Coping with the emotional ups and downs of divorce is not easy. Still, this process can get even more complicated when spouses have a poor understanding of the legal aspects of marriage dissolution. This article will outline specific features of preparing divorce paperwork in Florida and the best ways to apply for divorce in this state.
Where to Get Divorce Papers in Florida
Currently, residents of Florida have the opportunity to get divorce papers in several ways.
- You can find and download the basic list of divorce documents on the Florida Court System's Self-Help Center.
- You can obtain divorce forms from the county clerk's office where you or your spouse resides.
- You can hire a divorce law attorney who will select and fill out divorce papers based on the information you provide.
- You can use online divorce services. For example, Online Florida Divorce assists divorcing spouses in preparing state-specific documents that comply with local laws and requirements.
Printable Divorce Papers in Florida
With Online Florida Divorce, you can complete divorce forms and print them in the privacy of your home or office. After signing these papers, you can bring the paperwork to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
Keep in mind that you'll need to have your divorce petition notarized before filing with the court. Thus, make sure to sign your documents in the presence of a notary.
Uncontested Divorce Forms
There are two types of uncontested divorce approved in the state: simplified dissolution of marriage and a traditional one.
Requirements for a simplified dissolution include:
- spouses agree that the marriage is broken;
- spouses have no minor children together, and neither of them is now pregnant;
- spouses have decided how to divide marital assets;
- alimony isn’t requested;
- both spouses are willing to sign the petition and go to the final hearing.
If you meet the requirements for the first type of an uncontested divorce, you will be required to prepare and submit the following documents:
- Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.901(a)).
- Family Law Financial Affidavit.
- Marital Settlement Agreement for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.902(f)(3)).
- Notice of Social Security Number.
- Final Judgment of Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.990(a)).
If you do not qualify for a simplified dissolution of marriage, you can still file for a regular uncontested divorce by submitting the following forms:
- Civil Cover Sheet (Form 12.928).
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
- Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form, Form 12.902(c)). If your annual gross income is less than $50,000, you can prepare a shorter version (Short Form, Form 12.902(b)).
- Affidavit of Corroborating Witness (Form 12.902(i)).
- Notice of Social Security Number (Form 12.902(j)).
- Service Forms.
- Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage.
- Answer, Waiver, and Request for Copy of Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.903(a)).
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.
- The Final Disposition Form (Form 12.999).
Divorce Papers Without Children
If no minor children are involved, divorcing spouses will not be required to submit additional papers. The divorce paperwork outlined above works for divorce without children.
Divorce Papers with Children
Even though each case is unique, most soon-to-be-ex spouses with minor children will need to prepare divorce papers, such as:
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Affidavit (Form 902(d)).
- Parenting Plan (Form 12.995(a)). If supervised visitation is requested, make sure to prepare a specialized parenting plan (Form 12.995(b)).
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (Form 12.902(e)).
- Income Deduction Order (Form 12.996(a)).
Free Do-It-Yourself Divorce Forms
In Florida, a DIY divorce is a 100% legit way to terminate the marriage. As mentioned above, people applying for an uncontested divorce can find and download the basic list of free DIY divorce documents on the Florida Court System's Self-Help Center.
However, people filling out divorce paperwork on their own have a high risk of making mistakes, missing fields, or leaving out certain forms by accident. To complete the necessary forms correctly, you need to have a solid legal background or do deep research in the area of family law.
Divorce Papers Online
To save money and time preparing divorce paperwork, you can use online divorce services. For instance, with Online Florida Divorce, residents of Florida can generate appropriate documents from the comfort of their homes for as little as $139. All you need to do is go through a simple marriage-related questionnaire on our website and follow further instructions. Within two business days, partners can download ready-to-sign divorce forms along with a step-by-step filing guide.
Frequently asked questions
