Divorce
Uncontested, mediated, contested, collaborative, or DIY-with-support — Florida gives you more than one way to divorce. Here’s how each works, and the four issues every divorce has to resolve.
Not every divorce is the same divorce
Uncontested
You and your spouse agree on the major terms. The fastest, cheapest path — done right so the agreement actually holds.
Mediated
A neutral mediator helps you close the remaining gaps and build an enforceable agreement — in English or Spanish.
Contested / Litigated
When money or the kids are genuinely disputed, you want a lawyer running the whole case.
Collaborative
A structured, out-of-court process where both sides commit to settling without litigation.
DIY with support
Handle your own case with attorney coaching and paralegal drafting behind you.
What a Florida divorce actually decides
Whatever path you take, a divorce resolves four things. Understanding them up front is the difference between signing something you understand and signing something you’ll fight about later:
- Equitable distribution — how marital property and debt are divided (see the glossary on equitable distribution).
- Alimony — whether spousal support is owed, and which of Florida’s four types applies (more on alimony).
- Parental responsibility & timesharing — decision-making and the parenting schedule (custody & parenting).
- Child support — calculated under Florida’s income-shares model (child support).
Straight answers
Does adultery affect a Florida divorce?
Adultery doesn’t get you a “better” divorce — Florida is a no-fault state. But financial misconduct tied to an affair (spending marital money on it) can matter to equitable distribution.
How long does an uncontested divorce take?
Once the paperwork is correct and both spouses agree, an uncontested divorce can move quickly. The delays are almost always missing disclosures or unenforceable language — exactly what our packages prevent.
Do we each need our own lawyer?
Not always. If you agree on most terms, mediation or DIY coaching may be enough. If there’s real conflict, full representation protects you. We’ll tell you honestly which fits.
Keep reading
Not sure which way in fits your case?
Tell us your situation and we’ll route you to the right level of help — no hard sell.
Divorce in Florida — on video
From our YouTube channel. See all playlists →