What Is "Dissolution of Marriage"?
Updated: 1 day ago
In Florida, the legal name for divorce is "dissolution of marriage." It's the court process that legally ends your marriage and settles the big questions that come with it: who keeps what, how debts are handled, whether anyone pays support, and how you'll share time with your kids.
Can You File for Dissolution of Marriage in Florida?
To file for divorce here, at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing. It doesn't matter where you got married.
Good News: Florida Is a No-Fault State
You don't have to prove anyone did anything wrong. You simply state that the marriage is "irretrievably broken," meaning it can't be repaired. That keeps the focus on moving forward instead of putting your marriage on trial. (Some conduct, like one spouse draining shared bank accounts, can still matter when it comes to money.)
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce
This is one of the biggest factors in how your divorce will feel.
Uncontested divorce: You and your spouse agree on everything, from property to parenting. These cases usually move faster, cost less and create less stress for everyone.
Contested divorce: You disagree on one or more issues. That's completely normal, and those issues get worked out through negotiation, mediation, or, if needed, a judge.
Florida also offers a "simplified dissolution" for some couples with no minor children who agree on everything. It's quick, but it isn't right for everyone, so it's worth getting advice before choosing it.
The Big Issues You'll Need to Settle:
Dividing property and debts. Florida uses "equitable distribution." The court starts from an equal split of marital assets and debts, then looks at whether something different would be fairer. Property you owned before the marriage, or received as a gift or inheritance, is usually yours to keep.
Alimony. Florida's alimony laws changed in 2023, and permanent alimony is no longer available. Depending on your situation, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative or durational alimony may still apply.
Parenting plans and time-sharing. If you have children, you'll need a parenting plan. It covers schedules, holidays, school decisions and how you'll communicate. Florida calls custody "time-sharing," and every decision centers on your child's best interests.
Child support. Support is calculated using Florida's guidelines, based on both parents' incomes, the children's needs and the time-sharing schedule.
How Long Does a Florida Divorce Take?
There's a minimum 20-day waiting period between filing and the final judgment. An uncontested divorce can wrap up in a few weeks to a few months. A contested case can take a year or more, depending on how many issues are in dispute and how busy the court is.
Do You Really Need a Family Law Attorney?
Technically, you can represent yourself. But divorce decisions can affect your finances, your home and your relationship with your kids for years. A small mistake in a settlement, like forgetting a retirement account or agreeing to a vague parenting schedule, can be hard and expensive to fix later.
A family law attorney helps you:
Understand your rights before you agree to anything
Spot assets, debts and details that are easy to overlook
Negotiate calmly when emotions are running high
Build a parenting plan that actually works in real life
Be ready for court if agreement isn't possible
Why Families Choose Gerdts Bucelo Law
At Gerdts Bucelo Law, we know divorce isn't just a legal case. It's your life, and it's changing. That's why we do things a little differently. As a boutique firm in Coral Gables, we never hand you off to a rotating team. You work directly with Cristy from your first conversation to the final judgment. We explain everything in plain language, in English or Spanish, so nothing gets lost in translation. Our real-time case updates mean you always know where things stand. We aim for agreement whenever it's in your best interest, because a peaceful resolution is usually better for everyone, especially kids. But we prepare every case as if it's going to trial, so you negotiate from a position of strength.
Divorce is a big chapter, but it isn't the whole story. With clear information and the right family law attorney beside you, you can get through it, protect what matters most, and start building what comes next. When you're ready to talk about your situation, we're here to listen. Contact us at (305) 505 2178, or email us cristy@gerdtsbucelolaw.com.
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