Ifapartyisfoundtobeindigentbaseduponthefactorsins.57.082,
thecourtmaynotorderthepartytoparentingcoordinationunlesspublic
fundsareavailabletopaytheindigentpartysallocatedportionofthefees
andcostsorthenonindigentpartyconsentstopayingallofthefeesandcosts.
(7) CONFIDENTIALITY.Exceptasotherwiseprovidedinthissection,
allcommunicationsmadeby,between,oramongthepartiesandthe
parentingcoordinatorduringparentingcoordinationsessionsare
confidential.Theparentingcoordinatorandeachpartydesignatedinthe
orderappointingthecoordinatormaynottestifyorofferevidenceabout
communicationsmade
by,
between,
or
among
the
parties
and
the
parenting
coordinatorduringparentingcoordinationsessions,exceptif:
(a) Necessarytoidentify,authenticate,confirm,ordenyawritten
agreemententeredintobythepartiesduringparentingcoordination;
(b) Thetestimonyorevidenceisnecessarytoidentifyanissuefor
resolutionbythecourtwithoutotherwisedisclosingcommunicationsmade
byanypartyortheparentingcoordinator;
(c)
Thetestimony
or
evidence
is
limited
to
the
subject
of
apartys
compliancewiththeorderofreferraltoparentingcoordination,ordersfor
psychologicalevaluation,counselingorderedbythecourtorrecommended
byahealthcareprovider,orforsubstanceabusetestingortreatment;
(d) Theparentingcoordinatorreportsthatthecaseisnolonger
appropriateforparentingcoordination;
Page 33 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
34/171
(e) Theparentingcoordinatorisreportingthatheorsheisunableor
unwillingtocontinuetoserveandthatasuccessorparentingcoordinator
shouldbeappointed;
(f) Thetestimonyorevidenceisnecessarypursuanttoparagraph(5)(b)or
subsection(8);
(g) Theparentingcoordinatorisnotqualifiedtoaddressorresolvecertain
issuesinthecaseandamorequalifiedcoordinatorshouldbeappointed;
(h) Thepartiesagreethatthetestimonyorevidencebepermitted;or
(i) Thetestimonyorevidenceisnecessarytoprotectanypersonfrom
futureactsthatwouldconstitutedomesticviolenceunderchapter741;child
abuse,neglect,orabandonmentunderchapter39;orabuse,neglect,or
exploitationofanelderlyordisabledadultunderchapter825.
(8) REPORTOFEMERGENCYTOCOURT.
(a) Aparentingcoordinatormustimmediatelyinformthecourtby
affidavitorverifiedreportwithoutnoticetothepartiesofanemergency
situationif:
1. Thereisareasonablecausetosuspectthatachildwillsufferoris
sufferingabuse,neglect,orabandonmentasprovidedunderchapter39;
2. Thereisareasonablecausetosuspectavulnerableadulthasbeenoris
beingabused,
neglected,
or
exploited
as
provided
under
chapter
415;
3. Aparty,orsomeoneactingonapartysbehalf,isexpectedto
wrongfullyremoveoriswrongfullyremovingthechildfromthejurisdiction
ofthecourtwithoutpriorcourtapprovalorcompliancewiththe
requirementsofs.61.13001.Iftheparentingcoordinatorsuspectsthatthe
parenthasrelocatedwithinthestatetoavoiddomesticviolence,the
coordinatormaynotdisclosethelocationoftheparentandchildunless
requiredby
court
order.
(b) Uponsuchinformationandbelief,aparentingcoordinatorshall
immediatelyinformthecourtbyaffidavitorverifiedreportandserveacopy
oneachpartyofanemergencyinwhichapartyobtainsafinalorderor
injunctionofprotectionagainstdomesticviolenceorisarrestedforanactof
domesticviolenceasprovidedunderchapter741.
Page 34 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
35/171
(9) LIMITATIONONLIABILITY.Aparentingcoordinatorappointedby
thecourtisnotliableforcivildamagesforanyactoromissioninthescopeof
hisorherdutiespursuanttoanorderofreferralunlesssuchpersonactedin
badfaithorwithmaliciouspurposeorinamannerexhibitingwantonand
willfuldisregard
for
the
rights,
safety,
or
property
of
the
parties.
