Complete Guide to Florida Divorce Forms: What You Need & Why Each Matters

Filing for divorce in Florida without an attorney? You'll need to navigate a maze of legal forms—but don't let that intimidate you. Understanding which forms you need (and why) is the first step toward a successful DIY divorce.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down every essential Florida divorce form, explain what each one does, and help you determine which ones apply to your specific situation.

Understanding Florida's Two Main Divorce Paths

Before diving into specific forms, you need to understand that Florida offers two distinct divorce processes, each with its own set of required documents:

1. Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (fastest, fewest forms, strictest requirements)
2. Regular/Uncontested Dissolution (more forms, but works for most situations)

The forms you need depend entirely on which path you qualify for—and choosing the wrong path is one of the most common mistakes that delays divorces by months.

The Core Petition Forms: Starting Your Case

Form 12.901(b)(1): Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage

What it is: This is the opening document for Florida's streamlined divorce process—but only if you meet very specific criteria.

Who needs it:

• ✅ Both spouses agree to divorce AND will appear together at the final hearing
• ✅ No minor children (and wife is not pregnant)
• ✅ No real property (no house or land owned)
• ✅ No alimony being requested by either party
• ✅ Full agreement on how to divide all assets and debts

Why it matters: This form triggers the fastest divorce process in Florida (as little as 20-30 days from filing to final judgment). However, if you don't meet all the requirements, your case will be rejected or converted to a regular dissolution—which means starting over with different forms.

Key sections:

• Statement of residency (6+ months in Florida)
• Declaration that the marriage is irretrievably broken
• Confirmation of agreement on asset/debt division
• Waiver of right to trial and appeal

If you're considering the simplified route, understanding the complete requirements for a simplified dissolution is critical before you file, as even one disqualifying factor means you need different forms entirely.

Form 12.901(b)(3): Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Children

What it is: The standard opening document for divorces involving children under 18 (or 18-19 if still in high school).

Who needs it:

• Anyone with minor or dependent children
• Cases that don't qualify for simplified dissolution
• Even if both parties agree (uncontested), this form is required when kids are involved

Why it matters: This petition triggers additional mandatory requirements that simplified divorces don't have—including parenting plans, child support calculations, UCCJEA affidavits, and parent education courses. Filing this form sets expectations with the court that children's best interests will be documented and protected.

Key sections:

• Child information (names, dates of birth, current residence)
• Request for time-sharing/parental responsibility determination
• Child support request
• Declaration regarding domestic violence (if applicable)
• Property division requests

Critical detail: Even in friendly divorces, courts scrutinize cases with children far more carefully. Judges want to see detailed parenting plans and proper child support calculations—vague agreements won't cut it.

Form 12.901(b)(1): Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (No Dependent or Minor Children)

What it is: The standard opening document for divorces without children—but not the simplified version.

Who needs it:

• Couples without children who don't qualify for simplified dissolution
• Cases involving real property (house/land)
• Cases where alimony is being requested
• One spouse can file alone (doesn't require joint appearance)

Why it matters: This form allows you to request division of complex assets, including real estate, retirement accounts, businesses, and vehicles. It also permits alimony requests—something simplified dissolution prohibits.

Key sections:

• Residency declaration
• Identification of real property (with legal descriptions)
• Request for equitable distribution of assets/debts
• Alimony request (if applicable)
• Name change request (critical to include if desired—free during divorce, $400+ later)

Many people wonder whether they should attempt an uncontested divorce without legal representation, and the answer often depends on properly understanding which petition form matches their circumstances.

The Financial Disclosure Forms: Proving Your Income & Assets

Form 12.902(b): Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form)

What it is: A sworn statement of your monthly income, expenses, assets, and debts—simplified version for lower earners.

Who needs it:

• Anyone whose gross annual income is less than $50,000
• Simplified dissolution cases
• Cases without children where income is straightforward

Why it matters: This is a notarized, sworn document. Lying on your financial affidavit is perjury and can result in criminal charges, contempt of court, and your divorce being overturned. Courts cross-check these with tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.

Key sections:

• Gross monthly income (from all sources)
• Monthly expenses (housing, utilities, food, transportation, etc.)
• Current assets (bank accounts, vehicles, property)
• Liabilities (credit cards, loans, mortgages)

Common mistakes:

• Forgetting to include bonus income, side hustles, or rental income
• Inflating expenses to appear unable to pay support
• Omitting assets (courts have ways of discovering hidden accounts)

Form 12.902(c): Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form)

What it is: The comprehensive version of the financial affidavit required for higher earners or complex cases.

