{"id":259429,"date":"2026-09-10T15:29:41","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T19:29:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/softlaunchlife.com\/?page_id=259429"},"modified":"2026-09-11T17:11:23","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T21:11:23","slug":"divorce-in-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/softlaunchlife.com\/es\/divorce-in-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Divorce in Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- ===== SECTION 1 \u00b7 HERO (M5 H1 + one-line answer) ===== -->\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_0 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\" id=\"hero\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_0 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_0 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h1>Divorce in Florida: how it works, what it costs, and what happens next<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>A plain-English guide to ending a marriage in Florida, from filing to final judgment, with the parts that affect your kids and your money explained.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_0_wrapper\"><a class=\"et_pb_button_0 et_pb_button et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module rf-cta-btn\" href=\"\">Schedule your free consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>Florida Bar members &middot; Florida Supreme Court&ndash;certified family mediator &middot; Orlando &amp; Miami, serving Florida statewide<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- ===== SECTION 2 \u00b7 STICKY SECTION NAV (pillar-only chrome) ===== -->\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_1 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_1 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_1 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_code_0 et_pb_code et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><nav class=\"rf-nav\"><a href=\"#how-it-works\" style=\"color:#0C2244;text-decoration:none;font-size:14px;margin-right:18px\">How it works<\/a><a href=\"#steps\" style=\"color:#0C2244;text-decoration:none;font-size:14px;margin-right:18px\">Steps<\/a><a href=\"#time-cost\" style=\"color:#0C2244;text-decoration:none;font-size:14px;margin-right:18px\">Time & cost<\/a><a href=\"#contested\" style=\"color:#0C2244;text-decoration:none;font-size:14px;margin-right:18px\">Contested or not<\/a><a href=\"#children\" style=\"color:#0C2244;text-decoration:none;font-size:14px;margin-right:18px\">Your children<\/a><a href=\"#money\" style=\"color:#0C2244;text-decoration:none;font-size:14px;margin-right:18px\">Your money<\/a><a href=\"#faq\" style=\"color:#0C2244;text-decoration:none;font-size:14px;margin-right:18px\">FAQ<\/a><\/nav><style>.rf-nav{position:sticky;top:0;z-index:20;background:#fff;border-bottom:1px solid #E2E8F0;padding:12px 0;overflow-x:auto;white-space:nowrap;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;flex-wrap:nowrap}@media(max-width:600px){.rf-nav{font-size:13px}}<\/style><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- ===== SECTION 3 \u00b7 QUICK ANSWER (M1) ===== -->\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_2 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\" id=\"quick-answer\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_2 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_2 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module rf-quick-answer\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p style=\"text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.08em;font-size:12px;color:#8a6d3b;margin-bottom:6px\">The short answer<\/p>\n<p>In Florida, a divorce (legally a &ldquo;dissolution of marriage&rdquo;) is no-fault, so you don't have to prove your spouse did anything wrong. One spouse must have lived in Florida for six months, and the court divides marital property fairly (not always 50\/50) and can order support. Most cases finish in a few months (Chapter 61).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- ===== SECTION 4 \u00b7 HOW DIVORCE WORKS (M5 + translation bridge) ===== -->\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_3 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\" id=\"how-it-works\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_3 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_3 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_4 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2>How does divorce work in Florida?<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_5 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>The court calls it a &ldquo;dissolution of marriage.&rdquo; You'd call it ending the marriage and sorting out your kids, your home, and your money. Both mean the same thing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_6 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>Florida is a <strong>no-fault<\/strong> state, which means you don't have to prove your spouse did anything wrong; you only have to say the marriage is <strong>irretrievably broken<\/strong> (beyond repair). One spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months before filing. From there, the case is mostly about reaching agreement on four things: your parenting schedule, child support, any spousal support, and how you split what you own and owe.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_7 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module rf-callout\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><strong>Chapter 61<\/strong> is Florida's family-law statute. It tells the court to divide marital property fairly and lets it order support when one spouse needs it and the other can pay.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- ===== SECTION 5 \u00b7 THE STEPS (M3 timeline) ===== -->\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_4 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\" id=\"steps\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_4 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_4 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_8 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2>What are the steps to get divorced in Florida?<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_9 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>A Florida divorce moves through the same sequence whether it's simple or hard-fought. The difference is how long you spend at each step.