As a Florida attorney specializing in family law, I often advise clients that an uncontested divorce can be a streamlined and cost-effective path to ending a marriage. In Florida, an uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree on all terms, including property division, alimony, child custody, and support.
To initiate the process, one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Both parties must then complete and exchange financial affidavits, disclosing income, assets, and debts, unless they mutually agree to waive this requirement. If minor children are involved, a detailed Parenting Plan outlining time-sharing and parental responsibilities is mandatory.
Once all documents are prepared and filed, a brief final hearing is scheduled. In many cases, only one spouse needs to attend. The court reviews the agreements to ensure fairness and compliance with Florida law before issuing a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.
The entire process typically takes between 45 to 90 days, making it significantly faster than contested divorces. While legal representation isn’t required, consulting with an attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that all legal requirements are met.
Uncontested divorces offer a less adversarial and more affordable route to ending a marriage, provided both parties are in agreement on all terms.