According to the CDC, Florida’s divorce rate of 3.1 per 1,000 population ranks fifth highest in the United States. If you’re considering ending your marriage, you’re likely wondering: How long does a divorce take in Florida? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.
While some couples finalize their split in weeks, others face a year-long battle. Below is a breakdown of the Florida divorce process and timelines.
Florida Divorce Process
Before starting your divorce journey, you’ll need to meet the Florida divorce requirements. Florida is a no-fault divorce state. This means you don’t have to prove that your partner has done you wrong, just that your marriage is irreversibly broken.
Additionally, you or your partner must have resided in Florida for at least six months before filing. Here’s a quick breakdown of the Florida divorce process:
Step 1: Filing the Petition
The process begins when one spouse (the petitioner) files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in their local circuit court. You can file in the county where either spouse lives or where you last lived together. The petition outlines requests for:
- Asset division
- Child custody
- Alimony
Florida’s no-fault rule simplifies this step. You don’t need to blame your spouse for anything to file for a divorce.
Step 2: Serving the Petition
After filing, the petition must be legally delivered to the other spouse (the respondent). A process server, sheriff, or certified mail usually handles this.
Once served, the respondent has 20 days to file a response. They can agree, dispute claims, or counter with their requests. Skipping proper service can delay your case, so follow Florida family law protocols carefully.
Step 3: Financial Disclosures
Both spouses must exchange financial affidavits and detailed forms listing:
- Income
- Expenses
- Debts
- Assets
Transparency is important for fair property division and support decisions.
Hiding assets or income risks penalties and lengthens the process. In contested cases, this discovery phase may involve subpoenas for bank records or appraisals, adding weeks or months.
Step 4: Mediation
Mediation is a compulsory step in most Florida counties. A neutral third-party mediator helps the spouses negotiate and resolve issues such as:
- Property division
- Child custody
- Support
Mediation often leads to a settlement, allowing couples to avoid a lengthy and costly divorce trial.
If an agreement is reached, it’s submitted to the court for approval. If not, unresolved issues proceed to a court hearing.
Step 5: Final Judgment
Once you resolve all issues through agreement or trial, a judge assesses the paperwork. If everything follows Florida family law, you and your spouse will sign the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage to end your marriage.
If you have an uncontested divorce, you may skip court hearings. Contested cases often require a brief hearing for the judge to finalize terms.
Key Divorce Timelines: How Long Does a Divorce Take in Florida?
How long does a divorce take in Florida? The answer depends on whether your divorce is uncontested, contested, or qualifies for an easy process. Here are the key divorce proceedings durations depending on the situation:
Simplified Divorce
If you and your spouse agree on everything, have no minor children, and neither needs alimony, you may qualify for a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage. This is Florida’s fastest option. Some couples may finalize in as little as 30 days.
Uncontested Divorce
In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all major issues. These include:
- Alimony
- Property division
- Child support
- Child custody and visitation
The divorce timeline in Florida for uncontested cases is usually six weeks to three months. After the petition is filed, there is a mandatory 20-day waiting period before a judge can finalize the divorce. If the paperwork is complete and both parties cooperate, your divorce can end in under two months.
Contested Divorce
When you and your spouse clash over assets, custody, or support, the divorce timeline in Florida increases. The average duration is six months to a year. However, complex cases involving children, high-value assets, or ongoing disputes can stretch for several years.
Florida Divorce Requirements: What You Need to Know
According to World Population Review, 35-50% of first marriages in the USA end in divorce, rising to 60% for second marriages. To navigate this process smoothly, you must meet Florida’s legal criteria:
- Residency: At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing
- Grounds: Florida’s no-fault system requires only stating the marriage is “irretrievably broken”
- Mandatory waiting period: A 20-day waiting period starts after filing before a judge can finalize the divorce
- Financial disclosure: Both parties must submit detailed financial affidavits
Meeting these Florida divorce requirements upfront prevents delays. The waiting period is the shortest possible timeline. However, cooperation and accurate paperwork determine how long your divorce may take.
Tips to Shorten Your Divorce Timeline in Florida
Going through a divorce in Florida? If you’re navigating this process, here’s how you can streamline your Florida divorce timeline:
Communicate Openly and Cooperate
The fastest divorces happen when spouses agree on important issues like asset division, child custody, and alimony before filing. Open communication reduces court battles and keeps your case uncontested. As a result, you can finalize your divorce in as little as four to eight weeks under Florida family law.
Organize Financial and Legal Paperwork Early
Gather tax returns, bank statements, property deeds, and parenting plans upfront. Organize your records to speed up mediation and court reviews.
Leverage Mediation
Florida courts require mediation in contested cases. A mediator helps negotiate fair solutions without costly trials, reducing months off your divorce timeline in Florida.
Hire a Florida Family Law Attorney
An experienced attorney ensures compliance with Florida’s divorce laws. They also draft airtight agreements and anticipate delays, especially in high-asset divorces.
Streamline Your Florida Divorce With Qualified Family Lawyers
So, how long does a divorce take in Florida? Uncontested divorces can end in as little as four weeks, while contested cases average six to twelve months. Your timeline depends on you and your spouse’s cooperation, court schedules, and case complexity.
At Boyer Law Firm, our skilled family law attorneys specialize in fast-tracking Florida divorces. Whether your case is contested or uncontested, we’ll organize paperwork, negotiate fair terms, and leverage mediation to resolve disputes efficiently. Our lawyers will handle financial disclosures and asset division so you avoid costly missteps.