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_10 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><ul class=\"rf-tl\" style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:nowrap;list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;gap:16px;counter-reset:s;\">\n<li><span class=\"t\">File the petition<\/span><span class=\"sub\">Filed with the court<\/span><span class=\"f\">Day 1<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"t\">Serve your spouse<\/span><span class=\"sub\">Your spouse is formally notified<\/span><span class=\"f\">1\u20133 weeks<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"t\">Spouse responds<\/span><span class=\"sub\">Spouse's written response is due<\/span><span class=\"f\">~20 days<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"t\">Exchange finances<\/span><span class=\"sub\">Mandatory financial disclosure<\/span><span class=\"f\">Within 45 days<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"t\">Mediation<\/span><span class=\"sub\">Working toward a settlement<\/span><span class=\"f\">1\u20133 months<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"t\">Final judgment<\/span><span class=\"sub\">Judge signs the final order<\/span><span class=\"f\">From ~4 weeks<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_11 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module rf-callout\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><strong>Rule 12.285<\/strong> is Florida's mandatory-disclosure rule: both spouses must hand over their financial documents automatically. You don't have to ask.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- ===== SECTION 6 \u00b7 TIME & COST \u2014 summary + link down to spokes (M11) ===== -->\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_5 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\" id=\"time-cost\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_5 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_5 et_pb_column et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_12 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3 style=\"color:#0C2244\">How long does a Florida divorce take?<\/h3>\n<p>An uncontested case can finish in about four weeks to a few months. A contested one runs six months to over a year. <a href=\"\/divorce\/how-long-does-it-take\/\">See divorce timelines &rarr;<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_6 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_13 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3 style=\"color:#0C2244\">How much does a Florida divorce cost?<\/h3>\n<p>A simplified case runs about $500 to $1,500; an uncontested divorce with a lawyer about $2,000 to $5,000; contested costs much more. <a href=\"\/divorce\/cost\/\">See divorce costs &rarr;<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- ===== SECTION 7 \u00b7 CONTESTED VS UNCONTESTED (M10) ===== -->\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_6 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\" id=\"contested\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_6 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_7 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_14 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2>Is your divorce contested or uncontested?<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_15 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>This one distinction drives your cost, your timeline, and your stress more than anything else.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_7 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_7 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_8 et_pb_column et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_16 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3 style=\"color:#0C2244\">Uncontested<\/h3>\n<p>&#10003; You agree on the big issues<br \/>&#10003; Faster and far less expensive<br \/>&#10003; Often little or no courtroom time<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/divorce\/uncontested\/\">How uncontested divorce works &rarr;<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_9 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_17 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3 style=\"color:#0C2244\">Contested<\/h3>\n<p>&#10003; You disagree on children, support, or property<br \/>&#10003; Adds discovery, mediation, maybe trial<br \/>&#10003; A valid path, not a failure<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/divorce\/contested\/\">What a contested divorce involves &rarr;<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- ===== SECTION 8 \u00b7 WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR CHILDREN (M11) ===== -->\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_8 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\" id=\"children\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_8 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_10 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_18 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2>What happens to your children?<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_19 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>Florida no longer uses the word &ldquo;custody.&rdquo; Instead the court sets <strong>time-sharing<\/strong> (the schedule of when the child is with each parent) and <strong>parental responsibility<\/strong> (who makes the big decisions). Since a 2023 law change, courts start by assuming equal (50\/50) parenting time is best, and either parent can show why a different schedule fits their child.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_20 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3 style=\"color:#0C2244\">Time-sharing &amp; parenting plans<\/h3>\n<p>How Florida decides your schedule and decision-making, and how to build a plan the court will approve. <a href=\"\/custody\/\">See custody &amp; time-sharing &rarr;<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- ===== SECTION 9 \u00b7 WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR MONEY (M11 paired) ===== -->\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_9 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\" id=\"money\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_9 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_11 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_21 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2>What happens to your money?