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Divorce Attorney in Florida
Ending a marriage is one of the most difficult decisions a person makes. Our goal is to help you reach a resolution that is fair, legally sound, and as efficient as the facts of your case allow.
What we handle
- Uncontested divorce with full marital settlement agreement
- Contested divorce — disputed assets, timesharing, or alimony
- High-asset divorce involving businesses, real estate, or retirement accounts
- Simplified dissolution of marriage for qualifying couples (Fla. Stat. § 61.19)
- Property division and debt allocation under Florida equitable distribution rules
- Coordination of parenting plans and child support as part of the overall judgment
Florida divorce law at a glance
Florida is a no-fault divorce state (Fla. Stat. § 61.052). Either spouse can petition for dissolution of marriage by alleging only that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" — no misconduct needs to be proven. At least one spouse must have been a Florida resident for six months before filing (Fla. Stat. § 61.021). Property acquired during the marriage is subject to equitable distribution under Fla. Stat. § 61.075, which presumes equal division unless equitable factors justify a different outcome.
How a Florida divorce works
File the petition
One spouse (the petitioner) files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the circuit court in the county of residence. The other spouse (respondent) has 20 days to respond after service.
Financial disclosure
Both parties exchange mandatory financial affidavits and supporting documents under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285. This covers income, assets, debts, and monthly expenses.
Mediation
Most Florida courts require mediation before setting a contested hearing. A certified mediator works with both parties to resolve disputed issues without court intervention.
Settlement or hearing
If mediation resolves all issues, a marital settlement agreement is signed and submitted to the judge. If disputes remain, an evidentiary hearing is scheduled where the judge decides.
Final judgment
The judge enters a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. For uncontested cases with a complete MSA, this can happen 20–45 days after filing.
What it costs
Uncontested divorce starts at $2,500 (flat fee). Contested matters require a retainer from $10,000 (estates over $1M from $30,000). See our full pricing breakdown.
View full pricing breakdownCommon questions
Does fault matter in a Florida divorce?
Florida is a no-fault state under Fla. Stat. § 61.052. You do not need to prove infidelity, abuse, or any misconduct to obtain a divorce. However, marital misconduct can sometimes be relevant to alimony determinations under Fla. Stat. § 61.08 when it "affected the economic status of the parties."
How long does a Florida divorce take?
An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms can be finalized in 20–45 days after filing, depending on the court's docket. A contested matter involving disputed custody, alimony, or complex assets typically takes 6–18 months. High-asset cases with extensive discovery can run longer.
Can I get divorced in Florida if my spouse lives out of state?
Yes, if you have been a Florida resident for six months. The court may still have jurisdiction over property located in Florida. Jurisdiction over your spouse (for support or property orders) may require additional procedural steps depending on their state.
What happens to the house in a Florida divorce?
The marital home is typically subject to equitable distribution under Fla. Stat. § 61.075. Options include one spouse buying out the other's equity, selling and splitting proceeds, or — in cases involving minor children — a deferred sale to allow a parent to remain in the home through a set date. The right approach depends on your equity position, mortgage, and whether children are involved.
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