Florida

Uncontested divorce in Florida: two agreed routes, one fast finish Uncontested divorce in Florida: two agreed routes, one fast finish

Uncontested divorce in Florida: two agreed routes, one fast finish

Florida rewards agreement with speed. A fully agreed dissolution — marital settlement agreement signed, parenting plan (if children) approved, worksheets done — can move from filing to final judgment in roughly four to eight weeks in most circuits, subject to Florida's modest 20-day minimum between petition and judgment (which can sometimes be waived). And for a narrow band of qualifying couples, Florida offers something faster still: simplified dissolution, a streamlined joint procedure with minimal paperwork and a single short hearing.

Route one: simplified dissolution (the narrow gate)

Simplified dissolution under Rule 12.105 is available only if all of the following are true: no minor or dependent children (and no pregnancy), agreement on the division of everything, neither spouse seeking alimony, both spouses willing to give up financial discovery and their right to trial and appeal, and both willing to appear together at the final hearing. Qualify, and the process is about as light as American divorce gets. Most couples with children or meaningful assets won't qualify — and the discovery waiver means this gate should only be walked through with eyes open about what's being waived.

Route two: the standard agreed dissolution

For everyone else, uncontested means a regular dissolution where nothing is contested: petition, answer or waiver, financial affidavits exchanged (Florida requires them even in agreed cases — the mandatory disclosure rules don't vanish with agreement, though parties can narrow some exchanges), a signed marital settlement agreement covering every asset, debt, and support term, and — with children — a statutory parenting plan, guidelines worksheets, and completion of Florida's parenting course by both parents. Final hearings are brief; some circuits finalize on the papers or by brief video appearance.

Where "we agree" goes wrong in Florida

The usual three, with Florida flavors. Unverified numbers: waiving scrutiny of a business, a professional practice, or equity comp because "we're being amicable" is how one spouse funds the other's next chapter — value the hard stuff first (complex asset division). Pressure signatures: Florida enforces marital settlement agreements vigorously; Casto-style challenges (fraud, duress, overreaching) are narrow doors, not exits. Vague drafting: "we'll handle the house later" is a contempt motion with a fuse. Precision now or litigation later — Florida gives you the choice exactly once.

One sticking point doesn't end the agreed track, either — mediate it and keep moving: divorce mediation in Florida.

Efficient, not careless

Brown Carrington papers Florida agreed divorces precisely, values what needs valuing, and finalizes fast — once, correctly.

Straight answers.

How fast can an uncontested Florida divorce finish?

The law requires 20 days from filing to judgment (waivable in some instances); real-world agreed cases typically finalize in one to two months, circuit depending.

Do we both need lawyers?

One lawyer represents one spouse — the other should independently review before signing. On a permanent judgment covering a Florida estate, that review is cheap insurance.

Do we have to appear in court?

Simplified dissolution: yes, both, briefly. Standard agreed cases: often just the filing spouse, sometimes nobody in person — circuits vary, and we handle the logistics.

Can we skip financial affidavits if we already know everything?

Simplified dissolution waives formal discovery by design; in standard cases, affidavits are generally required though certain disclosures can be narrowed. Strategic question — but know that undisclosed assets are the classic ground for reopening judgments. Sunlight is cheaper.