Who needs it:

• Anyone with gross annual income of $50,000 or more
• ALL cases involving minor children (regardless of income)
• Cases with significant assets, real property, or retirement accounts
• Cases where alimony is requested or being determined

Why it matters: This form provides the court with detailed financial information necessary to calculate child support, determine alimony, and divide marital property equitably. It's far more detailed than the short form and requires documentation of business interests, investment income, and complex deductions.

Key sections (beyond the short form):

• Detailed breakdown of income sources (W-2, 1099, Schedule C, K-1, etc.)
• Business ownership and valuation
• Itemized monthly expenses by category
• Detailed asset valuations (retirement accounts, investment portfolios)
• Mortgage/loan details with account numbers and balances

Required attachments:

• Last 2 years of tax returns
• Last 3 months of pay stubs
• Recent bank/investment statements

Pro tip: Courts use the "net monthly income" from this form to calculate child support obligations, so accuracy is crucial. Even small errors can result in incorrect support amounts.

Child-Related Forms: When Kids Are Involved

Form 12.995(a): Parenting Plan

What it is: A detailed roadmap for how parents will share time with and make decisions about their children after divorce.

Who needs it: Every single divorce case involving minor children—even if parents fully agree. Florida Statute §61.13 makes parenting plans mandatory; judges won't finalize your divorce without one.

Why it matters: This document becomes a court order. Violating it can result in contempt charges, modification of time-sharing, or even criminal charges in extreme cases. It's not a casual agreement—it's legally binding and enforceable.

Key sections:

• Parental responsibility: Shared (both parents make major decisions together) vs. sole (one parent has final say)
• Time-sharing schedule: Specific days/times the child is with each parent, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and summer breaks
• Decision-making authority: Who decides on education, healthcare, and religious upbringing
• Communication: How parents will communicate about the child and how the child will contact the non-residential parent
• Transportation: Who handles pick-up/drop-off and who pays for travel
• Dispute resolution: What happens if parents disagree (mediation, court, etc.)

Critical considerations:

• Be specific with times (not "reasonable visitation" but "every other Friday at 6:00 PM")
• Address holidays with exact start/end times (courts see disputes over vague holiday schedules constantly)
• Include provisions for schedule changes, sick days, and extracurricular activities
• Consider relocation provisions if either parent might move

Common mistakes:

• Being too vague ("flexible schedule based on work")
• Not addressing school breaks and holidays
• Forgetting about transportation logistics
• Failing to include a dispute resolution mechanism

If you're working through the process of filing your simplified divorce petition, remember that parenting plans are never required for simplified dissolution—because simplified dissolution is only available when there are no children.

Form 12.902(e): Child Support Guidelines Worksheet

What it is: A mandatory calculation worksheet that determines monthly child support obligations based on Florida's statutory formula.

Who needs it: Every divorce with minor children where child support is being paid—even if parents agree on an amount, you must complete this worksheet to show how you arrived at that number.

Why it matters: Florida uses an "income shares" model that considers both parents' incomes, the number of overnights each parent has, and additional expenses like health insurance and childcare. Courts generally won't deviate more than 5% from the guideline amount without written justification.

Key calculations:

1. Combined net monthly income (both parents' incomes added together)
2. Basic child support obligation (from Florida's statutory table based on combined income and number of children)
3. Pro rata share (each parent's percentage of combined income)
4. Add-ons:
   • Health insurance premiums for the child
   • Childcare/daycare costs
   • Extraordinary medical expenses (uncovered costs > $250/year)
5. Overnight credit (reduction if paying parent has ≥20% overnights, which is 73+ nights/year)

Example:

• Mother's net income: $3,000/month
• Father's net income: $5,000/month
• Combined: $8,000/month
• Basic obligation for 2 children: ~$1,400
• Mother's share: 37.5% ($525)
• Father's share: 62.5% ($875)
• Father adds child to his health insurance (+$200/month)
• Mother pays childcare (+$600/month)
• Total obligation: $1,400 + $200 + $600 = $2,200
• Father owes: 62.5% of $2,200 = $1,375/month
• Credit for childcare Mother paid: -$375 (62.5% of $600)
• Final child support: Father pays $1,000/month

Why you can't skip this: Child support is the child's right, not something parents can waive. Even if you agree to "$0 support," the court will require the worksheet showing both parents' incomes justify that amount (usually only when there's true 50/50 time-sharing and equal incomes).

