How Long Does A Contested Divorce Take In Orlando?
If you are going through a divorce and your spouse disagrees on even one major issue, you are in what Florida courts call a contested divorce. That one word, “contested,” can mean a very different experience than a quick, straightforward split. So what does the timeline actually look like? And what can make it longer or shorter? Here is what you should know.
What Makes a Divorce “Contested” in Florida?
A divorce becomes contested the moment both spouses cannot agree on every aspect of the separation. That could mean a dispute over who keeps the house, how retirement accounts are divided, who the children will primarily live with, whether alimony will be paid, or how much child support one parent owes. You do not have to disagree on everything for a divorce to be contested; one unresolved issue is enough.
It is also worth knowing that Florida law has a mandatory waiting period built in. Under Florida Statute § 61.19, a judge cannot finalize any divorce until at least 20 days have passed from the date the petition is filed. This is true even if both parties cooperate from the very beginning.
How Long Does a Contested Divorce Typically Take?
The short answer: it depends, but you should expect at least six months at a minimum, and often much longer. Here is a general idea of the stages involved and how each one adds to the total time:
- Filing and service of process: The process starts when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. The other spouse must then be formally served, which can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
- Mandatory disclosure: Both parties are required to exchange financial documents. Delays in gathering or producing records can slow this stage considerably.
- Discovery: In contested cases, attorneys may conduct depositions, send written questions (interrogatories), and request additional documentation. This phase alone can take several months in complex situations.
- Mediation: Florida courts generally require divorcing spouses to attempt mediation before going to trial. Many cases settle here, which can shorten the overall timeline.
- Trial: If mediation does not resolve the outstanding issues, the case proceeds to a judge. Court scheduling and judicial calendars in Orange County can add weeks or months before a hearing date is available.
- Final judgment: Once the judge rules, the divorce is finalized.
For most contested divorces in Orlando, the process takes somewhere between six and eighteen months. Cases involving significant assets, business valuations, or high-conflict custody disputes can stretch beyond two years.
What Factors Can Make Your Case Take Longer?
Are there things within your control that could speed things up or drag things out? Absolutely. The following factors tend to extend a contested divorce timeline:
- Disputes over child custody or time-sharing arrangements
- High-value or complex marital assets, such as businesses or real estate portfolios
- One spouse failing to respond to discovery requests in a timely manner
- Difficulty serving the other spouse
- Crowded court dockets in Orange County
- Disagreements that require expert witnesses, such as forensic accountants or custody evaluators
On the other hand, a willingness to communicate and negotiate in good faith, especially during mediation, can meaningfully reduce the time and expense involved.
Contact Our Divorce Lawyers Today
Navigating a contested divorce on your own is rarely a good idea, especially when children, property, or long-term financial support are on the line. At Greater Orlando Family Law, we are here to help you understand your options and work toward a resolution that makes sense for your situation. If you are ready to take the next step, we encourage you to reach out to our Orlando contested divorce attorneys for a consultation. We work with clients throughout the Greater Orlando area and are ready to listen.
