Fernandina Beach, FL Divorce Law Firms & Lawyers

That is a long term marriage, and you need to actually go speak with a family law attorney in your area to find out more. Try to have a good idea of what he is able to earn. You will probably be able to get permanent periodic alimony.

You would have a right to half of all marital assets and debts, including any retirement accounts, investment accounts, real and personal property.   Depending on the circumstances you may be entitled to alimony, since you have a long term marriage, you would need to establish a need for alimony and his ability to pay. As for the children, most courts favor an equal time sharing arrangement with both parents and no longer designate a custodial parent. Depending on your income and the time sharing arrangement you may be entitled to child support. You will need a divorce lawyer, and I do not recommending representing yourself.

The laws can be very different between the States. California and states in southwest are based on community property principles whereas other states are not. Support laws can vary. Some states may apply a flat percentage of income without regard to the actual tax situation of the payor spouse, while other states like California try to include a more accurate reflection of available income by including taxes and other deductions to their calculations. Florida for example with no State tax would perhaps result in a higher support amount. A party should evaluate each state's laws carefully when there is a choice between which state to litigate a divorce or support matter.\