Florida Divorce and Dissolution Resources: Know Your Next Step
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Florida calls divorce a dissolution of marriage, and the case is filed in the circuit court for the county where you or your spouse lives. Which petition you start with depends on whether you have minor or dependent children together and whether there is property to divide.
Every Florida dissolution with children also involves a parenting plan and child support worksheet, and nearly every dissolution requires financial affidavits from both spouses. The official sources below cover each of those pieces.
Which petition fits you: use 12.901(b)(1) when you have a dependent or minor child together; 12.901(b)(2) when there are no dependent or minor children but there is property or debt to divide; 12.901(b)(3) when there are no dependent or minor children and nothing to divide; and 12.901(a), the joint simplified petition, only when both spouses sign together and meet every condition in that form's instructions. Read the instructions on the form itself before choosing, because eligibility conditions are set by the court and not by us.
Official Florida divorce resources
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Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), form 12.901(b)(1) (Florida State Courts System): The starting petition when you and your spouse have a dependent or minor child together. https://flcourts-media.flcourts.gov/content/download/685808/file_pdf/12.901(b)(1)%20ADA.pdf
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Property but No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), form 12.901(b)(2) (Florida State Courts System): The starting petition when there is property to divide but no dependent or minor children. https://flcourts-media.flcourts.gov/content/download/685809/file_pdf/12.901(b)(2)%20ADA.pdf
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren) or Property, form 12.901(b)(3) (Florida State Courts System): The starting petition when there are no dependent or minor children and no marital assets or liabilities to divide. https://flcourts-media.flcourts.gov/content/download/685810/file_pdf/12.901(b)(3)%20ADA.pdf
Joint Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage, form 12.901(a) (Florida State Courts System): The joint simplified dissolution petition for spouses who agree on everything and meet the conditions in the form's instructions. https://flcourts-media.flcourts.gov/content/download/685807/file_pdf/12.901(a)%20ADA.pdf
Chapter 61, Dissolution of Marriage; Support; Time-sharing (Florida Legislature): The master chapter governing divorce in Florida. Covers grounds for dissolution, jurisdiction, equitable distribution of assets/debts, alimony, child support, and parenting plans / time-sharing. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061ContentsIndex.html
Florida Family Law Forms (official index) (Florida State Courts System): The complete, current collection of Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms with instructions. When in doubt, start here. https://www.flcourts.gov/Services/family-courts/domestic-relations-court-resources/family-law-forms
Florida courts family law self-help information (Florida State Courts System): Official self-help information for Florida family cases, including where to find help in your county. https://www.flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Court-Improvement/Family-Courts/Family-Law-Self-Help-Information
Answer, Waiver, and Request for Copy of Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, form 12.903(a) (Florida State Courts System): The answer that admits all allegations in the petition and waives notice of and appearance at the final hearing. It may be used whether or not there are minor children. https://flcourts-media.flcourts.gov/content/download/685822/file_pdf/12.903(a)%20ADA.pdf
Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, form 12.903(b) (Florida State Courts System): The answer that admits or denies allegations in the petition without filing a counterpetition. It may be used whether or not there are minor children. https://flcourts-media.flcourts.gov/content/download/685823/file_pdf/12.903(b)%20ADA.pdf
Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), form 12.902(f)(1) (Florida State Courts System): The marital settlement agreement for a dissolution with dependent or minor children. https://flcourts-media.flcourts.gov/content/download/685816/file_pdf/12.902(f)(1)%20ADA.pdf
Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Property but No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), form 12.902(f)(2) (Florida State Courts System): The marital settlement agreement for a dissolution with no dependent or minor children. https://flcourts-media.flcourts.gov/content/download/685817/file_pdf/12.902(f)(2)%20ADA.pdf
Marital Settlement Agreement for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage, form 12.902(f)(3) (Florida State Courts System): The marital settlement agreement for a simplified dissolution under 12.901(a). https://flcourts-media.flcourts.gov/content/download/685818/file_pdf/12.902(f)(3)%20ADA.pdf
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (Florida Courts E-Filing Authority): One statewide portal covers every Florida county and is built for self-represented people as well as lawyers. E-filing is optional for you, and paper filing with your clerk is still fine. https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file for divorce in Florida?
In the circuit court for the county where you or your spouse lives. You can file through the statewide Florida Courts E-Filing Portal or on paper with your county clerk of court.
What does a Florida divorce filing cost?
Divorce ($409), Custody ($295), Modification ($295) - varies by county. If you cannot afford the fee, ask your county clerk about applying for a determination of civil indigent status, which can defer the fee.
Do I need a parenting plan for a Florida divorce?
When minor or dependent children are involved, Florida cases include a parenting plan covering time-sharing and decision making. The standard form is 12.995(a), and the court must approve whatever plan is submitted.
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