How Divorce Works in Broward County: A Step-by-Step Guide for Florida Residents

Updated August 3, 2026. This article provides general information about Florida family law and is not legal advice.

A Florida divorce is called a dissolution of marriage. The issues and timeline vary substantially depending on whether spouses agree on property, debts, support, parenting, and attorney's fees. The following overview explains common stages in Broward County without predicting how any case will be resolved.

1. Confirm Florida residency and jurisdiction

Under Florida Statute §61.021, one spouse must have resided in Florida for at least six months before the petition is filed. Additional jurisdictional rules may apply when children or property are connected to another state.

2. File and serve the petition

The case generally begins with a petition for dissolution of marriage filed in circuit court. The other spouse must receive legally sufficient service or waive service. The response deadline and available pleadings depend on the method of service and the case.

3. Exchange required financial information

Florida family cases commonly require financial affidavits and disclosure of income, expenses, assets, debts, and supporting records. Accurate disclosure is important because it affects equitable distribution, child support, alimony, and attorney-fee issues.

4. Address temporary needs when necessary

A party may request temporary relief concerning support, use of property, parenting arrangements, or other immediate issues. Temporary orders do not necessarily determine the final outcome.

5. Develop a parenting plan

When minor children are involved, the court addresses parental responsibility and time-sharing according to the children's best interests. Florida Statute §61.13 identifies the factors the court evaluates.

6. Negotiate or mediate disputed issues

Many cases resolve through direct negotiation or mediation. Mediation can help parties develop their own agreement, but it does not require either person to accept unacceptable terms. Court requirements and scheduling practices vary by case and division.

7. Prepare for trial if issues remain

If the parties do not reach a complete agreement, the judge decides unresolved issues after evidence and legal argument. A final judgment ends the marriage and states the parties' enforceable obligations.

Uncontested and contested cases

An uncontested divorce generally means the spouses have resolved every required issue in a written agreement. A case is contested when at least one material issue remains. Even an agreed case should be reviewed carefully because the final documents can affect property, support, taxes, and parenting for years.

Speak with a Broward County family-law attorney

Bechert & Associates represents clients in divorce, support, time-sharing, and related matters. Review our family-law services or contact the firm.

Step 1: Meet Florida's Residency Requirement

To file for divorce in Florida, at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months prior to filing. In Broward County, your case will be filed in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court. Florida is a no-fault divorce state — you do not need to prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. The only legal ground required is that the marriage is irretrievably broken.

Step 2: File the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

A petition for dissolution of marriage is filed with the appropriate Florida circuit court and must be properly served unless service is waived. Florida law generally prevents entry of a final judgment until at least 20 days after the petition is filed, unless the court finds that injustice would result from the delay. Other deadlines and hearing dates depend on the case and applicable rules.

Step 3: Financial Disclosure — Both Spouses Must Comply

Both spouses must complete a Mandatory Disclosure — a complete financial inventory including income, assets, debts, and expenses. This is not optional. Failure to comply can result in sanctions from the court. Our attorneys ensure your disclosures are accurate, complete, and strategically presented.

Step 4: Mediation — Required Before Trial in Most Cases

Broward County courts require mediation before a contested divorce can go to trial. Mediation is a confidential process where a neutral mediator helps the parties reach agreement on unresolved issues — asset division, alimony, time-sharing, and child support. Trip Bechert is both a family law attorney and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Court Mediator, giving clients unique insight into both sides of this process.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce in Florida

The time and cost required for a Florida divorce vary with the facts. An uncontested matter may resolve more quickly, while disputes involving finances, property, alimony or children can require discovery, mediation and court proceedings. Court schedules and the parties’ level of cooperation also affect timing, so no reliable fixed estimate can be given without reviewing the case.

To discuss how Florida law may apply to your divorce or family-law matter, contact Bechert & Associates, P.A. in Pompano Beach at (954) 941-8363.