Can any family lawyer in Florida explain what 'no fault' means?

Family Law
1

I talked to a lawyer a friend recommended. She said there’s nothing I can do to leave my husband, who has been emotionally and financially abusive. He controls all the money, and any debts we have are in my name because I used my credit cards. He left suddenly without discussing anything, just sent a text saying he’d pay this month’s rent, but didn’t mention other bills. I’m not even sure he’ll keep his word. Since we’ve been married less than a year and we’re in Florida, which considers marriages under 10 years short-term, I’m not entitled to anything.

I thought he had to keep paying bills until the divorce was final, but the lawyer said no. He could leave tomorrow and not do anything. And even if there was proof of abuse, it wouldn’t matter because of something called “no fault.” So basically, the lawyer said there’s nothing I can do.

Is this really true? Can he just leave and not take any responsibility? I wasn’t asking for much, just a few months to get back on my feet financially.

2

for me A no-fault divorce is one where neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing by the other. To obtain a no-fault divorce in Florida, one spouse must simply state that the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” also known as “irreconcilable differences.”

3

In Florida, “no fault” means that you don’t have to prove wrongdoing by either spouse to get a divorce. Instead, you simply need to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. This makes the process less adversarial and focuses on resolving issues like property division, child custody, and support.

4

Indeed, Florida, like most other states, follows a “no fault” policy. As a result, alimony is unlikely to be awarded in cases of very short-term marriages. However, the division of marital assets and debts will still be addressed.