When you start thinking about ending your marriage, one of the first things you probably wonder is how long the divorce process will take. At BruegelPC, we’ve guided countless clients through this journey and know that timing can make a huge difference. In Florida, the length of your divorce can vary greatly depending on several factors. Let me share some insights from our experience that might help you understand what to expect.
On the authority of the Florida Courts website, a simple divorce usually takes around 3 to 6 months. Complex cases can stretch out to a year or more. Timelines vary based on case details and court schedules.
Average Divorce Time in Florida
The average divorce time in Florida can range from a few months to over a year, highlighting the diverse and unique nature of each case.
To be brief, the time it takes to finalize a divorce depends on several factors, like whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, how complicated the issues are, and how busy the court system is.
Generally, uncontested divorces, where both sides agree on important matters like property division, child custody, and spousal support, are quicker. These types of divorces usually take a few months to resolve. On the other hand, contested divorces, where there are disputes, can take a year or longer because they might need court hearings.
In Florida, after someone files for divorce, there’s a mandatory waiting period of at least 20 days before the final judgment can be made. This waiting period is meant to give both sides time to think and possibly come to an agreement.
If there are significant disagreements or complicated issues, the process can take longer. Things like needing expert opinions, finding out about assets, and having hearings or trials can extend the timeline.
Filing for Divorce in Florida: Key Steps
Filing for divorce in Florida requires navigating a series of very important steps.
All in all, first, one person must have lived in Florida for at least six months. Then, the person who wants the divorce needs to fill out some forms, including a petition to end the marriage. These forms must be filed with the court clerk in the county where either person lives.
After filing, the forms must be given to the other person. This can be done by a process server, certified mail, or a sheriff’s deputy. The other person then has 20 days to respond to the court.
Both sides need to share their financial details, such as assets, debts, and income. Come to think of it, this information is used to decide how to split property, alimony, and child support, if needed.
If both people agree on everything, they can submit their agreement to the court for approval. If they don’t agree, the case will go to mediation to try to work things out.
Once everything is decided, a final hearing is set. The judge will review the agreement and issue a final judgment to end the marriage. This judgment will explain the terms of the divorce, including custody, support, and property division.
It’s important to follow these steps carefully and get legal advice if needed to make sure the divorce process goes smoothly.
Factors Affecting Divorce Duration
Based on what we observed, factors affecting divorce duration include case complexity, parties’ cooperation, child custody, financial matters, jurisdictional legalities, quality of legal representation, and external issues like court backlogs.
In other words, these things can affect how long it takes to finalize a divorce. Cases that are more contentious or complicated usually take longer. Also, how ready both people are to move forward and make decisions can influence how long it takes.
So to speak, it’s important for people going through a divorce to understand these factors and aim for a fair resolution. Getting help from lawyers and mental health professionals can make the process quicker and less stressful.
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce Times
As we discussed earlier, uncontested divorces often finalize in a fraction of the time it takes for contested divorces.
You know, in an uncontested divorce, both people agree on important matters like splitting assets, child custody, and spousal support. This helps them avoid long court hearings and arguments, making the process quicker.
In a contested divorce, the couple disagrees on various things. This disagreement leads to multiple court hearings, mediation sessions, and long negotiations, making the process much longer.
In other words, how long it takes to finalize a contested divorce depends on how complex the case is, how willing the couple is to compromise, and how busy the court system is.
Generally, uncontested divorces are faster because the couple can reach agreements without going to court. In contrast, contested divorces can take months or even years as both parties argue over important issues. So, the time it takes to finalize a divorce greatly depends on whether the couple can agree or not.
Speeding Up Your Florida Divorce
In the context of what was mentioned in Florida, finalizing a divorce in as little as 30 days is possible by agreeing on all major issues and filing an uncontested divorce.
By and large, here’s a simpler version of the text:
First, collect all the important documents about your marriage, money, and property. This means bank statements, tax returns, and property papers.
If you and your spouse agree on most things, you might qualify for a quicker, simpler divorce process. This can save you time and money on lawyers.
Try to agree with your spouse on splitting property, alimony, child custody, and child support. In basic terms, if you both are willing to negotiate, it makes the divorce easier.
Think about hiring a mediator or a collaborative divorce lawyer to help you settle disagreements without going to court. This can save money and time.
Stay in touch with your lawyer and the court to make sure all forms are filled out and submitted on time.
Lastly, go to all court hearings and meetings on time and be prepared.
By following these steps, you can make the divorce process go more smoothly and quickly.
My Final Perspective
Adding to what was earlier stated in Florida, the duration of a divorce process can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case and any disagreements between the parties.
What BruegelPC is recommending to read about is, on average, an uncontested divorce may take about 4-5 months, while a contested divorce can take much longer, potentially lasting over a year. Individuals seeking a divorce in Florida need to consult with a knowledgeable attorney to work through the process efficiently.
References
Here is the literature that I was using for drafting this article:
- “Florida Divorce Guide” by Florida Bar, The, LRP Publications
- “Divorce in Florida: The Legal Process, Your Rights, and What to Expect” by Baskin, Pamela Levine, Impact Publications
- “Florida Divorce Handbook” by Keane, Gerald B., Sourcebooks Inc.