Form 12.902(d): Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit

What it is: A sworn statement establishing Florida's jurisdiction to make custody decisions and disclosing any other states or parties with potential custody claims.

Who needs it: Every divorce involving minor children—no exceptions.

Why it matters: This form prevents "forum shopping" (parents filing in multiple states to get a favorable custody decision) and ensures the right state has jurisdiction. Without it, your case won't proceed to final hearing.

Key sections:

• Child's residence for the past 5 years (every address)
• Names and addresses of people the child has lived with
• Any other custody cases in any state
• Any person (not a party to the case) who has physical custody or claims custody rights

Common mistake: Not realizing that if your child lived in another state within the past 6 months, that state might retain jurisdiction—meaning you may need to file there, not Florida.

Certificate of Completion of Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course

What it is: Proof that both parents completed Florida's mandatory 4-hour parent education course.

Who needs it: Both parents in every divorce with minor children—this is non-negotiable per Florida Statute §61.21.

Why it matters: Judges will not finalize your divorce until both parents file their certificates. No exceptions—even in the friendliest, most cooperative divorces.

What the course covers:

• Impact of divorce on children at different developmental stages
• Co-parenting communication strategies
• Managing conflict in front of children
• Helping children adjust to two households
• Legal and financial implications of divorce

Where to take it:

• Online courses (approved providers listed on Florida Courts website): $25–$50
• In-person courses (through family services, churches, community centers): Often free or low-cost
• Must be approved by Florida Supreme Court (verify before enrolling)

Timeline: Most people complete this within 30 days of filing. The court allows up to 45 days in most counties, but don't wait until the last minute—without both certificates on file, your final hearing will be canceled.

Settlement & Agreement Forms: Avoiding Court Battles

Form 12.902(f)(1): Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Children

What it is: A comprehensive contract between spouses detailing exactly how they'll divide all assets, debts, and responsibilities—when there are no children involved.

Who needs it: Any uncontested divorce (without children) where both parties have reached agreement. Even if you're doing a simplified dissolution, you need to document your agreement.

Why it matters: Once incorporated into your Final Judgment, this becomes a court order. It's enforceable by contempt proceedings, meaning if your ex violates the terms, you can take them back to court.

Key sections:

• Real property: Who gets the house/land, who pays the mortgage, refinancing requirements, quitclaim deed execution timeline
• Personal property: Division of vehicles (with VINs), furniture, household items, jewelry, collections
• Bank accounts: Which accounts each party keeps, how joint accounts will be closed and divided
• Retirement accounts: 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions—who keeps what, whether a QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) is needed
• Debts: Credit cards, car loans, mortgages, student loans—who pays what, hold harmless clauses
• Alimony: Amount, duration, termination conditions (remarriage, cohabitation, death)
• Attorney's fees: Who pays (if applicable)
• Tax filing: How you'll file for the current year, who claims exemptions

Critical clauses:

• Hold harmless provisions: "Wife shall be solely responsible for Chase credit card #1234 and hold Husband harmless from any liability."
• Transfer deadlines: "Husband shall execute and deliver a quitclaim deed within 30 days of Final Judgment."
• Refinancing requirements: "Wife shall refinance the mortgage to remove Husband from liability within 180 days."

Common mistakes:

• Being vague ("We'll split everything fairly")
• Not addressing every single asset and debt
• Forgetting about tax refunds, future bonuses, or pending legal settlements
• Not including enforcement mechanisms
• Failing to address what happens if someone doesn't comply with timelines

For those pursuing affordable simplified or uncontested divorces, the marital settlement agreement is often the most important document—it's where you define the actual terms of your split.

Form 12.902(f)(3): Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Children

What it is: The version of the marital settlement agreement that includes provisions for children—time-sharing, child support, and parental responsibilities.

Who needs it: Any uncontested divorce with children where both parents have reached full agreement.

Why it matters: This document must align perfectly with your Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheet. Inconsistencies will cause delays or rejections.

