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What Is a Fast Divorce in Florida?
A “fast divorce” isn’t a separate legal category — it refers to the fastest available dissolution paths under Florida law. The quickest option is simplified dissolution (Form 12.901(a)), which can be finalized in approximately 4–5 weeks [1]. A regular uncontested divorce where both spouses agree typically takes 2–4 months, while a default divorce — where the other spouse doesn’t respond — can be completed in 6–8 weeks [2].
The common thread is agreement and efficiency. When both spouses cooperate (or when one doesn’t respond), the court process moves quickly because there’s nothing to litigate. No depositions, no trial, no months of discovery. You file, you wait through the mandatory 20-day period under F.S. § 61.19, and you attend a brief final hearing [3].
At Sacks & Sacks, I’ve handled hundreds of fast divorces for Jacksonville families. The key differentiator isn’t just which path you choose — it’s how quickly your attorney can get your paperwork right the first time. Errors and omissions are the number one reason “fast” divorces get delayed.
Simplified Dissolution: The Fastest Path (4–5 Weeks)
Florida’s simplified dissolution under F.S. § 61.052(2) is the fastest way to legally end a marriage. It was designed for couples with straightforward situations who agree on everything. The entire process can be completed in approximately 30 days from filing [1].
To qualify for simplified dissolution in Florida, you must meet all of these requirements:
- No minor or dependent children — and the wife is not pregnant
- Both spouses agree on division of all property and debts
- Neither spouse seeks alimony
- Both spouses file a joint petition — Form 12.901(a) [4]
- At least one spouse has lived in Florida for 6+ months
- Both spouses attend the final hearing together
The tradeoff for speed is significant: simplified dissolution waives your right to a trial and your right to appeal. Once the judge signs the final judgment, it’s done. That’s why having an attorney review your settlement agreement before filing is critical — you won’t get a second chance to fix an unfair deal.
Regular Uncontested Divorce: Fast with More Flexibility (2–4 Months)
If you have children, need alimony, or don’t meet simplified dissolution requirements, a regular uncontested divorce is your next fastest option. It typically takes 2–4 months in Duval County [1].
The key requirement is the same: both spouses must agree on all terms. The difference is that regular uncontested divorce allows:
- Minor children (with a parenting plan and child support agreement)
- Alimony provisions in the marital settlement agreement
- One spouse to file and serve the other (rather than a joint petition)
- Only the petitioner to attend the final hearing (respondent attendance optional)
- Full appeal rights preserved
The extra time comes from the service-and-response process. After the petition is filed, the other spouse has 20 days to respond. Then there’s the 20-day mandatory waiting period before a final hearing can be scheduled. But when your paperwork is prepared correctly and filed promptly, the process moves through the system quickly.
Default Divorce: When Your Spouse Won’t Respond (6–8 Weeks)
Sometimes one spouse wants a fast divorce but the other won’t cooperate — or can’t be found. Florida law provides a solution: default divorce under FL Family Law Rule 12.140 [2].
Here’s how it works:
- File the petition and have your spouse formally served
- Wait 20 days — if your spouse doesn’t file a response, they’re in default
- File a Motion for Default with the Duval County Clerk
- Attend a final hearing — the judge reviews your proposed terms and enters a final judgment
In a default divorce, the court can grant the terms you requested in your petition — including child custody, support, and property division — without your spouse’s participation. However, the judge still reviews the terms for fairness, especially when children are involved.
Default divorce is faster than a contested case but requires proper service. If your spouse was never properly served, any default judgment can be overturned. I make sure the service is documented correctly so your judgment stands.
How Much Does a Fast Divorce Cost in Jacksonville?
A fast divorce in Jacksonville costs significantly less than a contested divorce because it eliminates the expenses that make litigation expensive — discovery, depositions, expert witnesses, and multiple court hearings [5].
Here’s what you’ll typically pay:
- Duval County filing fee: $409 (same for simplified and regular dissolution) [1]
- Attorney fees: $1,500–$3,000 for an uncontested or simplified case (flat fee at our firm)
- Service of process: $0 if your spouse signs a waiver; up to $50 for formal service
- Parenting course: $25–$40 per person if you have minor children (required under F.S. § 61.21) [6]
Total: approximately $1,900–$3,500 — compared to $15,000–$55,000+ for a contested divorce with trial.
