How Long Does a Divorce Take in Florida?

One of the first questions people ask when considering divorce is how long the process will take. The answer depends on the circumstances of the marriage, the issues that must be resolved, and whether both spouses can reach an agreement.



A relatively straightforward, uncontested divorce may be completed within a few months. A contested divorce involving disagreements over children, property, finances, or support can take considerably longer. Although Florida law establishes a minimum waiting period, it does not guarantee that every divorce will be completed within a particular amount of time.

Is There a Waiting Period for Divorce in Florida?

Florida law generally prevents a court from entering a final divorce judgment until at least 20 days have passed since the original petition was filed. A court may waive this delay when waiting would cause an injustice, but that is an exception rather than the standard process.

The 20-day requirement is only the legal minimum. Most divorces take longer because the spouses must complete paperwork, exchange financial information, resolve disputed matters, and wait for an available court date.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take?

A divorce is generally considered uncontested when both spouses agree on every major issue, including:

• Division of marital assets and debts
• Alimony, when applicable
• Parenting arrangements
• Time-sharing
• Child support
• Responsibility for legal expenses

An uncontested divorce can often move more quickly because the court does not need to decide these matters after a trial. However, both spouses must still complete the required filings, provide financial information, and submit an acceptable settlement agreement.

Even when the parties agree, the timeline may depend on how quickly the paperwork is prepared, whether the documents are completed correctly, and when the court can schedule a final hearing.

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take?

A contested divorce occurs when the spouses cannot agree on one or more issues. Depending on the complexity of the dispute, the case may take several months or longer to resolve.

Common contested issues include:

• How property and debts should be divided
• Whether one spouse should receive alimony
• Where the children will live
• How parenting time should be divided
• Who will make important decisions for the children
• How much child support should be paid

The more issues the court must address, the longer the case may take. Contested cases may involve document requests, depositions, evaluations, mediation, motions, hearings, and possibly a trial.

What Factors Can Affect the Divorce Timeline?

No two divorces follow exactly the same schedule. Several factors can influence how quickly a Florida divorce is completed.

Whether Both Spouses Cooperate

A cooperative spouse who responds promptly, provides requested information, and participates in negotiations can help the process move forward. Delays may occur when one spouse refuses to respond, avoids service, withholds documents, or repeatedly contests routine matters.

The Complexity of the Finances

Dividing a checking account and a jointly owned vehicle may be relatively straightforward. Dividing businesses, retirement accounts, investments, real estate, or significant debt may require additional investigation and professional valuation.

Florida courts generally divide marital assets and liabilities through equitable distribution. This process may require identifying which property is marital, determining its value, and deciding how it should be allocated.

Whether Minor Children Are Involved

A divorce involving minor children typically requires the spouses to address a parenting plan, parental responsibility, time-sharing, child support, health insurance, and other child-related expenses.

Disagreements about parenting arrangements can significantly extend the case, especially when the court must consider evidence and determine what arrangements serve the children’s best interests.

Completing Financial Disclosure

Florida divorce cases generally require the parties to exchange certain financial information and file financial affidavits.

Missing, incomplete, or inaccurate financial records can slow negotiations and prevent the case from moving forward. Gathering tax returns, pay records, bank statements, property documents, debt information, and other financial records early may help reduce delays.

Mediation and Settlement Negotiations

Many spouses resolve some or all of their disagreements through negotiation or mediation. Family mediation allows the parties to discuss issues such as property division, support, parenting, and time-sharing with the assistance of a neutral mediator.

Reaching a settlement can shorten the case by avoiding a contested trial. However, negotiations may take time when the spouses have significantly different expectations.

The Court’s Schedule

Even when the spouses are prepared to move forward, the court’s calendar can affect the timeline. Hearing availability varies by county, judge, and the type of proceeding required.

A final hearing in an uncontested case may be easier to schedule than several hearings and a trial in a heavily contested matter.

Can a Spouse Delay the Divorce?

One spouse generally cannot prevent a divorce indefinitely simply because they do not want the marriage to end. Florida permits dissolution when the court determines that the marriage is irretrievably broken.

However, an uncooperative spouse may still cause practical delays by avoiding service, failing to provide records, refusing reasonable settlement proposals, or filing repeated motions. An attorney can help address these obstacles and request court intervention when appropriate.

Can You Make a Florida Divorce Move Faster?

Although some delays are outside your control, preparation can help keep the case moving.

Helpful steps may include:

• Gathering financial documents early
• Responding promptly to requests
• Completing forms accurately
• Identifying your priorities before negotiations
• Remaining open to reasonable settlement options
• Attending required hearings and mediation
• Following all court deadlines and instructions

Trying to rush the process without carefully reviewing financial or parenting issues can create problems later. The goal should be to move efficiently while protecting your long-term interests.

Do You Have to Go to Trial?

Not every divorce ends in a trial. Many cases are resolved when the spouses negotiate a settlement or reach an agreement during mediation.

When all issues are resolved, the agreement can be presented to the court for approval. If important disputes remain, a judge may need to hear evidence and make the final decisions.

Avoiding trial may reduce the time, expense, and uncertainty associated with divorce, but a settlement should still be fair and legally appropriate.

How Quinn Law, P.A. Can Help

The length of a Florida divorce depends on whether the case is contested, the complexity of the financial and parenting issues, the cooperation of both spouses, and the court’s schedule. Understanding the process early can help you set realistic expectations and avoid preventable delays.

At Quinn Law, P.A., Attorney Antonio D. Quinn provides family law representation to clients in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. Whether you are considering divorce, preparing to file, or facing disagreements with your spouse, our firm can help you understand your options and work toward an efficient resolution that protects your rights and future. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.