How Long Does a Divorce Take in Florida?

Divorce in Florida can take anywhere from three (3) months to two (2) years, depending on the type of divorce and the specific circumstances of the case. A simplified divorce is the quickest option, and can be finalized in as little as 30 days of filing if both parties agree on all terms and meet the eligibility requirements. An uncontested divorce typically takes around three to four months, as it involves filing the necessary paperwork and waiting for the court to schedule a final hearing. A contested divorce can take six months to over a year, as it involves disputes over issues like property division, alimony, child support, or child custody, requiring multiple court appearances and extensive legal procedures.

Divorces in which children are involved, can take significantly longer due to the additional considerations of custody arrangements, child support, and parenting plans. Divorce mediation can speed up the divorce process if successful, but it can also extend the timeline if the parties cannot reach an agreement.

How Does the Type of Divorce Impact the Duration?

The type of divorce chosen by the parties directly impacts the duration of Florida divorce proceedings. The types of divorce include simplified, uncontested, and contested. Each type has a timeline that is determined by factors such as the complexity of the case and the level of agreement between the parties involved on issues such as child support, child custody, alimony, and asset division.

Simplified divorce is the fastest type of divorce, can take as little as 30 days to finalize. Simplified divorce offers a streamlined process because it requires that both parties are in agreement on all terms, neither party is seeking alimony, and no minor children are involved. An uncontested divorce takes from three to four months. In an uncontested divorce the parties agree on major issues such as property division, alimony, and child custody. The process of filing paperwork and waiting for the court’s approval contribute to the longer timeframe. A contested divorce take from six (6) months to one (1) year or longer. The longer duration of a contested divorce is due to disputes over property division, child custody, or alimony. These disputes often require multiple court hearings and extensive legal negotiations.

How Long Does a Simplified Divorce Take in Florida?

A simplified divorce, or simplified dissolution of marriage, takes about 30 days to finalize in the state of Florida, from the time of filing the petition to the court’s issuance of a final judgement. In the best-case scenario it is possible to complete a simplified divorce in as little as three weeks (21 days) when both parties are fully prepared, including all documentation, have no disputes regarding property division or alimony, and there are no delays in scheduling a court date. A simplified divorce can take as long as 90 if there are delays because of issues with paperwork, disputes between the parties, or difficulty scheduling a court date.

A simplified divorce is the fastest method of divorce for couples who have no children, agree to the terms of the divorce, and are not seeking alimony. It is required that both parties have lived in the state of Florida for 6 months to qualify for a simplified dissolution of marriage.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Florida?

An uncontested divorce typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks to finalize in the state of Florida, from the time of filing the petition to the court’s issuance of a final judgment. In the best-case scenario, an uncontested divorce can be completed in as little as three to four weeks when both parties are fully prepared, have all necessary documentation in order, have resolved any disputes regarding property division, alimony, and child custody, and there are no delays in scheduling a court date. However, an uncontested divorce can extend to 3 months or longer if there are delays due to issues with paperwork, minor disputes between the parties, or difficulty in scheduling a court hearing.

An uncontested divorce is generally a faster method for couples who agree on all terms, including the division of property, child custody, and support. Both parties must have lived in the state of Florida for at least 6 months to qualify for an uncontested divorce. The process is streamlined because there is no need for multiple court appearances or lengthy negotiations, which are common in contested divorces.

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Florida?

A contested divorce can take between 9 months and 3 years to finalize in Florida depending on the complexity of the case. The process begins with the filing of the petition and can be prolonged by the need for legal proceedings, including discovery, mediation, and potentially a trial. In the best-case scenario, a contested divorce can be resolved within six months if both parties are cooperative and there are few disputes regarding issues such as asset division, alimony, and child custody. However, contested divorces can take 12 to 18 months or more if there are significant disagreements between the parties or if the case requires multiple court appearances and extensive litigation.

A contested divorce takes longer because the spouses do not agree on one or more key issues, requiring the court’s intervention to resolve these disputes. This type of divorce often involves lengthy negotiations, detailed financial disclosures, and potentially the testimony of expert witnesses. Florida requires most couples to attempt divorce mediation in an attempt to settle their disagreements outside of court. Mediation can add to the duration of a contested divorce.

How Long Does a Divorce Take After Mediation?

A divorce can be finalized within 30 to 60 days after successful divorce mediation. The success of divorce mediation in Florida depends on the parties reaching agreement on all issues. Once agreement is reached the attorneys for both parties draft the final divorce agreement. The divorce agreement outlines the terms settled on during mediation including spousal support, property division, child support, and custody arrangements. Once the divorce agreement is signed by both parties it is submitted to the family court for review. The family law judge will ensure that the agreement is fair to both parties, was entered into voluntarily by both parties, and is in compliance with all Florida laws. The court review process can take several weeks. The court review process can take longer when the divorce involves children.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Florida With a Child?

In Florida, divorces involving children typically take longer due to the additional legal processes required. These processes include creating a parenting plan that addresses parental responsibility, time-sharing, and child support. The duration of a divorce with a child can vary significantly depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. In an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on key issues such as child support and custody, the process may be completed within several months. However, in a contested divorce, where disagreements necessitate hearings, evaluations, and possibly a trial, the duration can extend to over a year, as the court prioritizes the well-being and best interests of the child.

How Long After Divorce Papers Are Signed Is a Divorce Final?

A divorce is final on the day the court signs the divorce decree. Once signed, the divorce decree is sent to the attorneys representing both parties, who then send copies to their clients. A divorce is official as of the day the decree is signed. This applies to simplified, uncontested, and contested divorces.