How Long Does a Divorce Take in Florida?

 

Posted on July 22, 2018

Once you or your spouse decide to file the paperwork, you may be feeling overwhelmed as you realize your divorce is becoming real. Relief, excitement, anxiousness, loss, and confusion are just some of the emotions you may be feeling as you start imagining how your life will be post-divorce.

While most people want to hurry up the divorce process so they can move on with their lives, they quickly find themselves becoming impatient. Divorce is not instantaneous, and depending on which type of divorce you choose, can cause the process to move more slowly.

While every Florida divorce case is different, there are specific factors that will impact how fast you can end your marriage. An experienced and knowledgeable divorce attorney can help you save time, money, and aggravation, by guiding you through as many issues as possible before appearing in court.

What Types of Divorce Are There?

The following list shows a generalization of the different kinds of divorces that are available in Florida.

Simplified Dissolution of Marriage – A simplified divorce is available to couples who have lived in Florida for at least 6 months, agree on the same terms, have no children, and are not seeking alimony. The process usually takes 30 days to complete as long as there is a complete agreement on the terms of the divorce and it is uncontested.

Uncontested Divorce – When both parties agree on every detail such as the division of property, debt, alimony, child support, and parenting plans, they can file for an uncontested divorce. Your attorney will draw up a Marital Settlement Agreement, and then either one or both parties will go to Court for a final hearing. The total time it takes to complete a Florida uncontested divorce is generally around 4-6 months.

Contested Divorce – If terms cannot be worked out amicably by both parties, then decisions must be made by a judge. Contested divorces take the longest because the case goes to trial and a judge has to go through every document to settle all disputes between the spouses. Both parties have to attend mediation required by almost every court in the State of Florida. A contested divorce can take anywhere from 9 months to 3 years and longer to be completed, depending on the facts and circumstances.

Steps You Can Take to Make the Divorce Process Go Smoother

If you and your spouse are somewhat cordial and haven’t filed for divorce yet, there are some things you can do which can help better your divorce proceedings.

• Come to an agreement – While everyone can’t be lucky enough to get along with their ex, if you can talk to the other person and try to work out the terms together your divorce will likely speed up. Contested divorces take a long time, which means you will have to deal with one another for a more extended period if you cannot come to an agreement.
• Hire a lawyer – Depending on your count's schedule; you may not receive a court hearing for months. If you want to file for divorce and finalize it quickly, a divorce attorney can help you get through each part of the process to ensure you receive the best outcome.

At The Roberts Family Law Firm, our experienced Orlando divorce attorneys know how to help you fight for child support, alimony payments, parenting plans, and equitable distribution of marital assets and debts.

If you’re considering a divorce, arrange a consultation by calling 407-426-6999 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Orlando family law attorneys. We can answer any questions you may have regarding your divorce to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.