Want a Fast Divorce? Here's What to Know First
If both you and your spouse agree on the terms of your divorce, you're already ahead of the game. An uncontested divorce is typically quicker, less expensive, and far less stressful than a contested one.
But here’s the catch: speeding things up too much—or skipping steps—can lead to costly legal mistakes that take longer to fix than doing it right the first time.
If you're aiming for a quick and smooth uncontested divorce, here’s how to make that happen without causing bigger problems down the road.
Stay on the Same Page With Your Spouse
Agreements Should Be Clear and Complete
Even in an uncontested divorce, you still need to agree on everything. That means:
How to divide property and debts
Who gets what (car, house, retirement accounts)
Any spousal support (alimony)
A parenting plan, if you have children
If there's any confusion—or if one of you changes your mind—it can shift the divorce into contested territory, which takes a lot more time and money to resolve.
Put everything in writing early, and be specific. The more clearly the agreement is laid out, the fewer delays you'll run into during court approval.
Gather and Organize Your Documents Early
Missing Paperwork Slows Everything Down
Nothing stalls a divorce faster than incomplete or disorganized documents. Start by collecting:
Financial records
Property titles or deeds
Debt and loan statements
Pay stubs and tax returns
Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
If children are involved, you’ll also need schedules, school records, and expenses to help create a detailed parenting plan.
Getting your paperwork in order before filing gives you a huge head start and helps avoid frustrating delays caused by missing information.
File the Right Forms the First Time
Small Mistakes Can Cause Big Setbacks
Filing for divorce requires specific legal forms, and even uncontested divorces involve a formal process. Errors in these documents can get your case rejected, pushing your timeline back weeks or even months.
Each court has its own local rules, so using outdated forms or forgetting a required signature can mean starting over. That's why it's smart to work with someone who knows how to get it right the first time—especially if you’re trying to move quickly.
Don’t Skip the Waiting Period, But Be Ready
You Can’t Speed Up Everything—But You Can Use the Time Wisely
Florida requires a mandatory 20-day waiting period after filing before your divorce can be finalized. That’s the minimum—some counties or cases take longer depending on the court’s calendar and how complete your filing is.
During this time, make sure you’ve finalized your agreement and submitted any additional documents the court might request. Being responsive and prepared helps keep your divorce moving forward without added delays.
Avoid DIY Pitfalls
Online Forms Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
It’s tempting to use online divorce templates or kits to speed things up, but many of these don’t account for your specific situation or local court rules. Worse, they can leave out critical legal protections you’ll regret skipping later.
A quick divorce doesn’t mean cutting corners. If anything, you need to be even more precise to avoid issues that could cost you time, money, or future headaches.
Working with a lawyer doesn’t mean dragging things out—it means getting it done right, and usually faster.
Ready for a Quick Divorce Done Right?
If you and your spouse agree on the terms, there’s no reason your divorce should drag on longer than it has to. At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we help people move through uncontested divorces efficiently, without costly mistakes or delays. Let us handle the legal side so you can focus on moving forward.
Call (888) 835-5840 today to get started with a streamlined, stress-free divorce process.