What Is a Quick Divorce in Florida?

A quick divorce in Florida, legally termed a 'simplified dissolution of marriage,' is an expedited process designed for couples who mutually agree to end their marriage with minimal court involvement. This streamlined approach typically takes 30 days from filing to finalization when all requirements are met and paperwork is properly submitted.

To qualify for this accelerated process in Florida, couples must meet specific criteria: both spouses must agree the marriage is irretrievably broken, have no minor children together, not be expecting a child, have an agreement on property division, and waive rights to alimony. When these conditions are satisfied, the divorce can proceed much faster than traditional contested divorces, which may take months or even years to resolve.

Florida's Uncontested Divorce Process

An uncontested divorce represents the fastest path to dissolution in Florida. This option requires both parties to agree on all aspects of the separation, including asset division, debt allocation, and any spousal support arrangements. The process begins by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with your county's clerk of court, followed by financial affidavits and a settlement agreement.

The timeline advantage is significant—uncontested divorces can be completed in as little as 20 days after filing if all paperwork is in order. This 20-day period represents Florida's mandatory waiting period before a judge can finalize the divorce. However, court scheduling may add some time, with most uncontested cases resolving within 4-6 weeks total. This approach not only saves time but also significantly reduces legal expenses compared to contested proceedings.

Online Divorce Services Comparison

Several online services have emerged to help Floridians navigate quick divorces. CompleteCase offers document preparation services starting at $299, with guided questionnaires that generate state-specific forms. Their platform includes filing instructions and customer support to address questions throughout the process.

3StepDivorce provides a similar service with a more flexible payment plan option, charging $299 with installment possibilities. Their platform includes a property division tool and unlimited document revisions. Meanwhile, LegalZoom offers divorce packages starting at $499 with attorney consultations available for an additional fee.

The comparison table below highlights key differences between these services:

ServiceBase PriceCompletion TimeSupport Options
CompleteCase$2991-2 daysEmail, Phone
3StepDivorce$2991 dayEmail, Phone, Chat
LegalZoom$4992-3 daysEmail, Phone, Attorney consult
Rocket Lawyer$39.99/month membershipVariableAttorney consultations

Benefits and Drawbacks of Quick Divorces

The primary advantages of pursuing a quick divorce in Florida include significant cost savings, privacy preservation, and reduced emotional strain. Traditional contested divorces can cost thousands of dollars in legal fees, while uncontested options might require only filing fees (approximately $400) plus optional service costs. The expedited timeline also allows both parties to move forward with their lives sooner.

However, quick divorces aren't suitable for everyone. Complex asset divisions, business ownership, significant retirement accounts, or disagreements about property may require more thorough legal oversight. DivorceNet notes that rushing through property division without proper valuation can lead to inequitable settlements that cannot be modified later. Additionally, Nolo cautions that power imbalances between spouses might result in unfair agreements when the process moves too quickly without adequate legal representation.

Simplified Dissolution vs. Regular Divorce

Florida offers two distinct paths: simplified dissolution and regular dissolution of marriage. The simplified option eliminates many procedural steps but has strict eligibility requirements. Couples must complete a financial affidavit, property settlement agreement, and appear together at a final hearing. This process typically costs between $400-$500 in court fees and can conclude within 30 days.

Regular dissolution becomes necessary when couples have children, disputed assets, or seek alimony. This process involves more extensive financial disclosures, potential mediation sessions, and possibly trial proceedings if agreements cannot be reached. Avvo attorneys estimate regular divorces in Florida average 3-6 months for completion, with contested cases potentially extending beyond a year. While more time-consuming, regular dissolution provides greater protections for complex situations through mandatory disclosures and judicial oversight.

Conclusion

Quick divorce options in Florida offer valuable pathways for couples seeking efficient resolution to their marriage dissolution. Whether through simplified dissolution, uncontested proceedings, or online service assistance, the key to success lies in mutual agreement and thorough preparation of required documentation. For those with straightforward circumstances who meet the eligibility criteria, these accelerated processes can save time, money, and emotional stress. However, individuals with complex financial situations or child custody considerations should carefully weigh the benefits of expediency against the potential need for more comprehensive legal protection. Regardless of which path you choose, understanding your rights and responsibilities remains essential to achieving a fair outcome that allows both parties to move forward confidently.

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This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.