{"id":988282,"date":"2026-10-24T14:27:08","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T14:27:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/?p=988282"},"modified":"2026-10-24T14:27:08","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T14:27:08","slug":"florida-simplified-divorce-eligibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/divorce\/florida-simplified-divorce-eligibility\/","title":{"rendered":"Simplified Divorce in Florida: Do You Qualify If You Agree?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"vgblk-rw-wrapper limit-wrapper\">\n<p>You and your spouse may agree that the marriage is over and still need the regular divorce process. In Florida, \u201csimplified dissolution of marriage\u201d is a specific court procedure with eligibility rules. It does not simply mean a divorce that feels uncomplicated.<\/p>\n<p>The short answer: agreement is essential, but it is only the starting point. Children, pregnancy, alimony, financial decisions and attendance at the final hearing can change which route fits. A regular dissolution can also end by agreement rather than a contested trial. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridabar.org\/public\/consumer\/pamphlet010\/\">Florida Bar: divorce procedures<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"max-width:750px;margin:32px auto;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-988284\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/florida-simplified-divorce-checklist.webp\" alt=\"Four checks before a Florida simplified divorce: eligibility, financial terms, paperwork and the final hearing.\" width=\"900\" height=\"1370\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/florida-simplified-divorce-checklist.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/florida-simplified-divorce-checklist-197x300.webp 197w, https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/florida-simplified-divorce-checklist-673x1024.webp 673w, https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/florida-simplified-divorce-checklist-630x959.webp 630w, https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/florida-simplified-divorce-checklist-420x639.webp 420w, https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/florida-simplified-divorce-checklist-840x1279.webp 840w, https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/florida-simplified-divorce-checklist-315x480.webp 315w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption>Start with these four checks, then read the full eligibility rules and current court forms below.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Who qualifies for a simplified dissolution in Florida?<\/h2>\n<p>Start with residency: at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before the petition is filed. Both spouses do not have to meet that requirement. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flsenate.gov\/Laws\/Statutes\/2026\/0061.021\">Florida Statutes \u00a7 61.021<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Then check every requirement in the current joint petition instructions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Both spouses agree the marriage cannot be saved.<\/li>\n<li>There are no minor or dependent children together. The form also excludes cases where the wife has minor or dependent children born during the marriage, or is pregnant.<\/li>\n<li>You have agreed how to divide assets and responsibility for debts.<\/li>\n<li>Neither spouse seeks alimony from the other.<\/li>\n<li>Both are willing to give up the rights to trial and appeal.<\/li>\n<li>Both sign the petition and are willing to attend the final hearing together.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If any requirement is not met, the instructions direct you to a regular dissolution petition. Read the actual wording before answering, especially the child-related questions. <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/685807\/file_pdf\/12.901a.pdf\">Joint Petition for Simplified Dissolution, Form 12.901(a), June 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Does having no children automatically make us eligible?<\/h2>\n<p>No. A couple without children can still disagree over a credit-card balance, need alimony or be unable to attend the hearing together.<\/p>\n<p>The reverse shortcut is risky too: \u201cOur children are adults\u201d does not answer whether a child is dependent. Minor children you adopted together also count. If there is a dependent adult child, disputed parentage or a child born during the marriage who is not the other spouse&#x27;s biological child, get legal advice before checking a box that says the child-related requirements are met. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mypalmbeachclerk.com\/departments\/courts\/unified-family-court\/divorce\">Palm Beach County Clerk: simplified dissolution requirements<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Can we use simplified divorce if we own property or have debts?<\/h2>\n<p>Owning property does not, by itself, rule it out. What matters is whether you have actually resolved the division and payment of your joint obligations. Rule 12.105 requires that agreement; it does not set a \u201cno assets\u201d condition. <a href=\"https:\/\/www-media.floridabar.org\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2027_04-OCT-Family-Law-Rules-of-Procedure-10-1-2026.pdf#page=39\">Florida Family Law Rule 12.105<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Before saying the finances are settled, make a working list:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bank and investment accounts, retirement plans and cash.<\/li>\n<li>The home, vehicles, business interests and other valuable property.<\/li>\n<li>Mortgages, car loans, credit cards and other debts.<\/li>\n<li>What each person will receive or pay, and when any agreed payment or transfer will happen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This list is a practical conversation starter, not a substitute for a settlement agreement or advice about ownership and taxes.<\/p>\n<p>Hypothetical example: Maya and Chris agree to keep their own cars. They have not agreed who will pay the remaining balance on a joint card. Their paperwork should not describe the debt division as settled until they resolve that question.<\/p>\n<p>If a home, retirement account or business is involved, consider having a Florida family-law attorney review the proposed terms before you commit. A short form can still carry long-term financial consequences.<\/p>\n<h2>What if we agree on alimony?<\/h2>\n<p>Even an agreed alimony arrangement does not fit the simplified route. The regular petition for a case with property but no dependent or minor children specifically identifies a request for alimony as a reason not to use the simplified petition. <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/685809\/7661161\">Form 12.901(b)(2), instructions<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Hypothetical example: Elena and Rob agree that Rob will pay support while Elena returns to work. Their agreement may help them avoid a contested dispute, but calling those payments \u201cagreed\u201d does not make them eligible for simplified dissolution.<\/p>\n<p>Do not give up support simply to use a shorter procedure. If you are unsure what you need or what a waiver would mean, get advice before signing.<\/p>\n<h2>Does simplified divorce mean we can skip financial paperwork?