Overview

Filing for divorce (called a “dissolution of marriage”) in Florida without a lawyer is doable when you approach it methodically and rely on the state’s official forms and straightforward procedures. Florida follows a no-fault framework: most petitions assert that the marriage is irretrievably broken, and the court focuses on practical outcomes—parenting plans, child support, equitable distribution, and, where appropriate, alimony—rather than assigning blame. As a self-represented party (“pro se”), your success hinges on clarity, organization, and compliance: proving residency (at least six months in Florida before filing), choosing the correct venue (county), serving the other spouse properly, completing mandatory disclosures, and meeting local administrative requirements such as parenting courses when there are minor children. The State Courts provide free, approved forms and instructions, and many clerks host self-help centers, case management, and mediation services designed for non-lawyers. This guide breaks the process into ten heavyweight steps, each with practical detail—from deciding the right petition type and assembling evidence, to e-filing, service of process, mediation, the final hearing, and post-judgment implementation—so you can move from decision to decree with confidence.

Who Benefits and Who Can File

Self-filing works best for spouses with a clear plan and cooperative temperament, especially when major issues are limited or largely agreed in principle: short marriages with few assets, no minor children, or where both sides already understand the financial picture. That said, many parents and long-term spouses still file pro se by leveraging mediation, court-connected forms, and checklists. You can file if you (or your spouse) have lived in Florida for at least the past six months. Either spouse may start the case; you do not need your spouse’s consent to file. If safety, complex assets (business, multiple properties, stock options), or high-conflict parenting is involved, consider at least a limited-scope consultation. But even in difficult cases, these steps show exactly what you must do procedurally—so your case advances while you seek help selectively (for example, a one-hour review of your proposed settlement or a flat-fee QDRO draft).

Benefits of Filing Without a Lawyer

• Cost control: Court forms are free; you pay filing, service, and mediation fees, not hourly legal bills.
• Speed and ownership: You drive the checklist and deadlines; uncontested cases can finish quickly in many circuits.
• Clarity: Florida’s standardized forms, parenting plan templates, and child-support guidelines reduce guesswork.
• Flexibility: You can still hire limited help for narrow tasks (mediation prep, document review, QDROs) without retaining full counsel.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Decide your case path, confirm eligibility, and map your filing strategy

Begin with three anchoring questions: (1) Are you eligible to file in Florida? (2) Which petition type fits your facts? (3) Will your case be simplified, regular uncontested, or contested? Eligibility requires that you—or your spouse—have been a Florida resident for the six months immediately before filing. Prefer documentary proof that pre-dates filing: Florida driver license/ID, voter registration, or corroborating witness testimony if documents are unavailable. Next, choose the right petition. If there are no minor children, neither spouse is pregnant, and you have settled everything (assets/debts) with no spousal support requested, consider the “Simplified Dissolution” procedure—both spouses sign and appear together. If any of those conditions are not met (minor children, disagreement, or need for support), use the standard petition (marriage with dependent or minor child(ren) or marriage without children/property depending on your scenario). Finally, assess whether the matter is uncontested (you can reach a complete agreement), partially contested (a few gaps left for mediation/court), or fully contested (judge decides multiple issues).

Build a realistic filing strategy from that assessment. In uncontested or mostly agreed cases, invest early effort in drafting a comprehensive Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) and, if applicable, a Parenting Plan that addresses decision-making, time-sharing, exchanges, travel, communication rules, healthcare, education, extracurriculars, holidays, and relocation protocols. In contested matters, assume you will need temporary orders (support, parenting time, exclusive use of the home) so finances and parenting remain stable while the case is pending. Either way, sketch a timeline: Week 0 files; Weeks 1–4 service of process; Week 4–8 disclosures; Week 6–12 mediation; Week 10–16 final hearing (uncontested) or case management and trial setting (contested). When you visualize the road, unfamiliar acronyms and deadlines become manageable tasks on a calendar.

Round out Step 1 by creating a matter “kit”: (a) a folder for IDs, marriage certificate (if available), pay stubs, tax returns, bank/retirement statements, major debt statements, insurance cards, childcare invoices; (b) a county-specific checklist (parenting course requirement, local standing family order, judge’s division procedures, preferred hearing formats); (c) a running question list for mediation; and (d) a clean contact matrix (physical addresses for service, emails, phone numbers). With this prep, you will know your route (simplified vs. standard), your forum (correct county), and your early milestones (service, disclosure, mediation), which makes every later step faster and less stressful.

