Timelines for the Different Types of Divorces in Tampa, Florida

When people are thinking about ending their marriage, they often understand how long the process will take. Truthfully, no one can determine the exact timeline of any specific divorce case. This is because no two divorce cases are exactly alike, but also because there are different types of divorces. Some types of divorce in Florida are meant specifically to expedite the process while others can take much longer. Below, one of our Tampa divorce attorneys explains the different types, and how long each may take.

The Mandatory 20-Day Waiting Period

Before understanding the different types of divorce and the timelines associated with them, it is critical to understand the bare legal minimum. In Florida, there is a mandatory 20-day waiting period before any divorce case can be finalized. There are exceptions to this, such as sudden military deployment to an active war zone, and they are incredibly rare. In practice, even the simplest and most straightforward divorce cases take longer than 20 days to fully resolve.

Simplified Dissolution

The fastest way to get a divorce is through Florida’s streamlined process known as Simplified Dissolution of Marriage. However, there are strict requirements for couples who wish to divorce this way. They include:

• You and your spouse agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken
• You and your spouse do not share minor or dependent children and the wife is not currently pregnant
• You and your spouse have agreed on all property division matters
• Neither you or your spouse is pursuing alimony
• You and your spouse are both willing to attend the final hearing
• You or your spouse has lived in Florida for at least six months

If you are eligible for Simplified Dissolution, the process takes between three and six weeks.

Uncontested Divorce

The majority of divorce cases in Florida are uncontested. In these cases, the spouses can agree to all terms including alimony, property division, and more. These cases can take up to 12 weeks, although many are finalized in as little as four. However, if the court calendars are full, either spouse takes additional time to review and sign paperwork, or there are delays in service of process, an uncontested divorce may take longer.

Contested Divorce 

Contested divorces take the longest, typically between six months to one year or longer. A contested divorce is one in which the spouses cannot agree on even one term. A contested divorce does not necessarily mean that the couple will have to go to trial. The majority of contested cases are still settled outside of the courtroom through mediation and negotiations.

Our Divorce Attorneys in Tampa Can Help Avoid Delays 

After deciding to end your marriage, it is natural to want the divorce process to be over as soon as possible. At All Family Law Group, P.A., our Tampa divorce attorneys can advise on the type of divorce you may be eligible for and guide you through the process so you can avoid unnecessary delays and move forward in your new life. Call us now at 813-672-1900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Se Habla Espanol.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html