A divorce judgment not only ends a marriage, but it also divides property, allocates debts, determines whether alimony will be paid, establishes child support, and sets the parenting plan and time-sharing schedule for minor children.
A judge cannot always just announce the result. In many aspects of a Florida divorce, the court must explain how it reached the result; those explanations are called findings.
Findings are the factual and legal reasons that support the court’s decision. They connect the final ruling in the divorce judgment to the evidence presented at trial.
Florida law requires findings in many important areas. A final judgment may need findings about marital and nonmarital property, the value of significant assets, the reason alimony is awarded or denied, the basis for a time-sharing schedule, and the reason for any child support deviation.
Without necessary findings, the parties would be unable to know why the court ruled the way it did. An appellate court may also be unable to determine whether the trial court correctly applied Florida law.
What Are Necessary Findings In A Florida Divorce Judgment?
A finding is a determination made by the judge based on the evidence.
Parties can often disagree about facts during a Florida divorce. For example, Spouse A may say a business is marital property. However, Spouse B may say the business is nonmarital. Or, Parent A may say equal time-sharing is best for the child. Parent B may ask for a different schedule.
The final judgment should not simply state the winner of each dispute. When findings are required, the judgment must explain what facts the court accepted and how those facts support its ruling.
In equitable distribution cases, Florida law requires that the distribution of marital assets and liabilities “include specific written findings of fact.” Those findings must also include the “clear identification of nonmarital assets,” the “individual valuation of significant assets,” the identification of marital liabilities, and other findings necessary to explain the trial court’s “rationale for the distribution.” Fla. Stat. § 61.075(3)(a)-(d).
In alimony cases, Florida law requires “written findings of fact” regarding the “basis for awarding” alimony, including the “type of alimony” and the “length of time” for which alimony is awarded. Fla. Stat. § 61.08(1)(b). The court must make a specific factual determination as to the requesting spouse’s “actual need” and the other spouse’s “ability to pay.” Fla. Stat. § 61.08(2)(a).
In parenting cases, Florida law requires the court to make “specific written findings of fact” when “creating or modifying a time-sharing schedule,” unless the schedule was “agreed to by the parties and approved by the court.” Fla. Stat. § 61.13(2)(c)1.
Necessary findings are not merely extra explanation. They are the required reasoning that allows the parties and any reviewing court to fully understand the judgment.
Why Do Necessary Findings Matter In A Florida Divorce?
A divorce judgment can affect a family for years. That is why necessary findings are so important.
A spouse who is ordered to pay alimony should know why alimony was awarded, what type was awarded, and why the amount and duration were chosen. A spouse who receives less than half of the marital estate should know why the court ordered an unequal distribution.
Findings also matter on appeal.
An appellate court does not retry the divorce. Rather, it reviews the trial court’s judgment to decide whether the law was correctly applied and whether the ruling is supported by the evidence. When the judgment does not contain the findings required by Florida law, the appellate court may not be able to conduct a meaningful review.
Sometimes, necessary findings are the difference between an affirmed judgment and a judgment that gets reversed or remanded for further proceedings.
To be clear, a missing finding does not automatically mean that every divorce judgment will be reversed. Florida appellate procedure matters, too. Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.530(a) addresses a party’s challenge to the trial court’s “failure . . . to make required findings of fact” and requires that issue to be raised in “a motion for rehearing under this rule.” Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.530(a). A motion for rehearing must generally be served “not later than 15 days” after the judgment is filed. Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.530(b).
Still, findings should not be treated as an afterthought. Findings are part of the judgment. A well-drafted Florida divorce judgment tells the parties what the court decided, why the court decided it, and how the court applied Florida divorce law to the facts presented.
Necessary Findings For Equitable Distribution In A Florida Divorce
In a Florida divorce, equitable distribution refers to the process of dividing marital assets and marital liabilities.
Before a Florida court divides property, it first must determine what property is marital and what property is nonmarital. Nonmarital assets and liabilities are set apart to the spouse who owns them. Marital assets and liabilities are then divided between the spouses.
Florida law starts with the premise that the distribution of marital assets and liabilities should be equal. An unequal distribution can be ordered, but it can be ordered only when there is a justification for doing so based on the statutory factors. Fla. Stat. § 61.075(1).
These decisions need findings.
