# Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. > https://www.marseelaw.com > Last Updated: 2026-06-12 Legal issues surrounding your marriage and family can often be the most stressful type of legal issues. Not only are you facing significant time and money expenses as well as the stress of having to deal with the court when working through these issues, they are centered on the most intimate areas of your life. This is why you need an Orlando divorce attorney who is not only experienced and driven to succeed, but compassionate and sensitive to your needs. ## Contact - Phone: +1-407-521-7171 - Address: 4162 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804 ## Locations - Orlando, FL - +1-407-521-7171 Areas served: Orlando, Central Florida ## Practice Areas - Divorce - Business Owner Divorce - Business Assets & Divorce - Complex Asset Divorce - Contested Divorce - Uncontested Divorce - High Net Worth Divorce - Collaborative Divorce - Divorce Modification - Divorce Rights - Complex Investment Portfolios - Inherited Assets - Trusts & Divorce - Military Divorce - Family Law - Child Custody - Child Support - Domestic Violence - Paternity - Prenuptial Agreements - Property Distribution - Spousal Support - Visitation Rights ## Attorneys - Profile: https://www.marseelaw.com/attorney/ Steve W. Marsee assists clients throughout Florida in marital and family law matters, including divorce, child custody and support, and property distribution. ## Key Pages - Homepage: https://www.marseelaw.com/ - Attorneys: https://www.marseelaw.com/attorney/ - Blog: https://www.marseelaw.com/blog/ - Contact: https://www.marseelaw.com/contact-us/ ## Social Profiles - https://www.facebook.com/Steve-W-Marsee-PA-841566662541572/ - https://www.yelp.com/biz/law-offices-of-steve-w-marsee-orlando - https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/32804-fl-steve-marsee-721378.html - https://www.martindale.com/organization/law-offices-of-steve-w-marsee-pa-2672328/ - https://lawyers.findlaw.com/florida/orlando/2638318_1/ - https://www.hg.org/lawyer/steve-marsee/120853 - https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/steve-marsee-520568 - https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/orlando/profile/lawyers/steve-w-marsee-pa-0733-90062600 - https://www.floridabar.org/directories/find-mbr/profile/?num=194999 - https://www.bestattorneysofamerica.com/item/steve-w-marsee/ ## Reviews - Rating: 5/5 based on 172 reviews ## Practice Area Details ### Orlando Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/ Orlando divorce attorney, Steve W. Marsee, assists clients throughout Central Florida with sensitive and often complex marital and family law matters. ### Orlando Child Custody Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-family-law-attorney/child-custody/ Orlando child custody attorney, Steve W. Marsee, assists clients with complex family law matters, including child custody, support, paternity and relocation. ### Orlando Contested Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-divorce-attorney/contested-divorce/ Orlando contested divorce attorney, Steve W. Marsee, provides aggressive courtroom representation when it comes to your contested divorce. Contact us today. ### Orlando Divorce Modification Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-divorce-attorney/divorce-modification/ Orlando divorce modification attorney, Steve W. Marsee helps individuals on either side of a modification or enforcement proceeding to protect their rights . ### Orlando Child Support Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-family-law-attorney/child-support/ Orlando child support attorney Steve W. Marsee can help you deal with child support issues, whether they are part of the initial divorce or later modifications. ### Orlando Divorce Rights https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-divorce-attorney/divorce-rights/ At Steve W. Marsee, P.A., we will help you achieve your divorce objectives and obtain a divorce that protects your children’s interests along with yours. ### Orlando Domestic Violence Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-family-law-attorney/domestic-violence/ Orlando domestic violence attorney, Steve W. Marsee, P.A., will take immediate steps to make sure children and adults alike are safe from domestic violence. ### Orlando Divorce Law https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-divorce-attorney/ Orlando divorce attorney, Steve W. Marsee, represents clients through every step of the divorce process, from filing the paperwork to handling complex issues. ### Orlando Paternity Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-family-law-attorney/paternity-rights/ Orlando paternity rights attorney, Steve W. Marsee assists fathers in Orlando, helping them retain their full parental rights even in complex paternity matters. ### Orlando Family Law Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-family-law-attorney/ The Orlando family law attorneys of Steve W. Marsee provide skilled and compassionate guidance to individuals and families facing a host of legal issues. ### Orlando Uncontested Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-divorce-attorney/uncontested-divorce/ Orlando uncontested divorce attorney Steve W. Marsee works with his clients to resolve sensitive divorce issues through negotiation whenever possible. ### Orlando Prenuptial Agreement Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-family-law-attorney/prenuptial-agreements/ Orlando prenuptial agreements attorney, Steve W. Marsee, will negotiate, draft and review prenuptial agreements for security and peace of mind. ### Orlando Property