Divorce does not have to be a long, expensive, or bitter court battle. If you and your spouse have reached full agreement on all terms and have no minor children, an uncontested divorce in Florida is the simplest and most affordable way to legally end your marriage.
What Is an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce — also called a simplified dissolution of marriage in Florida — is a divorce in which both spouses agree on all issues, including the division of assets and debts, and neither party is requesting alimony. Because there is nothing left for a judge to decide, the process is significantly faster and less expensive than a contested divorce.
What Are the Requirements for an Uncontested Divorce in Florida?
• At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before filing
• Both parties must agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken
• Both parties must agree on the division of all marital assets and debts
• Neither party may be seeking alimony
• There must be no minor or dependent children of the marriage
What Documents Are Involved?
An uncontested divorce without minor children typically involves a Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage, a Financial Affidavit, a Marital Settlement Agreement dividing assets and debts, and a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage signed by the judge. The Marital Settlement Agreement is the key document — it memorializes everything you and your spouse have agreed to.
Does an Uncontested Divorce Require a Court Hearing?
In most cases, both parties must appear at a brief final hearing where the judge reviews and approves the settlement agreement and signs the Final Judgment. This hearing is typically very short — often less than 15 minutes — because all issues have already been resolved.
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Florida?
An uncontested divorce in Florida is typically finalized within 30 to 90 days of filing, depending on the county and the court’s schedule. Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, and Polk County all have their own procedures and timelines.
What Is the Role of an Attorney in an Uncontested Divorce?
Even in an uncontested divorce, having an attorney prepare and review your Marital Settlement Agreement is strongly recommended. Once the divorce is finalized, the agreement is very difficult to modify. An attorney ensures the agreement is properly drafted, legally enforceable, and protects your interests — without adding unnecessary conflict to the process.
Important: Attorney Irizarry represents one party only. The other spouse is encouraged to seek independent legal counsel before signing any agreement.
Have Questions? We Can Help.
Attorney Erica Irizarry offers free, confidential consultations for all family law matters. Call 656-206-0609or complete our online intake form to get started today.
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