Simplified Divorce in Florida: Steps to Finalizing Your Marriage Dissolution

It is important to know that divorce does not have to be a long and drawn-out affair. Florida provides the opportunity for simplified dissolution of marriage for those couples who fulfill certain requirements. This tactic is designed to take much less time, cause much less stress, and be as efficient as possible.

If both you and your spouse are fully in agreement and you qualify, then going through a simplified divorce will save you from enduring many legal procedures. This piece contains information on everything you might want to know about the process of concluding your marriage dissolution.

The Florida Simplified Divorce Process

Before initiating the simplified divorce process, both parties must meet these key requirements:

a. Residency 

Both parties should ideally be residents of Florida, and at least one of the two must have been domiciled in Florida for at least six months before instituting the process.

b. No Minor or Dependent Children 

This means the couple cannot have children below 18 years, dependents, or a pregnancy.

c. Agreement on Asset Division 

Both spouses need to decide and agree on how the property, assets, and debts shall be split between them.

d. No Alimony Requests 

During the divorce, neither party can ask for alimony.

Your Florida Simplified Divorce: The Next Steps

Once you determine eligibility, and both partners consent to the divorce, follow these steps to complete the process. First, file and complete a petition. This form can be picked from the clerk of court’s office locally or be downloaded from Florida’s court system website. You will then file the form with the clerk and make a payment that serves as the filing fee.  Then, provide financial disclosure and schedule a court appearance.

Lastly, attend the final hearing. In a hearing, the judge will read through the petition to determine if all legal formalities have been complied with. If all is well, the judge will endorse the final judgment, which acts as a formal dissolution of marriage.

Advantages of Selecting a Simplified Procedure of Divorce

Opting for a Florida simplified divorce offers several advantages, including:

a. Faster Resolution 

Using this process, the entire process can be completed in weeks, not months.

b. Lower Costs 

Simplified divorces are cheaper than traditional divorces because of the lower charges in lawyer’s fees and court costs.

c. Reduced Stress 

The mutual agreement approach eliminates large conflicts and significant strain.

When Simplified Divorce May Not Be Appropriate

A simplified divorce can be a very good idea, but it is not for everyone. Where the parties have minor children, there are issues of dispute, or property issues that may require complex distribution, a traditional divorce may need to be pursued.

Conclusion

A Florida simplified divorce is an effective solution for couples deciding to split up without having to waste time and effort. If you know what is required of you during this process and follow these steps, you will know what to do next without much struggle. It is wise to seek the help of a legal expert in the event of any questions or if you feel the need for assistance at any step in this process.