When you are facing divorce, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is, How long will this take? It is a fair concern. Divorce affects not only your emotions but also your finances, your children, and your future. The truth is that no two cases look exactly alike. Florida law sets certain steps that every divorce must go through, but the time it takes depends on your situation.
Understanding the general timeline can help you feel more prepared for the road ahead.
Step 1: Filing the Petition
The process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court. In Florida, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months before filing. Once the petition is filed, the other spouse is served with the papers and given time to respond, usually 20 days.
This is the official start of the divorce.
Step 2: Financial Disclosures
Florida law requires both spouses to exchange financial information early in the process. This includes income, assets, debts, and expenses. These disclosures help ensure that property division, child support, and alimony decisions are based on accurate information.
For many people, this step feels overwhelming, but it is one of the most important protections built into the law.
Step 3: Temporary Orders if Needed
Sometimes, temporary orders are requested while the divorce is pending. These can cover issues like who stays in the home, temporary child support, or temporary alimony. Florida courts can issue these orders to provide stability while the larger issues are being resolved.
Step 4: Negotiation and Settlement Discussions
In many divorces, both spouses work to reach an agreement without a trial. Florida encourages settlement whenever possible. Mediation is often part of this stage, where a neutral third party helps the spouses resolve disagreements.
If you and your spouse can agree on all issues, your divorce can move forward much more quickly.
Step 5: Trial if Agreement Cannot Be Reached
If no agreement is possible, the case goes to trial. A judge will hear evidence and make decisions about property division, alimony, child support, and parenting plans. Trials take longer, cost more, and can feel stressful, but they may be necessary if there is significant disagreement.
Step 6: Final Judgment
Once all issues are resolved, either through settlement or trial, the judge enters a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. This document makes the divorce official. It outlines the decisions about property, support, and custody, and it allows each spouse to move forward independently.
How Long Does a Florida Divorce Take?
There is no single answer. Some uncontested divorces can be finalized in just a few months. Contested cases with complex financial issues or disputes over children can take a year or more. What matters most is that the process is handled carefully and fairly.
Why Having the Right Attorney Matters
Divorce is not just about following steps on a timeline. It is about protecting your rights, your finances, and your peace of mind at every stage. Having a lawyer you can trust makes the process less overwhelming and helps ensure that deadlines are met and nothing is overlooked.
At the Law Offices of E.F. Robinson, we have years of experience guiding families through divorces of all kinds in Florida. Our lead attorney, Veronica Robinson, Esq., has 30 years of experience in family law. She has walked clients through every stage of the process, from filing the petition to final judgment, always with compassion and strong advocacy.
No matter how long your divorce takes, you do not have to face it alone. With the right guidance, you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
This article is for general informational purposes only. If you need advice about your specific circumstances, consult with a qualified family law attorney in Florida.