At Sacks & Sacks, we offer flat-fee pricing for fast divorces. You know exactly what you’ll pay before we start. No hourly billing surprises, no $5,000 retainer demands.
Same-Day Document Preparation at Sacks & Sacks
The single biggest cause of divorce delays isn’t the court — it’s the paperwork. Incomplete forms, missing financial disclosures, and formatting errors send cases back to square one. At Sacks & Sacks, I eliminate that bottleneck with same-day document preparation.
Here’s how it works: you come to our Jacksonville office with your financial information and the details of your agreement with your spouse. I prepare your complete divorce packet — petition, marital settlement agreement, financial affidavit, and all required forms — while you’re here. You leave with everything ready to file.
This isn’t a document preparation mill. I’m a licensed Florida attorney with over 25 years of family law experience. I review every term of your agreement, flag potential problems, and make sure your paperwork will pass the judge’s review the first time. That’s the difference between “fast” and “fast and done right.”
Florida Requirements for Filing a Fast Divorce
Regardless of which fast path you choose, Florida has baseline requirements that apply to every dissolution of marriage [3]:
- Residency: At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for 6 months before filing (F.S. § 61.021)
- Grounds: Florida is a no-fault state — you only need to state the marriage is “irretrievably broken” (F.S. § 61.052)
- Financial disclosure: Both spouses must complete a financial affidavit (Form 12.902(b) or 12.902(c)) — even in simplified cases
- Waiting period: 20 days from filing before a final judgment can be entered (F.S. § 61.19)
- Parenting course: Required for all cases with minor children — 4-hour minimum, petitioner within 45 days, respondent within 45 days of service (F.S. § 61.21) [6]
There is no mandatory separation period in Florida. You don’t have to live apart before filing. And unlike some states, Florida doesn’t impose a 60-day or 90-day waiting period — the 20-day minimum is one of the shortest in the country.
Documents You Need for a Fast Divorce
Having the right documents ready before your appointment speeds up the entire process. Here’s what to bring:
For all fast divorces:
- Marriage certificate (or date and location of marriage)
- Both spouses’ full legal names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers
- Employment and income information for both spouses
- List of all assets: real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments
- List of all debts: mortgage, car loans, credit cards, student loans
- Agreement on how to divide property and debts
If you have children, also bring:
- Children’s names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers
- Proposed parenting plan (time-sharing schedule)
- Childcare and health insurance cost information
- Each parent’s work schedule
When you come to Sacks & Sacks with these documents, I can prepare your entire filing packet in a single visit. The more organized you are coming in, the faster we move.
7 Mistakes That Slow Down a Fast Divorce
I’ve seen hundreds of Jacksonville divorces delayed by avoidable errors. Here are the most common:
- Incomplete financial affidavit — Judges won’t approve a settlement if financial disclosure is missing or inconsistent. Both spouses must complete this form fully.
- Wrong divorce type — Filing for simplified dissolution when you have children or want alimony means starting over with the correct forms.
- Improper service — If your spouse isn’t served correctly, the entire case can be thrown out. Use a process server or ensure the waiver of service is properly executed.
- Unsigned or unnotarized documents — Several forms require notarization. Missing signatures send paperwork back to the clerk.
- No marital settlement agreement — Even in a simplified dissolution, you need a written agreement on property and debt division. Verbal agreements don’t count.
- Skipping the parenting course — If you have children, both parents must complete the 4-hour course before the final hearing. The judge will not schedule your hearing without certificates of completion [6].
- Changing your mind mid-process — If one spouse decides they want alimony or disagrees on property terms after filing, your uncontested case becomes contested. Reach full agreement before filing.
Can You Get a Fast Divorce with Children?
Yes — but you cannot use simplified dissolution. If you have minor or dependent children, a regular uncontested divorce is your fastest path (2–4 months in Duval County) [1].
