How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Florida?
Wondering how long a contested divorce drags on in Florida? A contested dissolution usually takes six months to over a year, depending on court backlog and disputes. This article shows you the key factors that speed up or delay your case. You will learn practical tips to avoid common setbacks and reduce stress.
Average Florida Dissolution Length
Most contested divorces in Florida take about 12 to 18 months to finish. The clock starts when one spouse files papers and ends when a judge signs the final order. Simple cases with few fights may end sooner, but busy courts and disagreements can add many months.
If you and your spouse argue about kids, money, or property, the wait grows. Florida law has a short waiting period of 20 days, but that only applies to easy splits. For a contested case, the average Florida dissolution length is closer to a year and a half because of hearings and paperwork.
What Slows Down the Process
Several things make a Florida divorce take longer. Missing documents, refusing to share financial records, and custody battles are common delays. Below is a quick list of usual time adds:
- Discovery and document exchange: 3 to 6 months
- Mediation sessions: 1 to 3 months
- Court trial scheduling: 2 to 4 months
Most families should plan for at least a year of legal steps before the divorce is final.
Using a table can show the average timeline by case type. See the example below for clear numbers.
| Case Type | Average Time |
|---|---|
| Uncontested | 2 to 3 months |
| Contested simple | 9 to 12 months |
| Contested complex | 15 to 24 months |
Getting a lawyer early helps you avoid mistakes that add weeks. Keep records tidy and answer requests fast. That way, your contested dissolution in Florida stays closer to the lower end of the average span.
Florida’s Legal Waiting Period
When you file for a contested divorce in Florida, the law sets a minimum wait time before the court can close your case. This is called the legal waiting period, and it is 20 days from the date you file your petition. Even if both people agree on everything, the judge cannot sign the final order sooner than that.
But in a contested dissolution, the wait is usually much longer because spouses disagree on money, kids, or property. The 20-day rule is just the starting line, not the finish. Most contested cases take several months to over a year, depending on how hard the issues are.
Florida law requires at least 20 days after filing before a divorce can be finalized.
What Makes the Wait Longer?
Many things can stretch the time beyond the basic waiting period. Courts need to gather facts, hear from both sides, and often order help from experts.
- Disputes over child custody or support
- Arguments about splitting homes or savings
- Requests for evaluations by doctors or accountants
- Backed-up court schedules in your county
Each of these adds steps. For example, a couple fighting over a family business may wait 12 months, while a simple dispute over a car might end in 4 months.
Typical Timeline Example
Here is a quick look at how the clock may tick in a contested case:
| Stage | Time after filing |
|---|---|
| Legal waiting period ends | 20 days |
| Exchange of financial papers | 1-3 months |
| Mediation or hearings | 3-6 months |
| Final trial and order | 6-18 months |
Keep in mind these are averages. Your case could move faster if you settle early.
A contested divorce in Florida often takes more than a year from start to finish.
Tips to Avoid Extra Delays
You can cut down the wait by staying organized and cooperative. Gather bank statements, tax returns, and school records before the first hearing.
- Answer court requests on time
- Try mediation before a long trial
- Keep communication with your lawyer clear
Following these steps helps the judge move your case along and may shorten the legal wait in real life.
What Prolongs Marital Dissolution
Many couples in Florida ask why their contested divorce takes so long. The main answer is that a contested dissolution means spouses disagree on key issues like money, kids, or property.
When both sides fight, the court needs more time to hear evidence and make decisions. Simple steps that could take a few weeks in an agreed case may stretch into many months when arguments grow.
Common Reasons for Delays
Several things make a Florida divorce drag on. Hidden assets force extra searches. Child custody fights bring in evaluations. Stubborn behavior from either party adds court dates.
A contested divorce in Florida often lasts twelve months or more when spouses refuse to compromise.
Look at the list below to see typical slowdown causes and average added time:
| Delay Cause | Extra Time Added |
|---|---|
| Discovery fights | 3-6 months |
| Custody evaluation | 2-4 months |
| Missing paperwork | 1-2 months |
How Florida Courts Handle Disputed Cases
The judge must follow state rules that protect both sides. Each spouse gets a chance to present proof. If one side delays answering, the court sets new dates that push the final hearing back.
Data from Florida courts shows median contested dissolution takes about 13 months. That number grows when appeals start. A clear plan with your lawyer keeps things moving.
Simple Steps to Keep Your Divorce on Track
You can cut waiting time by gathering papers early and answering requests fast. Try mediation before a long trial.
- Collect bank statements and deeds now.
- Answer your attorney’s questions within a week.
- Stay calm in meetings with the other parent.
Following these actions helps you finish closer to the shorter end of the timeline.
Contested Divorce Court Steps
A contested divorce in Florida starts when one spouse files a paper called a petition. The other spouse must get a copy and write an answer. This begins the court steps that can take many months.
Most couples who fight over money or children will spend six months to a year in court. The judge needs time to read papers, hear both sides, and make fair choices. You can speed things up by sharing facts early.
A Florida judge often says, “We move at the speed of fair, not fast.”
What the Court Does Month by Month
Below is a simple look at the main steps and how long each may take. Every case is different, but this helps you plan.
| Step | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| File petition and serve | 1 to 2 months |
| Exchange documents | 2 to 3 months |
| Mediation or hearings | 3 to 6 months |
| Final trial and order | 1 to 2 months |
During these steps, you must talk with your lawyer and show up on time. Missing a date can add more weeks to your case.
Remember, a contested dissolution takes longer when spouses hide papers or argue a lot. Staying calm and honest helps the judge finish sooner.
Shortening Your Divorce Wait
In Florida, a contested divorce can take a long time when spouses disagree. You can take easy steps to make the wait shorter and less stressful.
Most contested cases last six to twelve months or more. If you both share facts and agree on big things, the judge can finish sooner. Fast replies to letters also keep the case moving.
Easy Ways to Speed Things Up
Try mediation before fighting in court. A neutral helper lets you both settle on a plan. Quick agreements save months of waiting.
Mediation can turn a long court battle into a quick settlement.
Keep your papers neat and ready. Lost files mean extra court dates. A simple folder with dates helps you stay on track.
Timeline With Smart Moves
Look at the table below to see how actions change the wait. Small steps add up to a faster divorce.
| Step | Normal Wait | With Smart Action |
|---|---|---|
| File forms | 1 week | 1 week |
| Spouse reply | 20 days | 10 days |
| Mediation | 3 months | 1 month |
| Final hearing | 2 months | 3 weeks |
By using these tips, you may cut the total time in half. Ask a Florida lawyer for help with your own case.
Next Steps Post-Split
Once the judge signs the final judgment in a contested Florida dissolution, all court-ordered obligations become legally binding and must be fulfilled promptly. This includes dividing marital assets, executing quitclaim deeds, and adhering to any parenting time schedules specified in the decree.
Former spouses should also update estate plans, change beneficiaries on retirement accounts, and notify the Florida Department of Revenue of support changes. Ignoring these steps can lead to enforcement actions or unnecessary disputes down the road.
Reference Sources
- The Florida Bar – The Florida Bar
- Florida Courts – Florida Courts
- Nolo – Nolo