No one enters into a marriage thinking divorce will be inevitable, but life happens. Maybe you have grown apart, maybe things have gotten complicated, or maybe you just know it’s time to move on. Whatever brought you here, the process can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. If you are wondering about the requirements for divorce in Coral Gables, the trustworthy divorce attorneys at The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm can help you understand the legal requirements and prepare you for what’s coming.
Meeting the Divorce Requirements
Florida is a no-fault divorce state, which means you do not need to prove your spouse did something wrong to file for divorce. Instead, you simply need to state that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” This makes the process smoother, at least on paper.
Before filing, you will need to meet a couple of key requirements. First, residency matters—either you or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months before filing. If neither of you has done so, you might need to wait.
Next, you will need to file the right paperwork in the appropriate circuit court. In Coral Gables, this typically means filing in Miami-Dade County. You’ll submit a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, which outlines basic details like assets, debts, and whether there are minor children involved. If you and your spouse agree on everything (division of property, alimony, time-sharing with kids), the process is much quicker. If not, things get a little more complicated.
The Financial Disclosure Process
Money concerns are among the most important and divisive in divorce. As part of the divorce process in Coral Gables, both spouses are required to complete a Financial Affidavit, where they disclose their income and other assets. This will help the court determine financial matters, such as alimony and child support.
This matters because a fair divorce settlement starts with transparency. If one spouse hides assets or is not upfront about their finances, it can drag the process out—and create legal trouble. The goal here is to ensure that both parties walk away with a fair resolution, whether that means dividing assets or setting up support payments.
What Happens After You File?
Once you file for divorce, your spouse (the respondent) has to be served with the divorce papers. This can be done through a process server or law enforcement. If your spouse refuses to respond, you might be able to move forward with a default divorce, but that depends on the circumstances.
If your divorce is uncontested (meaning both parties agree on everything), you might be able to finalize things in just a few months. If it’s contested, meaning there are disputes over certain important elements, expect a longer process—sometimes over a year. Many couples try mediation before going to trial, which can help resolve disagreements and avoid the stress (and cost) of court battles.
Call a Coral Gables Attorney to Review the Requirements to File for Divorce
Divorce is never easy, but you do not have to go through it alone. Whether you need help understanding your rights, negotiating a fair settlement, or just figuring out where to start, The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm can guide you through every step. Schedule a free case evaluation today to get support in Coral Gables regarding the divorce requirements.