To keep it fast, you and your spouse need to agree on:
- Time-sharing schedule: Florida’s 50/50 custody presumption (effective July 1, 2023 under Ch. 2023-301) means courts start from equal time-sharing
- Parenting plan: A detailed plan covering holidays, vacations, school schedules, and decision-making authority
- Child support: Calculated using Florida’s Income Shares Model (F.S. § 61.30), based on both parents’ incomes and the time-sharing arrangement
- Health insurance and childcare costs: How these are split between parents
Both parents must also complete a court-approved 4-hour parenting course (F.S. § 61.21). The petitioner has 45 days from filing; the respondent has 45 days from service [6]. Online courses are available and typically cost $25–$40.
Property Division in a Fast Divorce
Speed doesn’t mean skipping the details on property. Florida follows equitable distribution (F.S. § 61.075), meaning marital property is divided fairly — not necessarily 50/50 [3].
In a fast divorce, you and your spouse decide the split — not a judge. Your marital settlement agreement (MSA) should address:
- Real estate: Who keeps the marital home? Is it being sold? How is equity divided?
- Vehicles: Who keeps which car? Who’s responsible for any remaining loan?
- Bank accounts and investments: How are checking, savings, and brokerage accounts split?
- Retirement accounts: 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions may require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)
- Debts: Credit cards, mortgages, student loans, medical bills — who pays what?
The advantage of a fast divorce is that you control the outcome. In a contested case, a judge divides your property after reviewing evidence — and neither side may be happy with the result. When you agree on terms beforehand, you both walk away with the division you chose.
Alimony in a Fast Divorce (2023 Reform Impact)
If you’re using simplified dissolution, neither spouse can request alimony — that’s one of the eligibility requirements. But in a regular uncontested divorce, alimony can be included in your settlement agreement [7].
Florida’s 2023 alimony reform (SB 1416, Ch. 2023-301) changed the landscape significantly:
- Permanent alimony eliminated — no longer available for any marriage length
- Three types remain: bridge-the-gap (up to 2 years), rehabilitative (up to 5 years), and durational (tied to marriage length)
- 35% income cap: Alimony cannot exceed 35% of the difference between the spouses’ net incomes or the recipient’s reasonable need, whichever is less
- Marriage length thresholds: Under 3 years = generally no alimony; short-term (3–10 years) = up to 50% of marriage length; moderate (10–20 years) = up to 60%; long-term (20+ years) = up to 75%
In a fast divorce, you can agree to alimony terms that differ from what a court would order — as long as both spouses consent. Many couples use this flexibility to structure payments that work for both parties’ financial situations.
Why Choose Adam Sacks for Your Fast Divorce
I started my career as a prosecutor for the State of Florida, which taught me how to prepare cases quickly and correctly. When I moved into family law over 20 years ago, I brought that same efficiency to divorce cases. I don’t let paperwork sit on a desk for weeks. When you come to my office, your documents are prepared that day — not “sometime this week” or “within 10 business days.”
I’m also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, which means I’ve seen what happens when divorces go sideways. Couples who thought they agreed on everything walk into my office after their DIY filing got rejected, or after they realized their settlement agreement left out critical details. My job is to make sure your fast divorce actually stays fast — no rejected filings, no do-overs, no surprises at the final hearing.
Adam Sacks earned his J.D. from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, where he received a Book Award for top academic achievement. He served as an Assistant State Attorney in Seminole County before transitioning to private family law practice. He is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator and has been a member of the Florida Bar (Bar #248370) since 2000. At Sacks & Sacks, Adam and his wife Melanie — one of Jacksonville’s most experienced bankruptcy attorneys — provide personal, family-run legal representation.
What Happens When You Call
Here’s exactly what to expect when you contact our office:
- Free phone consultation — You talk directly to me. I’ll ask about your situation, confirm which fast divorce path fits, and tell you exactly what to bring to your appointment. No charge, no obligation.
- Same-day office visit — Bring your financial information and your agreement terms. I prepare your complete divorce packet — petition, MSA, financial affidavit, all required forms — while you’re here. You leave with everything ready to file.
- Filing and service — We file your petition with the Duval County Clerk ($409 filing fee). If your spouse needs to be served, we coordinate that. If it’s a simplified dissolution, both of you file together.
- Final hearing — After the 20-day waiting period, we schedule your final hearing. I prepare you for what the judge will ask. The hearing typically takes 15–30 minutes — and you walk out divorced.
