Florida Divorce Forms:
A Complete Guide to Filing for Divorce in Florida

Navigating a divorce can be emotionally and legally challenging. In the state of Florida, understanding the right Florida divorce forms and filing procedures is essential to ensure your rights are protected and the process goes as smoothly as possible. Whether your divorce is uncontested or contested, simplified or complex, having access to the correct legal documents is crucial. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about Florida divorce forms, including where to find them, how to fill them out, and what steps to follow after submission.

Understanding the Divorce Process in Florida

Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you don’t need to prove wrongdoing by either party to file for dissolution of marriage. The only requirement is that the marriage is irretrievably broken or one party has been mentally incapacitated for at least three years.

There are two main types of divorce in Florida:

• Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (for uncontested divorces with no minor children and no financial disagreements)

• Regular Dissolution of Marriage (used in all other cases)

Each type of divorce requires specific forms and follows a distinct process.

Who Can File for Divorce in Florida?

Before you start filling out Florida divorce forms, confirm that you meet the residency requirement. One of the spouses must have lived in Florida for at least six months prior to filing.

You must file in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides.

Essential Florida Divorce Forms for Simplified Dissolution

If both parties agree on all issues and meet specific criteria, a simplified dissolution of marriage may be an option. The necessary forms include:

• Form 12.901(a) – Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage

• Form 12.902(f)(3) – Marital Settlement Agreement for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage

• Form 12.902(b) or (c) – Financial Affidavit (short form or long form depending on income)

• Form 12.902(j) – Notice of Social Security Number

• Form 12.900(h) – Notice of Related Cases

• Form 12.902(d) – Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit (only if minor children are involved – typically not used in simplified cases)

Both spouses must attend the final hearing.

Forms Required for Regular Dissolution of Marriage

A regular divorce may be contested or uncontested. If children, shared assets, or spousal support are involved, more comprehensive forms are required.

Basic Forms for All Regular Divorces:

• Form 12.901(b)(1) – Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Children

• Form 12.901(b)(2) – Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Property but No Dependent or Minor Children

• Form 12.901(b)(3) – Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Children and No Property

Mandatory Supporting Documents:

• Form 12.902(b) or 12.902(c) – Financial Affidavit

• Form 12.902(d) – UCCJEA Affidavit (if children are involved)

• Form 12.902(e) – Child Support Guidelines Worksheet

• Form 12.902(j) – Notice of Social Security Number

• Form 12.902(f)(1) or (2) – Marital Settlement Agreement (depending on presence of children)

• Form 12.995(a) – Parenting Plan

• Form 12.913(a)(1) – Summons: Personal Service on an Individual

• Form 12.915 – Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address

How to Access Florida Divorce Forms

All Florida Supreme Court-approved family law forms are available for free online through the official Florida Courts website:

➡️ https://www.flcourts.org
➡️ Navigate to Family Law Forms > Dissolution of Marriage

You may also obtain them in person at the clerk of court’s office in the county where you're filing.

Filing and Serving the Divorce Papers

Once completed, you must file your divorce petition and supporting forms with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Fees vary by county but typically range from $400 to $450. Fee waivers are available for low-income individuals.

After filing, you must legally serve the divorce papers to your spouse unless they’ve signed a waiver of service. This is typically done through a sheriff's department or a licensed process server.

Responding to a Divorce Petition in Florida

If you’ve been served with divorce papers in Florida, you have 20 calendar days to file a written Answer using:

• Form 12.903(a) – Answer, Waiver, and Request for Copy of Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage

You may also file a counterpetition if you have separate requests using:

• Form 12.903(b) – Answer to Petition and Counterpetition for Dissolution of Marriage

Child Support and Custody Considerations

If children are involved, Florida law requires both parents to complete a Parenting Plan and adhere to the child support guidelines.

Required Child-Related Forms:

• Form 12.995(a) – Parenting Plan

• Form 12.995(b) – Safety-Focused Parenting Plan (if domestic violence or abuse is a concern)

• Form 12.902(e) – Child Support Guidelines Worksheet

• Form 12.902(k) – Child Support Guidelines Notice

Both parties must attend a Parenting Course approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Final Hearing and Judgment

After all documents have been submitted and mandatory requirements met, a final hearing will be scheduled. At this hearing, the judge will review:

• Financial affidavits

• Parenting plans

• Child support calculations

• Settlement agreements

If approved, the judge will issue a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.990(b)(1), (2), or (3)), depending on the type of petition filed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Florida Divorce Forms

• Failing to complete a financial affidavit – This is mandatory, even if there’s no child support or alimony involved.

• Serving incorrect or incomplete documents – Improper service can delay or invalidate the process.

• Ignoring mandatory parenting courses – Can result in postponement or denial of custody-related requests.

• Using outdated forms – Always download the most current versions from the official court website.

• Not attending the final hearing – Your case may be dismissed.

Get Legal Help with Florida Divorce Forms

While the Florida divorce system allows self-representation, many individuals benefit from legal guidance. Family law attorneys can ensure your forms are properly completed, your rights are protected, and complex issues like custody or property division are resolved efficiently.

Consider consulting an attorney especially if:

• You or your spouse own real estate

• There are retirement accounts or business interests

• You suspect hidden assets

• Domestic violence or coercion is involved

Final Thoughts on Filing Divorce in Florida

Filing for divorce in Florida involves a comprehensive set of forms tailored to your specific situation. Whether you qualify for a simplified process or need to pursue a full dissolution with child custody and property considerations, using the correct Florida divorce forms is the foundation for a successful outcome. Accuracy, thoroughness, and timely filing are crucial. If needed, don’t hesitate to seek professional support to ensure your divorce process is as smooth and fair as possible.