Getting divorced in Florida does not have to feel like a maze of unknowns. If you understand the residency rule, the core paperwork, and what the court expects at each step, you can move forward with confidence — whether you work with an attorney or use self-help tools for an uncontested case.
The short answer
1. Meet the residency requirement
Before a Florida court can hear your case, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six consecutive months immediately before filing. This is one of the most common reasons a petition gets rejected or delayed.
You may be asked to show proof — for example a Florida driver's license, voter registration, lease, or utility bills in your name. If neither spouse meets the six-month rule yet, you will need to wait before filing.
2. Core documents you will need
Every dissolution case starts with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. The exact form set depends on whether you have minor children and whether the case is contested, but most people also complete a Financial Affidavit listing income, assets, and debts.
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Civil cover sheet and any local circuit cover sheets
- Financial Affidavit (both parties typically file one)
- Marriage certificate (or explanation if unavailable)
- Parenting plan, child support guidelines, and related forms if minor children are involved
- Marital settlement agreement if you and your spouse agree on all terms (uncontested)
- Summons and service paperwork — or a Waiver of Service if your spouse cooperates
3. File with the Circuit Court Clerk
You submit your packet to the clerk of the circuit court in your county — in person or electronically, depending on local rules. The clerk reviews whether your forms are complete; they do not give legal advice.
Filing fees are set by law and vary slightly by county. As of 2026, expect roughly $400 for the initial petition, plus possible additional fees for summons or other services. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about an application for civil indigent status.
4. Notify your spouse (service of process)
Your spouse must receive legal notice of the case. In cooperative uncontested divorces, they often sign a Waiver of Service of Process so you can skip hiring a process server.
If your spouse will not sign, formal service is required — usually by a sheriff or private process server. Budget roughly $50–$150 if service is needed.
5. Mandatory waiting period and final hearing
Florida imposes a waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. For cases without minor children, it is often 20 days from service; when children are involved, it is typically longer. Your clerk or local family law division can confirm current timelines for your county.
At the final hearing, a judge reviews your agreement and paperwork, asks brief questions, and — if everything is in order — signs the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. Uncontested hearings are usually short.
Uncontested vs. contested: which path fits you?
An uncontested divorce means you and your spouse agree on property division, debts, alimony (if any), and — with children — parenting time and support. That is the path most self-help tools, including Docketfy, are built for.
A contested divorce means one or more major issues are disputed. Those cases usually need mediation, discovery, and attorney representation. If there is domestic violence or complex assets (businesses, significant retirement accounts, hidden property), speak with a licensed Florida family law attorney before filing on your own.
What it typically costs
Costs fall into three buckets: court fees (paid to the clerk), optional service fees, and help preparing your documents. Attorney-led divorces range from a few thousand dollars for simple uncontested work to far more for contested cases billed hourly.
Self-help document preparation is a lower-cost option for straightforward uncontested matters — you still pay court fees directly and remain responsible for filing and following local rules.
- Court filing: ~$400 (varies by county)
- Process server (if needed): ~$50–$150
- Attorney (uncontested flat fee): often $1,500–$5,000+
- Document preparation platforms: flat fee, separate from court costs
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