St. Augustine Uncontested Divorce Attorneys

How to File for an Uncontested Divorce in Florida

Filing for an uncontested divorce in Florida involves a few key steps. While the process is simpler than a contested divorce, it’s still important to follow the proper legal procedures to ensure that everything is handled correctly. Here’s a general overview of how to file for an uncontested divorce in Florida:

1. Meet the Residency Requirement Florida law requires that at least one spouse has been a resident of the state for at least six months prior to filing for divorce. You must also file for divorce in the county where either you or your spouse lives.
2. Complete the Required Forms The next step is to complete the necessary divorce paperwork. In an uncontested divorce, you’ll need to fill out a petition for dissolution of marriage, along with additional forms related to property division, child custody, and support. If there are children involved, you’ll need to submit a parenting plan and child support guidelines worksheet.
3. Sign a Marital Settlement Agreement A critical aspect of an uncontested divorce is the marital settlement agreement (MSA). This document outlines the terms of the divorce, including how property will be divided, whether spousal support will be paid, and how custody arrangements will be handled. Both spouses must agree to the terms and sign the MSA, which is then submitted to the court.
4. File Your Petition Once the necessary forms are completed, they must be filed with the court in the appropriate county. This will initiate the legal process for your divorce. If you and your spouse are in agreement on all terms, the court will review your paperwork and, assuming everything is in order, grant the divorce.
5. Attend the Final Hearing In many uncontested divorce cases, a final hearing is scheduled. However, this hearing may be waived in some situations if there are no issues that need to be resolved. If you do have a hearing, both spouses will need to attend, but it will typically be a brief and straightforward process.
6. Obtain the Final Judgment After the court reviews your paperwork and, if necessary, conducts the final hearing, they will issue a final judgment of dissolution of marriage. Once this judgment is entered, your divorce is legally finalized, and you can move forward with your life.

Why Choose Us?

Even though an uncontested divorce is less complex than a contested one, having the assistance of a skilled St. Augustine uncontested divorce lawyer can still be highly beneficial. Here’s how a lawyer can help:

• Ensuring Compliance with Florida Law Divorce laws can be complicated, and even seemingly simple issues can have legal implications. An attorney can help ensure that your divorce complies with Florida law, including the required residency requirements, paperwork, and filing procedures. They will also help you understand the legal terms and implications of your marital settlement agreement, protecting your rights in the process.
• Negotiating Fair Terms Although you and your spouse may be in agreement on most issues, it’s important that the terms of your divorce are fair and balanced. A lawyer can assist in negotiating the terms of your marital settlement agreement to ensure that both parties’ interests are represented, especially in areas like asset division, spousal support, and child custody.
• Minimizing Mistakes and Delays Divorce paperwork must be completed accurately to avoid delays or potential rejections. A divorce lawyer will make sure that all the necessary forms are completed correctly and submitted on time, minimizing the chances of mistakes or delays that could prolong the process.
• Protecting Your Rights Even in an uncontested divorce, it’s important to have someone on your side who can protect your interests. A lawyer can provide guidance on issues such as child custody, alimony, and property division to ensure that you aren’t giving up more than you should. If there are any concerns or uncertainties, your lawyer can advocate on your behalf.
• Providing Emotional Support Divorce is a difficult and emotional experience, even when the process is relatively straightforward. Having a compassionate and understanding attorney can help you navigate the process with confidence and peace of mind. Knowing that a legal professional is guiding you through every step can relieve much of the stress and anxiety associated with divorce.

Looking to dissolve your marriage? Call our firm at (904) 770-3141 to speak with a member of our legal team.