Divorce: Divorce is a process.
I’ll walk you through it.

I’m Chris Taylor, a Jacksonville divorce and family law attorney with decades of experience. If you are facing divorce, you do not have to go through the process alone. This page explains what to expect and the decisions you will need to make along the way.

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The process

What a divorce actually looks like.

Most of my clients have never been through a divorce before. One of the hardest parts is simply not knowing what comes next. Every case is different, but most Florida divorces move through some version of the same process. Here is what that process generally looks like.

01

We talk.

We start with your situation. You tell me what is happening, what matters most to you, and what concerns you have. I explain the issues I see, what your options are, and what I think is the best way to move forward.
02

The case gets filed.

A divorce begins when one spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage. The other spouse is then formally served, or accepts service, and has an opportunity to respond. Whether you are filing the case or responding to one, I prepare the necessary pleadings and guide you through the next steps.
03

Both sides disclose their finances.

Florida generally requires both spouses to exchange financial information and supporting documents. That includes information about income, assets, debts, expenses, and other financial issues that may affect the case. Additional discovery may also be necessary if we need information beyond the required financial disclosure. This is often where careful preparation makes a significant difference.
04

We work toward a resolution.

Once we understand the financial picture and the issues involving the children, we can begin working toward resolution. Many cases settle through direct negotiation, mediation, or a combination of both. If the case cannot be resolved through negotiation, the court will generally require the parties to attend mediation before trial. We will prepare for mediation so you understand the issues, the areas of disagreement, and the possible outcomes before mediation begins. Mediation gives you and your spouse an opportunity to resolve some or all of the disputed issues rather than leaving those decisions to a judge. When children are involved, reaching a workable agreement can also give parents more control over the details of their parenting plan than they would have after a contested trial.
05

If necessary, we prepare for trial.

While most cases settle through negotiation or mediation, not every case settles. If you and your spouse are unable to resolve some or all of the issues, the court will ultimately decide the remaining issues at trial. If a trial is necessary, we will identify the evidence that needs to be presented, determine which witnesses and experts may be needed, and organize the case so you are prepared to present it to the court.

The timing of each divorce is different.
How long the process takes depends on the issues involved, the information that must be exchanged, the court’s schedule, and how much you and your spouse are able to resolve along the way. When the parties are able to reach an agreement, the case can often be resolved much more quickly. In complex contested cases, the process can take considerably longer.

What's decided

Five areas the court may address in a divorce.

Whether your case is simple or complex, a Florida divorce may require several core issues to be resolved. Which ones are straightforward and which ones require more attention depends on the facts of your case.

At the case review, I will explain which issues are likely to be relatively simple and which ones may require more preparation.

How property and debt are divided.
The home, retirement accounts, businesses, bank accounts, investments, and debts may all need to be addressed. Careful preparation is important so we understand what exists, how it should be classified, and what needs to be divided.

How parenting time is shared.
If you have children, a parenting plan establishes the time-sharing schedule and how important decisions concerning the children will be made.

Child support.
Child support is generally determined under Florida’s guidelines based on the parties’ incomes, the time-sharing schedule, and certain child-related expenses.

Alimony.
Alimony depends on one spouse’s need for support and the other spouse’s ability to pay. If alimony is appropriate, the amount and duration will depend on the facts of the marriage and the parties’ financial circumstances.

Attorney’s fees.
The court may require one spouse to contribute to the other spouse’s attorney’s fees based on need and ability to pay. The goal is to help ensure that both parties have a meaningful opportunity to obtain legal representation and present their case.

Two paths

Which path is yours?

Some divorces are largely resolved before the case is filed. Others require the parties to work through one or more disputed issues. The process depends on what has already been agreed upon and what still needs to be resolved.

Uncontested divorce

You and your spouse have reached an agreement on the issues that need to be resolved. An uncontested divorce is generally a simpler and more efficient process.

See uncontested divorce

Contested divorce

You and your spouse disagree on one or more important issues. Those issues may involve property, debt, alimony, child support, parenting matters, or attorney’s fees. The case may be resolved through negotiation or mediation, or, if necessary, decided by the court at trial.

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Common questions

Questions people ask me.

How long does a divorce take in Florida?

The timing depends largely on how much you and your spouse are able to agree upon and how complicated the remaining issues are.

An uncontested divorce can sometimes be completed within 30 to 60 days once the required paperwork, financial disclosures, and any required parenting course have been completed. Cases that resolve through mediation often take several months. A contested case involving significant disputed issues can take a year or longer.

These are only general estimates. The actual timing of any divorce depends on the facts of the case, the issues that need to be resolved, and the court’s schedule.

Do I have to go to court?

Most divorce cases are resolved without a trial through negotiation or mediation. Depending on the case, you may still need to attend a hearing or final proceeding even if an agreement is reached.

If your case does require a trial, we will prepare for it together so you understand what to expect and what will need to be presented.

What if my spouse and I agree on everything?

An uncontested divorce may be the right path if you understand the marital financial picture and are comfortable that the agreement is fair. It is generally faster and less expensive than a contested divorce.

After consulting with two other lawyers I retained Mr. Taylor and so happy that I did. He was up front and provided me with all possibilities. He is approachable and helpful.

Bill

Two decades of practice
Divorce and family law exclusively
10/10 Avvo rating
Barrister, Florida Family Law Inn of Court

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