I’m currently facing a difficult situation and contemplating divorce in Florida. I’m curious about the typical timeline for a default divorce process in this state. If anyone has been through a similar experience or has insights into how long it generally takes and what steps are involved, I would greatly appreciate your advice and perspective. Understanding this process better would help me navigate this emotional journey more confidently. Thank you.
If your husband fails to react to the divorce papers, you may be able to file a default divorce in Florida. It usually takes at least eighty days. Here’s a simple breakdown:
First, you file a divorce petition outlining your preferences for child custody, alimony, and property allocation (if appropriate). Then, your spouse is served with the papers and has 20 days to react. If they do not react within 20 days, you may petition the court for a default judgement in your favour. There may be a final hearing, but your spouse’s absence should not prevent the divorce from being completed.
Submit an Ex Parte order; this is a last-minute directive to modify custody or visitation. Describe the situation, what happened, the visits and calls she has scheduled, the fact that she consistently avoids coparenting, and the request for you to see your kids. If she does not answer in six months, you can file for divorce without her objecting and divide whatever you can between the two of you. She will have to obey orders; if not, she should notify the police.