How to File a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in Florida: Legal Guidance from a Family Law Attorney

Filing for divorce is one of the most personal and legally significant decisions you’ll ever make and, if you're in Florida, it all begins with a document called the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. But what exactly does that mean? What are the legal requirements, what steps should you expect, and how do you avoid the common mistakes that delay or complicate the process?

If you’ve just started thinking about ending your marriage or you're already preparing to file, this guide is here to help you understand what lies ahead. We’ll cover everything from Florida’s legal grounds for divorce to choosing the right petition, filing procedures, timeline expectations, and when to consider working with an attorney. And no, you don’t need to be a legal expert to understand your options. You just need reliable information and a plan.

As a Florida divorce attorney based in Coral Gables, I’ve walked countless clients through this exact process. So let’s break it down, step by step, and help you make informed decisions during what can be an emotionally and financially overwhelming time. Ready to get clear on what this legal process really involves? Let’s start with the foundation.

Understanding the Legal Grounds for Divorce in Florida

Florida is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t have to prove your spouse did something wrong in order to legally end your marriage. That’s a relief for many people, after all, divorce is difficult enough without having to air out personal grievances in court. Instead, you simply need to state that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” This is the legal term Florida uses to describe a relationship that can’t be repaired, no matter how much counseling or effort is involved. In rare cases, a spouse can also file on the grounds of mental incapacity, but that comes with stricter requirements and additional timeframes.

Now, before you can file a petition, Florida law requires that one of the spouses has lived in the state for at least six months prior to the date of filing. This is called the residency requirement, and it must be proven with documentation, typically a Florida driver’s license, voter registration card, or sworn affidavit. If you’ve recently moved or you're unsure whether you meet this requirement, it’s a good idea to double-check before moving forward. The court won’t even accept your petition if you can’t prove Florida residency.

So why does this matter? Because getting the legal basis of your divorce right from the beginning helps ensure your case moves forward without unnecessary delays or challenges. It also affects whether you’re eligible for certain types of petitions — like a simplified dissolution, which we’ll explore later. The bottom line is simple: even if divorce feels emotional or overwhelming, Florida courts are looking for one thing at this stage, clear legal grounds supported by proper documentation. Everything else builds from there.

Which Type of Divorce Petition Is Right for You?

In Florida, not all divorce cases follow the same path. The law provides two main types of petitions for dissolution of marriage: the simplified dissolution of marriage and the regular dissolution. Choosing the right one depends on several factors, including whether you and your spouse agree on the terms of your separation, whether there are children involved, and the complexity of your shared finances. While it might be tempting to pick the fastest or least expensive option, filing the wrong type of petition can create complications later on.

The simplified dissolution process is designed for couples who agree on everything and meet specific eligibility requirements. To use this option, both spouses must be willing to sign the petition together, agree that the marriage cannot be saved, have no minor or dependent children together, and not be seeking alimony. Both parties must also be willing to attend the final court hearing. This route is often faster and more affordable, but it’s not suitable for everyone. If you have joint debts, property disputes, or concerns about future legal claims, simplifying the process too much can leave you exposed.

For everyone else, the regular petition for dissolution of marriage is the standard route. This process can be either contested or uncontested. An uncontested case means that both parties eventually agree on the terms of the divorce, including custody, property division, and support. A contested divorce, on the other hand, involves disputes that may need to be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or even trial. In either case, the regular petition offers a more flexible legal framework, especially when children, support, or asset division are at play. Understanding which petition fits your situation is an important step toward ensuring the court process reflects your needs and protects your interests.

Required Divorce Forms in Florida: What You Need to File

Once you've determined which type of divorce petition applies to your situation, the next step is completing the correct legal forms. Florida uses standardized documents that must be filed with the local circuit court to officially begin the divorce process. While these forms are available online, knowing which ones to use, and how to complete them accurately — can make a significant difference in how smoothly your case progresses. Mistakes, omissions, or inconsistencies can lead to delays, resubmissions, or in some cases, the dismissal of your case.

The primary form is the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, which comes in several versions depending on your situation. If you’re filing a regular petition without minor children, you’ll use Form 12.901(b)(3). If children are involved, the correct form is 12.901(b)(1). There’s also a separate petition if you’re requesting alimony or dividing property and debts. For those filing jointly through a simplified divorce, Form 12.901(a) is used. These forms are just the beginning, additional documents such as financial affidavits, notices of social security numbers, parenting plans, and child support guidelines worksheets may be required depending on the case.

One important requirement that many people overlook is the mandatory filing of a financial affidavit. Florida law requires each party to disclose their income, assets, liabilities, and expenses through Form 12.902(b) or 12.902(c), depending on income level. This disclosure is critical for determining issues like child support, alimony, and equitable distribution of assets. If you or your spouse fails to complete these forms properly, it could negatively affect the outcome of your case or lead to court sanctions. Filing for divorce is not just about stating that a marriage is over, it’s also about providing the court with the full picture, and the forms are how that story gets told.

Step-by-Step Divorce Process in Florida Courts

After the initial filing, the divorce process unfolds through a series of procedural steps that are generally consistent across Florida, though timing and local rules may vary slightly by county. Understanding these steps can help you prepare for what’s ahead and avoid surprises along the way. Whether your case is contested or uncontested, most divorces follow the same core timeline, starting with service of process and ending in a final judgment. The more you understand this progression, the more confident you’ll feel as your case moves forward.

The process begins when the petitioner files the petition with the court, pays the filing fee, and serves the petition to the other spouse, known as the respondent. Service of process must be completed in accordance with Florida law, typically through a sheriff or professional process server. Once served, the respondent has 20 calendar days to file an answer or counterpetition. If no response is filed, the petitioner may request a default judgment, which can speed up resolution but does not mean the judge will automatically grant everything requested. From there, both parties must exchange mandatory financial disclosures unless they’ve waived them in a simplified case.

