Simplified Divorce

A simplified divorce is an inexpensive way of ending a marriage.

Requirements
In order to file a simplified divorce both parties must meet the following requirements:

• There can be no minor or dependent children born from the marriage nor can the wife be pregnant.
• If there is property, division of property has been agreed to and a written property division agreement must be filed with the court at the time of initial appearance.
• You cannot have any unresolved financial obligations.
• 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 of the below requirements, we cannot assist you in the preparation of your divorce petition.

Filing the petition
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 containing a signature.
• You may bring a witness with you at the time of filing or file a notarized certificate of corroborating witness. The witness must also present a valid Florida photo identification such as a Florida Driver's License or a Florida Identification Card at the time of appearance.
• The final hearing date is approximately 30 days after the filing date.

Fees
Visit the fee schedule for a complete list of our current fees. Payment is accepted in cash, cashier's check, money order, Visa, MasterCard or American Express and is non-refundable. Personal checks are not accepted.

Legal Represenatation
If you are not represented by an attorney, you may benefit from the Self-Help Project. For a fee, the Self-Help Project provides packets containing all forms necessary for divorce and other family court matters.