<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_10 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_10 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_12 et_pb_column et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_22 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3 style=\"color:#0C2244\">Dividing property &amp; debt<\/h3>\n<p>Florida splits only marital property through equitable distribution, a fair division that isn't always 50\/50. What you owned before the marriage usually stays yours. <a href=\"\/divorce\/property-division\/\">See property division &rarr;<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_13 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_23 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3 style=\"color:#0C2244\">Spousal support (alimony)<\/h3>\n<p>Florida's 2023 reform ended permanent alimony for new cases. Remaining types help a spouse retrain, transition, or cover a set number of years. <a href=\"\/alimony\/\">See alimony &rarr;<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_11 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_11 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_14 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_24 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3 style=\"color:#0C2244\">Child support<\/h3>\n<p>Florida uses a set formula (Chapter 61.30) based on both parents' take-home pay, overnights, and costs like health insurance and daycare. <a href=\"\/child-support\/\">See child support &rarr;<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- ===== SECTION 10 \u00b7 VIDEO (M8) ===== -->\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_12 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_12 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_15 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_code_1 et_pb_code et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><div style=\"position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;max-width:860px;margin:0 auto;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #E2E8F0\"><iframe src=\"{{MEDIA_URL:video-florida-divorce}}\" title=\"Divorce in Florida: the basics\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen loading=\"lazy\"><\/iframe><\/div><p style=\"text-align:center;color:#667085;font-size:14px;margin-top:8px\">Divorce in Florida: the basics &mdash; {{VERIFY:video-runtime}}<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- ===== SECTION 11 \u00b7 TESTIMONIALS (M14) \u2014 {{REVIEW}} slots ===== -->\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_13 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_13 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_16 et_pb_column et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_25 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module rf-review-card\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span style=\"color:#588F27\">&#9733;&#9733;&#9733;&#9733;&#9733;<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:8px 0 4px\">&ldquo;{{REVIEW:divorce-1 \u2014 explained every step in plain language and kept me calm}}&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p style=\"color:#667085;font-size:14px;margin:0\">&mdash; {{REVIEW:name-city}}<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_17 et_pb_column et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_26 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module rf-review-card\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span style=\"color:#588F27\">&#9733;&#9733;&#9733;&#9733;&#9733;<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:8px 0 4px\">&ldquo;{{REVIEW:divorce-2 \u2014 fair, honest, never pushed me toward a fight}}&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p style=\"color:#667085;font-size:14px;margin:0\">&mdash; {{REVIEW:name-city}}<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_18 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_27 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module rf-review-card\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span style=\"color:#588F27\">&#9733;&#9733;&#9733;&#9733;&#9733;<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:8px 0 4px\">&ldquo;{{REVIEW:divorce-3 \u2014 I always knew what came next and what it would cost}}&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p style=\"color:#667085;font-size:14px;margin:0\">&mdash; {{REVIEW:name-city}}<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- ===== SECTION 12 \u00b7 FAQ (M6) \u2014 questions pulled live via DataForSEO ===== -->\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_14 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\" id=\"faq\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_14 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_19 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_28 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2>Common questions about divorce in Florida<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_0 et_pb_accordion et_pb_module et_flex_module\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_0 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_open et_flex_module alimony-faq-icon-fix\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in Florida?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content et_flex_module\"><p>Florida law is gender-neutral, so either spouse may receive the same things. That means a fair share of marital property under equitable distribution (not always a 50\/50 split), plus alimony (support) if one spouse needs it and the other can pay. Property owned before the marriage generally stays separate (Chapter 61).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_1 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_flex_module alimony-faq-icon-fix\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">What is the &ldquo;7-year divorce rule&rdquo; in Florida?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content et_flex_module\"><p>There is no 7-year divorce rule in Florida. People often confuse it with alimony: before the 2023 reform, marriage length put cases into short-, moderate-, or long-term brackets that affected support. Length still matters for alimony, but no rule ends a marriage or changes property division at seven years.