Distribution Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-family-law-attorney/property-distribution/ Orlando property distribution attorney, Steve W. Marsee, assists clients throughout Florida with the complex family law issues that accompany divorce. ### Orlando Spousal Support Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-family-law-attorney/spousal-support/ Orlando spousal support attorney, Steve W. Marsee helps clients who need spousal support and alimony to continue leading a similar lifestyle after divorce. ### Orlando Visitation Rights Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-family-law-attorney/visitation-rights/ Orlando visitation rights attorney, Steve W. Marsee, P.A. can explain your options regarding child custody and strive to help you resolve your issues. ### Orlando Business Assets & Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-business-assets-divorce-attorney/ Orlando business assets & divorce attorney Steve W. Marsee, P.A. can help you understand the implications involved in splitting your business in a divorce, so schedule a consultation today. ### Orlando Child Support Modification Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-child-support-modification-attorney/ Orlando child support modification attorney Steve W. Marsee, P.A. Attorney at Law can assess your situation and help you understand your legal options. ### Orlando Collaborative Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-collaborative-divorce-attorney/ Orlando collaborative divorce attorney Steve W. Marsee, P.A. Attorney at Law can help you understand your options for resolving your divorce in an effective manner. ### Orlando Commingled Assets Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-commingled-assets-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. helps Orlando clients navigate complex legal issues when marital and separate assets have become commingled. ### Orlando Cryptocurrency Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-cryptocurrency-divorce-attorney/ Orlando clients trust Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. for skilled counsel on identifying, valuing, and dividing cryptocurrency holdings during divorce. ### Orlando Offshore Assets Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-offshore-assets-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. helps Orlando residents address the unique challenges of locating and equitably dividing offshore assets during a divorce. ### Orlando International Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-international-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. guides Orlando clients through divorces that span international borders and require knowledge of multiple legal systems. ### Orlando Startup Founder Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-startup-founder-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. assists Orlando startup founders in protecting equity, vested shares, and business interests during the divorce process. ### Orlando Private Equity & Hedge Fund Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-private-equity-hedge-fund-divorce-attorney/ Orlando private equity and hedge fund professionals rely on Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. for divorce help with complex investment assets. ### Orlando Family Business Succession Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-family-business-succession-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. helps Orlando families address the division of family business interests and succession plans that are impacted by divorce. ### Orlando Family Limited Partnership Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-family-limited-partnership-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. helps Orlando clients protect their family limited partnership interests throughout the divorce process. ### Orlando Discretionary Trust Beneficiary Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-discretionary-trust-beneficiary-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. represents Orlando clients in divorces involving discretionary trust assets, addressing beneficiary rights and division. ### Orlando Divorce Appeals Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-divorce-appeals-attorney/ Orlando divorce appeals attorney Steve W. Marsee Attorney at Law is ready to take on your case and will work aggressively to help you get the best outcome. ### Orlando Closely Held Business Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-closely-held-business-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. helps Orlando clients protect ownership interests and navigate the division of closely held businesses during divorce. ### Orlando Stock Options & RSU Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-stock-options-rsu-divorce-attorney/ Orlando employees with stock options or RSUs trust Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. to protect these valuable equity assets throughout the divorce process. ### Orlando Executive Compensation Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-executive-compensation-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. helps Orlando executives address the division of complex compensation, bonuses, and deferred pay during divorce. ### Orlando Deferred Compensation Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-deferred-compensation-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. provides Orlando clients with strategic legal counsel when deferred compensation benefits are at stake in a divorce case. ### Orlando Trust & Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-trust-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. offers