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Frequently asked questions.

Every question we get asked about Florida divorce, mediation and document preparation — answered plainly, with real Florida facts and no marketing spin.

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Getting started

How do I know which Florida divorce option I need?

It comes down to whether you and your spouse agree. If you agree and have no children or property, a documents-only DIY divorce is the cheapest route. If you agree but share children or property, you need the full-service package that prepares a parenting plan and property division. If you do not yet agree, mediation is the path. Our two-minute questionnaire matches you automatically.

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What is the difference between DIY and full service?

With Do It Yourself (DIY) we prepare every required document for a flat $399 and you file them in court yourself. With a full-service uncontested package we also e-sign, notarize and e-file everything for you, and a certified mediator reviews your case.

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Can I change options later?

Yes. Situations change — for example a case that starts as contested often becomes uncontested once mediation reaches agreement. Call us and we will move you to the right package.

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Do any of these include legal advice?

No. Divorcenters is a document-preparation and certified-mediation service, not a law firm, so we cannot give legal advice or represent you in court. We prepare your Florida paperwork correctly and affordably. For legal advice, consult a licensed Florida attorney.

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How do I know which Florida divorce package I need?

Answer four quick questions — whether you agree, whether you share property, whether you have minor children, and whether you can locate your spouse — and we match you to the right package and flat price in under two minutes.

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Do I need to create an account to use the questionnaire?

No. You can take the questionnaire, see your recommended package and price, and talk to us — all without creating an account or entering any payment details.

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Is the first consultation really free?

Yes. The first conversation costs nothing and carries no obligation. We will tell you what your situation needs, what it costs, and roughly how long it takes — even if the answer is that you need something we do not provide.

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Are you attorneys?

No. Divorcenters is a document-preparation and certified-mediation service, not a law firm, so we cannot give legal advice. We prepare your Florida paperwork correctly and affordably. For legal advice, consult a licensed Florida attorney.

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Do I need to visit your office?

Almost never. Documents are completed, e-signed and notarized online, and mediation is held by phone or video, so most clients complete everything from home. Our office is in Boynton Beach and we serve all 67 Florida counties.

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How quickly will you get back to me?

We normally reply the same business day. If you need an answer right away, call us — a real person answers the phone.

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Divorce options

What is a DIY (do it yourself) divorce service?

With our Do It Yourself (DIY) package we prepare all your required Florida documents for a flat fee and give you step-by-step instructions; you file them with the court yourself. It is the most affordable option for straightforward cases.

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Can I file my own divorce in Florida without a lawyer?

Yes. Florida allows you to file your own divorce. We prepare the correct documents so they are done right — Divorcenters is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.

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What is the difference between simple and full-service uncontested divorce?

With Do It Yourself (DIY) we prepare the documents and you file them. With a full-service uncontested package, we also e-sign, notarize, and e-file everything for you and a certified mediator reviews your case.

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Is there a waiting period for divorce in Florida?

There is no waiting period to file for divorce in Florida. However, Florida law generally requires that at least 20 days pass after the divorce petition is filed before the court can enter the Final Judgment of Dissolution.

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How long does an uncontested divorce take in Florida?

A simple uncontested divorce is often finalized in about 30 days; cases involving children or property usually take 30 to 40 days, depending on your county. There is no waiting period to file in Florida, but the court generally cannot enter the Final Judgment of Dissolution until at least 20 days after the petition is filed.

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What are the requirements for an uncontested divorce in Florida?

You (or your spouse) must have lived in Florida for at least six months, and both spouses must agree on the divorce and its terms. If you have minor children, a parenting plan is required.

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Do both spouses have to go to court?

In most uncontested Florida divorces, no court appearance is required. We prepare and e-file your documents and tell you exactly what your county expects before you commit to anything.

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Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Florida?

No. For an uncontested divorce you can use a document-preparation service like Divorcenters. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice — we prepare your Florida paperwork correctly and affordably.

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Do I need a parenting plan to divorce in Florida?

Yes. Florida requires a parenting plan in every divorce involving minor children. It sets out time-sharing and parental responsibility. We prepare your parenting plan as part of the package.

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How is property divided in a Florida divorce?

