To begin a proceeding for dissolution of marriage, you or your spouse must deliver a petition to the Clerk of Courts (located in your local county Courthouse). A petition is a written request to the Court for legal action. The delivering of the petition, and any other supporting documents, to the Clerk of Courts is called filing.
Based on the specifics of your case, you may file one of the following petitions for dissolution of marriage:
Click here for the SIMPLIFIED DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE Web Page. Click here for the DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITH DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILD(REN) Web Page. Click here for the DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITH PROPERTY BUT NO DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILD(REN) Web Page. Click here for the DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITH NO DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILDREN OR PROPERTY Web Page.
If you want to file a Family Law case it is strongly recommended that you retain the services of an attorney to represent you. The Jacksonville Bar Association Attorney Referral Service will arrange for you to consult with an attorney about your case for a nominal fee or at a reduced hourly rate. The attorney referral service telephone number is (904) 399-5780.
If you decide to represent yourself in a pending family law matter, the Florida Supreme Court has approved simplified forms and directions that will assist you in processing your case. Click here to refer back to the Family Law Forms Web Page.