Can you get a divorce in Florida without an attorney?

Filing for divorce is often portrayed as a long legal matter with lawyers for both sides fighting in the courts. However, divorces can be conducted without attorneys involved as long as both parties are able to agree to the terms of the divorce. Florida divorce law provides a process called a ‘Simplified Dissolution of Marriage.’

How to file for divorce in Miami-Dade County?

File the divorce application with the clerk of court. Both spouses must go to the clerk’s office in order to file. Be sure to each bring a valid photo identification. Check with the court clerk whether both spouses must go together. Miami-Dade requires that you both attend to file the petition together.

How long does it take to get a divorce in Florida?

Simplified Dissolution of Marriage. Florida divorce law provides a process called a ‘Simplified Dissolution of Marriage.’ Couples can use this to get a quick divorce, about 30 days from filing to finalization, as long as they have complete agreement on the terms of the divorce and it’s uncontested.

Where to file for a simplified divorce in Florida?

To file a petition for a simplified divorce, both parties must appear together in person at the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center. Both parties must present a valid Florida photo identification with a signature.

How to file your own divorce in Florida?

Locate the correct court. You must file in the circuit court for the county where you last lived as a married couple or in the county where either party currently resides. Draft a dissolution of marriage petition. You initiate divorce proceedings by filing a petition in the court. In the petition, you ask the court for the divorce.

How to serve a copy of divorce papers in Florida?

How to Serve Divorce Papers in Florida. For your filing to be complete, you will need to serve a copy of your divorce papers to your spouse. You can do this in several ways, including: Having your spouse or his/her attorney fill out an “Answer and Waiver of Service”.

What are the requirements for a simplified divorce in Florida?

One of the parties must be a Florida resident for at least six months prior to the date of filing and your residency must be corroborated by a witness Both parties will be required to complete a marital settlement agreement If you and your spouse do not meet all the requirements, you will not be able to proceed with a simplified divorce.

Can you get a no fault divorce in Florida?

The state of Florida does not have what is known as “fault-based” divorce. Because Florida only accepts no-fault divorces, there is no need to put the fault for divorce on one party. Florida only demands that you state that the marriage is irretrievably broken, or that a spouse has been mentally incapacitated for three or more years.

What to know about divorce for Florida residents?

If you are considering a divorce, there are a few things about divorce for Florida residents that you should know before consulting your attorney. These will save you both time and money.

Can a court order alimony in a Florida divorce?

In divorce laws in Florida, a court can order alimony if it is “well-founded.” Factors the courts will look at include: the standard of living during the marriage; the length of the marriage; and the age and physical condition of each spouse.

What can a divorce lawyer do in Florida?

Florida divorce and separation attorneys A divorce lawyer helps you if you no longer want to be married. Whether you want a legal separation or the marriage ended, divorce lawyers assist you to arrange financial and family matters, typically in a negotiation with your spouse’s lawyer.

How to file for divorce in the state of Florida?

In order to file for divorce in Florida, at least one party must either be a Florida resident or be stationed with the military in Florida. You or your spouse must have lived in Florida for a minimum of six months before filing for divorce.

How does alimony work in a Florida divorce?

If either you or your spouse wants to keep your marital home to live in with a child from the marriage, that may also be a factor for unequal distribution. Alimony is an extension of the obligation for spouses to support each other financially during the marriage. In divorce laws in Florida, a court can order alimony if it is “well-founded.”

Can a person file for divorce without an attorney?

Filing for Divorce without an Attorney Filing for divorce is often portrayed as a long legal matter with lawyers for both sides fighting in the courts. However, divorces can be conducted without attorneys involved as long as both parties are able to agree to the terms of the divorce. Simplified Dissolution of Marriage

What’s the no fault divorce law in Florida?

Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to divorce. This means that you don’t have to give any reason to the court for why you want to end your marriage, other than that you want it to be over. The court divides all marital property in a way that it deems fair. This won’t necessarily result in a 50/50 split of all marital property.

How does a divorce work in the state of Florida?

Marriages in Florida can end through an annulment or by divorce. Legal separation is not recognized or permitted in the state. Florida is a no-fault state and a spouse only needs to claim that a marriage is “irretrievably broken” or that one of the parties is mentally incapacitated.

Do you have to prove adultery to get a divorce in Florida?

Florida is commonly referred to as a no-fault divorce state. Therefore, you don’t need to prove adultery or reasons for a divorce. See Florida divorce law 61.052. All Florida law requires is there be irreconcilable differences to obtain a divorce.

What happens in a no fault divorce in Florida?

No Fault Divorce: Does Adultery Matter in a Florida divorce? Adultery may affect division of property in a divorce, child custody, and more. Florida is a “no fault” divorce state. This means that either party may seek a divorce without proving any reason for it other than the spouses don’t want to be married anymore.