Uncontested Divorce Attorneys in Tampa

Understanding Your Uncontested Divorce in Tampa

An uncontested divorce may sound like the perfect situation for everyone involved – a fast process, no arguments and a smooth path towards the next phase of your life. Even better, you never need to take your case to court if you and your soon to be ex-spouse can work together in an uncontested divorce. If you’re in a situation where the two of you agree, why add unnecessary arguments? While this may look like a dream situation on the surface, your divorce is a legally binding process that could come back to bite you a week from now, a year from now or even 10 years from now. An experienced divorce attorney can work with you to ensure that you aren’t blindsided by an unforeseen complication.

No matter how amicable your relationship is with your soon to be ex-spouse, it never hurts to be careful when agreeing to legally binding terms in a divorce. At Givens Law Group, our Tampa uncontested divorce attorneys have decades of collective experience and are ready to use our knowledge to help you secure the beneficial outcome you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case with a member of our firm.

Fill out our online form to request a case evaluation, or give us a call at (813) 328-6159 to speak with a member of our firm today.

Eligibility Criteria for Tampa Uncontested Divorce

While an uncontested divorce may seem like the easiest option, Florida laws place limits on who is eligible to file for one. Also known as a “simplified dissolution of marriage,” couples must meet the following requirements:

• Both you and your soon to be ex-spouse must agree that the marriage is broken
• Both you and your soon to be ex-spouse must agree to an uncontested divorce
• Neither you nor your soon to be ex-spouse can seek alimony
• Both you and your soon to be ex-spouse must agree on how debt and property will be divided
• Either you or your soon to be ex-spouse must have lived in Florida for six months or more
• Neither you nor your soon to be ex-spouse can be pregnant
• None of your children, biological or adopted, can be under the age of 18

How to File for an Uncontested Divorce in Florida

Florida refers to divorce as a "dissolution of marriage," and filing for an uncontested divorce in Tampa involves several legal steps. Here's how the process typically works:

1. Meet Residency Requirements

At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for a minimum of six months before filing. You’ll need to provide proof of residency, such as a Florida driver’s license or a voter registration card.

2. Complete the Necessary Forms

You’ll need to complete and file several court-approved forms with the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. These may include:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
• Financial Affidavits
• Marital Settlement Agreement
• Parenting Plan (if children are involved)
• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet

3. File with the Clerk of Court

Once forms are completed, you will submit them to the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Tampa. You will also pay a filing fee, which is typically around $400. In some cases, fee waivers are available.

4. Attend a Final Hearing

Even in uncontested cases, a brief hearing may be required. A judge will review your agreement, ensure it complies with Florida law, and finalize the divorce. If everything is in order, your divorce can be granted on the same day.

5. Receive Final Judgment

After approval, the judge will issue a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, officially ending your marriage. You will receive a copy for your records.

Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce

Choosing an uncontested divorce can offer several key advantages over a contested divorce:

• Faster Resolution: Uncontested divorces often conclude in just a few weeks or months, while contested divorces can drag on for years.
• Lower Costs: With fewer court appearances, less paperwork, and no drawn-out legal battles, an uncontested divorce is typically far less expensive.
• Greater Privacy: Courtroom battles are public, but an uncontested divorce allows you to keep personal matters private and out of the public record as much as possible.
• Less Emotional Stress: Because both parties work cooperatively, uncontested divorces tend to be less emotionally draining, especially when children are involved.
• More Control Over the Outcome: Rather than leaving decisions up to a judge, you and your spouse retain control over every aspect of the agreement.

Our team at Givens Law Group is committed to making the uncontested divorce process as stress-free and efficient as possible.

Florida Uncontested Divorce FAQ

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Tampa?

Most uncontested divorces in Florida can be finalized in as little as 30 to 60 days, depending on the court’s availability and how quickly both parties can complete the necessary paperwork.

Do I need to go to court for an uncontested divorce in Florida?

In most cases, yes. A short court hearing is usually required so the judge can review your agreement and finalize the divorce. However, some cases may be resolved without a hearing if all documents are submitted properly.

What if we agree on everything except one issue?

If there is even one unresolved issue—like child custody or alimony—your case may not qualify as uncontested. However, a skilled Tampa divorce lawyer can help you negotiate that final issue and potentially avoid litigation.

Do we need separate attorneys for an uncontested divorce?

Technically, no. One attorney can help draft documents for both parties if there’s no conflict of interest. However, it's often recommended that each party consult their own attorney to ensure their rights are protected.

Can same-sex couples file for an uncontested divorce in Florida?

Yes. Same-sex couples in Florida have the same legal rights to pursue divorce, including uncontested divorce, as heterosexual couples.

Partner with Givens Law Group for Your Divorce in Tampa

At Givens Law Group, our Tampa uncontested divorce lawyers have spent decades providing families and individuals with the experienced legal representation they need to secure the beneficial outcome they deserve. Whether you are in the early stages your divorce process or if you’ve been working your way through for months, our lawyers are ready to help guide you to the finish line.

Call us at (813) 328-6159 to speak with a Tampa uncontested divorce lawyer today.