Additional sections (beyond the no-children version):

• Time-sharing arrangements: Reference to attached Parenting Plan
• Child support: Amount, payment method (usually through Florida State Disbursement Unit), modification provisions
• Health insurance: Who provides coverage for children, how uncovered medical expenses are divided
• Childcare expenses: Who pays daycare, how costs are split
• Extracurricular activities: How costs for sports, music lessons, camps are divided
• Education expenses: Public vs. private school, college savings plans
• Tax dependency exemptions: Who claims children on taxes (often alternates yearly)
• Life insurance: Requirements to maintain coverage naming children as beneficiaries

IRS note: Only the custodial parent (parent with more overnights) can claim the child tax credit unless they sign Form 8332 releasing the exemption to the other parent. Your MSA should specify who gets the exemption.

Service & Procedural Forms: Making It Official

Form 12.910(a): Summons: Personal Service on an Individual

What it is: Official notice from the court to your spouse that a divorce has been filed and they have 20 days to respond.

Who needs it: Everyone filing a regular (non-simplified) dissolution. Simplified dissolution doesn't require service because both parties appear together voluntarily.

Why it matters: Without proper service, your divorce can be overturned years later. Service must be completed by someone other than you (sheriff, process server, or certified mail in limited circumstances).

What it includes:

• Case number and court information
• Statement that a petition has been filed
• 20-day deadline to respond
• Warning of default judgment if no response
• Clerk's signature and court seal (this is what makes it official)

Service methods:

1. Sheriff's office: $40–$70, most common, official law enforcement
2. Private process server: $50–$150, faster, more flexible
3. Certified mail: $10, least reliable (only works if spouse cooperates and signs for it)
4. Service by publication: $200–$400, last resort when spouse can't be located

After service: The person who served your spouse files a "Return of Service" or "Affidavit of Service" with the court as proof. You cannot proceed without this proof on file.

Form 12.903(a): Waiver of Service of Process

What it is: A notarized document where your spouse voluntarily acknowledges receiving the divorce petition and waives their right to formal service.

Who needs it: Cooperative couples who want to save money and time on service of process.

Why it matters: If your spouse signs this, you skip the $40–$150 cost of sheriff/process server service. It also signals to the court that this is a truly amicable dissolution.

Requirements:

• Must be signed after you've filed the petition (references the case number)
• Must be notarized
• Spouse must sign voluntarily (can't be coerced)

What spouse is waiving:

• Right to formal service
• Right to the 20-day response period (though they can still file responses if they choose)

What spouse is NOT waiving:

• Right to be notified of hearings
• Right to participate in the case
• Right to object to terms

This is one of the most underutilized forms in Florida DIY divorce cases—many people spend money on service when their spouse would happily sign a waiver.

Form 12.902(j): Certificate of Service

What it is: A sworn statement that you sent copies of filed documents to your spouse.

Who needs it: Anyone filing documents after the initial petition. Florida Family Law Rules require you to send copies of everything you file to the other party.

Why it matters: Courts won't consider documents if there's no certificate of service attached. Even in uncontested cases where your spouse isn't responding, you still must prove you sent them copies.

Service methods accepted:

• U.S. Mail (no need for certified mail after initial service)
• Hand delivery
• Email (if both parties agreed to email service)

Final Judgment Forms: The Finish Line

Form 12.990(c)(1): Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Children

What it is: The court's final order officially ending your marriage and incorporating all agreements—when there are no children involved.

Who needs it: Everyone—this is the document the judge signs at your final hearing that makes your divorce official.

Why it matters: This is what you'll use to prove your divorce when changing your name, dividing retirement accounts, or remarrying. Keep multiple certified copies in a safe place.

What it includes:

• Dissolution of marriage effective date
• Incorporation of Marital Settlement Agreement (making it enforceable as a court order)
• Property division orders
• Debt allocation orders
• Alimony provisions (if applicable)
• Name restoration (if requested)
• Retirement account division (QDRO language if needed)

You prepare this form in advance: Don't wait for your hearing to draft this. Bring it completed (unsigned) to your hearing so the judge can review and sign it on the spot. Otherwise, you'll have delays while the judge's assistant prepares it.

Forms You Do NOT Need (Common Misconceptions)

❌ "Divorce papers" from online legal sites: Many services sell generic forms that aren't Florida-specific or aren't the current version. Always use Florida Supreme Court official forms.

❌ Separate "Child Custody" petitions: Custody is decided within the divorce case via the Parenting Plan. You don't file a separate custody case unless paternity was never established or you're modifying post-divorce.