Step 2: Assemble documents, complete the correct Florida Supreme Court forms, and pre-review for gaps

Florida provides free, statewide, court-approved forms with instructions tailored to self-represented litigants. Select the packet that matches your situation: simplified dissolution; regular dissolution with no dependent/minor children and no property; with property but no children; or with dependent/minor children. Every packet includes core pleadings (petition, summons request), vital affidavits, and, where needed, parenting and child-support worksheets. Complete the forms in black ink (or type), sign where indicated, and notarize forms that require it (many clerks and banks provide low-cost notaries). Read the “how-to” pages carefully; they list exactly what to attach—exhibits, certificates, or financial schedules—and when to update numbers (for example, child-support guidelines must use current income data).

Financial disclosure is mandatory in most cases. Choose the correct Financial Affidavit: short form (income under the threshold) or long form (higher income/complex finances). Collect three months of pay records, most recent tax return (or explanation), and statements for bank, credit, retirement, investment, loans, and major recurring expenses (rent/mortgage, childcare, health insurance). Organize documents by account and by month with filenames that sort chronologically, and create a simple index (“B1–B3 Bank, C1–C3 Credit,” etc.). This discipline will shave hours off mediation and reduce motion practice. If you have minor children, pull health-insurance premium details and childcare invoices; you will need them for guideline calculations. For property, line up titles and deeds; for vehicles, note VINs; for retirement, locate plan names and recent statements; for real estate, consider ordering a mortgage payoff letter and, if relevant, a broker price opinion to anchor valuation talks early.

Before you file, run a pre-review for gaps: Does your petition include residency and venue allegations, the correct ground (“irretrievably broken”), and all requested relief (equitable distribution, support, name restoration if desired)? Have you removed social security numbers and account numbers from public versions (use the designated confidential information form if your circuit requires it)? Are signatures and notarizations complete? Do you have enough copies for the clerk, service, and your records? If children are involved, note any local requirement to complete a parenting course early and attach a certificate before final hearing. A meticulous pre-review prevents clerk rejections, rescans, and avoidable continuances once a judge is assigned.

Step 3: File your case (e-file or in person), pay fees or seek indigency, and calendar your first deadlines

You can file in person at the clerk’s office for the appropriate county or use Florida’s statewide e-filing portal. E-filing provides an immediate timestamp and a confirmation PDF—save it to your matter folder. Submit your petition, any required cover sheet, and supporting documents the packet or local division requires (for example, a standing family order). Pay the filing fee (roughly in the $400 range, county-specific) and any summons issuance fee. If you cannot afford fees, complete the Application for Civil Indigent Status; if approved, filing and certain costs may be waived or deferred. Once accepted, the clerk will assign a case number and division and issue a summons. Verify every detail on the summons: parties’ names, addresses, and case number must match your petition exactly. Request enough certified copies for service and your records.

Immediately after filing, calendar your first three deadlines: (1) Service of process—generally within 120 days, but sooner is better to reach mediation and final hearing; (2) Mandatory disclosure—exchange within the applicable timeframe (often 45 days unless waived by agreement in a simplified/uncontested posture); and (3) any case management or pretrial events—some circuits automatically set a case management conference or require you to file a case management plan within a set number of days. If you have minor children, calendar the parenting course completion and certificate filing deadline. Keep a one-page “docket map” that lists what has been filed and what is pending so nothing slips.

Finally, build your service packet. Include the summons, a filed copy of the petition, and any local standing order or notices the court issued at opening. If you anticipate cooperation from your spouse, consider a notarized Acceptance and Waiver of Service to save cost and time; otherwise, arrange sheriff or certified private process server delivery. In either case, your next milestone is proof of service (return/acceptance) docketed in the case—without it, the court lacks jurisdiction to move forward. With Step 3 complete, you have transformed paperwork into a live case and positioned yourself to handle service, disclosures, and early resolution with professional polish—even without an attorney.

