How long does a divorce take?

What Florida law says

**Florida's minimum waiting period**

According to Florida Statutes § 61.19, a court is normally unable to enter a final judgment for the dissolution of a marriage until 20 days have elapsed since the original divorce petition has been filed.

The law includes an exception in the case where the court decides that it would be unjust to delay the judgment.

**Florida's residency requirement**

According to Florida Statutes § 61.021, one of the spouses must have lived in Florida for a period of six months prior to filing an application for the dissolution of marriage.

This requirement relating to the residency applies prior to filing; it does not involve an extra six-month waiting period after the divorce petition has been filed.

**Final judgment**

The divorce is legally concluded when the court passes its final judgment. The fact that the 20-day statutory period has expired does not mean that the divorce is automatically finalized.

A final judgment may only be entered if further legal procedures, documents, hearings, or judicial decisions are required depending on the situation.

• Florida Statutes Section 61.021 - Residence Requirements
• Florida Statutes Section 61.19 - Delay Period

What can affect the answer

Several factors can affect how long a divorce takes in Florida.

1. Agreement between spouses

When both spouses agree on important issues, including property division, financial obligations, and parenting arrangements, the divorce may proceed more quickly than a case involving significant disagreements.

2. Contested versus uncontested divorce

An uncontested divorce generally requires fewer disputed issues to be resolved by the court. A contested divorce may require additional hearings, discovery, mediation, or a trial.

3. Children and parenting arrangements

Disagreements involving parental responsibility, parenting plans, time-sharing, and child support can increase the time needed to resolve a divorce.

4. Property, debts, and financial matters

Complex assets, business ownership, retirement accounts, marital debts, and disputes over alimony may require financial documentation, valuations, or additional court proceedings.

5. Filing and documentation requirements

Missing documents, incomplete financial disclosures, improper service of process, or failure to comply with applicable court procedures may delay the case.

6. Court scheduling

The availability of judges, hearing dates, and other court resources can influence when a case reaches final judgment.

7. Simplified dissolution eligibility

Some couples qualify for Florida's simplified dissolution procedure, which has specific eligibility requirements and may involve fewer procedural steps.

Important: Florida's general 20-day statutory minimum does not guarantee completion within 20 days. Each divorce proceeds according to its individual circumstances and applicable court procedures.

More detail

Understanding the Florida Divorce Timeline

In Florida, divorce is legally referred to as a *dissolution of marriage*. The time required to complete the process depends on the circumstances of the marriage, whether the spouses agree on important issues, and the procedural requirements of the court.

The 20-day minimum waiting period

Florida Statutes § 61.19 generally prohibits a court from entering a final judgment of dissolution until at least 20 days after the original petition is filed. The law allows an exception if the court finds that delaying the judgment would result in injustice.

This waiting period does not mean that every divorce will be finalized in 20 days.

Residency before filing

Florida Statutes § 61.021 requires at least one spouse to have resided in Florida for six months before filing for dissolution of marriage.

This requirement establishes eligibility to file in Florida. It is separate from the minimum period between filing and final judgment.

Simplified dissolution of marriage

Florida provides a simplified dissolution procedure for couples who meet specific requirements.

The procedure generally requires agreement on important matters, including the division of assets and liabilities. Additional eligibility requirements apply, including restrictions involving minor or dependent children and pregnancy.

Couples should consult the current Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.901(a) and its instructions to determine whether they qualify.

Regular dissolution proceedings

When spouses do not qualify for simplified dissolution, they generally must use the applicable regular dissolution procedure.

Depending on the case, the process may involve service of legal documents, financial disclosures, negotiations, mediation, hearings, and potentially a trial.

Cases involving contested parenting arrangements, property division, alimony, or other significant disputes may require additional time.

When is the divorce final?

A divorce is finalized when the court enters a final judgment dissolving the marriage.

Filing a petition, reaching an agreement, or completing the statutory waiting period does not independently terminate the marriage.

What consumers should know?

Florida law establishes a minimum period before most divorce judgments can be entered, but it does not establish a universal completion date for every divorce case.

Individuals should consult current Florida court procedures, applicable family-law forms, and their local circuit court's requirements.

**Legal information disclaimer:** This explanation provides general information about Florida divorce procedures. It is not legal advice and does not predict the outcome or duration of any particular case.

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Sources

• Florida Statutes Section 61.021 - Residence Requirements · checked 10/9/2026
• Simplified Dissolution of Marriage - Form 12.901(a) · checked 10/9/2026
• Florida Statutes Section 61.19 - Delay Period · checked 10/9/2026