❌ "Legal separation" forms: Florida doesn't recognize legal separation. You're either married or divorced—no in-between status.

❌ Separate "Property division" petitions: Property division is decided within the divorce via the Marital Settlement Agreement and Final Judgment.

How to Know Which Forms You Actually Need

Here's a quick decision tree:

START: Do you have minor children?

→ NO CHILDREN:

• Do you own a house/land? Do you want alimony?
  • NO: Consider simplified dissolution
    • Forms needed: Simplified Petition (12.901(b)(1)), Financial Affidavit Short (12.902(b)), Simplified Final Judgment (12.990(a)), Notice of Social Security Number (12.902(a))
  • YES: Regular uncontested dissolution
    • Forms needed: Petition without children (12.901(b)(1)), Financial Affidavit Long (12.902(c)), Summons (12.910(a)), Marital Settlement Agreement (12.902(f)(1)), Final Judgment (12.990(c)(1)), Notice of Social Security Number (12.902(a)), Quitclaim Deed (if property), Certificate of Service (12.902(j))

→ HAVE CHILDREN:

• You cannot use simplified dissolution
• Forms needed: Petition with children (12.901(b)(3)), Financial Affidavit Long (12.902(c)) x2, Summons (12.910(a)), UCCJEA Affidavit (12.902(d)), Parenting Plan (12.995(a)), Child Support Worksheet (12.902(e)), Marital Settlement Agreement (12.902(f)(3)), Parent Education Certificates, Final Judgment (12.990(c)(2)), Income Deduction Order, Notice of Social Security Number (12.902(a)), Certificate of Service (12.902(j))
• Optional: Quitclaim Deed (if dividing property)

Common Form Mistakes That Delay or Derail Divorces

1. Using outdated form versions Florida updates forms periodically. A form from 2019 might be rejected in 2025. Always download fresh copies from Florida Courts official site.

2. Inconsistent information across forms If your Financial Affidavit says you earn $4,000/month but your Child Support Worksheet shows $5,000/month, the clerk will reject your filing. Every number must match across all documents.

3. Missing signatures or notarizations

• Financial Affidavit: Notary required
• Parenting Plan: Both parents + notary required
• Marital Settlement Agreement: Both parties must sign (notary recommended)
• Petition: Signature required, NO notary

Missing any of these means rejection at the clerk's window.

4. Incomplete legal descriptions for real property "123 Main Street" isn't sufficient. You need the full legal description from your deed (Lot, Block, Subdivision, Plat Book, Page).

5. Not filing Certificate of Service Every document you file after the initial petition requires a Certificate of Service showing you sent a copy to your spouse. Forgetting this means the court won't consider your filing.

Where to Get Official Florida Divorce Forms

✅ FREE Official Source: Florida Supreme Court Family Law Forms

• Always current
• No cost
• Official versions accepted by all Florida courts

⚠️ Be Cautious of:

• LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, US Legal Forms (these charge $200–$500 for forms that are free from the state)
• Random websites offering "Florida divorce forms" (often outdated or wrong versions)
• Form packets sold on Amazon or eBay (no guarantee they're current)

💡 Best Practice: Download forms directly from the Florida Courts website, or work with a Florida-specific legal document preparation service that uses the official forms and understands your county's local rules.

The Bottom Line: Forms Are Just the Beginning

Having the right forms is essential—but knowing how to complete them correctly is what actually gets your divorce finalized.

Consider this: clerks reject approximately 40% of DIY divorce filings on the first attempt due to errors—incomplete forms, missing signatures, incorrect calculations, or procedural mistakes.

That's why many Floridians choose one of three paths:

1. DIY with training: Learn how to complete every form correctly through comprehensive step-by-step instruction
2. Document preparation service: Have a professional prepare your forms based on your information
3. Full-service filing: Have experts handle everything from preparation through final judgment

Whichever path you choose, understanding what each form does and why it matters puts you in control of your divorce process—ensuring you file correctly the first time and avoid costly delays.

About the Author: This guide was created by legal document preparation professionals who have helped thousands of Floridians successfully navigate divorce without attorney representation. For more detailed guidance, visit our comprehensive resources on Florida divorce procedures and requirements.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Florida divorce forms and procedures. It is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed Florida attorney. Legal document preparation services can prepare your forms but cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court.