- posted: Mar. 27, 2025
- Divorce
If you and your spouse are breaking up and are unable to agree on key issues like money, property or parenting, your Florida court case will go on a contested track. This can significantly increase the length of time you can expect the case to take. Depending on a number of factors, a contested divorce can take anywhere from four months to two years. However, there are ways to help move things along.
The first phase of a contested divorce is discovery, in which both parties have the opportunity to collect information from each other through various means such as document requests, interrogatories, and depositions. This phase is critical for gathering financial documents and information. Cooperation during discovery can greatly improve the pace of the proceedings.
Assistance of an experienced Florida divorce attorney can speed up the discovery process. A proficient attorney will ensure that all necessary documents are gathered and submitted promptly and will handle reasonable requests from the opposing party swiftly.
The timeline of a contested divorce is also affected by the court’s schedule. There may be several hearings, depending on what motions may be necessary. Delays are common due to limited court resources. Once a trial is set, it may last anywhere from one day to several days based on the complexity of the issues and the amount of testimony and other evidence presented. After the trial, the issuance of the judge’s final ruling can take additional weeks.
Mediation can be effective in shortening the timeline of a contested divorce. This process involves a neutral third party who helps the divorcing spouses negotiate and reach agreements outside of court. In Florida, mediation is typically required in contested divorces that involve disputes over child custody, visitation, support, or the division of marital property. Entering mediation with a willingness to compromise can greatly reduce the overall duration of the divorce.
Palma Family Law, P.A., based in Tampa, is dedicated to guiding clients through the divorce process with as much ease and speed as possible. We will devise personalized and effective legal solutions tailored to your unique circumstances. Call us today at 813-258-3211 or you can conveniently and expeditiously book your appointment online.
- posted: Mar. 27, 2025
- Divorce
If you and your spouse are breaking up and are unable to agree on key issues like money, property or parenting, your Florida court case will go on a contested track. This can significantly increase the length of time you can expect the case to take. Depending on a number of factors, a contested divorce can take anywhere from four months to two years. However, there are ways to help move things along.
The first phase of a contested divorce is discovery, in which both parties have the opportunity to collect information from each other through various means such as document requests, interrogatories, and depositions. This phase is critical for gathering financial documents and information. Cooperation during discovery can greatly improve the pace of the proceedings.
Assistance of an experienced Florida divorce attorney can speed up the discovery process. A proficient attorney will ensure that all necessary documents are gathered and submitted promptly and will handle reasonable requests from the opposing party swiftly.
The timeline of a contested divorce is also affected by the court’s schedule. There may be several hearings, depending on what motions may be necessary. Delays are common due to limited court resources. Once a trial is set, it may last anywhere from one day to several days based on the complexity of the issues and the amount of testimony and other evidence presented. After the trial, the issuance of the judge’s final ruling can take additional weeks.
Mediation can be effective in shortening the timeline of a contested divorce. This process involves a neutral third party who helps the divorcing spouses negotiate and reach agreements outside of court. In Florida, mediation is typically required in contested divorces that involve disputes over child custody, visitation, support, or the division of marital property. Entering mediation with a willingness to compromise can greatly reduce the overall duration of the divorce.
Palma Family Law, P.A., based in Tampa, is dedicated to guiding clients through the divorce process with as much ease and speed as possible. We will devise personalized and effective legal solutions tailored to your unique circumstances. Call us today at 813-258-3211 or you can conveniently and expeditiously book your appointment online.
