Did you know that on average, it’s estimated that 60% of all second marriages end in divorce, while 73% of third marriages will end in divorce? As heartbreaking as the reality may be, it’s something that many couples have to face.
And if your marriage is one of those that needs to end, the last thing you probably want to think about is the paperwork involved.
If you’ve landed on this page, it means you need to know how to get a divorce in Florida. Review this guide to learn more about this process.
Grounds For Divorce in Florida
If you want to file for a divorce in Florida, you must first establish grounds for divorce. In Florida, there are two grounds for divorce: no-fault and fault.
No-fault grounds for divorce include irreconcilable differences and irremediable breakdown of the marriage. Fault grounds for divorce include adultery, mental cruelty, and physical abuse.
If you and your spouse cannot agree on a grounds for divorce, the court will decide on a grounds for divorce based on the evidence presented.
The court will also require you to complete a parenting course before you can both finalize the divorce. Click here for more information on completing the course.
Filing For Divorce in Florida
In order to file for a divorce in Florida, you must meet the state residency requirements, which require that you or your spouse have resided in Florida for at least six months prior to filing.
You will also need to file a petition for dissolution of marriage with the clerk of court in the county where you or your spouse live. The petition must include certain information, such as the grounds for divorce and a proposed parenting plan if you have children.
Once the petition is filed, your spouse will be served with divorce papers and will have 20 days to respond. If you cannot reach an agreement on all aspects of the divorce, you will need to go to trial.
Uncontested Divorce in Florida
This means that you and your spouse have agreed to all of the terms of the divorce, including division of assets and debts, custody and visitation, and alimony. You will need to complete a divorce paperwork packet. This packet can be obtained from the clerk of court in your county.
Once you have filed for an uncontested divorce, you will need to have a hearing before a judge. If the judge grants the divorce, you will be legally divorced and will be able to move on with your life.
A Word Of Caution
A divorce can be a lengthy and difficult process, so it is important to seek the advice of an experienced attorney. Additionally, a divorce in Florida can have financial and legal implications, so you must know the potential consequences before making any decisions.
If you have children, you should also consider the impact a divorce may have on them. While a divorce can be a difficult decision, you should always remember that you have the right to make the decision.
Looking for more information like this? Feel free to explore the rest of our blog.
