Understanding the divorce process in Florida can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re unsure what happens after filing. While every case is different, Florida follows a general legal framework for divorce (legally called a “dissolution of marriage”) that moves through several predictable stages.
This overview breaks down the typical Florida divorce timeline so you can understand what the process generally looks like from start to finish.
Step 1: Filing for Divorce in Florida
A divorce case begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in Florida family court.
At this stage:
One spouse is identified as the “petitioner”
The other is the “respondent”
The petition outlines basic information about the marriage, children (if any), and general requests regarding property and support
To begin the case, at least one spouse must meet Florida’s residency requirement, which generally requires living in the state for a period of time before filing.
Step 2: Service of Process
After filing, the petition must be formally delivered to the other spouse through a process called service of process.
This step ensures:
Both parties are officially notified
The respondent has an opportunity to respond
The case can move forward under court rules
Once served, the responding spouse typically has a limited period of time to file an answer or response with the court.
Step 3: Response and Early Case Stage
After being served, the responding spouse may:
File an answer agreeing or disagreeing with parts of the petition
Raise additional requests or issues
In some cases, file counterclaims
If both spouses agree on all terms early in the process, the case may move toward an uncontested divorce, which can generally be resolved more quickly than a contested matter.
If disagreements exist, the case proceeds as a contested divorce.
Step 4: Financial Disclosure Phase
Florida requires both parties to exchange financial information during the divorce process.
This typically includes:
Income documentation
Bank account information
Tax returns
Asset and debt disclosures
This stage is designed to ensure transparency so that issues involving property division, support, and financial planning can be addressed based on complete information.
Step 5: Temporary Orders (If Requested)
In some cases, one or both parties may request temporary court orders while the divorce is pending.
These may address:
Temporary time-sharing arrangements
Temporary financial support
Use of marital assets (such as the home or vehicles)
Not every case involves temporary orders, but they can help establish structure while the case is ongoing.
Step 6: Mediation
Most Florida family law cases are required to go through mediation before trial.
Mediation is a structured settlement process where:
A neutral third-party mediator assists communication
Both parties attempt to resolve disputed issues
Agreements can be reached on all or part of the case
If an agreement is reached, it can significantly shorten the timeline and reduce the need for a trial.
Step 7: Pre-Trial Preparation (If Necessary)
If issues remain unresolved after mediation, the case continues toward trial preparation.
This stage may include:
Court conferences
Additional filings
Preparation of exhibits and evidence
Witness planning (if applicable)
Not all divorce cases reach this stage.
Step 8: Final Hearing or Trial
The final stage of the divorce process is the final hearing or trial.
During this stage:
A judge reviews the remaining issues
Evidence and testimony may be presented
The court issues final decisions on unresolved matters
If the parties have already reached agreement, the final hearing may be brief and primarily procedural.
Step 9: Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
Once all issues are resolved, the court issues a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.
This document formally ends the marriage and outlines:
Property division
Parenting plan and time-sharing (if applicable)
Child support (if applicable)
Alimony (if applicable)
At this point, the divorce is legally finalized.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Florida?
There is no single timeline for every case. The length of a Florida divorce depends on factors such as:
Whether the case is contested or uncontested
The complexity of financial issues
Whether children are involved
Court scheduling and backlog
Some uncontested divorces may resolve in a matter of weeks or months, while more complex contested cases can take significantly longer.
Final Thoughts
While the divorce process in Florida follows a structured path, every case is unique. Understanding the general timeline can help you feel more prepared for what comes next and reduce uncertainty during the process. Contact us today to schedule your initial consult.