Florida Divorce Forms

Florida Divorce Forms are the paperwork you use to start (or respond to) a divorce case in a Florida circuit court, and choosing the right forms depends on your situation—kids or no kids, contested or uncontested, and whether you qualify for simplified dissolution. Disclaimer: This content is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change, and outcomes depend on specific facts. For advice, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Quick Answer

To use Florida Divorce Forms correctly, first identify your divorce type (simplified vs regular; with children vs no children), then gather financial documents and complete the required petition plus supporting forms (and parenting/financial forms if applicable). File in the correct Florida circuit court, serve the other spouse properly, and track deadlines—many delays happen because people file the wrong packet or skip required disclosures.

Table of Contents

• What “Florida Divorce Forms” means (and where they’re used)
  
  

• Choose the right divorce type in Florida
  
  

• The most common Florida divorce forms (by situation)
  
  

• Step-by-step: how to complete and file Florida divorce forms
  
  

• Serving your spouse (and why it matters)
  
  

• Financial disclosure basics (plain English)
  
  

• Parenting plan + child-related forms (if you have kids)
  
  

• Costs & fees (and fee waivers)
  
  

• Timeline: how long a Florida divorce can take
  
  

• Common mistakes with Florida divorce forms
  
  

• FAQ: Florida Divorce Forms
  
  

• Next steps + CTA
  
  

What “Florida Divorce Forms” means (and where they’re used)

Florida divorce cases are handled in Florida circuit court. “Forms” typically include:

• the petition that starts the case
  
  

• required financial disclosures (in many cases)
  
  

• supporting documents (summons, notices, certificates)
  
  

• settlement/marital agreement paperwork (if uncontested)
  
  

• parenting plan and child support-related forms (if children are involved)
  
  

Your county may also have local requirements, so you should always check your circuit’s family court filing instructions.

Choose the right divorce type in Florida

Picking the right path determines which Florida divorce forms you need.

Simplified dissolution (uncontested, no kids, strict requirements)

This is usually the easiest packet, but not everyone qualifies. It generally requires full agreement and specific eligibility conditions.

Regular dissolution (most cases)

Regular dissolution is used when:

• you don’t qualify for simplified dissolution, or
  
  

• you have children, or
  
  

• you need court orders on parenting time/support/alimony, or
  
  

• the case may be contested
  
  

With children vs no children

If you have minor children, you’ll typically need additional forms for:

• a parenting plan
  
  

• a child support worksheet and related disclosures
  
  

• affidavits and notices specific to kids
  
  

The most common Florida divorce forms (by situation)

The exact list varies, but these categories show what you’ll usually see.

Forms to start the case

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (appropriate version for your situation)
  
  

• Summons (often issued with filing)
  
  

• Related notices/certificates required by the court
  
  

Financial disclosure and financial affidavit

Many cases require exchanging financial information. A financial affidavit is commonly required and must be accurate and complete.

Settlement paperwork (if uncontested)

If you agree on everything, you may use:

• a marital settlement agreement
  
  

• final judgment documents (depending on court process)
  
  

If you have children

You’ll typically need additional parenting and child-related forms, such as:

• a parenting plan
  
  

• child support forms/worksheet
  
  

• certificates for required classes (where applicable)
  
  

Step-by-step: how to complete and file Florida divorce forms

Use this workflow to avoid common filing errors.

1) Identify your county and the correct circuit court

File in the appropriate Florida circuit court. County matters for filing instructions.

2) Choose the correct packet for your situation

Pick the packet based on:

• simplified vs regular dissolution
  
  

• children vs no children
  
  

• contested vs uncontested (or likely contested)
  
  

3) Gather documents before you fill anything out

Have these ready:

• basic marriage information (dates, addresses)
  
  

• income proof (pay stubs, benefits statements)
  
  

• a list of debts and assets
  
  

• bank account and retirement statements
  
  

• housing/lease/mortgage info
  
  

• child-related schedules and costs (if applicable)
  
  

4) Fill out forms carefully and consistently

Common “gotchas”:

• names and dates not matching across forms
  
  

• missing attachments
  
  

• incomplete financial sections
  
  

• incorrect case type selection
  
  

5) File the case with the clerk

Once filed, keep copies of everything stamped “filed” and track your case number.

6) Serve the other spouse properly

Service is a legal requirement and affects deadlines. Do not assume texting or emailing documents is “service.”

7) Track deadlines and required disclosures

Many delays happen because parties miss deadlines for disclosures or fail to submit required documents on time.

