When you finally decide your marriage is over, the next question usually comes fast: “How long is this going to take?”
You might be eager to move into a calmer chapter of your life, worried about how long you’ll be stuck in limbo, or anxious about how this process will affect your children and finances.
Florida divorces aren’t one-size-fits-all, and the timeline can vary quite a bit depending on your circumstances. The good news is that once you understand the factors involved, the process feels a lot less intimidating.
Below, we’ll walk you through what really determines how long a divorce takes in Florida so you can plan your next steps with more confidence and less stress.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Florida?
Divorces are a lot like families—no two are alike. This can feel frustrating when all you want is a clear answer.
Some couples move through the process in a few months while others spend years waiting for issues to get worked out. It depends on your situation and how much the two of you agree.
Two couples can have the same income, the same number of kids, and still have completely different divorce timelines. What makes the biggest difference is how many issues need to be sorted out along the way.
The more the two of you are willing to work together, the quicker the process usually moves.
Quickest Type of Divorce: Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
For couples who qualify, a simplified dissolution of marriage is the fastest way to get a divorce in Florida. These cases can be resolved quickly, which is why they appeal to people who want a clean, efficient ending without extra steps or much court involvement.
That said, simplified divorce is only an option for a small group of couples. Florida has very specific requirements, and most families do not meet all of them. You can use this process only if:
- You have no minor children together and no one is pregnant
- You both agree on how to divide assets and debts
- Neither spouse is asking for alimony
- At least one of you has lived in Florida for the past six months
- You both agree the marriage is irretrievably broken
- You are willing to sign all documents and attend the final hearing together
- You are willing to give up your right to trial and appeal
If you meet these conditions, the simplified process is usually the quickest path to a final judgment. But if you share a child, need alimony, or have disagreements about money or property, you will need to use a different type of divorce that better fits your situation.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Florida With a Child?
Many parents worry that their divorce will automatically drag on for months, even when they agree on everything. The truth is, having a child doesn’t mean your divorce has to be slow or complicated.
If the two of you are on the same page about parenting, finances, and how to divide your property, an uncontested divorce is the right process for you. In Florida, parents must create a formal parenting plan. This document outlines how you will handle time-sharing, decision-making, communication, and other day-to-day parenting details once the divorce is final.
However, even when parents agree, the parenting plan must be reviewed and approved by the court. This extra step adds a little time, but it is usually straightforward when both of you are cooperating.
Most uncontested divorces with children move much faster than people expect, especially when you work with professionals who can help you create a clear, workable plan.
What If We Can’t Agree?
When the two of you cannot agree on parenting, finances, or how to divide your property, a contested divorce (also known as a litigated divorce) may be your only option. These cases naturally take longer because the issues that matter most to your family need time, attention, and to be done properly, professional support to resolve.
In a contested divorce, you may need several steps to work through disagreements. Florida also requires at least one mediation before a judge will step in. Mediation is designed to help both sides find common ground, but if one spouse is feeling hurt, angry, or simply uncooperative, it can take more than one session to make progress.
If you still cannot reach an agreement after mediation, the case may move toward hearings or even trial, which is when the court makes decisions for you. How long that takes depends on your county, your judge’s schedule, and how many issues remain unresolved.
Contested divorces can take a long time, especially if there are complex finances or high conflict personalities involved. It is not always the disagreements themselves that slow things down, but how deeply each spouse is willing to negotiate or compromise.
The right legal team can make a big difference here by helping you stay focused, reduce unnecessary conflict, and keep the process moving forward instead of getting stuck in the same arguments.
How To Get a Quick Divorce
When you are ready to move on with your life, the last thing you want is a long, drawn out process. The fastest divorces in Florida have one thing in common: both spouses are willing to cooperate. You do not have to agree on everything right away, but you do need to be willing to talk through the issues and work toward a solution.
Mediation is one of the quickest ways to make that happen. A mediator helps you work through disagreements in a structured setting so you can settle the details without going to court. Many couples finalize their divorce much faster with mediation than through traditional litigation.
Collaborative divorce is another option that keeps the process moving. Both spouses and their attorneys work together to find solutions instead of fighting in court, which saves time, stress, and money.
Of course, cooperation has to come from both sides. If your spouse is stalling, refusing to communicate, or creating unnecessary conflict, the process will take longer. In those situations, having an experienced divorce lawyer on your side helps keep things on track and protects you from unnecessary delays.
How Long Can a Spouse Drag Out a Divorce in Florida?
A divorce can move quickly when both spouses participate in the process, but things slow down when one person refuses to cooperate. A spouse can delay a divorce in several ways, such as ignoring paperwork, refusing to provide financial documents, canceling mediation sessions, or constantly changing their position on important issues.
These tactics can definitely add time, but they cannot stop the divorce entirely. Florida courts expect both spouses to participate in good faith, and judges have the authority to set deadlines, require mediation, and move the case forward even if one spouse is being difficult.
In other words, stalling may complicate things, but it will not keep you from getting divorced.
If your spouse is dragging their feet, having a knowledgeable attorney is especially important. The right lawyer can respond to delay tactics, keep your case moving, and make sure your rights are protected while you work toward a resolution.
Need a Compassionate Divorce Lawyer?
Divorce can be hard, but it’s a lot easier with a solid support system looking out for your best interests.
At Leap Frog Divorce, we prioritize peace of mind. Our approach is grounded in cooperation and problem solving so you can move through your divorce with less stress and more clarity. Along with our experience in family law, we have advanced training in conflict resolution, which helps make mediation, co-mediation, and uncontested divorce more successful.
Whether you are pursuing mediation, exploring collaborative divorce, or dealing with a spouse who is making things difficult, we take the time to understand your situation and guide you through each step. We look closely at every detail to protect your rights and help you build a more stable future.
If you are ready to talk through your options, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with Leap Frog Divorce to discuss divorce, mediation, paternity, modification, or enforcement with a Florida family law attorney.