Orlando clients skilled guidance on how trust assets are treated under Florida family law during a divorce. ### Orlando Inherited Assets Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-inherited-assets-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. helps Orlando clients protect inherited assets and determine whether they are subject to equitable distribution. ### Orlando Forensic Accounting Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-forensic-accounting-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. collaborates with forensic accountants in Orlando divorce cases to uncover hidden income and undisclosed assets. ### Orlando Complex Asset Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-complex-asset-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. represents Orlando clients in complex divorces involving intricate financial holdings and multiple asset classes. ### Orlando Professional Practice Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-professional-practice-divorce-attorney/ Orlando licensed professionals trust Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. to handle the valuation and division of professional practice assets during a divorce. ### Orlando Physician Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-physician-divorce-attorney/ Orlando physicians rely on Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. for skilled representation in divorces involving medical practice valuation and asset division. ### Orlando Dentist Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-dentist-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. helps Orlando dentists navigate the valuation and division of dental practice assets and income streams during divorce. ### Orlando Business Owner Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-business-owner-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. helps Orlando business owners protect their company and assets with experienced legal guidance throughout a divorce. ### Orlando CEO & Executive Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-ceo-executive-divorce-attorney/ Orlando CEOs and executives rely on Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. for sophisticated divorce representation involving substantial compensation and assets. ### Orlando Investment Portfolio Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-investment-portfolio-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. helps Orlando clients achieve fair division of investment portfolios and financial assets accumulated during marriage. ### Orlando Real Estate Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-real-estate-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. guides Orlando clients through the equitable division of real estate holdings and property interests in divorce. ### Orlando Tax Implications of Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-tax-implications-of-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. helps Orlando clients navigate the tax consequences of property division and support arrangements in divorce. ### Orlando Imputed Income Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-imputed-income-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. advises Orlando clients on imputed income and how it affects child support and alimony when a spouse is underemployed. ### Orlando Lifestyle Analysis Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-lifestyle-analysis-divorce-attorney/ Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. uses lifestyle analysis in Orlando divorces to document the marital standard of living for support determinations. ### Orlando Family Law Appeal Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-family-law-appeal-attorney/ Orlando family law appeal attorney Steve W. Marsee, P.A. Attorney at Law can assist you with your appeal, help you meet the deadlines, and follow the processes. ### Orlando Family Law Mediation Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-family-law-mediation-attorney/ Orlando family law mediation attorney Steve W. Marsee, P.A. can help you understand the pros and cons of mediation, so call to schedule a consultation. ### Orlando High Net Worth Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-high-net-worth-divorce-attorney/ Orlando high net worth divorce attorney Steve W. Marsee, P.A. Attorney at Law can guide you through this often complicated process. ### Orlando LGBTQ Same Sex Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-lgbtq-same-sex-divorce-attorney/ Orlando LGBTQ same sex divorce lawyer Steve W. Marsee, P.A. Attorney at Law is highly knowledgeable of Florida divorce laws and can address your concerns. ### Orlando Men’s Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-mens-divorce-attorney/ When a man is divorcing, they need someone who understands the issues they will face, so contact Orlando men’s divorce attorney Steve W. Marsee, P.A. ### Orlando Military Divorce Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-military-divorce-attorney/ Orlando military divorce attorney Steve W. Marsee, P.A. Attorney at Law can help ensure that all issues are properly addressed and help you get the best outcome possible. ### Orlando Paternity Attorney https://www.marseelaw.com/orlando-paternity-attorney/ Orlando paternity attorney Steve W. Marsee, P.A. can guide you through the process of establishing paternity, so call our office to schedule a consultation. ### 17 Ways Divorce Changes You For The Better https://www.marseelaw.com/17-ways-divorce-changes-you-for-the-better/ Discover 17 ways divorce can change your life for the better. Learn how an