“Wait, we’re doing this… together?”
The couple stood in line at the clerk’s office, quietly passing a pen back and forth, initialing all the right boxes. No shouting, no crying, no arguing over who gets the air fryer. Just a shared glance and a mutual understanding: it’s over, and that’s okay.
This wasn’t your typical courtroom saga. This was something else. Something faster, cheaper, calmer.
This was a simplified divorce in Florida.
The Divorce Button You Didn’t Know Existed
Yes, it’s real. Florida has a legal off-ramp for couples who agree on everything and just want to move on. It’s called a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage, and it does exactly what it says on the tin.
No drawn-out hearings. No discovery battles. No passive-aggressive text threads turned into exhibits.
But—here’s the kicker—not everyone qualifies. And if you miss a step, you’re tossed right back into the long-form version. No one wants that.
Here’s the Litmus Test (Be Brutally Honest)
Think of it as a breakup quiz. You both have to pass.
– You both agree the marriage is beyond fixing
– There are no kids (and no one’s pregnant)
– You’ve divided your stuff like adults
– Neither of you wants alimony
– You’re okay waiving trial and appeal rights
– You can both show up to court (together!)
– One of you has lived in Florida for 6+ months
Fail even one of these? Congrats, you’ve just upgraded to Regular Divorce™, with all the complications that come with it.
The Fast Lane (How It Works)
Step 1: Fill It Out Together
You file a joint petition. No suing, no serving papers. Just paperwork you both sign saying, “Yup, we’re done here.”
Step 2: File in the Right Place
You go to the circuit court in either spouse’s county. Pay the filing fee (usually $400-ish), and breathe—you’re halfway there.
Step 3: Final Hearing
You show up to court, together. The judge confirms you’re both on board, signs the final judgment, and boom: divorced. Often in under 30 days.
No custody battles. No legal chess. Just paperwork and a 10-minute hearing.
But (And There’s Always a But)…
It’s not foolproof. People assume they agree—until the property talk starts.
“Wait, I thought I was keeping the car?”
“No, I definitely paid more for it.”
“I knew we should’ve written this down.”
Spoiler: if that kind of bickering crops up mid-process, you lose your “simplified” status and go back to the long-form route. Like getting bumped from first class to middle seat, no refund.
Also? Don’t skip the fine print. You’re waiving the right to appeal. You’re saying, “We’re good with this, forever.” No do-overs. No “I changed my mind” three months later.
The Perks (Why People Love It)
Let’s be real: divorce isn’t fun. But this process? It’s… refreshing.
– Speed. Some couples are done in two weeks.
– Affordability. No attorneys, no endless filings.
– Privacy. One short hearing, minimal drama.
– Emotional Neutrality. Less fighting, more closure.
It’s designed for people who already did the hard part—letting go. Now they just want the paperwork to catch up.
The Pitfalls (Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You)
- You’re on your own. No lawyers unless you hire one separately.
- No alimony, even if you later regret it.
- Both of you must be present. No skipping the final hearing, no virtual call-ins.
- Mistakes = delays. Or worse, rejection.
It’s simple—but it’s still legal. That means every “I don’t know, is this good enough?” moment should be treated with caution. You don’t want a divorce do-over.
So, Should You Do It?
If you’re on the same page, ready to move on, and allergic to unnecessary legal bills? Yes. Do it.
If there’s tension under the surface or someone’s quietly planning to contest something down the road? No. Walk away. Or better yet, hire help.
Because while a simplified divorce in Florida is fast and efficient, it only works when both people are ready—and real—about what they want.
Closing Thought: Breakups Deserve Dignity
You can end a marriage without a war. You can part ways with honesty, efficiency, and a sense of peace.
Sometimes the most grown-up thing you can do… is simplify.
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