Florida Divorce Self-Help Tools

Florida generally requires at least 20 days between filing the petition and entry of a final judgment. A judge can shorten this if the statutory injustice exception applies. This is a minimum, not a promised completion date; service, disclosures, disputes and the court calendar affect timing.

No. Florida allows pro se (self-represented) divorce filings, especially for simplified dissolution of marriage where both parties agree. However, if children, significant assets, or disputes are involved, most attorneys strongly recommend legal representation.

Yes. Florida only requires one spouse to testify that the marriage is 'irretrievably broken.' Fault is not required and typically does not affect property division or alimony.

Florida uses equitable distribution, which means marital assets and debts are divided fairly — not always 50/50. Judges consider factors like contribution to the marriage, economic circumstances, and duration of the marriage.

Florida ended new permanent-alimony awards under its 2023 reform. Ordinary durational limits are 50% of a short-term marriage, 60% of a moderate-term marriage, and 75% of a long-term marriage. Exceptional extensions are possible. Existing orders are not automatically erased.