Florida Legal Process & Court Timelines
Understand how long your legal proceeding will take, key statutory deadlines (FL § 61.30, Rule 12.285), required client actions, and common delay factors.
Florida Contested Divorce Process
When spouses cannot agree on financial division, child support, or custody, Florida contested divorce proceedings move through formal litigation stages in Miami-Dade Circuit Court.
Petition Filing & Service of Process
Filing the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Clerk of Court and serving the summons upon the respondent spouse.
Key Client Actions:
- Provide attorney with marriage certificate & basic information
- Identify initial temporary relief needs (child support, home access)
Common Potential Delays:
- • Difficulty locating or serving evasive spouse
- • Out-of-state service requirements
Mandatory Financial Disclosure
Both parties must automatically exchange sworn Financial Affidavits (Form 12.902) and 3 years of financial records.
Key Client Actions:
- Gather tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, and 12 months of bank statements
- Complete sworn financial affidavit with attorney guidance
Common Potential Delays:
- • Incomplete bank or business tax records
- • Failure of non-cooperative spouse to comply with 45-day deadline
Court-Ordered Mediation
Florida courts mandate a confidential settlement mediation session with a Certified Family Law Mediator prior to trial.
Key Client Actions:
- Review financial disclosures & property appraisals with attorney
- Establish settlement goals & parenting plan compromise limits
Common Potential Delays:
- • Mediator schedule availability
- • Unreasonable settlement positions requiring multiple sessions
Discovery & Expert Appraisals
Conducting depositions, real estate appraisals, business valuations, or vocational evaluations for contested assets.
Key Client Actions:
- Provide property records to forensic accountants or real estate appraisers
- Prepare for oral deposition with attorney
Common Potential Delays:
- • Complex business valuation disputes
- • High-conflict custody evaluations
Trial & Final Judgment
Evidentiary trial before a Circuit Court Judge, followed by written Final Judgment dissolving marriage and establishing orders.
Key Client Actions:
- Testify at trial regarding asset history & parenting roles
- Review draft Final Judgment decree
Common Potential Delays:
- • Miami-Dade 11th Judicial Circuit Court docket backlog
- • Multi-day trial scheduling delays
Discuss Your Case Timeline with an Attorney
Every family law case is unique. Contact Granda & Associates at our Miami law office (8900 SW 117th Ave) to evaluate your legal strategy.