Orlando divorce attorney can guide you through the process. Call 407-521-7171 ## Recent Articles ### Am I Guaranteed Alimony if I Marry a Rich Person in Florida? https://www.marseelaw.com/am-i-guaranteed-alimony-if-i-marry-a-rich-person-in-florida/ (2026-06-08) Contact Steve Marsee, P.A. today for more information. ### Diaries: Can They Become Evidence During a Custody Battle in Orlando? https://www.marseelaw.com/diaries-can-they-become-evidence-during-a-custody-battle-in-orlando/ (2026-06-01) Discuss this subject in more detail with Steve Marsee, P.A. ### Does Alimony Cover Insurance in Orlando? https://www.marseelaw.com/does-alimony-cover-insurance-in-orlando/ (2026-05-25) Contact Orlando alimony lawyer Steve Marsee, P.A. today for further guidance. ### How Do I Convince the Court That My Wife Is Violent During an Orlando Divorce? https://www.marseelaw.com/how-do-i-convince-the-court-that-my-wife-is-violent-during-an-orlando-divorce/ (2026-05-18) To get started on the divorce process, contact Orlando divorce lawyer Steve Marsee, P.A. ### If I Use Medical Marijuana in Florida, Do I Automatically Get Less Parenting Time? https://www.marseelaw.com/if-i-use-medical-marijuana-in-florida-do-i-automatically-get-less-parenting-time/ (2026-05-11) Continue this discussion with Orlando child custody lawyer Steve Marsee, P.A. today. ### Adding Alimony to Your Post-Divorce Budget in Orlando https://www.marseelaw.com/adding-alimony-to-your-post-divorce-budget-in-orlando/ (2026-05-04) Contact Steve Marsee, P.A. today for further guidance on this subject. ### Child Time Sharing in Orlando: What if My Mediator Is Not a Lawyer? https://www.marseelaw.com/child-time-sharing-in-orlando-what-if-my-mediator-is-not-a-lawyer/ (2026-04-27) Steve Marsee, P.A. is a Florida Supreme Court certified family law mediator, and can guide you through the mediation process if you wish. Contact us today to learn more about your options. ### My Ex Moved Out During the Divorce in Orlando: Can I Do Whatever I Want to the House? https://www.marseelaw.com/my-ex-moved-out-during-the-divorce-in-orlando-can-i-do-whatever-i-want-to-the-house/ (2026-04-20) Can a Divorce Lawyer in Orlando Help Me? Expand on this conversation by contacting Steve Marsee, P.A. today. ### Short-Term vs. Moderate-Term vs. Long-Term Marriages in Florida: How They Affect Alimony https://www.marseelaw.com/short-term-vs-moderate-term-vs-long-term-marriages-in-florida-how-they-affect-alimony/ (2026-04-13) Can an Orlando Alimony Lawyer Help Me? Learn more by contacting Steve Marsee, P.A. ### Divorce vs. Separation vs. Staying Together in Orlando https://www.marseelaw.com/divorce-vs-separation-vs-staying-together-in-orlando/ (2026-03-30) Contact Steve Marsee, P.A. to continue this conversation. ## Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is the professional practice always considered a marital asset in a Florida divorce? A: Not necessarily. The characterization depends on when the practice was established, whether marital funds or efforts contributed to its growth, and how the business accounts were managed during the marriage. A practice founded years before the marriage with no marital contributions may be classified as non-marital. However, even in that scenario, the appreciation in the practice's value during the marriage may be subject to equitable distribution if that appreciation was the result of either ... Q: How does Florida handle the goodwill value of a solo medical or dental practice? A: Florida courts draw a distinction between enterprise goodwill, which is transferable and therefore distributable, and personal goodwill, which attaches to the practitioner and cannot be transferred. For a solo practice built almost entirely on the practitioner's relationships, reputation, and skills, a strong argument can be made that most or all of the goodwill is personal. Larger practices with established infrastructure, recurring patient bases driven by location or marketing rather than i... Q: Can a court order a professional to sell their practice to fund a property settlement? A: Courts are generally reluctant to force the sale of an operating professional practice, particularly one that represents the practitioner's primary livelihood. More commonly, a settlement is structured so that the practitioner retains the practice and compensates the other spouse through a buyout funded by liquid assets, refinanced debt, or installment payments over time. The structure of that buyout has significant tax and cash flow implications for both parties, which is why how the settlem... Q: My spouse is a physician who uses the practice to pay personal expenses. How does that affect the income calculation for support? A: This is one of the most common income normalization issues in professional practice divorces. When a practitioner routes personal expenses through the business, those amounts are typically added back to the income figure used to calculate alimony and child support. A forensic accountant reviewing the practice's expense records will identify items like personal vehicle costs, travel, meals, and other charges that appear as business deductions but primarily benefit the practitioner personally. ... Q: What is a QDRO and does it apply to a professional's retirement accounts? A: A Qualified Domestic Relations Order is a specific legal document used to divide certain retirement accounts, including 401(k) plans and pension plans, without triggering early withdrawal penalties or tax consequences at the time of division. Whether a QDRO is needed depends on the type of retirement account. Not all retirement plans require a QDRO; IRAs, for example, are divided through a different mechanism