Divorce, or the dissolution of a marital relationship, is usually a complex process. Couples have to separate their finances and may have to make arrangements for sharing parental responsibilities. Spouses either spend weeks negotiating terms with one another or petition the courts to have a judge address the terms on which they currently disagree.
The more time that people spend on their divorces, the more costly the process becomes. Particularly when a family law judge has to make major decisions for a couple, the expense and time required to end a marriage can increase substantially. Many couples might hope to pursue a faster, simpler divorce if possible.
In some cases, divorcing couples in Florida may qualify for a simplified dissolution process. In a simplified dissolution, spouses do not need a judge to rule on contested issues. They can usually keep their costs lower and complete the divorce process more quickly.
Which couples may be eligible for a simplified dissolution instead of a litigated divorce?
There are clear standards for simplified dissolution
One of the first requirements for simplified dissolution proceedings is that both spouses agree to the process. Not only do they agree to pursue a simplified dissolution, but they also agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken. They can then move forward with a simplified no-fault filing provided they meet other requirements.
The spouses usually need to have already agreed on terms for the division of their marital property and debts. At least one of the spouses must have lived in Florida for at least the last six months to legally file for divorce in the state. Neither spouse can request alimony.
Finally, there can be no minor children involved. Additionally, neither spouse can be pregnant. Couples can sometimes attend mediation sessions or negotiate through their lawyers to resolve property division matters and qualify for simplified dissolution proceedings.
Couples with children who do not qualify for simplified dissolution can still achieve an uncontested divorce where they set their own terms. They simply aren’t eligible for a simplified dissolution. Learning more about the different approaches to divorce in Florida can help people choose the best path forward. Simplified divorce proceedings can be a faster, more cost-effective solution for those who do not have dependent children and who can agree on specific financial terms.