Understanding the Divorce Timeline Once Proceeding Starts
Divorce can be a time-consuming process and is full of plenty of starts and stops, especially when it is a contested divorce. Understanding the timeline for a Florida divorce is important to ensuring that your rights are protected and that the process is able to move forward as quickly as possible.
As a no-fault state for divorce, the only reason you and your spouse need to file for divorce in Florida is that there are “irreconcilable differences” in your marriage – no one person needs to be “at fault.” Once you have filed your petition for divorce, your spouse will need to be notified and receive the paperwork directly in-hand from a process server.
In several circuits in South Florida including Miami-Dade County, a “status quo” order must also be served with the divorce petition. This type of order means that both parties must maintain financial and familial “status quo” once the divorce proceedings start. Status quo means that one parent can’t take a child and move across the country, for example or one spouse can’t stop paying all of the household bills that they use to pay. This order is intended to keep matters in a holding pattern of sorts until a court determination has been made on the case.
Once the documents have been drafted and served, the following steps also occur: financial discovery and exchanging documents for both parties, mediation, and trial, among other potential motions along the way. The entire process for a contested divorce can take 6-9 months or longer depending on the circumstances.
If you have questions about the timeline for a Florida divorce or are unsure where to turn next with your concerns about family law issues, we are here to help. Our experienced team of family law lawyers will guide you through understanding your options and help you pursue the best path forward for your situation. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
About the Author
Vanessa Vasquez de Lara is a Miami divorce lawyer, author, and legal commentator with more than 20 years of experience helping families navigate divorce, child custody disputes, and complex family law matters throughout Florida. She is the founder and managing partner of Vasquez de Lara Law Group, one of the largest family-law-only firms serving Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with a team of attorneys dedicated exclusively to divorce and family law.
A graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, Vanessa has been recognized for her professional excellence by being named to the Super Lawyers list every year since 2016. She is also the author of the bestselling book “The Florida Man’s Guide to Getting Divorced” which provides practical insight into the legal, financial, and personal realities of divorce in Florida.
Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Vanessa is frequently invited to provide legal commentary on family law issues in national media, including appearances on NBC and Univision’s Despierta América.
Beyond her legal work, Vanessa is the founder of the Ricky Supreme Scholars Foundation, created in honor of her brother who lost his life to gun violence. Through the foundation, she provides scholarships to high school students to help them pursue higher education and build brighter futures.
Connect with Vanessa:
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