In a contested Florida divorce where the parties have not filed a stipulation and agreement, “any distribution of marital assets or marital liabilities shall be supported by factual findings in the judgment or order.” Fla. Stat. § 61.075(3).
The statute also states that the distribution of marital assets and liabilities, “whether equal or unequal, shall include specific written findings of fact.” Fla. Stat. § 61.075(3).
Those written findings need to include the “clear identification of nonmarital assets and ownership interests.” Fla. Stat. § 61.075(3)(a).
The judgment must also identify the marital assets, include the “individual valuation of significant assets,” and designate which spouse receives each asset. Fla. Stat. § 61.075(3)(b).
The judgment must identify the marital liabilities and also designate which spouse is responsible for each liability. Fla. Stat. § 61.075(3)(c).
Finally, the court is required to include all other findings necessary to tell the parties or a reviewing court the trial court’s “rationale for the distribution of marital assets and allocation of liabilities.” Fla. Stat. § 61.075(3)(d).
Property division is usually not just a math problem. Spouses can disagree about whether an asset is marital or nonmarital. They can disagree about the value of a house, business, retirement account, bank account, vehicle, or debt. They can disagree about whether an equal division would be fair.
A final judgment resolves those disputes in a way that can be reviewed. For example, if the court awards Spouse A a business, the judgment should identify the business, explain whether it is marital or nonmarital, state its value if it is a significant marital asset, and explain how the distribution fits into the overall equitable distribution scheme.
If the court assigns Spouse B a marital debt, the judgment should identify the debt and state which spouse is responsible for paying it.
Florida appellate courts treat these findings very seriously.
In Hines v. Williams, the Fourth District Court of Appeal reversed an equitable distribution determination where the trial court did not make the findings required by section 61.075; it held that the trial court “did not make specific findings referencing the factors enumerated in section 61.075(1), thus compelling reversal on that ground alone.” 384 So. 3d 237, 239 (Fla. 4th DCA 2024).
Further, the appellate court explained the factual findings required by section 61.075(3) are “necessary in order to facilitate effective appellate review.” Id. (quoting Crooks v. Crooks, 967 So. 2d 969, 970 (Fla. 4th DCA 2007)).
Overall, a Florida divorce judgment should not leave the parties guessing about what property was divided, how it was valued, who received it, who must pay the debts, or why the court chose that distribution.
Necessary findings in equitable distribution protect all parties involved. Additionally, they allow an appellate court to determine whether the trial court followed Florida law appropriately.
Necessary Findings For Alimony In A Florida Divorce
In a Florida divorce, alimony is one of the most findings-driven issues.
A Florida court can award alimony in the form of temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, or durational alimony. Fla. Stat. § 61.08(1)(a). Also, it can award a combination of different forms of alimony when appropriate. Fla. Stat. § 61.08(1)(b).
A Florida court is not able to award alimony without explaining the basis for the award. Florida law states, “[t]he court shall make written findings of fact regarding the basis for awarding a form or any combination of forms of alimony, including the type of alimony and the length of time for which the alimony is awarded.” Fla. Stat. § 61.08(1)(b).
Before awarding alimony, the court must make “a specific, factual determination” as to whether the spouse requesting alimony has an “actual need” for alimony and whether the other spouse has the “ability to pay.” Fla. Stat. § 61.08(2)(a). The spouse who is requesting alimony has the burden of proving need and ability to pay. Fla. Stat. § 61.08(2)(a).
If the court denies alimony because need or ability to pay was not proven, the judgment still needs findings. Under Florida law, “the court shall make written findings of fact as to the lack of need or lack of ability to pay in denying a request” for alimony. Fla. Stat. § 61.08(2)(b).
If the court finds need and ability to pay, it then considers the statutory alimony factors. Fla. Stat. § 61.08(3).
These factors are the marriage’s duration, the standard of living established during the marriage, each party’s anticipated needs after the final judgment, each party’s age and condition, each party’s resources and income, earning capacities, contributions to the marriage, and responsibilities for minor children. Fla. Stat. § 61.08(3)(a)-(g).
The court may also consider “[a]ny other factor necessary for equity and justice between the parties,” but that factor “shall be specifically identified in the written findings of fact.” Fla. Stat. § 61.08(3)(h).
Importantly, the judgment should not recite the statutory factors. It should actually explain how the facts of the case support the alimony decision.
