Divorce is rarely simple, but a contested divorce adds layers of complexity that many Florida residents aren't prepared for. If you and your spouse can't agree on property, custody, alimony, or debt — you're in contested territory. That doesn't mean you're doomed to years of litigation or a massive attorney bill. But it does mean you need to understand the process, the paperwork, and your options.
Important: Pro Se Document Preparation is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We prepare documents based on information you provide. For legal advice, contact the Florida Bar Referral Service at 1-800-342-8011.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Florida
The most important distinction in Florida divorce law is whether your case is contested or uncontested.
Uncontested divorce: Both spouses agree on every major issue — property division, debt, alimony (if applicable), parenting arrangements, and child support. Cases can often resolve in 30–90 days. Court involvement is minimal.
Contested divorce: The spouses disagree on one or more issues. A judge must ultimately decide unresolved matters. The process is longer, more expensive, and more document-intensive — whether or not attorneys are involved.
You don't have to disagree on everything for a divorce to be contested. Disputing a single issue — like who keeps the house, or whether one spouse should receive alimony — is enough to make a divorce contested.
What Makes a Divorce Contested?
Common disputes that push a Florida divorce into contested territory:
- Property division — Who gets the marital home, investment accounts, retirement funds, or business interests
- Debt allocation — Who is responsible for credit cards, loans, or mortgage obligations
- Alimony — Whether spousal support should be awarded, what type, and for how long
- Child custody (parental responsibility and time-sharing) — Where the children live, how decisions are made, and the parenting schedule
- Child support — Calculation disputes or disagreements about income
- Personal property — Furniture, vehicles, collections, and other assets
The more disputes there are, and the more high-value assets involved, the more complex — and lengthy — the process becomes.
Contested Divorce Timeline in Florida
Florida law requires a 20-day waiting period after the petition is served before the court can proceed. But a contested divorce almost never resolves that fast. Realistic timelines:
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Filing and service | 1–4 weeks |
| Mandatory disclosure (financial affidavit exchange) | 45 days after service |
| Discovery | 1–6 months |
| Mediation | Scheduled by court; 3–6 months in |
| Pretrial conference | 6–12 months in |
| Trial (if no settlement) | 12–18+ months |
Most contested divorces settle before trial — often at or after mediation. Florida courts require mediation in most contested family law cases before a trial date is set.
Documents Required at Each Stage
A contested divorce generates significantly more paperwork than an uncontested case. Here's what you'll need at each phase:
Stage 1: Filing the Petition
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.901(b)) — the initiating document
- Summons — required for service on the other party
- UCCJEA Affidavit (Form 12.902(d)) — required if minor children are involved
- Notice of Social Security Number (Form 12.902(j)) — required in cases with children
Stage 2: Mandatory Disclosures (Due 45 Days After Service)
- Financial Affidavit — Short Form (Form 12.902(b)) or Long Form (Form 12.902(c)), depending on income
- Last 3 years of tax returns
- Pay stubs for last 3 months
- Bank statements for last 3 months
- Documentation of assets and liabilities
The Financial Affidavit is the single most important document in a contested divorce. Judges rely on it to evaluate alimony, child support, and equitable distribution claims.
Stage 3: Discovery
Discovery is the formal process of exchanging information. Pro se litigants may face:
- Interrogatories — written questions each party must answer under oath
- Requests for Production — requests to produce specific documents
- Depositions — sworn testimony recorded out of court
Stage 4: Mediation
Before trial, Florida courts require mediation. A neutral mediator meets with both parties (and attorneys, if any) to attempt a settlement. Anything agreed to in mediation becomes part of the final judgment.
Stage 5: Pretrial Statement
If mediation fails to fully resolve the case, both parties typically must file a Pretrial Statement — a document outlining contested issues, witnesses, and exhibits.
Stage 6: Proposed Final Judgment
Before trial, the court may require each party to submit a Proposed Final Judgment outlining what they're asking the judge to order on each contested issue.
Stage 7: Final Judgment
The judge issues the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, resolving all contested issues.
Can a Pro Se Litigant Handle a Contested Divorce in Florida?
Yes — but with realistic expectations.
Document preparation is where pro se litigants can get the most help. The forms are complex, the deadlines are strict, and errors delay your case. A document preparation service can prepare every form you need — accurately and completely — so you're not scrambling to fix rejected filings.
What pro se litigants handle well:
- Straightforward property disputes where values are clear
- Cases with limited assets and no minor children
- Cases where both parties are willing to negotiate even without attorneys
- Attending mediation and advocating for their own interests
When you may need an attorney:
- Complex business valuations or significant investment assets
- Contested custody with serious allegations (abuse, substance abuse, parental alienation)
- When the other party has an attorney and the power imbalance is significant
- When you're dealing with hidden assets or financial fraud
If you're unsure, the Florida Bar Referral Service (1-800-342-8011) can connect you with an attorney for a consultation.
How Pro Se Document Preparation Helps
Whether you handle your contested divorce entirely on your own or work with professionals at some stage, having correctly prepared documents is non-negotiable. Courts don't accept incomplete or incorrectly filed paperwork — and every rejection adds weeks to your timeline.
We prepare every document required for your contested divorce — from the initial petition through the pretrial statement and proposed final judgment — based on the information you provide. You focus on the strategy; we handle the paperwork.
👉 Contested Divorce Package (Full Preparation Through Trial) — $1,500
Includes preparation of: Petition, Financial Affidavit, Mandatory Disclosure documents, UCCJEA Affidavit (if applicable), Pretrial Statement, Proposed Final Judgment, and all supporting forms required through trial.
Pro Se Document Preparation is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We prepare documents based on information you provide. For legal advice, contact the Florida Bar Referral Service at 1-800-342-8011.