Serving your spouse (and why it matters)

Service is how the other spouse is formally notified and how the court gains authority to move the case forward. If service is improper:

• hearings may be postponed
  
  

• orders may be delayed
  
  

• your case can stall
  
  

If you already have a cooperative spouse, there may be options like a waiver of service or acceptance—rules vary, so confirm the procedure for your county.

Financial disclosure basics (plain English)

Even in uncontested divorces, Florida courts often require clear financial information. The goal is transparency on:

• income
  
  

• expenses
  
  

• assets
  
  

• debts
  
  

Be accurate. Guessing can cause problems later if numbers don’t match documents.

Parenting plan + child-related forms (if you have kids)

If minor children are involved, the divorce often includes decisions about:

• time-sharing schedule
  
  

• decision-making responsibilities
  
  

• communication and exchanges
  
  

• child support and related costs
  
  

A strong parenting plan is specific and practical. Vague plans can lead to conflict and repeated court trips.

Costs & fees (and fee waivers)

Typical divorce-related costs can include:

• court filing fees
  
  

• service of process fees
  
  

• parenting course fees (where required)
  
  

• mediation fees (if ordered)
  
  

• copying/notary costs
  
  

If money is a barrier, ask the clerk about fee waiver options and required paperwork for indigency.

Timeline: how long a Florida divorce can take

Timelines vary based on:

• whether the divorce is contested
  
  

• whether there are children
  
  

• how quickly forms and disclosures are completed
  
  

• court scheduling and mediation requirements
  
  

In general:

• uncontested cases can move faster if paperwork is complete
  
  

• contested cases take longer due to hearings, discovery, and negotiations
  
  

Common mistakes with Florida divorce forms

Avoid these mistakes:

• choosing the wrong packet (simplified vs regular)
  
  

• filing in the wrong county/circuit
  
  

• missing required financial disclosures
  
  

• forgetting to attach required exhibits or certificates
  
  

• improper service
  
  

• leaving blanks that should be “N/A”
  
  

• inconsistent numbers (income/expenses)
  
  

• unclear parenting schedules that invite disputes
  
  

• not keeping proof of filing and service
  
  

FAQ: Florida Divorce Forms

1) Where do I get Florida divorce forms?

Florida divorce forms are typically available through official court form libraries and circuit court self-help pages.

2) Which Florida divorce forms do I need?

It depends on whether you qualify for simplified dissolution, whether you have children, and whether the case is contested.

3) Can I file Florida divorce forms online?

Some counties allow e-filing for certain filers and case types. Availability varies by county and user type.

4) Do I need a lawyer to file divorce forms in Florida?

Not always, but legal advice can be important—especially if property, debt, support, or children are involved.

5) What if my spouse won’t cooperate?

You may need regular dissolution forms, formal service, and possibly court hearings.

6) How do I serve divorce papers in Florida?

Service is usually done through legally recognized methods, often involving a process server or sheriff, unless a valid waiver applies.

7) What is “simplified dissolution” in Florida?

It’s an uncontested divorce option with strict requirements. If you don’t qualify, you must use regular dissolution procedures.

8) Do I need financial disclosure forms?

Many cases require financial affidavits and disclosures. Requirements can vary by situation and county.

9) What if we agree on everything?

You may be able to proceed as uncontested, using a settlement agreement and the correct packet for your situation.

10) What if we have kids?

You’ll likely need additional forms, including a parenting plan and child support-related paperwork.

11) How do I avoid getting my forms rejected by the clerk?

Use the correct packet, complete all required fields, attach exhibits, and follow your circuit’s filing checklist.

12) Can I ask for alimony in the divorce forms?

In many cases, requests for support must be included in the petition and supported with financial information.

13) What if I can’t afford filing fees?

You may be able to request a fee waiver based on indigency. Ask the clerk what form and proof are required.

14) How long does a Florida divorce take?

Uncontested cases can be faster; contested cases often take longer due to hearings, disclosures, and scheduling.

15) What happens after I file the forms?

You must complete service, exchange required disclosures, attend mediation or hearings if required, and submit final paperwork for judgment.

Next steps + CTA

If you’re working on Florida Divorce Forms, do this today:

1. Identify your divorce type (simplified vs regular; children vs no children)
   
   

2. Download the correct packet for your situation and county
   
   

3. Gather your financial documents and complete forms carefully
   
   

4. File with the clerk, complete proper service, and track deadlines
   
   

CTA: If you tell me whether you have minor children and whether the divorce is uncontested, I can generate a Florida-specific divorce “forms checklist” and a clean, ready-to-copy one-page case summary you can use for self-help intake or attorney review.

Disclaimer: This content is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change, and outcomes depend on specific facts. For advice, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.