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_2 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_flex_module alimony-faq-icon-fix\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">How many years do you have to be married in Florida to get alimony?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content et_flex_module\"><p>There is no minimum. A judge can award alimony after a short marriage, though longer marriages more often support longer or larger awards. Since the 2023 reform, Florida looks at each spouse's need and the other's ability to pay, along with marriage length, rather than a fixed year threshold (Chapter 61.08).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_3 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_flex_module alimony-faq-icon-fix\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">What is the easiest way to get divorced in Florida?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content et_flex_module\"><p>The easiest path is a simplified dissolution: available when you have no minor children, neither spouse seeks alimony, and you agree on dividing everything. Both sign and file together. If you have children or any disagreement, an uncontested divorce with a marital settlement agreement is the next simplest route.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_4 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_flex_module alimony-faq-icon-fix\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Do you have to go to court to get divorced in Florida?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content et_flex_module\"><p>Often no. If your divorce is uncontested, most Florida judges finalize it with little or no court time, and some counties handle it on paper. You typically appear before a judge only when you and your spouse can't agree and the case becomes contested.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_5 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_flex_module alimony-faq-icon-fix\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Does it matter who files for divorce first in Florida?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content et_flex_module\"><p>Legally, filing first gives no advantage on property or time-sharing; Florida is no-fault and the outcome doesn't reward the petitioner. Filing first can help practically, letting you choose timing and prepare your finances, but it does not decide who &ldquo;wins&rdquo; any issue in the case.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- ===== SECTION 13 \u00b7 ATTORNEY BYLINE (M7) ===== -->\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_15 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_15 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_20 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_29 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p style=\"border-top:1px solid #E2E8F0;padding-top:16px;font-size:14px;color:#667085\"><strong style=\"color:#0C2244\">Reviewed by Raisa Romaelle, Esq.<\/strong> &middot; Romaelle Family Law Group &middot; Florida Bar No. 86810 &middot; Florida Supreme Court&ndash;certified family mediator &middot; <a href=\"\/attorneys\/raisa-romaelle\/\">Full bio &rarr;<\/a><br \/><span style=\"font-size:12px\">Last reviewed: {{VERIFY:last-reviewed-month}}<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- ===== SECTION 14 \u00b7 CTA BAND + INTAKE FORM (M13) ===== -->\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_16 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\" id=\"contact\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_16 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_21 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_30 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2>Talk to a Florida divorce lawyer<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_31 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p style=\"color:#DCE3EC;text-align:center\">Every divorce is different. A short, free conversation is the fastest way to understand yours: 1. Pick a time &mdash; Orlando, Miami, phone, or secure video. 2. Talk to an attorney about your situation. 3. Leave with a clear read on your options, whether or not you hire us.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_code_2 et_pb_code et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><div class=\"everest-forms\"><script type='text\/javascript'>\n\/* <![CDATA[ *\/\nvar evf_settings = {\"currency_code\":\"USD\",\"currency_thousands\":\",\",\"currency_decimal\":\".\",\"currency_symbol\":\"$\",\"currency_symbol_pos\":\"left\"}\n\/* ]]> *\/\n<\/script>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_1_wrapper\"><a class=\"et_pb_button_1 et_pb_button et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module rf-cta-btn\" href=\"\">Schedule your free consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_32 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p style=\"color:#DCE3EC;text-align:center;font-size:14px\">Free &middot; Confidential &middot; No obligation. We usually reply the same business day. Prefer to call? <a href=\"tel:+13053902100\" style=\"color:#fff\">(305) 390-2100<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-259429","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/softlaunchlife.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/259429","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/softlaunchlife.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/softlaunchlife.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/softlaunchlife.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/softlaunchlife.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=259429"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/softlaunchlife.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/259429\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":259512,"href":"https:\/\/softlaunchlife.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/259429\/revisions\/259512"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/softlaunchlife.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=259429"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}