called a transfer incident to divorce. Many professionals maintain both types of acc... Q: Does it matter which valuation date is used for the professional practice? A: Yes, and it can matter substantially. Florida courts have discretion in selecting the appropriate valuation date, and in cases where a practice has grown or declined significantly since the petition was filed, which date the court applies changes the number meaningfully. If a practice expanded significantly during the pendency of the divorce due to the practitioner's continued work, the non-practitioner spouse may argue for the later date; the practitioner may argue the opposite. This is a li... Q: My spouse controls all the business accounts and I have no access. What can I do right now? A: Florida law requires full financial disclosure from both parties in a dissolution proceeding once the petition is filed. Beyond that mandatory disclosure obligation, formal discovery tools including subpoenas and depositions can reach financial records even when the other spouse refuses to voluntarily produce them. Courts also have the authority to issue temporary orders during the pendency of the divorce that address access to accounts and prevent the dissipation or transfer of marital asset... Q: How is alimony calculated when the paying spouse is a self-employed professional whose income varies year to year? A: Under Florida's current alimony framework, courts consider the need of one spouse and the ability of the other to pay. For a self-employed professional, determining actual ability to pay requires looking past a single year's tax return to identify the trend in income, the distinction between business cash flow and personal income, and whether income in any particular year reflects true earning capacity or was structured to appear lower. Averaging income over several years and adjusting for ad... Q: Can a professional license itself be considered a marital asset in Florida? A: Florida courts generally do not treat a professional license as a distributable marital asset because a license is personal to the holder and cannot be transferred or sold. However, the enhanced earning capacity that the license represents is relevant context when courts consider alimony and equitable distribution of other assets. The effort and resources that went into obtaining the license during the marriage, including whether marital funds paid for professional education, can factor into ... Q: What happens if my spouse claims the practice lost value during our marriage? A: A claim of business depreciation deserves close scrutiny. Courts will look at whether the decline was caused by passive market forces outside the practitioner's control or by active mismanagement or deliberate decisions to reduce apparent profitability in anticipation of the divorce. If forensic review reveals that the practice's financial decline corresponds suspiciously with the timing of the separation or early divorce discussions, that pattern is something that can be addressed through di... Q: Can I file for divorce in Florida if my spouse lives in another country? A: Yes. Florida courts can grant a divorce when one spouse meets the six-month residency requirement, regardless of where the other spouse lives. You will need to properly serve your foreign-resident spouse in accordance with applicable treaties or international agreements, but their physical absence from the United States does not prevent the Florida proceeding from moving forward. Q: Will a divorce I obtained in another country be valid in Florida? A: Florida courts will generally recognize a foreign divorce decree if the issuing court had proper jurisdiction over both parties and the proceedings met basic due process standards. However, recognition is not automatic, and certain foreign decrees, particularly those obtained without both parties having a genuine opportunity to participate, may be subject to challenge. Q: What happens to real estate my spouse and I own in another country? A: Florida courts can include foreign real estate in the equitable distribution analysis, but they have limited ability to directly transfer or encumber property located in another country. The court may issue orders that require a spouse to take specific actions regarding foreign property, and failure to comply can result in sanctions or an offset applied to other marital assets within Florida's reach. In many cases, local counsel in the foreign country must also be engaged to effectuate the tr... Q: My spouse took our children to another country and is refusing to return them. What can I do? A: If the country where the children are located has signed the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, you can pursue a return application through the U.S. Central Authority and the foreign country's Central Authority. Florida courts can also issue orders and communicate directly with foreign courts in countries that participate in judicial networking frameworks. Speed is critical in these situations because delays affect the court's assessment of habitual r... Q: Does it matter which country files the divorce first? A: It can matter significantly. The jurisdiction that first establishes a final, valid decree often controls the financial and custody outcomes under that country's law. Strategic filing decisions depend on which country's legal framework is more favorable to your specific circumstances and which court will be able to effectively reach the relevant assets and parties. This analysis should be done before any filing, not after. Q: How does equitable distribution work when one spouse is a foreign national who owned property before moving