Serving Families Since 1996

Family Law Mediators | Collaborative Law
Over 25 Years Serving Southwest Florida
(239) 334-0075

TRUST COMMITMENT INTEGRITY

TRUST COMMITMENT INTEGRITY

Simplified Dissolution of Marriage

In Florida, not every divorce requires courtroom drama, multiple hearings, or drawn-out financial disclosures.

If you and your spouse agree on everything—from property to separation terms—there’s a faster path available. Florida’s Simplified Dissolution of Marriage was designed to let couples exit a marriage cleanly, legally, and without fighting over every detail. It’s not for everyone, but for qualifying couples, it cuts the legal process from months to weeks. Bergermann Law Firm, based in Fort Myers and serving Cape Coral and Naples, helps ensure everything is filed right the first time.

 

What Is a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage in Florida?

This is a streamlined legal divorce process for couples who agree on all terms, have no children together, and do not request alimony. It eliminates discovery, formal service of financial records, and drawn-out litigation. Both parties must appear together at the final court hearing, confirm their agreement, and file accurate forms in advance. Florida courts still require precision and compliance, even if the process is shortened. Our firm helps couples ensure every box is checked before the final hearing is even scheduled.

Who Is Eligible to File a Simplified Divorce?

You and your spouse must meet several requirements: no minor or dependent children, no current pregnancy, no alimony requested, and full agreement on property or debt division. At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for the past six months. If either party wants to dispute something or avoid appearing together in court, this option won’t apply. Bergermann Law Firm confirms eligibility early, so our Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples clients never waste time filing forms they can’t use.

What Documents Are Required for This Process?

You must file a Petition for Simplified Dissolution, financial affidavits for both parties, and a written property settlement agreement if anything is being divided. All paperwork must be accurate, signed, and filed with the clerk before a final hearing can be scheduled. Errors like unsigned pages, mismatched disclosures, or vague terms can stall or collapse the entire case. We help couples prepare these documents thoroughly, ensuring the court sees a clean and enforceable agreement from start to finish.

How Long Does the Process Usually Take?

If everything is filed properly and both parties qualify, a final court hearing can usually be set within 30 to 45 days. Some Florida counties move faster depending on caseloads, but the biggest delays come from errors in the filing itself. Couples who try to file on their own often miss steps that push the hearing out by weeks. Our legal team in Fort Myers works with local courts in Cape Coral and Naples to help clients meet deadlines without unnecessary resets or re-filings.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer If We Agree on Everything?

Technically, no—but legally, it’s still smart. Filing errors, missing affidavits, and vague settlement language can lead to post-divorce disputes that cost more to fix than the filing itself. A family lawyer ensures you do it once, do it right, and avoid future court visits. At Bergermann Law Firm, we help clients across Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples make the cleanest legal break possible—with zero surprises down the road. A few hours of professional help now can prevent months of future stress.

Close the Chapter Without Reopening the File

If your divorce is mutual, simple, and ready to move forward, the Simplified Dissolution of Marriage is your chance to do it quickly and correctly. At Bergermann Law Firm in Fort Myers, we help clients across Cape Coral and Naples complete the process with efficiency, confidence, and full legal compliance. We ensure your documents are accurate, your hearing is set, and your outcome holds up—no guesswork, no red tape, no future regrets. Call us today at (239) 334-0075 and let us guide you through Florida’s fastest legal way to move on.