How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Florida?

For a lot of people, divorce is an incredibly healthy move to make in your life.”

Adam Scott

What is the minimum waiting time to get a divorce?

"How long does it take to get divorced in Florida?" is a commonly asked question. In the state of Florida, there is a mandatory waiting period of at least 20 days after filing for divorce before proceeding with the court case. This waiting period allows both parties involved to contemplate their decision, explore potential reconciliation options, or consider alternative means of resolving their differences. It's important to note that the 20-day waiting period is applicable only when both parties reach an agreement on all matters, including alimony and child custody arrangements. However, if there are disagreements during the negotiation process or if either party disputes any aspect of the divorce proceedings, the case may take significantly longer than 20 days to conclude. Couples who have amicably resolved all issues can swiftly and efficiently navigate through these stages of divorce. Conversely, those with disputes or disagreements will experience notable delays throughout the divorce process.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Florida?

Divorce can take as little as four weeks.

You can be divorced in four weeks if you do not have any disputes with your partner. This is because in an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all issues related to their separation, and they do not need a judge to make any decisions for them. Instead, they work with their lawyers to create a settlement agreement that outlines everything regarding property division, custody, and child support.

Once the settlement agreement is signed by both parties, it must be filed in court. Next, one party (usually the petitioner) will appear before a judge, who will review the agreement and sign it. Once this happens, the divorce is official.

It is worth noting that if one spouse is not found, or refuses to file for divorce, this can complicate the divorce process. In such cases, the applicant may opt for what is known as a "divorce by publication." This means that after an unsuccessful search for the missing spouse, one partner publishes notice of the divorce proceedings in local newspapers or other publications approved by law. The waiting period for this type of divorce depends on whether or not one is contested-it usually takes longer than an uncontested case.

A contested divorce can take months or even years.

This is because, unlike cases where both parties agree on all issues related to their separation, contested cases are characterized by disagreements and disputes that must be resolved by a judge.

The time it takes to resolve a contested divorce depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the number of issues involved, and the willingness of each party to compromise. Couples going through a contested divorce often engage in lengthy negotiations, mediation sessions, or pre-trial meetings before proceeding to court hearings. If, after all these efforts, neither party can come to an agreement on an issue, they have no choice but to present evidence and testimony in their favor at trial. Also, both sides can argue their case before a judge, who makes final rulings based on the legal standards set forth by Florida law.

It is also worth noting that if one spouse is not found or refuses to participate in the divorce proceedings at all (even in court), there is an option of a "divorce by publication." These situations do not happen very often, as most people find out if their spouse is alive or dead and where they live from family members or close acquaintances.

What affects the complexity of divorce proceedings in Florida?

Several factors affect how long a divorce in Florida will take: whether your case is uncontested or contested, whether the former partners are willing to compromise, whether a "divorce by publication method" is needed, which judge was appointed (since judges have different workloads), etc. So, talk to an experienced attorney who knows the local court procedures and will be able to draw conclusions about your circumstances!

What can speed up the divorce process?

If you're wondering "how long to get divorced in Florida," there's a way to speed up the process if you and your partner can come to an agreement on all aspects of the divorce. By filing a joint petition for a simplified divorce, you can save time and effort. This option is available only if you don't have any minor children, no property or debt disputes, and if either spouse has resided in Florida for at least six months prior to filing for divorce. To file for a summary dissolution of marriage, both partners must fill out and sign a petition that includes an agreement about how they will divide property and obligations. You also need to have both spouses appear before a judge together during the final hearing. If everything goes smoothly, within 30 days of this final hearing, the judge will order the dissolution of the marriage. It is important to note that not every couple qualifies for a simplified divorce. However, those who meet these requirements can go through these initial stages of divorce relatively quickly and efficiently, while those who have any disputes will face significant time delays throughout the divorce process.

Delays in the court system due to COVID-19 can affect the timeline for finalizing a divorce.

Anyone planning a Florida divorce should understand that there are many factors that affect how quickly their divorce will be finalized. It is necessary to plan accordingly, as well as be aware of any changes affecting the courts due to COVID-19 restrictions. A professional family law attorney can help guide you through these complex processes and get the best outcome for you given all the circumstances.

What does it take to have an effective and efficient Florida divorce process?

Hiring an experienced family law attorney can help ensure an efficient and effective divorce process that meets the requirements and deadlines of Florida law. A lawyer will provide guidance on filing for divorce, preparing settlement or contested pleadings, attending mediation sessions or pre-trial meetings, and may also be able to represent your interests in court.

A good lawyer will keep you informed about the legal process and help you manage the stress or anxiety that can result from a divorce. He or she will protect your interests and work to achieve the best court outcome for you under Florida law.

If one spouse is not found during the divorce filing process due to unusual circumstances (e.g., they do not live at the address listed), the attorneys may advise clients to take the "divorce by publication" option. They will know exactly what the law allows for this type of notice and help meet all other legal requirements before publication. With the help of an experienced family law attorney, you won't have to go through all the hassles of divorce alone, and this will give you peace of mind and the understanding that there is someone looking out for your best interests at every step of the divorce process.

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