What Is the Divorce Process in Florida Step-By-Step?

In Florida, divorce, legally known as a dissolution of marriage, begins when one spouse files a petition with the court and ends when a judge signs the final judgment.

How long the process takes depends largely on whether both spouses can reach an agreement. An uncontested divorce may be resolved in a matter of weeks, while contested cases involving disagreements over children, property, or support can take a year or longer.

At Gonzalez & Associates PLLC, we’ve guided clients through every stage of the Florida divorce process for decades. Based on that experience, we’ll explain what happens from the moment a divorce is filed until the court enters the final judgment.

Step 1: Filing for Divorce

The divorce process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the circuit court. The petition is a legal document that asks the court to dissolve the marriage and identifies the issues that need to be resolved, such as property division, alimony, or matters involving the children. A spouse may file the petition on their own or through an attorney.

Before the petition can be filed, at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months. Florida is also a no-fault divorce state, so the petition generally states that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” After the petition is filed, it must be formally served on the other spouse, who has 20 days to respond. If no response is filed, the court may enter a default and allow the case to move forward.

Step 2: Exchanging Information and Negotiating

After the other spouse is served and has an opportunity to respond, both sides must exchange financial information. In most cases, this includes documents showing income, assets, debts, and expenses. Florida law generally requires these disclosures within 45 days after the petition is served. The information is used when dividing property, calculating alimony, and determining child support.

If the spouses can’t reach an agreement, the court will often require them to attend mediation. A certified family mediator helps both sides try to resolve their disagreements without going to trial. If they do, the agreement is submitted to the court for approval.

Step 3: Finalizing the Divorce

If you and your spouse reach an agreement, the court can approve it at a final hearing and enter the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. If you can’t resolve every issue, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge decides the remaining disputes before entering the final judgment.

The timeline depends on whether the divorce is contested. Some uncontested divorces are finalized in 30 to 60 days, while contested cases often take six months or longer.

Talk to a West Palm Beach Divorce Attorney

Every divorce results in a court order that can affect your finances, your family, and your future. Whether your case is uncontested or headed to trial, it’s important to understand the decisions you’re making before the divorce is finalized.

At Gonzalez & Associates PLLC, we help clients throughout West Palm Beach and South Florida handle every stage of the divorce process, from filing the initial petition to resolving contested issues in court when necessary. If you’re considering divorce or have questions about your situation, call 561-500-4529 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.