Uncontested Divorce Lawyer in Sarasota

Nearly Two Decades of Family Law Experience Behind Every Agreement

Even when spouses agree on the terms of their divorce, important legal details still need careful attention. Many people begin an uncontested divorce believing the process will be simple, only to discover that decisions about property division, child custody and parenting plans, spousal support, and financial disclosure carry long-term consequences. Agreements that feel final between spouses can still be incomplete, ambiguous, or unenforceable without proper legal drafting. And if a dispute surfaces after filing, a contested divorce may become necessary.

Alpert Law has practiced family law in Sarasota since 2006. Attorney Liz Alpert is authorized to practice in all Florida state courts and serves clients throughout Sarasota County and Manatee County. Our role in an uncontested divorce is to draft agreements that are legally sound from day one and to stay prepared for any complications that arise along the way.

If you’re ready to move forward, call (941) 208-9352 to speak with our team about your uncontested divorce.

What Florida Requires in an Uncontested Divorce

Florida is a no-fault divorce state under Fla. Stat. 61.052. The only required ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken, meaning neither party needs to prove fault or wrongdoing. Before filing, at least one spouse must have resided in Florida for six months, and no final judgment can be entered until at least 20 days after the original petition is filed under Fla. Stat. 61.19.

Every uncontested divorce must resolve a defined set of legal issues before the court can issue a final judgment of dissolution of marriage. These include:

• Equitable distribution: Florida follows equitable distribution under Fla. Stat. 61.075, which starts from an equal division of marital assets and debts but can be adjusted based on the circumstances of the marriage.
• Parenting plan: When minor children are involved, both parents must submit a detailed parenting plan meeting Florida’s statutory requirements under Fla. Stat. 61.13. Both parents must also complete a four-hour Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course before the final judgment is entered.
• Child support and spousal support: These must be addressed and documented, even when both parties agree.
• Mandatory financial disclosure: Under Florida Family Law Rule 12.285, both parties must complete financial affidavits and exchange supporting documents within 45 days of service. While portions of the rule can be modified by court order or agreement of the parties, the financial affidavit requirement itself can’t be waived.

The final hearing in an uncontested case is typically brief. The judge reviews the marital settlement agreement, confirms both parties understand and agree to the terms, and enters the final judgment. Getting to that point without delay requires that every document and provision is correctly prepared from the start.

Why Legal Representation Matters Even When You Agree

Spouses who agree on the broad terms of their divorce don’t always realize what’s missing. Retirement account division, tax treatment of assets, and provisions required by Florida law are frequently overlooked in informal arrangements. An agreement that doesn’t meet statutory requirements won’t be approved by the court, and one that omits critical detail creates room for disputes after the divorce is finalized.

Procedural missteps in filing, service, or financial disclosure can delay or invalidate a proceeding even when both parties are fully cooperative. Having an uncontested divorce attorney in Sarasota handle these requirements can reduce that risk. We draft agreements built to hold up in court, and because we’re preparing for the possibility that circumstances shift, our clients aren’t left exposed if one spouse changes position after filing.

Attorney Liz Alpert: Nearly Two Decades of Sarasota Family Law

Attorney Liz Alpert has practiced family law since 2006 and brings a practical, well-rounded background to every case. She is a member of the Florida Bar, the American Bar Association, the Sarasota County Bar Association, and the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Her background in banking, real estate, and accounting gives her a grounded perspective when negotiating the financial and property terms that define most uncontested divorces. Attorney Alpert served as Chair of the Florida Bar’s Alimony Guidelines Subcommittee, placing her directly in the work of shaping Florida family law policy. She has also served on the City of Sarasota’s Human Relations Board and as President of the Regency Condominium Association Board of Directors.

We meet clients both in person at our Sarasota office and virtually, based on what works best for each client’s schedule. If you’re looking for an uncontested divorce lawyer in Sarasota who can handle the full arc of your case, we’re ready to help.

Conveniently located on US-301 with easy access to I-75, we serve clients throughout Sarasota County and Manatee County. Call (941) 208-9352 today.

Documents You Need to Start Your Uncontested Divorce

Florida law requires full financial disclosure, and gathering documents early saves time and reduces the risk of missing details that can delay your case. The list below reflects what Florida courts and our process require. Every case is different, but this is a reliable starting point.

Financial Records

Both parties must complete a Financial Affidavit on Florida Supreme Court Form 12.902(b) or (c), and mandatory financial disclosure under Florida Family Law Rule 12.285 must be completed within 45 days of service. To support that disclosure, you’ll need:

• Recent bank statements
• Tax returns
• Pay stubs
• Retirement account statements
• Mortgage statements
• Documentation of debts such as credit cards or loans

These records support an accurate and enforceable division of assets and liabilities in the final marital settlement agreement.

Property Information

Bring deeds, vehicle titles, appraisals, and records for any other significant property. Clear documentation of ownership supports an accurate settlement agreement and helps prevent disputes over assets both parties believed were already resolved.