Filing For Divorce In Fort Lauderdale: What Happens If Your Spouse Won’t Sign The Papers?

One of the most frustrating moments in a divorce happens when you’re ready to move forward, but your spouse simply refuses to cooperate. If you’ve filed for divorce in Fort Lauderdale and your spouse won’t sign the papers, you may worry that you’re stuck in legal limbo. You’re not.

Florida law does not allow one spouse to hold the other hostage in a marriage. Refusing to sign can delay the process, but it cannot stop a Florida divorce. Understanding how the system works can help you regain control and reduce unnecessary stress. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer explains your options.

Getting A Fort Lauderdale Divorce? Common Reasons Your Spouse May Refuse to Cooperate

Facing the fact that a marriage is over is never easy. Unfortunately, this can lead your spouse to refuse to sign divorce papers or otherwise cooperate with the process.

A spouse’s refusal is rarely about paperwork alone. In many Broward County Family Court divorce cases, it’s driven by emotion, fear, or a desire for leverage. Among the most common reasons for not cooperating include:

• Denial or hope for reconciliation;
• Anger, resentment, and using delay as a form of control;
• Concerns property division, alimony, or other financial consequences,
• Concerns about children and time-sharing or support;
• Misunderstanding the law and believing their refusal can block the divorce process.

While these reactions are common, they don’t change your legal rights. Under the Florida Statutes, you do not need your spouse’s consent to end your marriage.

What To Do If Your Spouse Refuses to Sign Broward County Divorce Papers

Under Section 61.052 of the Florida Statutes, you can still get a divorce in Broward County, even if your spouse refuses to participate in the process. If they don’t respond to a divorce petition, options to keep your case moving forward include:

• Service of process formally notifies your spouse of the divorce filing (so they can’t make excuses for not signing).
• A 20-day response window applies once service is complete.
• You can request default proceedings if they still fail to respond.
• The court can divide property, award support, and enter a final judgment.
• Child-related issues may require additional hearings, but refusal alone won’t stop them from being decided.

Broward County judges are unfortunately familiar with uncooperative spouses. Their priority is resolving the case fairly, not forcing agreements that don’t exist.

Spousal Refusing to Cooperate? Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer

Going through a Fort Lauderdale divorce is never easy. If your spouse fails to respond to a divorce petition, won’t sign divorce papers, or otherwise refuses to cooperate, it can make things even more difficult.

At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, we help Broward County clients move past delay tactics and regain control. We’ll explain your options clearly, handle the court process, and advocate for you every step of the way.

If your spouse is creating problems or delaying a final divorce order, contact our office and request a consultation today with an experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer.

Sources:

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family

leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.052.html