Florida · Divorce & Family Law
Filing for Divorce in Florida: An Overview
A starting guide to Florida dissolution of marriage forms, simplified divorce eligibility, financial disclosure, parenting issues, and final judgments.
Florida calls divorce dissolution of marriage
A Florida divorce case is a dissolution of marriage. The appropriate petition and supporting documents depend on whether spouses have minor or dependent children, property or debt, support requests, and agreements on disputed issues.
Florida Courts publishes Supreme Court-approved family law forms and instructions, but court staff and self-help programs cannot provide legal advice.
Simplified dissolution is limited
Florida’s joint simplified dissolution process is intended for couples who meet every listed condition. Current form instructions include a six-month Florida residence requirement for at least one spouse, agreement that the marriage cannot be saved, no qualifying minor or dependent children, agreement on division of assets and liabilities, and no request for alimony.
If any condition is missing, another dissolution procedure may be required.
Documents and disclosure
A case may require a petition, civil cover sheet, notice of Social Security number, financial affidavit, mandatory disclosure documents, and service paperwork. Cases involving children may require a parenting plan, child support guideline worksheet, and jurisdiction affidavit.
- Use the current form version from Florida Courts.
- Follow local clerk and judicial circuit filing procedures.
- Protect confidential information as court rules require.
- Keep filed copies and proof of service.
Agreement, hearing, and judgment
Spouses may resolve some or all issues through a marital settlement agreement, but the court must enter a final judgment to dissolve the marriage. Unresolved property, support, or parenting issues may require hearings or trial.
A family lawyer can explain legal and financial consequences that standardized forms cannot evaluate, particularly when children, real estate, retirement benefits, business interests, domestic violence, or contested support are involved.