Imagine that Spouse A requests durational alimony after a long-term marriage. The judgment should explain Spouse A’s actual need, Spouse B’s ability to pay, the length of the marriage, the parties’ incomes and resources, the parties’ earning capacities, and why the selected amount and duration are appropriate under Florida law.
In cases where rehabilitative alimony is awarded, the judgment must include more than a blanket statement that one spouse needs time to become self-supporting. Florida law states that there needs to be “a specific and defined rehabilitative plan” included in an order awarding rehabilitative alimony. Fla. Stat. § 61.08(7)(b).
When the court awards durational alimony, the judgment should account for the statutory limits on duration and amount. Durational alimony gives economic assistance for a set period of time. Fla. Stat. § 61.08(8)(a). The length of durational alimony typically cannot exceed 50 percent of a short-term marriage, 60 percent of a moderate-term marriage, or 75 percent of a long-term marriage. Fla. Stat. § 61.08(8)(b). The amount is the obligee’s reasonable need or an amount not exceeding 35 percent of the difference between the parties’ net incomes, whichever is less. Fla. Stat. § 61.08(8)(c).
If the alimony award leaves the payor with significantly less net income than the recipient, additional written findings might be necessary. An alimony award in Florida “may not leave the payor with significantly less net income than the net income of the recipient unless there are written findings of exceptional circumstances.” Fla. Stat. § 61.08(9).
Findings may also be necessary when the court secures alimony with life insurance, a bond, or another asset. Florida law allows security for alimony only “[t]o the extent necessary to protect an award of alimony.” Fla. Stat. § 61.08(4). If the obligor is ordered to purchase or maintain a life insurance policy or bond to secure alimony, the court “must make specific findings” that “special circumstances” warrant that security. Fla. Stat. § 61.08(4). The court is also able to apportion the cost of the insurance or bond between the parties based on their ability to pay. Fla. Stat. § 61.08(4).
Florida appellate courts enforce these findings requirements regularly.
In Jocelyn v. Jocelyn, the Fifth District Court of Appeal reversed an alimony award where the trial court did not make the required findings to support the award. 392 So. 3d 169, 170 (Fla. 5th DCA 2024). Although the trial court had listed several statutory factors and held that the former wife had need and the former husband had the ability to pay durational alimony, it “failed to make any specific findings as to those factors.” Id. at 170.
The appellate court explained that the final judgment failed to make several required findings, such as findings about the parties’ net incomes, ages, duration of the marriage, and standard of living. Id. at 171.
Further, Jocelyn reversed the trial court’s life insurance requirement, as the judgment failed to include the necessary findings to support requiring life insurance as security for alimony. Id. The appellate court stated that, before requiring a party to maintain life insurance, the trial court must make findings regarding “the availability and cost of insurance, ability to pay for the insurance, and special circumstances warranting the requirement of life insurance.” Id.
A Florida alimony award should answer these vital questions: Does one spouse have an actual need? Does the other spouse have the ability to pay? What type of alimony is being awarded? How long will it last? Why is that award equitable under Florida law?
Necessary findings make those answers easily accessible.
Necessary Findings For Child Support In A Florida Divorce
Child support in a Florida divorce is generally calculated under Florida’s child support guidelines. Under Florida law, the child support guideline amount “presumptively establishes” the amount that should be ordered as child support. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(1)(a).
The child support calculation begins with looking at each parent’s income. Thus, “[g]ross income shall be determined on a monthly basis for each parent” and may include “salary or wages,” “bonuses, commissions, allowances, overtime, tips,” business income, disability benefits, workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, retirement benefits, Social Security benefits, spousal support, interest, dividends, rental income, trust income, and other sources. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(2)(a).
Next, the court determines each parent’s net income. Florida law provides that “[n]et income is obtained by subtracting allowable deductions from gross income.” Fla. Stat. § 61.30(4).
Then, the parents’ net incomes are combined. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(5). The child support guidelines schedule is applied to the parents’ “combined net income” to determine the “minimum child support need.” Fla. Stat. § 61.30(6).
Each parent’s share is calculated proportionally. Florida law states that “[e]ach parent’s percentage share of the child support need shall be determined by dividing each parent’s net monthly income by the combined net monthly income.” Fla. Stat. § 61.30(9).
Each parent’s actual dollar share is then determined by multiplying the minimum child support need by that parent’s percentage share of the combined monthly net income. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(10)(a).