The whole process can be done in as little as 4–5 weeks for simplified cases, or 2–4 months for regular uncontested divorces with children.
Ready to move forward? Call (904) 396-5557 for your free consultation. Same-day document preparation — leave your first appointment with everything ready to file.
What Our Clients Say
Hackie G. — “Adam is a wonderful attorney, he is always on top of things and is very dedicated. He worked hard for us, and we are blessed to have had him represent us.” — Google Review
Robert — “Adam Sacks’ work ethic and dedication stood out since day one. He was not only understanding of my situation but provided expert guidance every step of the way.” — Google Review
Linda J. — “Adam Sacks is the best family law attorney I have ever known. He treated me like a person — never just another case.” — Google Review
Frequently Asked Questions About Fast Divorce in Jacksonville
What is the fastest way to get divorced in Florida?
The fastest way is through simplified dissolution of marriage (Form 12.901(a)), which can be finalized in approximately 4–5 weeks. Both spouses must have no minor children, agree on all property and debt division, waive alimony, and file a joint petition. Both must attend the final hearing. This path waives your right to appeal. If you have children or need alimony, a regular uncontested divorce (2–4 months) is the next fastest option [1].
How much does a fast divorce cost in Jacksonville?
The Duval County filing fee is $409 for both simplified and regular dissolution. Attorney fees for a fast uncontested divorce typically range from $1,500–$3,000 (flat fee at our firm). Total cost is approximately $1,900–$3,500, compared to $15,000–$55,000+ for a contested divorce. At Sacks & Sacks, we offer flat-fee pricing with no hourly billing surprises [1].
Can I get a fast divorce if we have children?
Yes, but you must use a regular uncontested divorce — not simplified dissolution. Both parents need to agree on a parenting plan, time-sharing schedule, and child support. Both must complete a 4-hour parenting course (F.S. § 61.21). With full agreement and completed paperwork, an uncontested divorce with children typically takes 2–4 months in Duval County [6].
What happens if my spouse won’t sign the divorce papers?
If your spouse is served but doesn’t respond within 20 days, you can file a Motion for Default under FL Family Law Rule 12.140. The court can then proceed without your spouse’s participation and grant the terms in your petition. A default divorce typically takes 6–8 weeks. If your spouse can’t be found, service by publication is available but adds additional time [2].
Do I need a lawyer for a fast divorce in Florida?
You’re not legally required to have an attorney, but I strongly recommend it. In my 25 years of practice, I’ve seen countless DIY divorces get rejected for incomplete paperwork, missing financial disclosures, or improperly drafted settlement agreements. The cost of fixing these errors — both in time and money — almost always exceeds the cost of hiring an attorney to do it right the first time. An experienced attorney also ensures your settlement agreement protects your rights.
Is there a waiting period for divorce in Florida?
Yes — Florida requires a minimum 20-day waiting period from the date of filing before a final judgment can be entered (F.S. § 61.19). This waiting period cannot be waived. However, there is no mandatory separation period — you don’t need to live apart before filing. Florida’s 20-day minimum is one of the shortest mandatory waiting periods in the United States [3].
What’s the difference between simplified dissolution and uncontested divorce?
Simplified dissolution is faster (4–5 weeks vs. 2–4 months) but has strict requirements: no children, no alimony, both spouses must attend the hearing, and you waive your appeal rights. A regular uncontested divorce allows children, alimony, and preserves appeal rights. Both require full agreement on all terms. For a detailed comparison, see our uncontested divorce page [4].
Sources:
[1] Duval County Clerk of Courts, Fee Schedules — Family Law. duvalclerk.com
[2] Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, Rule 12.140 — Defaults and Final Judgments Thereon. flcourts.gov
[3] F.S. § 61.052, Dissolution of Marriage; F.S. § 61.19, Final Judgment — When Entered. leg.state.fl.us
[4] Florida Supreme Court, Form 12.901(a) — Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage. flcourts.gov
[5] Florida Bar Association, Consumer Pamphlet: Divorce in Florida. floridabar.org
[6] F.S. § 61.21, Parenting Course Authorized; Fees. leg.state.fl.us
[7] F.S. § 61.08, Alimony; Ch. 2023-301 (SB 1416), Florida Alimony Reform Act. flsenate.gov
