If you’re considering a divorce in Florida, you probably wonder how long it will take. Several factors can affect the speed of your divorce. However, you can take a few measures to speed up the process if you want to streamline your divorce and move forward from this stressful period.
Life is too short to be in the wrong relationship. Our divorce attorneys at Divorce & Mediation Law Firm | Cabanas Law Firm help our clients make the necessary changes to their toxic environments and find peace. Read on to learn how long a divorce takes in Florida. Then contact our divorce law firm at (954) 447-2580 to schedule an appointment.
How Long Do Divorces Typically Take?
Florida has a 20-day waiting period from filing for the divorce until the court can issue the decree. One rare exception: if you can demonstrate that waiting too long would create an “injustice,” the judge could agree to sign your final judgment sooner. In general, however, a Florida divorce takes at least 20 days.
At Divorce & Mediation Law Firm | Cabanas Law Firm, we have seen divorces take anywhere from three weeks to three years. Our shortest cases are straightforward, with both parties agreeing on most issues. On the other hand, our most prolonged cases involve numerous complexities and disagreements that draw out the process.
Key Components Affecting the Length of the Divorce Process
When a client asks us how long their divorce will take, we look at two main factors: the case’s complexity and spousal cooperation.
Complexity of the Case
The first component impacting your divorce’s duration is the case’s complexity. When we examine its complexity, we consider three factors:
- Number of minor children and their ages: Determining child custody during a divorce can be time-consuming, and your children’s ages can contribute to this complexity
- Number of assets and their complexity: Splitting up shared assets is another time-consuming step in a divorce. The more assets you have and the harder they are to split, the longer the case will take.
- Length of the marriage: Short marriages typically allow for shorter divorces. If you and your spouse have been married for 20 years, you’ve probably accumulated many shared assets, and splitting up your belongings will take longer.
If you believe your divorce case will be complex due to any of the above factors, working with a divorce attorney can help you navigate the process and move on from this stressful experience.
Spousal Cooperation
Spousal cooperation is the other major factor impacting the speed of a divorce. You and your spouse must agree on property division, spousal support, and child support. If you cannot agree on your own, you will move forward with a contested divorce, in which you will settle these matters through negotiation, mediation, or a judge’s decision.
Having an experienced divorce attorney on your side is essential if you pursue a contested divorce. Your spouse will likely have representation, and you need someone in your corner to represent and support you through these unsettled matters.
How to Streamline Your Divorce
If you and your spouse have decided on a divorce, you probably want the process to be over as quickly as possible to move forward from this toxic relationship and home environment. Here are a few tips to speed up your divorce:
Know Your Wants
You and your spouse must agree on the division of assets, property, and child custody. Either you will reach an agreement on your own or use the court’s assistance. As a result, knowing what issues are important to you can help streamline your case.
For example, many people feel strongly about child custody but are willing to compromise on matters of minor property division. However, knowing this before you begin the divorce can ensure that you put your best efforts into obtaining that property if specific property is significant to you.
Start Preparing Finances ASAP
Getting your finances in order will be another time-consuming step in a divorce. Therefore, if you can start this process before officially filing for divorce, you can save time during the proceedings.
You will need to file numerous financial records with the court, such as:
- Pay stubs
- Investment statements
- Mortgage statements
- Retirement accounts
- Credit reports
- Credit card statements
- Tax returns
Gathering these documents in advance can help you get a head start on the divorce.
Work With a Qualified Divorce Attorney
Finally, working with a knowledgeable divorce attorney is vital in navigating your divorce smoothly. At Divorce & Mediation Law Firm | Cabanas Law Firm, we have over 60 years of combined experience helping clients throughout Broward and Miami-Dade Counties find peace at home through a divorce.
Stop putting off what you know you need to do. Contact us today at (954) 447-2580 or complete our online form to schedule your appointment.
