Florida divorce timeline: how long it really takes

Week-by-week milestones for an uncontested Florida divorce, plus what slows cases down.

Florida divorce guide

Quick answer

Most uncontested Florida divorces take 30 to 90 days from filing to final judgment. County clerk scheduling for the final hearing usually sets the ceiling — court calendar is beyond our control.

  • Typical uncontested case: 30–90 days
  • Simplified dissolution: often 30–45 days
  • Court calendar is beyond our control
  • Contested matters: 6–18 months or longer

Court calendar is beyond our control

Once your petition is filed, scheduling for the final hearing is set by the county clerk and the assigned judge. The Quick Divorce can prepare and file accurate paperwork quickly, but the date a judge signs the Final Judgment depends on the court's calendar — not us.

Week-by-week uncontested timeline

The pace below assumes both spouses respond promptly and the case is filed in a county with a reasonably current hearing calendar.

  • Week 1 — Confirm eligibility, gather financial documents, draft the petition and marital settlement agreement
  • Week 2–3 — Both spouses review, sign, and notarize the package
  • Week 3–4 — File with the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and pay the county filing fee
  • Week 4–6 — Clerk processes the filing and the case is set for a final hearing
  • Week 6–10 — Brief final hearing (often by Zoom). Judge signs the Final Judgment. Court calendar is beyond our control

What slows a Florida divorce down

The variables below are the most common reasons an otherwise straightforward case takes longer than expected.

  • Missing financial affidavits or incomplete asset disclosures
  • Errors on the petition or settlement agreement that trigger a clerk's deficiency notice
  • Backlogged hearing calendars in larger counties (Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, Hillsborough)
  • One spouse delaying signing or notarizing paperwork
  • Parenting-plan disputes that surface late in the process

County-by-county variation

Smaller Florida counties often schedule final hearings within four weeks of filing, while the largest urban circuits can stretch to eight weeks or more. The substantive law is the same statewide; only the local scheduling differs.

Frequently asked questions

What controls how fast the court finalizes my case?
After your petition is filed, scheduling the final hearing and entering the Final Judgment is up to the county clerk and the assigned judge. Court calendar is beyond our control.
How fast can a simplified dissolution finish?
Simplified dissolution cases — limited to couples with no minor children, no alimony, and both spouses willing to appear — often finalize within 30 to 45 days, depending on the county clerk's hearing calendar.
Does e-filing speed things up?
E-filing through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal eliminates mailing time and is generally accepted same-day or next-day. Final hearing scheduling is still set by the court.
How long does a contested Florida divorce take?
Contested Florida divorces routinely take 6 to 18 months, and longer when complex assets, custody disputes, or trial scheduling are involved. The Quick Divorce supports uncontested cases only.

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Florida residents only. Information, not legal advice.

The Quick Divorce is not a law firm and does not provide legal services or legal advice through this website. Our founder is a Florida-licensed family-law attorney, and she designed this platform — but she is not acting as your attorney when you use this site, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship with her or with The Quick Divorce. We do not select forms for your specific situation, do not advise you on your legal rights, and do not represent you in court. Communications you submit through this site are not protected by attorney-client privilege. If you need legal advice or representation, retain a Florida-licensed attorney directly.