Because child support is so formula-driven, findings are especially important. A Florida child support order needs to make clear what income was used for each parent, whether the numbers are gross or net, what deductions were allowed, what the guideline amount was, what each parent’s percentage share is, and whether the court approved or relied on a child support guidelines worksheet.
In Hindle v. Fuith, the Fifth District Court of Appeal stated, “[i]n making an award of child support, the trial court is required to determine the net income of each parent pursuant to section 61.30, and to include findings in the final judgment.” 33 So. 3d 782, 786 (Fla. 5th DCA 2010).
The appellate court remanded since the final judgment failed to disclose the parties’ net incomes or their respective shares of the child support expenses. Id.
Findings are also required when a court deviates from the guidelines.
Florida law permits the court to order child support that “varies, plus or minus 5 percent, from the guideline amount,” after considering “all relevant factors,” including the child’s needs, age, “station in life,” standard of living, and “the financial status and ability of each parent.” Fla. Stat. § 61.30(1)(a). If the court orders child support that varies by more than 5 percent from the guideline amount, it may do so “only upon a written finding explaining why ordering payment of such guideline amount would be unjust or inappropriate.” Fla. Stat. § 61.30(1)(a).
In Department of Revenue v. Nunez, the First District Court of Appeal reversed a child support deviation, as the reasons given for the deviation were “insufficient as a matter of law.” 196 So. 3d 1271, 1272 (Fla. 1st DCA 2016). The appellate court quoted section 61.30(1)(a), explaining that a court can depart from the five-percentage-point limitation only “upon a written finding explaining why ordering payment of such guideline amount would be unjust or inappropriate.” Id. at 1273.
It emphasized that a trial court “must not so deviate without making specific findings of fact, based on competent substantial evidence,” supporting the deviation. Id. at 1274. A parent’s low income by itself was not enough because “[a] mere notice of the absolute dollar amount of a parent’s net monthly income is insufficient to establish inability to pay.” Id.
Additional findings may be necessary when a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. Under Florida law, monthly income is imputed to a parent if unemployment or underemployment is found to be voluntary, unless the court makes a finding of fact regarding incapacity or circumstances beyond the parent’s control. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(2)(b).
Where a party wants to impute income at an amount other than the median income of year-round full-time workers, “the court must make specific findings of fact” consistent with the statute. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(2)(b)1. The party wanting to impute income has the burden to present competent, substantial evidence of voluntary unemployment or underemployment, as well as the amount and source of the imputed income. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(2)(b)1.a.-b.
Child support findings are meant to answer practical questions. What are each parent’s gross and net monthly incomes? What deductions were used? What guideline amount was calculated? Was a guidelines worksheet approved? Did the court deviate from the guideline amount? If income was imputed, what evidence supports the imputed amount?
A proper Florida child support judgment does not leave those questions unanswered.
Necessary Findings For Parenting Plans And Time-Sharing In A Florida Divorce
Florida divorce judgments involving minor children need to address parenting issues.
A parenting plan approved by the court must “[d]escribe in adequate detail” how the parents will share and be responsible for “the daily tasks associated with the upbringing of the child.” Fla. Stat. § 61.13(2)(b)1. The parenting plan must “[i]nclude the time-sharing schedule arrangements,” designate responsibility for health care, school-related matters, and other activities, describe the methods and technologies the parents will use to communicate with the child, and designate exchange locations, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Fla. Stat. § 61.13(2)(b)2.-5.
Florida law requires “all matters relating to parenting and time-sharing” to be determined in accordance with “the best interests of the child.” Fla. Stat. § 61.13(2)(c). Florida law further requires that “the best interests of the child must be the primary consideration” when establishing or modifying parental responsibility, a parenting plan, or a time-sharing schedule. Fla. Stat. § 61.13(3).
There is a rebuttable presumption that equal time-sharing of a minor child is in the child’s best interests. Fla. Stat. § 61.13(2)(c)1. To rebut this presumption, a party must show “by a preponderance of the evidence” that equal time-sharing is not in the best interests of the child. Fla. Stat. § 61.13(2)(c)1.
Those decisions need findings.
Except when a time-sharing schedule is “agreed to by the parties and approved by the court,” the court must evaluate all of the statutory best-interest factors and make “specific written findings of fact” when creating or modifying a time-sharing schedule. Fla. Stat. § 61.13(2)(c)1.