History.s.2,ch.2009180.
61.13 Supportofchildren;parentingandtimesharing;powersofcourt.
(1)(a) Inaproceedingunderthischapter,thecourtmayatanytimeorder
eitherorbothparentswhooweadutyofsupporttoachildtopaysupportto
theotherparentor,inthecaseofbothparents,toathirdpartywhohas
custodyinaccordancewiththechildsupportguidelinesscheduleins.61.30.
1. Allchildsupportordersandincomedeductionordersenteredonor
afterOctober1,2010,mustprovide:
a. Forchildsupporttoterminateonachilds18thbirthdayunlessthe
courtfindsorpreviouslyfoundthats.743.07(2)applies,orisotherwise
agreedtobytheparties;
b. Aschedule,basedontherecordexistingatthetimeoftheorder,stating
theamountofthemonthlychildsupportobligationforalltheminorchildren
atthetimeoftheorderandtheamountofchildsupportthatwillbeowedfor
anyremaining
children
after
one
or
more
of
the
children
are
no
longer
entitledtoreceivechildsupport;and
c. Themonth,day,andyearthatthereductionorterminationofchild
supportbecomeseffective.
2. Thecourtinitiallyenteringanorderrequiringoneorbothparentsto
makechildsupportpaymentshascontinuingjurisdictionaftertheentryofthe
initialordertomodifytheamountandtermsandconditionsofthechild
supportpayments
if
the
modification
is
found
by
the
court
to
be
in
the
best
interestsofthechild;whenthechildreachesmajority;ifthereisasubstantial
changeinthecircumstancesoftheparties;ifs.743.07(2)applies;orwhena
childisemancipated,marries,joinsthearmedservices,ordies.Thecourt
initiallyenteringachildsupportorderhascontinuingjurisdictiontorequire
Page 35 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
36/171
theobligeetoreporttothecourtontermsprescribedbythecourtregarding
thedispositionofthechildsupportpayments.
(b) Eachorderforsupportshallcontainaprovisionforhealthinsurance
fortheminorchildwhenhealthinsuranceisreasonableincostandaccessible
tothe
child.
Health
insurance
is
presumed
to
be
reasonable
in
cost
if
the
incrementalcostofaddinghealthinsuranceforthechildorchildrendoesnot
exceed5percentofthegrossincome,asdefinedins.61.30,oftheparent
responsibleforprovidinghealthinsurance.Healthinsuranceisaccessibleto
thechildifthehealthinsuranceisavailabletobeusedinthecountyofthe
childsprimaryresidenceorinanothercountyiftheparentwhohasthemost
timeunderthetimesharingplanagrees.Ifthetimesharingplanprovidesfor
equaltimesharing,healthinsuranceisaccessibletothechildifthehealth
insuranceisavailabletobeusedineithercountywherethechildresidesorin
anothercountyifbothparentsagree.Thecourtmayrequiretheobligorto
providehealthinsuranceortoreimbursetheobligeeforthecostofhealth
insurancefortheminorchildwheninsuranceisprovidedbytheobligee.The
presumptionofreasonablecostmayberebuttedbyevidenceofanyofthe
factorsins.61.30(11)(a).Thecourtmaydeviatefromwhatispresumed
reasonableincostonlyuponawrittenfindingexplainingitsdetermination
whyordering
or
not
ordering
the
provision
of
health
insurance
or
the
reimbursementoftheobligeescostforprovidinghealthinsuranceforthe
minorchildwouldbeunjustorinappropriate.Inanyevent,thecourtshall
apportionthecostofhealthinsurance,andanynoncoveredmedical,dental,
andprescriptionmedicationexpensesofthechild,tobothpartiesbyadding
thecosttothebasicobligationdeterminedpursuanttos.61.30(6).Thecourt
mayorderthatpaymentofnoncoveredmedical,dental,andprescription
medicationexpenses
of
the
minor
child
be
made
directly
to
the
obligee
on
a
percentagebasis.Inaproceedingformedicalsupportonly,eachparents
shareofthechildsnoncoveredmedicalexpensesshallequaltheparents
percentageshareofthecombinednetincomeoftheparents.Thepercentage
shareshallbecalculatedbydividingeachparentsnetmonthlyincomebythe
Page 36 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
37/171
combinedmonthlynetincomeofbothparents.Netincomeiscalculatedas
specifiedbys.61.30(3)and(4).
