How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Florida?
Posted by Steven Miller in Uncontested Divorce on May 29, 2025
Key Takeaways
- An uncontested divorce in Florida typically takes between 30 and 90 days.
- Florida law requires a mandatory 20 day waiting period before final judgment.
- Spouses must agree on all divorce terms in a Marital Settlement Agreement.
- At least one spouse must live in Florida for six months before filing.
- If minor children exist, parents must submit a court approved Parenting Plan.
Understanding the timeline of an uncontested divorce is crucial when you’re trying to move forward with your life. The attorney Steven Miller understands how important it is to resolve matters efficiently and respectfully. Many clients ask us how long does an uncontested divorce takes in Florida, and while each case is different, we’re here to walk you through what you can expect.
An uncontested divorce in Florida can typically be finalized within 2 to 3 months. However, it can also take as little as four to five weeks after the mandatory 20-day waiting period. The exact timeline depends on factors like the court’s schedule and how quickly the parties execute the Marital Settlement Agreement.
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Florida?
An uncontested divorce in Florida usually takes between 30 to 90 days, depending on the speed at which the necessary paperwork is completed and filed, and how swiftly the court can schedule the final hearing. The process moves quickly because both spouses agree on all terms, such as property division, child support, and alimony, eliminating the need for litigation and avoiding the delays, expenses, and emotional stress commonly associated with contested divorce proceedings.
This streamlined approach helps couples maintain greater control over their outcomes while minimizing court involvement and long-term disruption.
Schedule your free consultation with Steven D. Miller, P.A. and move forward with confidence.
Initial Requirements for an Uncontested Divorce in Florida
To qualify for an uncontested divorce in Florida, certain criteria must be met:
- At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for a minimum of six months prior to filing.
- Both spouses must agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
- There must be a complete agreement on the terms of the divorce, documented in a Marital Settlement Agreement.
- If minor children are involved, a Parenting Plan must also be submitted.
These agreements help ensure both spouses are on the same page before filing, which keeps the process quicker, clearer, and free from unnecessary legal disputes.
Filing the Divorce Petition
The first legal step is filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. The spouse initiating the process (the petitioner) submits the necessary forms to the local circuit court. The Florida Supreme Court provides forms to help streamline this part of the process. This form should be used when a husband and wife are filing for a simplified dissolution of marriage. If you do not meet the criteria of the form, you must file a regular petition for dissolution of marriage.
Once filed, the non-filing spouse (the respondent) is served with the paperwork or may accept service voluntarily. When both parties are cooperative, this step is often completed quickly.
Florida’s Waiting Period for an Uncontested Divorce
Florida law requires a mandatory 20-day waiting period between the filing of the petition and the final judgment. This brief delay is designed to ensure both parties have had time to consider their decision. During this period, couples can make any final adjustments to their agreement or consult with an attorney to clarify unresolved concerns.
Once the 20-day period passes and all documentation is in order, the court can move forward with the final hearing, typically without the need for extensive review or delay.
“Divorce and family law issues don’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Most people just want to move on with their lives, and that’s exactly what Steven D. Miller, P.A. helps them do. We provide flat-fee, no-nonsense legal support with honest advice, clear guidance, and efficient solutions. No hourly billing, no unnecessary hurdles, just straightforward help when you need it most.”When it’s time to leave . . . Call Steve.
Steven D. Miller, P.A.
Florida Divorce Attorneys
Court Hearing
According to Florida Courts, in an uncontested divorce, the final hearing is typically brief, often just a few minutes. One spouse, usually the petitioner, will appear in front of the judge to confirm the agreement and answer a few basic questions. Once satisfied, the judge signs the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.
Because no disputes need to be resolved, there’s no trial or discovery process. The parties avoid exchanging detailed financial disclosures, answering interrogatories, or undergoing depositions. There is also no mediation or courtroom litigation, making the process much faster and more private.
The streamlined nature of uncontested cases is what makes them so time-efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional divorce litigation.
Total Timeframe for an Uncontested Divorce in Florida
On average, an uncontested divorce in Florida takes between four to nine weeks. Still, it can extend up to 90 days depending on several conditions, such as how quickly the forms are completed and submitted, how efficiently the documents are served, compliance with the mandatory waiting period, and the availability on the court’s calendar. Some couples may also encounter delays if their county court is handling a high volume of cases or if additional documentation is requested after the initial review.
Quick Summary Timeline:
- Week 1–2: Preparation and filing of a petition
- Week 3–4: Mandatory 20-day wait begins
- Week 5–6: Hearing scheduled and completed
- Week 6–8: Final Judgment entered
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Factors Affecting How Long an Uncontested Divorce Takes in Florida
While uncontested divorces are faster than contested cases, some elements can still slow things down:
- Court congestion: In busy counties, it may take longer to get a hearing date due to an overloaded docket or scheduling bottlenecks.
- Errors in paperwork: Missing signatures, incorrect details, or incomplete forms can cause unexpected setbacks and require resubmission.
- Delayed agreement execution: If one spouse takes time to review or sign, the timeline is extended, especially if revisions are requested late in the process.
- Children involved: Parenting Plans must be formally drafted and approved, which may take extra time if co-parenting terms are being finalized or reviewed.
- Administrative delays: Backlogs or staff shortages in the court system may create additional delays, particularly around holidays or in jurisdictions managing high case volumes.
Contact a Florida Uncontested Divorce Attorney for a Free Consultation
The fastest way to finalize your divorce is by working with a qualified legal team that focuses on uncontested cases. If you’re wondering how long an uncontested divorce takes in Florida, the answer often depends on how efficiently your case is managed from the start. Steven Miller has helped thousands of Florida residents complete their divorces quickly, cleanly, and affordably, always aiming to make the legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Call us today at 877-348-3354 for a free consultation. Let’s move forward with your uncontested divorce on your schedule, with clarity and confidence.
Steven D. Miller, P.A.
With over three decades of experience, Steven D. Miller is a Florida family law attorney known for his straightforward, no-nonsense legal advice. Today, he focuses on providing affordable, flat-fee divorce services across Florida, helping clients navigate the legal system without large retainers or hourly billing. Known for his blunt honesty, client-first approach, and commitment to making the law accessible, Steven is a BBB-accredited attorney based in Plantation, FL.
