Florida Divorce Forms
Divorce is a complicated and stressful process, not only because of the intense emotional strain it can cause but also due to the intricacies of the legal process. As with other family courts in the U.S., Florida divorce courts require divorcing parties to fill out a number of formal documents and submit them in a timely fashion. Many of these divorce forms are long, complex and confusing. In some cases, if the form is not properly filled out, the court will not accept it.
If you are considering a divorce and you have lived in Florida for at least six months, contact the skilled Florida divorce attorneys at the Chartered Law Offices of Troum & Wallsh. We have been practicing family and divorce law for more than 20 years, and we stay abreast of the latest changes and updates to Florida divorce law and the associated divorce forms. Our superior legal knowledge and well-respected litigating skills give us the ability to build our clients the strongest possible cases.
How to Get a Divorce in Florida
To get a divorce in Florida, either spouse will have to swear under oath that the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” meaning that not even counseling will repair the relationship. Additionally, the spouse requesting the divorce must have resided in Florida for at least six months immediately prior to petitioning for a divorce. Because Florida is a “no-fault” state, a spouse who wants a divorce does not have to prove that the other spouse was unfaithful, abusive or otherwise ruined the relationship. Currently, New York is the only “at-fault” state in the U.S.
The next phase of the divorce process in Florida will depend on whether or not the divorce is being contested. If the proceedings are uncontested, meaning all terms of the dissolution (such as custody and distribution of property) are agreed upon, then there will be no need for mediation or trial. Instead, the divorcing parties will simply need to file a series of court divorce forms in a timely manner. Uncontested divorces usually take far less time than contested divorces, with the shortest ones being finalized within four to five weeks.
Alternately, contested divorces, in which both sides cannot agree on all terms of the divorce, take far longer, sometimes between six months to a year, as both sides work to negotiate to come to an agreement. Elements of a divorce that spouses may disagree about include:
- Alimony
- Child custody
- Child support
- Visitation rights
- Relocation of children
- Debt division
- Property distribution.
These negotiations will start in mediation, which is overseen by a neutral third party (a mediator). Should couples be unable to agree on all terms of the divorce, the case will go before a judge for the ultimate decision. While Florida divorce judges will try to devise a fair settlement, their final decisions will always be focused on what is best for the children (when minor children are involved).
State of Florida Divorce Forms
There are nearly 100 different types of Florida divorce forms, some of which include:
- Dissolution of Marriage with No Property or Children
- Dissolution of Marriage with Property and No Children
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
- Family Law Financial Affidavit
- Motion for Temporary Support with Children
- Motion for Testimony and Attendance of Children
- Motion to Modify or Dissolve Temporary Injunction
- Order to Pick Up Children
- Supplemental Petition for Modification of Alimony
Where to Download Florida Divorce Forms
The Florida Department of Health has a Web site with up-to-date Florida divorce forms, along with instructions on how to complete them. A time line of when to submit each document is included in these instructions.
Help to Fill Out Divorce Forms!
To get through the legal process as efficiently as possible, it is important that you fill out Florida divorce forms correctly. The highly qualified divorce lawyers at Troum & Wallsh have decades of experience in the process of divorce and are here to help you during this stressful time. For information and legal guidance, contact our Florida divorce attorneys today.
Office Location
2450 Maitland Center Pkwy #303
Maitland, FL. 32751
Phone: (866) 433-1087
Fax: (407) 644-5511