What stays the same
Either way, an uncontested Florida divorce runs the same path. You reach agreement on property and debts, complete Florida's approved forms, sign and notarize, file with your county, and receive a final judgment from a judge. Residency is the same, at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for 6 months. Both can be done online.
Practical paperwork difference
A divorce without minor children usually focuses on the petition, financial affidavit, settlement agreement, and final judgment. A divorce with minor children adds a parenting plan, a child support guidelines worksheet, child-related affidavits, and proof that the required parenting course has been completed.
What changes when you have minor children
Children bring extra requirements that Florida takes seriously. A judge generally will not finalize a divorce with minor children until the parenting plan, timesharing schedule, child support paperwork, and required child-related documents are complete.
- A parenting plan (a written, court-approved document covering timesharing, decision-making, and communication)
- A timesharing schedule for the regular week, holidays, and summers
- Child support calculated under Florida's statutory formula, filed on a guidelines worksheet
- A state-approved parent education course, completed by both parents before the final judgment
- Additional supporting forms, such as the UCCJEA affidavit, may also be required
Timeline
Without children, uncontested cases move quickly, often 30 to 90 days, and simplified dissolution can be faster still. With children, expect a little more time, mostly to complete the parenting plan and the parent course. It is not dramatically longer when you agree, but there are more boxes to check.
Cost
Document preparation is a bit more involved with children because there are more forms, but an uncontested case is still a flat fee, far below a litigated divorce. The court's filing fee is set by your county either way.
The part the judge cares about most
Florida judges generally accept what two adults agree to on money. They may look more closely at anything involving children because the standard is the best interest of the child. A child support number that deviates from the guideline may need written justification, and a vague or incomplete parenting plan can slow the case down. A well-prepared packet keeps things moving.
Simplified dissolution
Florida offers a simplified dissolution track that finalizes faster with a joint petition. It is generally available when both spouses agree, there are no minor or dependent children, neither spouse seeks alimony, and other statutory conditions are met. Without children, more couples qualify. With children, simplified dissolution is generally not available, and you file the regular uncontested track.
Bottom line
A Florida divorce without minor children is often a cleaner, faster process, and simplified dissolution may be an option. With minor children, the process is still very manageable when you agree, it just requires more documents and a parenting plan the court can approve. The Quick Divorce prepares the correct packet for either situation.