How Long Does it Take to Get a Collaborative Divorce in Florida?

Are you considering using the collaborative divorce process in Florida? You may be wondering: How long can I expect a collaborative divorce to take? The short answer is “it depends.” With that being said, many people can finalize their collaborative divorce in less than six months. At the Law Office of Gale H. Moore P.A., we have extensive experience with collaborative divorce. Here, our Clearwater collaborative divorce lawyer provides a more detailed overview of the duration of the process.

An Overview of the Data: The Length of the Collaborative Divorce Process

How long it takes to get a divorce can vary dramatically from case-to-case. With that being said, settled divorces are generally finalized far more quickly than contested divorce. Collaborative divorce is often a great tool for moving a divorce to a mutually-agreeable settlement. According to data from the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals (FACP), most collaborative divorces in Florida are fully resolved within six months and the overwhelming majority are resolved within nine months:

• 78 Percent of Collaborative Divorces in Florida are Completed Within Six Months
• 91 Percent of Collaborative Divorces in Florida are Completed Within Nine Months

Statutory Requirements and Procedural Steps Still Apply in a Collaborative

It is important to emphasize that Florida’s collaborative process operates within the broader structure of Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes. Parties must still file a petition for dissolution of marriage and satisfy jurisdictional requirements, including the six-month residency rule. Mandatory financial disclosure under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285 applies unless it is probably waived. Even in a collaborative setting, each party must produce sworn financial affidavits, tax returns, and supporting documentation. Courts have authority to review and approve the final settlement agreement (and, if there is one, the parenting plan) to ensure compliance with Florida law and the best interests of the child. However, no statutory waiting period as long as there is procedural compliance.

Cooperation and Good-Faith Participation are Key to the Collaborative Divorce Process 

As noted previously, the most comprehensive data shows that more than 90 percent of collaborative divorces in Florida are resolved within nine months of the start of the process. Collaborative divorce depends on voluntary participation and a signed collaborative participation agreement. Parties commit to full, candid disclosure and to resolving disputes without court intervention. A breakdown in cooperation can halt progress immediately. If either party withholds information, delays document production, or adopts adversarial positions, the process slows or even terminates. In Florida, a contested divorce (one that requires litigation) can take well over a year. 

Speak to Our Clearwater, FL Collaborative Divorce Lawyer Today

At the Law Office of Gale H. Moore P.A., our Clearwater collaborative divorce attorney is standing by, ready to help you determine the best path forward in your case. Have questions? We can help. Contact us today to set up a completely confidential, no obligation initial consultation. With an office in Largo, we handle collaborative divorce in Clearwater and throughout all of Pinellas County.

Source:

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