1. InanonTitleIVDcase,acopyofthecourtorderforhealthinsurance
shallbeservedontheobligorsunionoremployerbytheobligeewhenthe
followingconditions
are
met:
a. Theobligorfailstoprovidewrittenprooftotheobligeewithin30days
afterreceivingeffectivenoticeofthecourtorderthatthehealthinsurancehas
beenobtainedorthatapplicationforhealthinsurancehasbeenmade;
b. Theobligeeserveswrittennoticeofintenttoenforceanorderforhealth
insuranceontheobligorbymailattheobligorslastknownaddress;and
c. Theobligorfailswithin15daysafterthemailingofthenoticeto
providewrittenprooftotheobligeethatthehealthinsuranceexistedasofthe
dateofmailing.
2.a. AsupportorderenforcedunderTitleIVDoftheSocialSecurityAct
whichrequiresthattheobligorprovidehealthinsuranceisenforceablebythe
departmentthroughtheuseofthenationalmedicalsupportnotice,andan
amendmenttothesupportorderisnotrequired.Thedepartmentshall
transferthenationalmedicalsupportnoticetotheobligorsunionor
employer.Thedepartmentshallnotifytheobligorinwritingthatthenotice
hasbeen
sent
to
the
obligors
union
or
employer,
and
the
written
notification
mustincludetheobligorsrightsanddutiesunderthenationalmedical
supportnotice.Theobligormaycontestthewithholdingrequiredbythe
nationalmedicalsupportnoticebasedonamistakeoffact.Tocontestthe
withholding,theobligormustfileawrittennoticeofcontestwiththe
departmentwithin15businessdaysafterthedatetheobligorreceiveswritten
notificationofthenationalmedicalsupportnoticefromthedepartment.Filing
withthe
department
is
complete
when
the
notice
is
received
by
the
person
designatedbythedepartmentinthewrittennotification.Thenoticeofcontest
mustbeintheformprescribedbythedepartment.Uponthetimelyfilingofa
noticeofcontest,thedepartmentshall,within5businessdays,schedulean
informalconferencewiththeobligortodiscusstheobligorsfactualdispute.If
theinformalconferenceresolvesthedisputetotheobligorssatisfactionorif
Page 37 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
38/171
theobligorfailstoattendtheinformalconference,thenoticeofcontestis
deemedwithdrawn.Iftheinformalconferencedoesnotresolvethedispute,
theobligormayrequestanadministrativehearingunderchapter120within5
businessdaysaftertheterminationoftheinformalconference,inaformand
mannerprescribed
by
the
department.
However,
the
filing
of
anotice
of
contestbytheobligordoesnotdelaythewithholdingofpremiumpayments
bytheunion,employer,orhealthplanadministrator.Theunion,employer,or
healthplanadministratormustimplementthewithholdingasdirectedbythe
nationalmedicalsupportnoticeunlessnotifiedbythedepartmentthatthe
nationalmedicalsupportnoticeisterminated.
b. InaTitleIVDcase,thedepartmentshallnotifyanobligorsunionor
employeriftheobligationtoprovidehealthinsurancethroughthatunionor
employeristerminated.
3. InanonTitleIVDcase,uponreceiptoftheorderpursuantto
subparagraph1.,oruponapplicationoftheobligorpursuanttotheorder,the
unionoremployershallenrolltheminorchildasabeneficiaryinthegroup
healthplanregardlessofanyrestrictionsontheenrollmentperiodand
withholdanyrequiredpremiumfromtheobligorsincome.Ifmorethanone
planisofferedbytheunionoremployer,thechildshallbeenrolledinthe
grouphealth
plan
in
which
the
obligor
is
enrolled.
