Thinking about divorce in Florida can feel overwhelming, but knowing your options makes it easier to understand what to expect. State law offers several types of divorce based on your situation, whether it’s uncontested or more complicated.
Simplified dissolution of marriage
A simplified dissolution of marriage is the fastest and easiest type of divorce. You and your spouse must agree on all issues, like property division and having no minor children together. Both of you must also agree that the marriage cannot be saved. If those conditions fit, you can skip a lot of the court process. You’ll still need to file forms and appear in court once, but it’s much simpler than other divorce types.
Uncontested divorce
An uncontested divorce works when both spouses agree on key matters such as dividing property, debt, and—if applicable—parenting plans. Unlike the simplified version, you can still use this type even if you have children. This option takes less time and money because you and your spouse are working together on the terms. The court still reviews your agreement before granting the divorce.
Contested divorce
A contested divorce happens when you and your spouse can’t agree on one or more issues. That could be child support, custody, or how to divide property. These cases take longer and usually involve more court appearances. The judge makes the final decisions after reviewing evidence and hearing arguments. If things remain tense between you and your spouse, this may be the only way to move forward.
Divorce by default
If one spouse files for divorce and the other doesn’t respond in time, the court can issue a default judgment. That means the divorce moves forward without input from the non-responding spouse. This usually happens when one person can’t be located or refuses to participate. Even without their involvement, the court can still finalize the divorce.
Florida offers different divorce paths depending on your situation and how much you and your spouse agree on key issues. Whether your case is simple or more involved, knowing the type of divorce that fits your situation can help you plan your next steps with more confidence and less stress.