Florida follows equitable distribution, meaning marital property and debts are divided fairly (not always 50/50). If you and your spouse agree on the split, we prepare the documents that reflect your agreement.

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Is a parenting class required in Florida?

Yes. Both parents must complete a state-approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization course, generally within 45 days of filing. We tell you exactly what your county requires.

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Do we still have to go to court if we have children?

In most uncontested cases, no court appearance is required even with children. We prepare and e-file everything and explain what your county expects.

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What makes a Florida divorce contested?

A divorce is contested when you and your spouse do not yet agree on one or more issues — property, support, or the children. The goal is to reach agreement so it can be finalized without a trial.

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Is mediation required before a contested divorce trial in Florida?

In most Florida contested cases the court expects the parties to attempt mediation on the disputed issues before trial. A certified mediator can often resolve it far faster and cheaper than litigation.

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How long does a contested divorce take in Florida?

It varies widely — from a few months to well over a year — depending on how much is disputed. Reaching agreement in mediation is the single biggest factor in finishing sooner.

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Can Divorcenters help if you are not a law firm?

Yes. Our Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator helps you reach agreement, and we prepare and file the documents. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice or courtroom representation.

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Can you get divorced in Florida if you cannot find your spouse?

Yes. Florida allows divorce by service of publication when a spouse cannot be located after a diligent search. We handle the process and prepare all the documents.

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What is a diligent search in Florida?

It is the honest, documented effort to locate your spouse — checking last known addresses, relatives, employers, and public records — that Florida requires before you can serve by publication. We guide you through it.

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How long does a missing-spouse divorce take?

After the diligent search, notice is published in a newspaper for four consecutive weeks and your spouse is given time to respond. Timelines vary by county; we tell you what to expect.

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Other services

What is a Florida Supreme Court Certified County Mediator?

It is a mediator certified by the Florida Supreme Court to help parties resolve disputes. Allan J. Weltman holds this certification and has 32 years of experience helping Florida couples reach agreement outside of court.

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How much does divorce mediation cost in Florida?

It varies. Private mediators typically charge by the hour, while court-connected mediation may be income-based. Mediation is almost always far less expensive than a contested divorce trial. Call us for a straight answer on your situation.

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Is mediation required before a contested divorce in Florida?

In most Florida contested cases, the court expects the parties to attempt mediation on the disputed issues before trial. Starting mediation early — before litigation escalates — usually saves the most time and money.

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Do I still need a lawyer if we mediate?

No. Divorcenters is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Our certified mediator helps you reach agreement and we prepare and file your documents. You may consult an attorney separately if you wish.

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What makes a prenuptial agreement valid in Florida?

A Florida prenup must be in writing, signed voluntarily by both parties, and based on full and fair financial disclosure. We prepare it with clear terms and online notarization.

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Do I need a lawyer for a prenup in Florida?

No. You can use a document-preparation service like Divorcenters to prepare your agreement. We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice; you may have an attorney review it if you wish.

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Can you prepare a postnuptial agreement too?

Yes. We prepare both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements for a flat fee, with e-signature and online notarization included.

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Is remote online notarization legal in Florida?

Yes. Florida has authorized Remote Online Notarization (RON) since January 1, 2020, so documents can be notarized over live video by a commissioned Florida online notary.

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Do I have to be in Florida to use a Florida online notary?

No. You can be anywhere; the notary is commissioned in Florida and performs the notarization over secure video. It is included with our divorce document packages.

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Can you notarize divorce documents online?

Yes. We notarize your divorce and related documents online, so most clients never have to visit an office or hunt for a notary.

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What is elder-law document preparation?

It is the preparation of common documents many older adults and families need — such as powers of attorney and advance directives — done affordably and correctly. Divorcenters prepares the documents; we are not a law firm.

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Do you prepare power of attorney and advance directive documents?

Yes, we prepare these Florida documents for a flat fee, with online notarization available. We prepare documents to your instructions and do not provide legal advice.

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Are you attorneys?

No. Divorcenters is a document-preparation and certified-mediation service, not a law firm, so we cannot give legal advice. For legal advice, consult a licensed Florida attorney.

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Cannot find your question? Call (954) 946-4774 or send us a message — a real person answers, and there is no charge for asking.

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