How Long Does a No-Fault Divorce in Orlando Take?

If you want to get your divorce over with as soon as possible, you might be wondering how long this process will take. You may have heard that a no-fault divorce can be relatively quick because you do not need to prove anything. How fast can this process be from start to finish? Since each divorce is slightly different, this might be a question worth exploring alongside a divorce lawyer in Orlando.

Your Ex Can Wait 20 Days After Being Served With the Divorce Papers

The divorce process begins when one spouse files the divorce papers. The filing spouse then “serves” the other spouse with these divorce papers. From that point forward, the other spouse has 20 days to formally respond. If you file the divorce papers, your spouse could theoretically wait the full 20 days before responding.

If they do not respond at all, the divorce can move forward anyway. Ideally, your ex will respond immediately, thereby ensuring a speedy divorce process. However, there is no guarantee that this will happen.

Does Florida Have a Mandatory Waiting Period?

Florida has a mandatory 20-day waiting period for divorces. This means that even if your spouse responds immediately when you serve them with the divorce papers, a judge will still wait 20 days before moving forward with your divorce. Although this might seem frustrating, you should know that waiting periods in other states are much longer. For example, North Carolina has a mandatory 12-month “cooling off” period.

The Speed of Your Divorce Depends on Whether You Can Negotiate in Private With Your Ex

The main factor that determines the speed of your divorce is whether or not you can negotiate in private with your ex and agree on how to handle your various disputes. This process is called alternative dispute resolution (ADR) or an “uncontested divorce.” Some spouses choose arbitration, while others choose mediation or collaborative law. Although these methods differ in many ways, all involve private negotiations with your ex.

If you can’t work out your differences in private, you’ll have to do so in a public courtroom. Not only do you lose privacy, but you also face longer overall timelines and higher legal expenses. Litigation is also extremely stressful, often for the entire family (including the children).

So How Long Will My Divorce Take?

Assuming you have no children and you create a divorce agreement in private within a few weeks, you can theoretically wrap up your divorce in about a month. However, it might not be the best idea to rush through your divorce, and you should take your time during important negotiations.

Can an Orlando Divorce Lawyer Help Me? 

If you want to end your marriage as quickly as possible, a divorce lawyer in Orlando may be able to help. Although it’s true that a no-fault divorce can be relatively quick, your divorce could still be more time-consuming if it’s “contested.” The fastest possible route is an uncontested divorce, but this could still be time-consuming in certain situations. Contact Steve Marsee, P.A. today to learn more about the next steps.

Source:

flcourts.gov/Services/Family-Courts/domestic-relations-court-resources/dissolution-of-marriage