Florida's divorce laws, forms, and filing procedures were amended and simplified recently, in part, to assist self represented parties with the process of filing for divorce.
Florida's divorce laws, forms, and filing procedures were amended and simplified recently, in part, to assist self represented parties with the process of filing for divorce.
The Florida courts' Pro Se forms are available as free downloads, but what many of our customers really want is an easy to understand step by step explanation of the divorce forms and the divorce process.
Filling out and filing the court-approved forms for divorce in Florida may seem simple enough to complete on your own, but there are a few things you should take the time to learn.
First, you should learn as much as you can about the legal terms and the proper filing procedures for a divorce in Florida.
There are some basic legal terms that all do it yourself divorce filers should know.
For instance, did you know the legal term the State of Florida uses for divorce is Dissolution of Marriage?
Or did you know that a self representing litigant (representing yourself without a lawyer) is called Pro-Se?
If you've been doing your homework, then you probably know what these legal terms mean and you know the meaning of several others.
We put in the time and effort to verify and provide the most current information and forms for you to use.
But, there is no substitute for good legal advice. Legal situations and questions can pop up without notice and any one of these situations could become a serious problem.
Contested Divorce in Florida
A contested divorce, one in which the spouses disagree on one or more issues, can become complicated very quickly.
You are doing yourself a disservice if you don't at least discuss your case with an attorney familiar with Florida family law and Florida Divorce.
You should consult with a family law attorney at all points during your divorce. Especially when dependent children, assets, and liabilities are involved.
Also, if you have a limited understanding of the legal terms, the divorce process, the specifics of each and every form, or if you cannot locate your spouse, or one or both of you are in the military.
Florida "No-Fault" Uncontested Divorce
The state of Florida is commonly referred to as a "No Fault" divorce state...
Florida is one of the many states that no longer requires "fault" as grounds for divorce. The parties need only agree that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." There are only 3 requirements that must be proved:
"Fault" can be considered under certain circumstances in the award of alimony, equitable distribution of marital assets and liabilities, and to determine custody.
An uncontested divorce is the most common way for couples to divorce and that is what the Pro Se forms were designed to address.
Unless you and your spouse are reasonably agreed to the divorce and you have come to an agreement about all the issues involved, most people are well advised to consult with a family law attorney first before proceeding pro se.
Uncontested Divorce Forms in Florida
The Florida Courts provide four separate divorce forms procedures for self representing litigants to file.
These forms or Petitions are listed on the Florida Courts website under the 12.901 section titled Florida Divorce Petitions.
Have a look at our Florida Divorce Forms Page for more information about
the different divorce Petitions and see which one you qualify for.
Florida Divorce Forms page.
Have a look at our Florida Divorce Laws Page for more information about
and a brief description of the Dissolution of Marriage statutes in
Florida. Florida Divorce Law page.
Divorce FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
PDF Fillable Divorce Forms Packets
Uncontested Divorce - Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
Dissolution of Marriage - Common Divorce Forms & Procedures
Divorce Records - Finding DOM Records in Florida
Divorce Questions - Answers to Divorce Forms Questions
Divorce Procedures - Filing for Divorce Pro Se
Marital Settlement Agreement - How to Prepare an MSA
Form 12.901a - Florida's Simplified Divorce Explained
Form 12.901b1 - Divorce With Children Instructions
Our Petition Preparer Service can have all your documents professionally prepared after a brief interview with our experienced Legal Document Specialists.
Your court papers will be in your hands and ready to file in as little as three days! We guarantee our work. Just ask us for a quote.
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