Can gift money be used against me in a divorce?

I’m going through a divorce in Florida and a friend is giving me money to pay for an attorney. Could this money be used against me in the divorce? I’m also curious about serving divorce papers and getting a default judgment. Any advice would be appreciated.

If the money is a gift to you personally, it shouldn’t be used against you in the divorce.

Quinlan said:
If the money is a gift to you personally, it shouldn’t be used against you in the divorce.

That’s a relief. Thanks for clearing that up.

What happens if your wife doesn’t respond to the divorce papers? Can you get a default judgment?

Harley said:
What happens if your wife doesn’t respond to the divorce papers? Can you get a default judgment?

Yeah, that’s what I’m wondering. Can she fight the terms if she doesn’t respond?

@Del
If she doesn’t respond, she gives up her right to fight the terms. You can get a default judgment.

Sam said:
@Del
If she doesn’t respond, she gives up her right to fight the terms. You can get a default judgment.

Good to know. How long does she have to respond?

Del said:

Sam said:
@Del
If she doesn’t respond, she gives up her right to fight the terms. You can get a default judgment.

Good to know. How long does she have to respond?

In Florida, she has 30 days to respond.

Is there a way to avoid paying alimony in Florida?

Mai said:
Is there a way to avoid paying alimony in Florida?

That’s another thing I’m wondering. Can I reduce or avoid alimony payments somehow?

Del said:

Mai said:
Is there a way to avoid paying alimony in Florida?

That’s another thing I’m wondering. Can I reduce or avoid alimony payments somehow?

If your ex waives alimony, you don’t have to pay it, but that’s unlikely. You might be able to give her more assets to lower the alimony.

@Wes
I don’t see her waiving it, but offering more assets sounds like something that might work.