Divorce is never easy, but an uncontested divorce in Florida can make the process smoother and faster. If both spouses agree on all terms, such as property division and spousal support, you may be able to complete the divorce in just a few weeks. However, while an uncontested divorce moves quicker than a contested one, there are still legal steps and waiting periods to consider.
Here is what you need to know about how long an uncontested divorce can take in Florida and what factors can affect the timeline.
Florida’s Requirements for Divorce
To file for any divorce in Florida, including an uncontested one, you must first meet basic legal requirements:
- One spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months before filing.
- The marriage must be considered “irretrievably broken” with no chance of reconciliation.
Once these requirements are met, you can proceed with filing the necessary paperwork in the appropriate Florida court.
What Is an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce means both parties agree on all aspects of their divorce. There are no disputes to resolve through court hearings or mediation.
To qualify, you and your spouse must agree on issues like:
- Division of property and debts
- Parental responsibility and time-sharing, if applicable
- Child support and alimony, if necessary
Reaching full agreement on these terms allows the divorce to proceed more quickly.
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take?
Some uncontested divorces in Florida might take just a matter of weeks to resolve, but others can take a few months. Although the process is easier than a contested divorce, there are still some stages that your case will need to go through.
Here’s a look at the basic timeline:
- Filing the petition: The process starts when one spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage. This step usually takes a day or two.
- Serving your spouse: If both spouses file together, this step can be skipped. If one spouse files alone, the other must be formally served, which can take several days.
- Mandatory waiting period: Florida law does not require a specific mandatory waiting period between filing and finalizing a divorce. However, you must wait at least 20 days after filing before a judge can issue a final judgment.
- Court scheduling: The court must review the case and schedule a short final hearing. Depending on how busy the local court is, this can take a few additional weeks.
If paperwork is submitted correctly and both spouses remain cooperative, it is possible to complete an uncontested divorce in Florida relatively quickly. Delays typically arise when required documents are incomplete or if the court docket is crowded.
Factors That May Impact the Timeline
While uncontested divorces are designed to move quickly, several factors can slow the process:
- Incorrect or incomplete paperwork
- Disagreements that arise late in the process
- Backlogged court calendars
- Delays in serving your spouse
- Waiting for financial disclosures to be exchanged
Working with an experienced Florida divorce attorney can help you avoid many of these delays by ensuring your paperwork is in order and your case stays on track.
Contact an Orlando Divorce Lawyer at Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC for Legal Guidance
While an uncontested divorce in Florida can be completed quickly, it is still a legal process with many details to handle. Having an experienced Orlando divorce lawyer from Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC on your side can help you avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary delays.
If you are considering an uncontested divorce, speak with an attorney to learn more about your options and the timeline that may apply to your situation. A lawyer can guide you through each step and ensure that your divorce proceeds as smoothly as possible. Call to set up a free consultation.
We serve all through Glenn County and it’s surrounding areas. Visit our office at:
Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC
815 N Magnolia Ave Suite 100
Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 831-0203