The statutory best-interest factors include each parent’s “demonstrated capacity and disposition” to encourage a close parent-child relationship, the “anticipated division of parental responsibilities,” each parent’s ability to act on “the needs of the child” rather than the parent’s own desires, the child’s stability, geographic viability, the moral fitness and health of the parents, the child’s home, school, and community record, the child’s reasonable preference if appropriate, each parent’s knowledge of the child’s daily life, each parent’s ability to provide a consistent routine, and each parent’s ability to communicate with the other parent. Fla. Stat. § 61.13(3)(a)-(l).
Additionally, the court must consider “[e]vidence of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect.” Fla. Stat. § 61.13(3)(m). If the court accepts evidence of prior or pending actions that involve any of this, the court “must specifically acknowledge in writing” that the evidence was considered when evaluating the best interests of the child. Fla. Stat. § 61.13(3)(m).
The judgment should not simply state that the court considered the child’s best interests. It must explain which facts mattered and how those facts support the parenting plan and time-sharing schedule.
For example, when the court orders a schedule that is not equal time-sharing, the judgment would explain why equal time-sharing is not in the child’s best interests. If one parent has historically handled daily routines, the judgment would explain how that evidence affected the schedule. Where there are allegations of instability or refusal to co-parent, the judgment would explain which allegations the court credited and how that shaped the schedule.
Florida appellate courts enforce these time-sharing findings requirements. In Mendez v. Mendez, the Fourth District Court of Appeal reversed where the trial court adopted a parenting plan without making the required section 61.13 findings. 390 So. 3d 663, 667-68 (Fla. 4th DCA 2024). It stated that the trial court “failed to make the statutorily required findings on the factors enumerated in section 61.13(3).” Id. at 668.
In Keck v. Fortier, the Fifth District Court of Appeal explained that, without an agreement by the parties, a parenting plan is not enough if its time-sharing schedule lacks “findings as to the statutory factors.” 414 So. 3d 396, 398 (Fla. 5th DCA 2025) (quoting Mendez, 390 So. 3d at 667). Because the judgment contained “no best interest findings” to support the time-sharing schedule, the Keck court reversed. Id.
A Florida parenting plan and time-sharing judgment must answer the core questions: What schedule is in the child’s best interests? Did the court apply the statutory factors? Was equal time-sharing ordered or rebutted? What facts support the court’s parenting decision?
Necessary findings make the answers to these questions clear.
How To Seek Relief When A Florida Divorce Judgment Does Not Include Necessary Findings
When a Florida divorce judgment does not include necessary findings, the missing findings often create problems after the judgment is entered.
A party may not fully understand why the court ruled a certain way. An appellate court may be unable to determine whether the trial court correctly applied Florida law to the facts presented.
To be clear, not every missing finding automatically results in reversal. The issue must usually be preserved.
Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.530(a) provides that, “[t]o preserve for appeal a challenge to the failure of the trial court to make required findings of fact,” a party must raise that issue “in a motion for rehearing under this rule.” Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.530(a). A motion for rehearing must generally be served “not later than 15 days” after the filing of the judgment in a non-jury action. Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.530(b).
A motion for rehearing based on missing necessary findings should identify the judgment or order being challenged. Then, it should explain which findings were required and which findings the judgment failed to include.
For example, a party may ask the court to rehear, amend, or vacate a judgment that does not identify nonmarital assets, value significant marital assets, allocate marital liabilities, or explain the rationale for equitable distribution. Fla. Stat. § 61.075(3).
A party may seek relief when a judgment awards or denies alimony without findings regarding actual need, ability to pay, the type of alimony, the duration of the award, or other required factors. Fla. Stat. § 61.08.
With child support cases, a party may seek relief when the judgment does not identify the parties’ incomes, calculate the guideline amount, approve or rely on a child support guidelines worksheet, explain a deviation from the guideline amount, or make the required findings for imputed income. Fla. Stat. § 61.30.
Regarding parenting cases, a party may seek relief when the judgment creates or modifies a time-sharing schedule without making the specific written findings required by Florida law. Fla. Stat. § 61.13(2)(c)1.
The motion should not just assert that the judgment is incomplete. Rather, the motion should identify the missing findings, connect those missing findings to the statute or rule that requires them, and explain why the missing findings impact the parties’ rights or prevent meaningful appellate review.
