Uncontested without children: as few as 30 days. Uncontested with children: 20-day waiting period under Fla. Stat. § 61.19, then final hearing. Contested: typically 6 to 12 months, sometimes longer in complex cases.
Quick Answer
Florida divorce timeline depends on the type of case: simplified dissolution and uncontested without children can finalize in 30 days; uncontested with children requires a 20-day statutory waiting period; contested divorces typically take 6–12 months in the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Free consultation: 877-862-7188. FL Bar No. 625825.
Simplified Dissolution (Fla. Stat. § 61.052(2)(b)). Available when there are no minor or dependent children, no pregnancy, no spousal support sought, all property issues are resolved by agreement, and both parties appear at the final hearing. Often finalizes 30 days after filing.
Standard Uncontested. Where the parties agree on all terms (property, support, custody) but the case does not qualify for simplified dissolution. With children, a 20-day waiting period applies under Fla. Stat. § 61.19. Final judgment typically 30–60 days from filing once all paperwork (parenting plan, child support guidelines worksheet, marital settlement agreement) is properly filed.
Contested Divorce. The parties disagree on one or more issues. Timeline driven by: 20-day answer period after service, mandatory financial disclosure under Family Law Rule 12.285, written discovery, depositions, and mandatory mediation. Most contested cases finalize in 6–12 months; complex cases (business valuations, hidden assets, contested custody requiring guardian ad litem) can run 12–24 months.
Military Cases. SCRA stays can extend timeline by 90 days minimum (extendable). Coordination with deployment cycles is often necessary.
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