Divorce

As in all matters involving the law, if you don’t feel fully comfortable or qualified to represent yourself, you may want to consider obtaining the services of a competent lawyer. If you decide to represent yourself, this office provides four separate divorce packets. These forms are prepared by the State of Florida.

The filing fee for a dissolution of marriage is $408.00, plus $10.00 to issue summons(per defendant) and any applicable mediation fees. Payment may be paid by cash, personal check, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover cards only).

The fee for service by sheriff within the state of Florida is $40.00 payable in cashier’s check or money order to the Sheriff’s department. If service is out of the state of Florida, you will need to contact the sheriff in the county where the other person lives, to find out what their fee is, and what method of payment they accept.

Florida Family Law and the Florida Supreme Court have created general information packets regarding divorces:

• Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
  • Requirements:
    • Both you and your spouse have agreed to get divorced.
    • Either you or your spouse have been a Florida resident for at least the prior six months
    • You have no children younger than 18 years of age who were born during this marriage
    • The wife is not pregnant now.
    • There is no request for alimony.
    • Both of you agree on how to divide all the property and bills.
    • Both of you must sign the petition at the clerk’s office and attend the hearing with the judge.
• Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Children or Property
  • Requirements:
    • You are unable to meet all requirements for the Simplified Dissolution of Marriage.
    • You have no marital assets or marital debts.
    • Neither you nor your spouse is seeking support (alimony).
    • The party filing for divorce must reside 6 months in the state of Florida before the filing of the petition.
• Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Children
  • Requirements:
    • There is a dependent child born during the marriage.
    • The party filing for divorce must reside 6 months in the state of Florida before the filing of the petition.
• Dissolution of Marriage with Property but No Dependent or Minor Children
  • Requirements:
    • You are unable to meet all requirements for the Simplified Dissolution of Marriage.
    • You disagree about property, debts, or other matters and wish to have a judge settle them for you.
    • Either you or your spouse are seeking support (alimony).
    • You would like to ask questions and get documents concerning your spouse’s income, expenses, assets, debts, or other matters before having a trial or settlement.
    • You would like to reserve your rights to have any matters reconsidered or appeal the judge’s decision.
    • The party filing for divorce must reside 6 months in the state of Florida before the filing of the petition.