How long does it take to get divorced in Florida?
TL;DR: An uncontested divorce in Florida typically takes about 30 days. However, the state imposes a mandatory 20-day waiting period from the time the petition is filed until the final judgment can be issued.
Key Timeline Factors in Florida
- Waiting Period: Florida law generally requires at least 20 days to pass between the filing of the petition and the final judgment.
- Residency Requirement: At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months immediately before filing the petition.
- Filing Method: A Simplified Dissolution of Marriage is often the fastest route but is only available to couples who meet strict eligibility criteria, such as having no minor children and having reached a full agreement on asset division.
- Mandatory Requirements for Parents: If children are involved, both parents must complete a Parent Education and Family Stabilization course before the divorce can be finalized.
- Service of Process: Once filed, divorce papers must be served to the respondent within 120 days.
- Financial Disclosures: Both parties must complete and file financial affidavits to ensure accurate data for the court's review.
Expert Tip: To avoid the "divorce tax" of long court backlogs, many Florida couples choose mediation to reach an agreement faster and avoid multiple court appearances.
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Important Information About Divorce in Florida
Filing for divorce in Florida is relatively simple, but actually getting divorced requires a long list of forms. But no need to get overwhelmed – we explain all the steps to you and our Divorce Navigator software guides you through all the forms. If you get stuck, we can help. To get started, check out some of our most helpful resources for divorce in the state of Florida.
At the end of the process, you're single again. If that's too hard to contemplate in the short term, you can use legal separation to stay married but remain in separate households. Some people use this time to determine if they want to move forward with a divorce.
Florida Marriage & Divorce Laws
You're not required to find fault with your partner to obtain a Florida divorce. You can cite irreconcilable differences as your grounds for divorce, and your case can move forward. Prenuptial agreements can help smooth the distribution of your community property, but if you can't agree, a lawyer can help you sort out the situation.
Finances, Property and Support
One of the most stressful parts of divorce is deciding who gets what and determining who must pay off marital debt. Spouses must reach agreements on things like splitting assets and debts, either on their own or with outside help from a mediator, financial advisor or attorney.
Alimony in FL
Spousal support, or alimony, means one party pays the other after the marriage is over. Couples can determine these terms during the divorce
Child Custody
Couples should decide where children live full-time and when they will visit the other person. Parents can get granular and decide everything or keep the terms more open.
Child support
A spouse with custody must feed, house, and otherwise care for the children. Child support payments make this possible.
Legal separation
Florida does not have a process for legal separation. You may live apart, but you are considered married until your marriage is dissolved.
Other Important Topics about Divorce in Florida
Just as every couple is different, so is every divorce. Some couples can use a checklist and conduct their own DIY divorce through the Florida court system. Others, including people with partners in the military, must follow more rules. Find other key resources and links to some other important information for divorce in Florida below.