to Florida? A: Property owned before the marriage is generally non-marital regardless of citizenship, but property acquired during the marriage is subject to equitable distribution under Florida law regardless of where it is located or which spouse's name is on the title. The tracing and characterization of assets becomes more complicated when one spouse has foreign financial accounts, foreign business interests, or property in countries with different community property or marital property regimes. Q: My marriage contract was signed in another country under that country's laws. Does Florida have to honor it? A: Florida courts apply a conflict-of-laws analysis to determine whether a foreign marriage contract is enforceable. Generally, agreements that were voluntarily entered, supported by disclosure, and do not violate Florida public policy can be honored. Agreements that purport to waive child support, limit custody rights, or involve fraud or coercion are more likely to be challenged successfully. Q: Can my spouse hide assets in a foreign bank account to avoid equitable distribution? A: Attempting to conceal assets in foreign accounts during a Florida divorce is a serious issue that courts address through formal discovery, including depositions, interrogatories about financial holdings, and subpoenas directed at financial institutions. Forensic accounting and lifestyle analysis can reveal spending inconsistent with disclosed income, and transfers to foreign accounts made in anticipation of dissolution may be traced and reversed. Florida courts take asset concealment seriousl... Q: How long does an international divorce case take in Orange County? A: Cases with no contested issues and cooperative parties can be finalized in a matter of months. International cases with foreign asset disputes, service of process on overseas parties, or active custody conflicts across two court systems frequently take significantly longer. The largest time variable is usually the enforcement and coordination aspect, particularly when foreign courts or government agencies must take independent action. Early strategic planning, including realistic expectations... Q: Will my divorce in Florida automatically change my foreign spouse's immigration status? A: Not automatically, but filing for divorce or obtaining a final decree triggers reporting obligations and status reviews that can affect a foreign-national spouse's visa, conditional permanent residence, or pending immigration applications. If the foreign-national spouse obtained conditional permanent residence through the marriage and the couple has not yet jointly removed the conditions, the divorce complicates that process significantly. These immigration consequences should be factored int... Q: Is my startup considered a marital asset under Florida law? A: Whether your startup is marital depends on when it was formed and how it grew during the marriage. If you founded the company before getting married, the pre-marital value may be non-marital. However, any appreciation that resulted from marital labor or marital funds invested during the marriage is generally subject to equitable distribution. Florida courts apply a tracing analysis to distinguish the non-marital component from the marital component, and that analysis depends heavily on the qu... Q: My spouse was not involved in the business at all. Does that matter? A: A spouse's lack of direct involvement does not automatically remove the business from the marital estate. Florida courts consider whether the company grew in value during the marriage, whether marital time and effort contributed to that growth, and whether marital funds supported the household while the founder invested time in building the company. Even a spouse who had no operational role may have a valid equitable distribution claim against the business's marital appreciation. Q: How do courts value a startup that has never been profitable? A: Pre-revenue or early-stage startups are typically valued using a combination of market comparables, recent investment rounds, or discounted future cash flow projections. None of these methods is perfectly reliable for a company without a track record, which is why expert selection and methodology choice matter enormously. A recent funding round at a defined valuation is often the most defensible starting point, but it is not automatically determinative, and opposing experts routinely challeng... Q: Can my co-founder or investors block my spouse from receiving company equity? A: Shareholder agreements and operating agreements often contain transfer restrictions, right of first refusal provisions, or consent requirements that would prevent a court-ordered transfer of equity to a non-founder spouse. A Florida court cannot simply ignore those contractual restrictions, which is why founder divorces typically result in an offset settlement rather than an actual equity transfer. Your attorney needs to analyze the company's governing documents early in the case to understan... Q: What happens to my unvested shares during a divorce? A: Unvested shares are a contested area of Florida family law. Courts apply different analytical approaches, including the time rule, which allocates unvested shares between marital and non-marital based on the proportion of the vesting period that occurred during the marriage. The right approach depends on the specific vesting schedule, the date of marriage, the date of filing, and the underlying reason for the vesting restriction. This is not a question with a uniform answer, and it requires c... --- Detailed version — see https://www.marseelaw.com/llms.txt for summary Generated by MileMark Schema Pro