This article outlines anticipated timeframes for marriage dissolution proceedings per Florida state regulations and common legal practice.
Let’s be clear – divorces in Florida aren’t one-size-fits-all. The courts handle each case differently, and timing comes down to your situation.
Standard processing periods
When Everyone Agrees (Uncontested):
You’re looking at about a month to six weeks, give or take. The court needs to rubber-stamp what you’ve already worked out. Pretty straightforward.
When There’s Drama (Contested):
This is where things can drag out. We regularly see these lasting anywhere from 6 months to well over a year. Honestly, the more you fight about stuff, the longer you’ll be stuck in the system.
Quick and Simple Option:
If you qualify (no kids, not much property, nobody wants support), you might wrap things up in about 30 days. Both parties need to show up for the final hearing though – no exceptions.
The State of Florida mandates a minimum 20-day “cooling off” period after filing before any divorce can be finalized. This requirement cannot be waived.
Important considerations: Your local courthouse’s workload directly impacts processing times. Some jurisdictions move faster than others depending on case volume and staffing.
Additional time may be required for:
- Financial discovery
- Mandatory mediation
- Guardian ad litem appointments
- Expert witness testimony
- Judicial review of settlement terms
The bottom line? If you and your spouse can play nice and agree on everything, you could be divorced in 4-8 weeks. Start fighting about who gets the beach house or timesharing with the kids. You might as well settle in for the long haul.
