# Fast Divorce: The Fastest Ways to Get Divorced in Florida
If you’re thinking about divorce, chances are you didn’t arrive at this decision lightly. Whether the separation is mutual or difficult, most people who walk into my office want one thing: to move forward as smoothly and quickly as possible. The good news? Florida offers several pathways for a fast divorce — if you qualify.
As a Florida divorce attorney, I’ve helped many clients navigate this process efficiently, while still protecting what matters most. Let’s walk through the fastest ways to get divorced in Florida and how to decide which route is right for you.
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## 1. The Fastest Option: Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
If speed is your top priority, the **Simplified Dissolution of Marriage** is usually the quickest option available in Florida.
### You may qualify if:
– Both spouses agree that the marriage cannot be saved.
– You have no minor or dependent children together.
– Neither spouse is pregnant.
– You’ve already divided your assets and debts.
– Neither party is seeking alimony.
– Both spouses are willing to attend the final hearing.
When couples meet these criteria, the process can be surprisingly quick — sometimes finalized in as little as **30 days**, depending on the county’s schedule.
This option works best for couples who are truly in agreement and want a clean, efficient exit. It eliminates many procedural steps required in standard divorces, saving both time and money.
That said, “simple” doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. Even in amicable splits, I always encourage clients to make sure their financial agreement is thorough and fair. Once finalized, it’s very difficult to undo.
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## 2. Uncontested Divorce: The Next Fastest Route
If you don’t qualify for a simplified dissolution — perhaps because you have children — an **uncontested divorce** is typically the next fastest option.
In an uncontested divorce:
– Both spouses agree the marriage is irretrievably broken.
– You reach full agreement on property division, debts, alimony (if any), child support, time-sharing, and parental responsibility.
When both people cooperate and paperwork is handled correctly, an uncontested divorce in Florida can be finalized in **one to three months**, depending on court availability.
The key to speed here is preparation. The more organized and comprehensive your settlement agreement, the fewer delays you’ll encounter. Missing financial disclosures, incomplete parenting plans, or vague settlement terms often cause unnecessary slowdowns.
As uncomfortable as these conversations can be, resolving disagreements privately — rather than in court — almost always shortens the timeline dramatically.
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## 3. Default Divorce: When One Spouse Doesn’t Respond
Sometimes one spouse wants to move forward, and the other refuses to participate. If your spouse has been properly served but fails to respond within 20 days, you may pursue a **default divorce**.
After a default is entered, the court can move forward without the other party’s involvement.
This route can be relatively quick — often **within two to three months** — but only if:
– Your spouse cannot be located after diligent search (in which case constructive service may apply), or
– They simply fail to respond.
Default divorces still require proper paperwork and, when children or assets are involved, judicial review. But when one party is uncooperative, this option prevents them from stalling the process indefinitely.
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## 4. What Slows Down a Florida Divorce?
Even couples who start with good intentions can unintentionally slow down their divorce. Common causes of delay include:
– Disagreements about property division
– Disputes over custody or time-sharing
– Requests for alimony
– Failure to provide mandatory financial disclosure
– Out-of-county service issues
– Emotional conflict that derails negotiations
Florida does **not** require a mandatory separation period before filing. However, there is a automatic **20-day waiting period** after filing before a judge can finalize the divorce. This is the minimum timeframe — but practical scheduling realities often extend this slightly.
The clearer the agreement, the faster the outcome.
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## 5. Residency Requirement in Florida
Before filing, at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for **six months** prior to filing the petition. This is non-negotiable.
Proof can include:
– A Florida driver’s license
– Voter registration
– Testimony from a witness
Without meeting residency requirements, you’ll face immediate delays.
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## 6. Can You Speed Things Up Even More?
Here are my practical tips for fast-tracking your Florida divorce:
### ✔ Get Organized Early
Gather financial documents — bank statements, retirement accounts, deeds, tax returns — before filing.
### ✔ Communicate Clearly
If your spouse is open to resolution, consider mediation early. Mediation often resolves disputes in a single day.
### ✔ Avoid Court Battles if Possible
Litigation is the number one delay-generator. Negotiated settlements are almost always faster.
### ✔ Work With an Experienced Attorney
Mistakes in filings can result in rejected paperwork or postponed hearings. Having everything properly prepared the first time saves weeks (and stress).
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## A Gentle Reality Check
I know that when you’re ready for divorce, you want it done yesterday. But “fast” should never mean careless.
Even in amicable divorces, decisions about property, retirement accounts, debts, and parenting plans can affect you for years. A thoughtful, well-drafted agreement can still be completed quickly — without sacrificing your future stability.
Divorce marks the end of one chapter. Done correctly, it also sets the stage for a healthier, more peaceful next one.
If you’re considering divorce in Florida and want to explore your fastest options, understanding which category you fall into is the best place to start.
For more insight on speeding up your Florida divorce, watch the video below:
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Many couples handling divorce paperwork choose to do it through a
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because it saves time, money on top of the convenience of not having to go to court and figure out the process by themselves. Most Florida divorces can be done without an attorney and this fits perfectly with this process.
”