If disputes exist, the case will typically move to mediation, where both parties work with a neutral third party to reach an agreement on issues like property, parenting time, and support. If an agreement is reached, the case can proceed quickly to a final hearing. If not, the case may be scheduled for trial, where a judge will decide unresolved matters. Either way, the final step is a court-issued Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, which officially ends the legal relationship and outlines the terms both parties must follow. Depending on the complexity of the case, this process can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year.

Legal Options: Simplified Divorce, Mediation, or Litigation

In Florida, not every divorce has to end up in a courtroom battle. The legal system offers several pathways to resolution, and the right one depends on how well both parties can cooperate and the complexity of their financial and parenting circumstances. While some cases move efficiently through the simplified process, others require deeper negotiation or court intervention. Choosing the right path from the start can save time, reduce conflict, and lead to a more manageable experience for everyone involved.

Simplified divorce, as covered earlier, is the quickest and most straightforward option. It’s best suited for couples without children, without property disputes, and without ongoing support obligations. When all eligibility criteria are met, this route avoids lengthy discovery and court hearings. However, simplified divorce waives important rights like financial discovery and appeals, so it’s only recommended for those with complete transparency and mutual trust. For others, it may create more problems than it solves.

When disagreements exist, whether about parenting plans, division of property, or financial support, mediation is often the next logical step. This confidential process allows both parties to work with a neutral mediator to find middle ground without going to trial. It’s encouraged by Florida courts and often required before litigation. In more complex or contentious cases, litigation becomes necessary. This involves formal court proceedings, sworn testimony, and judicial decisions. Litigation is time-consuming and costly, but it may be the only way to resolve disputes when no agreement is possible. Each option comes with trade-offs, and understanding them clearly can help prevent unnecessary conflict or regret down the road.

How Long Does Divorce Take in Florida? What About the Costs?

One of the most common questions people ask when considering divorce is, “How long will this take?” The answer depends on several factors, including the type of petition filed, the level of agreement between the spouses, and whether children or significant assets are involved. In Florida, a simplified divorce may be resolved in as little as 30 days, assuming all paperwork is complete and both parties appear for the final hearing. But for regular petitions, especially contested ones, the timeline can stretch into several months or even longer if mediation fails or trial becomes necessary.

The length of a divorce case is often closely tied to the level of conflict between the parties. When both sides are willing to cooperate, share financial documents promptly, and compromise where necessary, the process tends to move more efficiently. On the other hand, disputes over property division, child custody, or support can lead to delays, discovery requests, and court hearings. Local court scheduling and backlogs can also affect timing. It’s not unusual for even uncontested divorces to take longer than expected if required forms are missing, financial disclosures are incomplete, or a respondent fails to engage.

In terms of costs, the initial filing fee for a dissolution of marriage petition in Florida is typically around $400, though this may vary slightly by county. Additional expenses may include service of process, parenting classes (if minor children are involved), mediation fees, and court document preparation. For contested cases, legal fees can rise significantly depending on how much time and effort is required to resolve disputes. While some people attempt to handle their divorce without legal assistance to save money, doing so can lead to costly mistakes — especially when support, children, or shared property are at stake.

Common Questions About Florida Divorce Petitions

Divorce involves both legal and emotional decisions, and it’s normal to have questions along the way. For many people, this is the first time they’ve dealt with the legal system in a personal matter, and knowing what to expect can ease some of the uncertainty. Below are answers to some of the most frequent concerns clients raise when beginning the process of filing a petition for dissolution of marriage in Florida.

Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Florida? Technically, no. Florida law allows individuals to represent themselves in a divorce case, especially in simplified or uncontested matters. However, legal representation is strongly recommended when the divorce involves children, shared assets, retirement accounts, alimony claims, or if the other party has retained a lawyer. A qualified family law firm can help ensure your rights are protected, deadlines are met, and agreements are properly documented to avoid future conflicts.

What happens if my spouse doesn’t respond after being served? If the respondent fails to answer the petition within 20 days, the petitioner may request a default judgment from the court. This doesn’t mean automatic approval of all requests, but it does allow the court to proceed without input from the non-responsive party. It’s important to follow the correct procedure for requesting a default, including proof of proper service and the required default forms. Courts are cautious when making decisions without both parties’ participation, so accuracy is key.

Can we change the terms of the divorce later? In some cases, yes. Certain aspects of a final judgment, such as parenting plans or child support, may be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Other terms, like equitable distribution of property, are generally final once the divorce is complete. Understanding what can and cannot be changed later helps clients negotiate wisely during the initial proceedings. It’s another reason why working with a law firm during the divorce process can make a lasting difference.

Conclusion

Filing for divorce is never easy, but having the right support can make the process clearer, faster, and more secure. From choosing the right petition to preparing the required forms, protecting your financial future, and resolving disputes over parenting or property, each step carries legal weight that affects your life long after the case is closed. Trying to navigate these decisions alone, especially when emotions are high or the situation is complicated, can lead to results that don’t reflect your best interests.

If you’re thinking about filing or have already been served with divorce papers, the law firm is here to help you understand your options and make informed choices. Every case is different, and the right strategy depends on the unique facts of your situation. A skilled family law team can evaluate your circumstances, explain how Florida law applies, and help you pursue an outcome that protects what matters most.

If you're ready to take the next step, reach out today to schedule a confidential consultation. It's your future, make sure it's handled with the care, strategy, and clarity it deserves.