How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Jacksonville, Florida

As a Jacksonville divorce lawyer, one of the most common questions I hear is: “How long does an uncontested divorce take in Florida?”

The short answer is that, in many Jacksonville uncontested divorce cases, you can expect to have a final hearing with the judge about 4 to 6 weeks after all required documents have been signed, notarized, and returned to my office. That time frame is not guaranteed. Each judge has a different calendar, and occasional scheduling delays can happen.

There is also a minimum waiting period under Florida law. Florida Statute section 61.19 generally requires a judge to wait until at least 20 days have passed from the date the divorce petition is filed before entering a final judgment of dissolution of marriage. A judge may shorten that waiting period if the court finds that injustice would result from the delay. In my experience, that is very unusual. The most common example I have seen is when one party is in the military, is being deployed, and would not be available for a typical final hearing.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Jacksonville?

For most people, the total timeline depends less on the court and more on how quickly the spouses are able to complete, sign, notarize, and return the required documents.

If you and your spouse already have an agreement, the process can move fairly quickly. If there are delays in completing financial affidavits, signing documents, taking the parenting class, or returning paperwork, the case will take longer. These delays may increase your level of frustration, but they do not add to the cost.

Typical Timeline for an Uncontested Divorce in Jacksonville

Step 1: Complete the Client Questionnaire

If you have a verbal agreement with your spouse and are ready to move forward with an uncontested divorce, the first step is to complete my Client Questionnaire.

After you submit the questionnaire, the website will ask you to schedule time on my calendar so that we can discuss your agreement by phone, in person, or by Zoom. You can choose the option that works best for you. In most cases, you can schedule this appointment within a few days after submitting the Client Questionnaire.

Step 2: Preparation of the Uncontested Divorce Documents

After your scheduled appointment and after payment is received, it usually takes me a few days to prepare the documents needed for your uncontested divorce.

Once you receive the documents, you should review each document carefully and let me know if any changes are needed. The goal is to make sure the paperwork accurately reflects the agreement between you and your spouse before anything is signed and filed.

Step 3: Signing and Returning the Documents

This step is often the biggest unknown in the timeline. The question is: how long will it take for you and your spouse to complete, sign, notarize, and return all required documents?

In many uncontested divorce cases, the most common delay is the Financial Affidavit. One or both spouses may need extra time to gather financial information, complete the affidavit, or ask questions about the form. The sooner I receive all completed documents, the sooner I can file the case with the Clerk.

Step 4: Parenting Class for Cases Involving Minor Children

If you and your spouse have minor children together, you will be required to complete the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course. You do not have to take the class together.

Under Florida law, the parenting class must be completed before the judge enters the final judgment. In most dissolution of marriage cases, the petitioner must complete the course within 45 days after the petition is filed, and the other party must complete the course within 45 days after being served. I will provide directions about the parenting class after the case has been filed.

Step 5: The Final Hearing by Zoom

Currently, uncontested divorce final hearings in Jacksonville are typically conducted by Zoom rather than in person at the Duval County Courthouse.

At the Zoom final hearing, I will ask you a few simple questions. Those questions usually include:

1. Your name;
2. Your spouse’s name;
3. Whether you and your spouse have minor children together;
4. Whether any children are expected;
5. How long you have been a continuous resident of the State of Florida;
6. Whether your marriage is irretrievably broken;
7. Whether your marriage could be fixed if the judge ordered you to attend counseling; and
8. Whether you signed the Consent Final Judgment or settlement agreement.

Final hearings in uncontested divorce cases typically take about 5 minutes.

What Can Delay an Uncontested Divorce?

Even when both spouses agree, an uncontested divorce can take longer if:

• One spouse delays signing or notarizing the documents;
• A Financial Affidavit is incomplete or needs corrections;
• The spouses need to revise their agreement;
• The required parenting class has not been completed;
• The judge’s calendar is full; or
• The court requires additional paperwork before setting or approving the final hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uncontested Divorce in Jacksonville

Can I get divorced in less than 20 days in Florida?

Usually, no. Florida law generally requires at least 20 days to pass after the divorce petition is filed before the judge enters the final judgment. A judge can shorten that time period if the court finds that injustice would result from the delay, but that is not common.

Do both spouses have to attend the final hearing?

In almost all cases, no. My client and I must attend the final hearing. The other party is allowed to attend the final hearing, but they are not required to attend the final hearing. However, the specific requirements can depend on the facts of the case and the judge assigned to the case.

Do we have to go to the Duval County Courthouse?

Currently, uncontested divorce final hearings in Jacksonville are typically conducted by Zoom. That means most clients do not have to appear in person at the Duval County Courthouse for the final hearing.

What is usually the biggest cause of delay?

The most common delay is usually waiting for both spouses to complete, sign, notarize, and return all required documents. Financial Affidavits are often the document that takes the longest to complete.

Questions About an Uncontested Divorce in Jacksonville?

If you and your spouse have reached an agreement and want to move forward with an uncontested divorce in Jacksonville, the next step is to complete my Client Questionnaire. After the questionnaire is submitted, you will be able to schedule an appointment to discuss your agreement and the documents needed to finalize the case. Most appointments are done by phone, but can be done in person or over Zoom if you prefer.

If you have questions about an uncontested divorce in Jacksonville, you can call or text my office.