4.a. Uponreceiptofthenationalmedicalsupportnoticeunder
subparagraph2.inaTitleIVDcase,theunionoremployershalltransferthe
noticetotheappropriategrouphealthplanadministratorwithin20business
daysafterthedateonthenotice.Theplanadministratormustenrollthechild
asabeneficiaryinthegrouphealthplanregardlessofanyrestrictionsonthe
enrollmentperiod,andtheunionoremployermustwithholdanyrequired
premiumfrom
the
obligors
income
upon
notification
by
the
plan
administratorthatthechildisenrolled.Thechildshallbeenrolledinthe
grouphealthplaninwhichtheobligorisenrolled.Ifthegrouphealthplanin
whichtheobligorisenrolledisnotavailablewherethechildresidesorifthe
obligorisnotenrolledingroupcoverage,thechildshallbeenrolledinthe
lowestcostgrouphealthplanthatisaccessibletothechild.
Page 38 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
39/171
b. IfhealthinsuranceortheobligorsemploymentisterminatedinaTitle
IVDcase,theunionoremployerthatiswithholdingpremiumsforhealth
insuranceunderanationalmedicalsupportnoticemustnotifythe
departmentwithin20daysaftertheterminationandprovidetheobligorslast
knownaddress
and
the
name
and
address
of
the
obligors
new
employer,
if
known.
5.a. Theamountwithheldbyaunionoremployerincompliancewitha
supportordermaynotexceedtheamountallowedunders.303(b)ofthe
ConsumerCreditProtectionAct,15U.S.C.s.1673(b),asamended.Theunion
oremployershallwithholdthemaximumallowedbytheConsumerCredit
ProtectionActinthefollowingorder:
(I) Currentsupport,asordered.
(II) Premiumpaymentsforhealthinsurance,asordered.
(III) Pastduesupport,asordered.
(IV) Othermedicalsupportorinsurance,asordered.
b. Ifthecombinedamounttobewithheldforcurrentsupportplusthe
premiumpaymentforhealthinsuranceexceedtheamountallowedunderthe
ConsumerCreditProtectionAct,andthehealthinsurancecannotbeobtained
unlessthefullamountofthepremiumispaid,theunionoremployermaynot
withholdthe
premium
payment.
However,
the
union
or
employer
shall
withholdthemaximumallowedinthefollowingorder:
(I) Currentsupport,asordered.
(II) Pastduesupport,asordered.
(III) Othermedicalsupportorinsurance,asordered.
6. Anemployer,union,orplanadministratorwhodoesnotcomplywith
therequirementsinsubsubparagraph4.a.issubjecttoacivilpenaltynotto
exceed$250
for
the
first
violation
and
$500
for
subsequent
violations,
plus
attorneysfeesandcosts.Thedepartmentmayfileapetitionincircuitcourtto
enforcetherequirementsofthissubparagraph.
7. Thedepartmentmayadoptrulestoadministerthechildsupport
enforcementprovisionsofthissectionthataffectTitleIVDcases.
Page 39 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All
-
8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61
40/171
(c) Totheextentnecessarytoprotectanawardofchildsupport,thecourt
mayordertheobligortopurchaseormaintainalifeinsurancepolicyora
bond,ortootherwisesecurethechildsupportawardwithanyotherassets
whichmaybesuitableforthatpurpose.
(d)1.
Allchild
support
orders
shall
provide
the
full
name
and
date
of
birth
ofeachminorchildwhoisthesubjectofthechildsupportorder.
2. Ifbothpartiesrequestandthecourtfindsthatitisinthebestinterestof
thechild,supportpaymentsneednotbesubjecttoimmediateincome
deduction.Supportordersthatarenotsubjecttoimmediateincomededuction
maybedirectedthroughthedepositoryunders.61.181ormadepayable
directlytotheobligee.Paymentsmadebyimmediateincomedeductionshall
bemadetotheStateDisbursementUnit.Thecourtshallprovideacopyofthe
ordertothedepository.
3. Forsupportorderspay