Uncontested Divorce Lawyers in St. Petersburg & Pinellas County

The consequences of a contested divorce can be avoided if you and your spouse agree to come to terms outside of court. Even on issues where you disagree, you may be able to effectively work the matter out with the help of an attorney skilled in clarifying the issues, negotiating with the other side, and working to help resolve the matter without adversarial litigation.

Are Court Hearings Required in Uncontested Divorce?

In some states, court hearings are required for an uncontested divorce. However, in others, they are not. Florida is one state that does not require court hearings for an uncontested divorce. Your petition can be filed with all necessary paperwork regarding your property and debt division, child custody and parenting plan, child support agreement, and alimony agreement. 

Florida uncontested divorces can take as little as 30 days up to three months to finalize. Our state requires a minimum 20-day waiting period between the filing and the court’s finalization of the divorce decree. 

Does Florida Have a Streamlined Divorce Process?

Florida has a streamlined divorce known as a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage that can significantly simplify the process. 

To qualify for this type of divorce, the parties must meet specific requirements, including the following:

• Both parties agree to the divorce and are seeking a no-fault divorce
• The couple has no minor children, and the wife is not pregnant
• The couple has reached an agreement on property division and debt allocation
• Neither party is seeking alimony
• Both parties are willing to appear together at the final hearing

How Can an Uncontested Divorce Attorney Help Me?

An uncontested divorce attorney can help you navigate the legal process of obtaining a divorce when both spouses agree on all key issues, such as division of assets and debts, child custody, and spousal support. Here are some ways an uncontested divorce attorney can assist you:

• Legal advice: An attorney can explain the divorce process, your rights, and the legal implications of decisions you make.
• Paperwork preparation: An attorney can help you prepare and file the necessary paperwork to initiate the divorce process and finalize the divorce agreement.
• Negotiation: Even in an uncontested divorce, there may be issues that require negotiation. An attorney can help you reach agreements with your spouse on these issues.
• Mediation: If there are disagreements that cannot be resolved directly between you and your spouse, an attorney can help facilitate mediation to reach a resolution.
• Court representation: While uncontested divorces are typically less adversarial and may not require a court appearance, an attorney can represent you in court if necessary.
• Legal protection: An attorney can ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the divorce process.
• Finalizing the divorce: An attorney can guide you through the final steps of the divorce process, including obtaining a final divorce decree.

Overall, an uncontested divorce attorney can provide you with the legal expertise and support you need to achieve a smooth and efficient divorce process.