If you’re contemplating ending your marriage, the first practical question usually is “How long will this take?” Filing for a divorce in Florida can move quickly, sometimes in as little as 30 days, or drag on for more than a year. The difference often comes down to preparation, cooperation, and the attorney you choose. Below, we break down every timeline factor, from Florida’s residency rule to mandatory waiting periods, and explain how Stok Kon + Braverman streamlines each step.
1. Florida’s Basic Residency Requirement
Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 61.021) demands that at least one spouse live in the state for six months before filing. Proof is usually a Florida driver’s license, ID card, or residency witness. Missing this threshold means you must wait until the six month mark passes, no exceptions.
2. Choosing the Right Divorce Track
| Track | Key Requirements |
|---|---|
| Simplified Dissolution | No minor children, both spouses agree on property division, and a joint filing |
| Uncontested Divorce | Both parties agree to make full financial disclosures and resolve all issues through an out-of-court settlement agreement that is filed with the court and approved at an uncontested final hearing |
| Contested Divorce | Disputed parenting issues, property division, alimony, child support, discovery disputes, and related matters |
3. Mandatory Financial Disclosure
Florida requires each spouse to file financial disclosures within 45 days of service. Delays happen when documents (tax returns, bank statements, retirement account histories) are incomplete. Our team uses top-rated legal software and dedicated paralegals to collect and organize disclosures in days, not weeks.
4. Parenting Course & Plan (If You Have Children)
Parents must complete a four hour Parenting Education & Family Stabilization Course and submit a detailed parenting plan. Scheduling the course early and drafting a plan with legal guidance can shave time off the court’s review process.
5. Mediation and Settlement Windows
Broward and most Florida circuits order mediation in contested cases. When Stok Kon + Braverman enters early, we arrive at mediation prepared with a plan for a settlement—often resolving disputes in a single session and bypassing a trial date that might be six months out.
6. Court Docket Availability
Judicial calendars vary by county; hearings during the holiday season or summer can bottleneck. Our office staff diligently contact the Judicial Assistants for scheduling and leverage virtual appearances when permitted to secure earlier hearing dates whenever feasible.
Why Stok Kon + Braverman Cuts Your Timeline
- Full Service Team: We can work alongside experts and other professionals to gather the opinions you may need in all areas of your Family Law action.
- Courtroom Credibility: Our Family Lawyers bring top skills, knowledge, and professionalism into the courtroom.
- Tech Forward Practice: Top-rated legal software expedites document exchange and signature gathering.
- Negotiation Mastery: Decades of settlement experience mean fewer issues advance to trial.
When time is money and peace of mind is paramount, Stok Kon + Braverman is the South Florida law firm that delivers without sacrificing speed or precision.
8. FAQs
Q: Can we finalize a divorce faster than 30 days?
A: We strive to finalize divorces quickly and effectively. It is possible, but this often depends on the party’s cooperation to exchange financial disclosures, reach a complete agreement and the court calendar.
Q: Does Florida have a mandatory separation period?
A: No. There is no legal separation time period required in Florida.
Q: What if my spouse lives out of state?
A: The Florida-resident spouse may still be permitted to file a Family law action after meeting their residency requirements, but the case may require additional time or effort to handle with an out-of-state spouse. SKB will plan to discuss these issues early in the process.
Conclusion
The time it takes to file for a divorce in Florida hinges on strategic planning, comprehensive disclosures, and proactive negotiation. Stok Kon + Braverman, a full-service South Florida firm handling family law, commercial litigation, real-estate and business transactions, immigration, and more, offers the experience and resources to move your divorce from pre-filing to final judgment as swiftly as the law allows. Ready to start the next chapter? Call (954) 237-1777 or complete our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation today.