How to Get an Uncontested Divorce in Florida

Are you considering getting an uncontested divorce in Florida? If so, you are not alone. Many divorcing couples desire an uncontested divorce because they are looking for a way to end their marriage that is: 1) efficient, 2) low-conflict and 3) cost effective. An uncontested divorce can potentially meet all of these criteria. Here, we explain the basic requirements for getting an uncontested divorce, as well as how the process will work.

The Requirements for Getting an Uncontested Divorce  

For a divorce to be uncontested, all important marital issues must be fully resolved. More specifically, this means that both spouses must:

• Agree to end the marriage;
• Agree on how assets and liabilities will be divided;
• Agree on how much, if any, alimony will be owed; and
• Agree on child-related issues, including custody, support and time sharing.

If you and your spouse cannot reach a resolution on any important martial, even if the disagreement is relatively minor and good-natured, then you are not currently ready for an uncontested divorce. There are still important factors that you and your spouse need to resolve, and you should not rush through the process just to get it done. If you believe that your divorce settlement, as currently proposed, is not fair or in your best interests, you should contact an Orlando divorce lawyer to discuss the issue.

Preparing Your Divorce Paperwork  

Even if you are seeking an uncontested divorce, you need to be prepared to deal with the paperwork. The amount of paperwork that you will need to file will vary depending on the specific circumstances of your divorce. If you have children under the age of eighteen, then you will be required to submit a detailed parenting plan, as well as your child support agreement. Further, if your settlement with your spouse goes against any of Florida’s standard procedures, then you may need to file additional documents. For example, if you plan to create your own child support agreement, and it is different than the state general guidelines, then you and your spouse will need to file a well-crafted Motion to Deviate from Child Support Guidelines. 

Uncontested Divorce Hearings 

Once your uncontested divorce case nears its conclusion, a final hearing will be scheduled. This is a very important part of the process, as it is the last hurdle that you will need to clear before you can move on. Though, you should not stress about the hearing. An uncontested divorce hearing can be a relatively smooth and painless part of the process. Indeed, as long as you have prepared well, and ensured that all issues have been worked out to the satisfaction of you, your spouse and Florida law, then your final divorce hearing should not present any problems.

Get Divorce Help in Orlando  

At the Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A., our team has extensive experience assisting couples with uncontested divorce cases. If you need family law help, please do not hesitate to call us today at  407-521-7171 or contact us directly through our website. From our office in Orlando, we serve families throughout Central Florida, including in Kissimmee, Winter Garden and Apopka.

Resources:

flcourts.org/core/fileparse.php/533/urlt/995a.pdf