<\/h2>\n<p>Do not assume that. Paragraph 6 of the current simplified petition provides alternatives for filed financial affidavits or an executed joint verified waiver of filing. Check that paragraph against your actual paperwork, not an older online checklist. <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/685807\/file_pdf\/12.901a.pdf\">Current Form 12.901(a)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>An exemption from financial-affidavit requirements is different from a waiver of filing. Rule 12.285 contains exemptions; when spouses use Form 12.902(k), its affidavit-exchange and other conditions apply. <a href=\"https:\/\/www-media.floridabar.org\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2027_04-OCT-Family-Law-Rules-of-Procedure-10-1-2026.pdf#page=71\">Rule 12.285(c)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The waiver, Form 12.902(k), has conditions. Among them, the spouses must have exchanged fully executed and sworn financial affidavits and must retain copies. Its instructions also require executing the waiver before entering an agreement that resolves the pending matter. It concerns filing the affidavits with the court, not permission to skip their exchange, and either spouse may revoke it. Read the full form before using it. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/896441\/file_pdf\/12.902k.pdf\">Notice of Joint Verified Waiver of Filing Financial Affidavits<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you cannot get a clear picture of the finances, pause rather than sign an agreement based on guesses. Ask a lawyer which process will protect your ability to obtain the information you need.<\/p>\n<h2>Do both spouses have to attend the final hearing?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes. The simplified procedure requires both parties to appear before the court. A signed petition alone does not replace that appearance. <a href=\"https:\/\/www-media.floridabar.org\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2027_04-OCT-Family-Law-Rules-of-Procedure-10-1-2026.pdf#page=39\">Rule 12.105(b)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Ask the court how to schedule the hearing and whether the judge permits remote participation. Do not assume that e-filing means the hearing is optional, or that a video appearance is automatically available. If work, distance or another obstacle may prevent attendance, raise it before selecting a hearing date.<\/p>\n<p>The Palm Beach County Clerk, for example, explains that the hearing date depends on the court&#x27;s schedule and both spouses must appear. Your own court&#x27;s instructions control the arrangements. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mypalmbeachclerk.com\/departments\/courts\/unified-family-court\/divorce\">Clerk&#x27;s hearing guidance<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Can a simplified divorce be final in 20 days?<\/h2>\n<p>Florida generally prohibits entry of a final divorce judgment until at least 20 days after filing the original petition. The court may shorten that delay if it finds that injustice would result. This is a minimum statutory delay, not a promise of a hearing or completed divorce on day 20. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flsenate.gov\/Laws\/Statutes\/2026\/0061.19\">Florida Statutes \u00a7 61.19<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Leave room for the court&#x27;s calendar, missing paperwork and any corrections. Preparing or filing the documents does not itself end the marriage.<\/p>\n<h2>What should we check before filing?<\/h2>\n<p>Use this as a preparation checklist, then compare it with your county&#x27;s current packet:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Confirm eligibility and the correct county for filing.<\/li>\n<li>Gather residency evidence. Florida law allows specified Florida identification or corroboration through a third party&#x27;s testimony or affidavit. Ask how to document the full six-month period if your ID was issued recently. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flsenate.gov\/Laws\/Statutes\/2026\/61.052\">Florida Statutes \u00a7 61.052(2)<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Review every proposed financial term, including any support waiver, before signing.<\/li>\n<li>Check the joint petition, settlement documentation, financial-affidavit paperwork, cover sheet and any additional local requirements. Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flcourts.gov\/Forms\">Florida Courts forms directory<\/a> for the current forms, rather than treating this list as a complete filing packet.<\/li>\n<li>Check the filing fee and ask the clerk about a civil indigent-status application if you cannot afford it.<\/li>\n<li>Confirm the final-hearing arrangements for both spouses and whether you must supply a proposed final judgment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>For steps 5 and 6, follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/685807\/file_pdf\/12.901a.pdf\">official petition instructions<\/a>. Keep copies of what you submit and the court&#x27;s notices.<\/p>\n<h2>Common questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Can we use the regular process even if we agree?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. The regular process can be uncontested. Agreement does not require you to use simplified dissolution, particularly when you need a procedure that can address children or alimony. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridabar.org\/public\/consumer\/pamphlet010\/\">Florida Bar: regular and simplified dissolution<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>What if my spouse changes their mind?<\/h3>\n<p>Do not proceed as though there is still a complete joint agreement. Tell your lawyer or the court&#x27;s self-help staff what changed and ask about the appropriate next procedural step. Court staff can explain procedures but cannot advise you about your legal rights. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flcourts.gov\/Forms\">Florida Courts self-help and forms guidance<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Do we need to hire a document-preparation service?<\/h3>\n<p>No. Official court forms are available from Florida Courts. A preparation service is an optional way to get help completing paperwork, not a substitute for legal advice or the court&#x27;s review.<\/p>\n<p>If you decide you want document-preparation assistance, review <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/state\/florida-divorce-forms-online\">GetDivorcePapers.com&#x27;s Florida service information<\/a>. Confirm that the service fits your circumstances before purchasing. For advice about rights, support or settlement terms, speak with a licensed Florida attorney.<\/p>\n<p>This article provides general information, not legal advice. Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/disclaimer.php\">service disclaimer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- .vgblk-rw-wrapper --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>See who qualifies for simplified divorce in Florida, why agreement alone is not enough, and what to check about alimony, finances and the final hearing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":988283,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-988282","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-divorce"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/988282","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=988282"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/988282\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":988285,"href":"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/988282\/revisions\/988285"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/988283"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=988282"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=988282"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getdivorcepapers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=988282"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}