My wife and I jointly own property in Florida, New York and California. I live in Florida and my wife lives in New York. We have been separated over 12 years and she does not want a divorce. Her "excuse" is that she does "not believe in divorce" even though when she married me she knew I was a divorced man and she changed the locks on our "marital residence" years ago. I have filed for a divorce in Florida and she is claiming that the court here has no jurisdiction over her. I believe I will be able to get a divorce here but am not clear what the courts will be able to do for me with regard to our jointly held properties. I am nearing retirement and would like to be able to purchase a home here and enjoy some of the fruits of all the years I labored in the marriage.
