Since you plan to file your divorce without the representation of a lawyer, you are considered a “Self-Represented Litigant”. Regardless the reason why you chose to be a self-represented litigant, we can assist you with the completion of your Simple Divorce documents, based on your instructions.
Always keep in mind that we cannot provide legal advice or representation before the Court.
In this case, since you have no minor children in common (under the age of 18) and you have no marital assets or marital debt to be divided, the process is directed exclusively to the dissolution of the marriage.
Still, there are several documents in the Simple Divorce packet and we can assist you with their completion, notarization, and -based on the county where you are filing your documents- let you know where to send those documents.
You can file a simple divorce in 3 ways, based on your specific circumstances:
IN AGREEMENT
In this case, both parties are in agreement, so all documents shall be filed from the beginning and the parties shall only wait for the resolution of the case. In some counties in Florida, there shall be no final hearing, in which case the Court will sign the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage and mail it to the parties. In other counties, a Final Hearing shall be set.
BY SUMMONS
When you know your spouse’s address but he/she does not want to sign the divorce paperwork, then you notify the Petition to your spouse (via Sheriff or Process Server). Your spouse will have 20 days to file an answer.
BY PUBLICATION
This is a special case, where your spouse cannot be located, whether you do not know his/her whereabouts or because he/she resides outside of the United States.
A diligent search of your spouse shall be required, and then,
the Court will order a publication (in a legal publication newspaper) during 30 days, in order to give your spouse the possibility to appear in Court, before proceeding and granting your divorce.
