Divorce Laws In Florida
Divorce is never easy, but when both spouses agree on all major issues, the process becomes much simpler. Uncontested divorce in Florida provides couples with a faster, less stressful, and more affordable way to end their marriage. The key to completing this process is properly preparing and filing the correct Florida uncontested divorce forms.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about these forms, how to file them, and what to expect throughout the process.
An uncontested divorce, also called a simplified dissolution of marriage in Florida, is when both spouses agree on:
Division of property and debts
Child custody and visitation (if applicable)
Child support obligations
Spousal support (alimony), if any
Because there are no disputes to resolve, the court process is shorter and requires less court involvement.
Before you file your uncontested divorce forms, you must meet certain requirements:
Residency – At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing.
Agreement – Both spouses must agree on all divorce terms.
No Trial Needed – Neither spouse seeks a trial or further court intervention.
Children Consideration – If minor children are involved, parenting and child support agreements must be included in the paperwork.
Financial Disclosure – Each spouse must complete a financial affidavit unless waived in simplified cases.
The exact documents depend on whether children or property are involved. The most common Florida uncontested divorce forms include:
Form 12.901(a) – Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren)
Form 12.901(b)(1) – Dissolution of Marriage with Property but No Minor Child(ren)
Form 12.901(b)(3) – Dissolution of Marriage with No Property or Minor Child(ren)
This is the primary form that officially starts the divorce process.
Form 12.902(f)(1) – For divorces without children
Form 12.902(f)(3) – For divorces with children
This outlines how property, assets, debts, and responsibilities will be divided.
Form 12.995(a) – Parenting Plan
Form 12.995(b) – Supervised/Safety-Focused Parenting Plan
This establishes custody, visitation, and decision-making responsibilities.
Form 12.902(e) – Calculates the amount of child support owed.
Form 12.902(b) – Short Form (income under $50,000/year)
Form 12.902(c) – Long Form (income over $50,000/year)
Signed by the judge to finalize the divorce.
Prepare the Forms – Complete all necessary uncontested divorce documents.
File with the Clerk – Submit the forms to the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where either spouse lives. Filing fees typically range between $400–$450.
Serve the Other Spouse – In uncontested cases, both spouses usually sign a waiver of service.
Submit Parenting Class Certificate – If children are involved, Florida law requires both parents to complete a Parenting Course.
Attend Final Hearing – A short court hearing is scheduled where the judge reviews the paperwork.
Receive Final Judgment – The judge signs the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, making the divorce official.
The timeline is much faster than contested divorces. Most uncontested divorces in Florida are finalized within 30 to 60 days after filing, depending on the court’s schedule.
Lower Cost – Avoids expensive legal battles.
Faster Process – Finalized in weeks instead of months or years.
Less Stressful – No trial or extensive court appearances.
More Control – Couples decide their own terms instead of leaving it to a judge.
Incomplete Forms – Missing information can delay the case.
Incorrect Parenting Plan – Courts may reject an unclear plan.
Failure to Disclose Finances – Omitting financial information can result in penalties.
Not Meeting Residency Requirement – Must prove six months of Florida residency.
While it is possible to file using Florida uncontested divorce forms without an attorney, many couples choose to consult a lawyer to ensure:
Proper completion of forms
Accurate financial disclosure
Enforceable settlement agreements
Avoiding errors that could cause delays
For those with straightforward cases and full agreement, self-filing is common and widely used.
Florida Supreme Court Website – Official forms available for free download.
County Clerk’s Office – Local clerks often provide packets for uncontested divorce.
Online Legal Form Providers – Paid services that help complete and file paperwork.
Completing the correct Florida uncontested divorce forms is the foundation of a smooth, quick, and affordable divorce process. By ensuring all documents are filled out correctly and agreements are clear, couples can move forward without unnecessary delays or stress.