Divorce is rarely just a legal process—it’s an emotional and practical transition that raises many questions. One of the most common concerns for spouses in Florida is how long the divorce process will take. The answer depends on several factors, including whether the divorce is contested, how cooperative the parties are, and the complexity of the issues involved. Understanding the general timeline can help set realistic expectations and reduce uncertainty.

At the Law Offices of Robert L. Bogen, we provide legal assistance to the Boca Raton public and help individuals navigate each stage of the Florida divorce process with clarity and confidence.

Florida’s Residency Requirement

Before a divorce can even be filed in Florida, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for a minimum of six months. This residency requirement is mandatory and applies statewide, including in Boca Raton. Once this condition is met, the divorce process can formally begin.

Uncontested Divorces and Typical Timelines

An uncontested divorce is generally the fastest option. This occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues, such as property division, child custody, child

support, and alimony. In these cases, the process is mostly administrative.

After filing the necessary paperwork, Florida law requires a mandatory 20-day waiting period before a judge can finalize the divorce. Many uncontested divorces are completed shortly after this waiting period, often within four to six weeks, assuming all documents are properly prepared and filed.

Contested Divorces Take Longer

When spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues, the divorce becomes contested. Contested divorces take significantly longer because they may involve negotiations, mediation, discovery, and court hearings.

In Florida, a contested divorce can take anywhere from several months to over a year. Cases involving disputes over child custody, complex assets, or ongoing conflict between spouses tend to last longer. Court schedules and the willingness of both parties to compromise also play a major role in the overall timeline.

Factors That Can Affect the Length of a Divorce

Several variables can either speed up or delay a Florida divorce:

• Child-related issues: Disagreements about parenting plans, time-sharing, or child support often extend the process.
• Property and debt division: Dividing real estate, retirement accounts, or business interests can be time-consuming.
• Court availability: Busy court dockets in South Florida can cause delays in hearings and trial dates.
• Level of cooperation: The more cooperative both spouses are, the faster the case is likely to move forward.

Mandatory Mediation in Florida Divorces

Florida courts often require mediation before a contested divorce proceeds to trial. Mediation gives both parties the opportunity to resolve disputes with the help of a neutral third party. If mediation is successful, it can significantly shorten the divorce timeline by avoiding prolonged litigation.

Final Judgment and Closing the Case

Once all issues are resolved—either through agreement or court decision—a judge will issue a final judgment of dissolution of marriage. At that point, the

divorce is legally complete. The timing of this final step depends on how quickly outstanding matters are addressed and how soon the court can enter the final order.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Even straightforward divorces involve legal procedures that must be followed carefully. Mistakes or delays in paperwork can slow the process. Having knowledgeable legal guidance helps ensure that filings are accurate, deadlines are met, and issues are addressed efficiently.

At the Law Offices of Robert L. Bogen, we provide legal assistance to the Boca Raton public and help clients understand what to expect at each stage of a Florida divorce. With the right approach, it is often possible to avoid unnecessary delays and move forward toward resolution.