The relief requested will depend on the judgment and the issue that is being challenged. A party can ask the court to vacate the judgment or order, rehear the issue, or amend the judgment. A party can also ask the court to make the required findings or enter a corrected judgment that explains the factual and legal basis for the ruling.
The party might have to consider an appeal if the trial court denies rehearing or does not correct the missing findings. However, if the issue was not timely raised in a Rule 12.530 motion, the party might struggle in challenging the missing findings on appeal.
In some situations, a party can also seek relief from a judgment, decree, or order under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.540. To be clear, Rule 12.540 is not a timely motion for rehearing. It should not be treated as a substitute for preserving a missing-findings issue under Rule 12.530.
The deadline for rehearing is short. So, if you believe your Florida divorce judgment lacks necessary findings, you should review the judgment immediately and determine whether a motion for rehearing, motion to vacate, amended judgment, or appeal is appropriate.
If you are going through a Florida divorce and are concerned about what findings must be included in your final judgment, contact my Florida family law firm to speak with an experienced Florida divorce attorney.
Russell Knight has practiced family law for more than 19 years and has handled thousands of divorce and family law cases involving equitable distribution, alimony, child support, parenting plans, time-sharing, attorney’s fees, and post-judgment issues. As a divorce lawyer licensed in both Florida and Illinois, Russell regularly helps clients evaluate what evidence must be presented at trial, what findings should appear in a final judgment, and what options may exist when a divorce judgment does not comply with Florida law.
CASES AND STATUTES REFERENCED IN THE NECESSARY FINDINGS IN A FLORIDA DIVORCE JUDGMENT ARTICLE
Fla. Stat. § 61.075 — Equitable Distribution Of Marital Assets And Liabilities
Fla. Stat. § 61.13 — Support Of Children; Parenting And Time-Sharing
Fla. Stat. § 61.30 — Child Support Guidelines; Retroactive Child Support
Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.530 — Motions For New Trial And Rehearing; Amendments Of Judgments
Crooks v. Crooks, 967 So. 2d 969 (Fla. 4th DCA 2007)
Hines v. Williams, 384 So. 3d 237 (Fla. 4th DCA 2024)
Jocelyn v. Jocelyn, 392 So. 3d 169 (Fla. 5th DCA 2024)
Hindle v. Fuith, 33 So. 3d 782 (Fla. 5th DCA 2010)
Department of Revenue v. Nunez, 196 So. 3d 1271 (Fla. 1st DCA 2016)
Mendez v. Mendez, 390 So. 3d 663 (Fla. 4th DCA 2024)
Keck v. Fortier, 414 So. 3d 396 (Fla. 5th DCA 2025)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NECESSARY FINDINGS IN A FLORIDA DIVORCE JUDGMENT
What Are Necessary Findings In A Florida Divorce Judgment? Necessary findings are the written factual and legal reasons that explain the court’s decision. They essentially connect the final divorce judgment to the evidence presented at trial, which helps the parties understand why the court ruled the way it did.
Does Every Florida Divorce Judgment Need Findings? Not every issue requires the same level of explanation. However, Florida law requires findings in many areas, such as equitable distribution, alimony, child support, parenting plans, time-sharing, child support deviations, and preservation issues after judgment.
What Findings Are Required For Equitable Distribution In A Florida Divorce? It should identify marital and nonmarital assets, value significant marital assets, identify marital liabilities, state which spouse receives each asset or debt, and explain the reason for the overall distribution.
What Findings Are Required For Alimony In A Florida Divorce? It should explain whether the requesting spouse has need and whether the other spouse has the ability to pay. If alimony is awarded, the judgment should identify the type of alimony, the duration, the amount, and the facts supporting the award. If alimony is not awarded, the judgment should explain the lack of need or lack of ability to pay.
What Findings Are Required For Child Support In A Florida Divorce? It should identify each parent’s income, the guideline calculation, each parent’s percentage share, and whether the court approved or relied on a child support guidelines worksheet. If the court deviates from the guideline amount or imputes income, the judgment should explain the facts that support the decision.
What Findings Are Required For A Parenting Plan And Time-Sharing Schedule In Florida? Unless the time-sharing schedule was agreed to by the parties and approved by the court, the court is required to evaluate the statutory best-interest factors and make specific written findings of fact.