Step 4: Serve your spouse correctly (service of process) and file proof with the clerk

Service of process is the moment your e-filed (or paper-filed) case becomes real to the court and to your spouse. Until the summons and petition are properly served, the judge generally lacks authority to move your case forward. In Florida, you have up to 120 days from filing to complete service, but the best practice is to do it within the first few weeks so you can reach mediation and a final hearing without losing momentum. Begin by assembling a clean service packet: (1) the issued summons (double-check names, addresses, and case number), (2) a file-stamped copy of your petition with all attachments, (3) any standing family orders or local notices the clerk generated when you filed, and (4) if there are minor children, notices about parenting courses or case management. Make two extra copies for your records. Choose either the sheriff’s civil process division in the county where your spouse is located or a certified private process server; both are valid under Florida law. A private server can be faster and more flexible with timing (nights/weekends), while the sheriff is often less expensive. Provide your server with a short “service brief”: best address, hours your spouse is usually home or at work, vehicle description, gate or concierge instructions, and any safety notes.

If your spouse is cooperative, you can avoid formal hand delivery by using a notarized Acceptance and Waiver of Service. In that scenario, your spouse signs before a notary acknowledging receipt of the summons and petition, and you file the signed acceptance. It saves money and time, but treat it as formal: do not proceed until the notarized acceptance is docketed. If your spouse is out of state, you may still use a Florida-certified server in that state (many have nationwide networks) or the equivalent authorized process server under that state’s rules; the key is a valid return of service that the Florida court will recognize. If your spouse is on active military duty, be aware of the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). You can still serve, but certain default steps or hearing timelines require the court to consider military service and may delay proceedings to protect the servicemember’s rights. Bring any deployment information to the clerk or judge when scheduling.

When the server successfully delivers the packet, they will complete and return a Return of Service (sometimes called an Affidavit of Service) that states who was served, where, when, and how. File that return immediately; it is your proof that the clock for your spouse’s response has started. If the first address fails, don’t wait—give your server alternate addresses (workplace, frequent locations) and keep a log of each attempt (dates, times, results). If your spouse is deliberately evading, talk to the clerk or a self-help center about motion practice for substitute service (for example, on a person residing at the usual place of abode) or, as a last resort, service by publication. Publication requires a sworn diligent search outlining everything you tried (checking postal forwarding, voter registration, contacting known relatives, etc.) and placing notice in an approved newspaper for the required period. Publication can move the case forward when the other party truly cannot be found, but it impacts certain relief (e.g., personal money judgments), so use it only when justified.

Common pitfalls are surprisingly small: a missing apartment number, a nickname instead of a legal name on the summons, or the wrong case number. Any of these can lead a judge to quash service, forcing you to redo it and delaying the case. To avoid that, compare the filed petition, the summons, and the server’s affidavit line by line. If your spouse refuses to accept the papers at the door, a process server can still accomplish service by leaving the documents in the spouse’s presence after identifying them—ask your server how they document refusals to ensure the return is court-ready. If the person at the residence says your spouse “doesn’t live here,” ask the server for a brief note about the interaction; it will support your request for alternate methods later. Keep receipts; service fees are recoverable in many decrees by agreement or court order, and you’ll want a clean record for costs.

Once service is complete and the Return of Service has posted to the docket, the response period begins (typically 20 calendar days from the date of service). Mark that date on your calendar. The response may be an Answer (agree/disagree with your allegations), a Counterpetition (your spouse makes requests of their own), or nothing (which opens the default path in Step 5). Service is the hinge on which everything else swings: with it, you can schedule mediation, seek temporary orders, and, in an uncontested case, move quickly toward a final hearing. Without it, you have only filed paper. Treat this step as mission-critical, follow up with your server, and file returns promptly so the court sees a case that is ready to advance.

Step 5: Manage the response window—answers, counterpetitions, and defaults (plus what to do next)

As soon as the Return of Service is docketed, your spouse’s response deadline starts—generally 20 calendar days. During this window, three things can happen. First, your spouse files an Answer that admits or denies the petition’s allegations and, in many cases, agrees with some or all of your requested relief. Second, they file an Answer and Counterpetition, which means they also ask the court for relief (for example, a different parenting plan, alimony, or a different distribution of assets/debts). Third, they file nothing, in which case you can seek a Clerk’s Default and then a Default Final Hearing. Your job in Step 5 is to read what arrives, react quickly, and keep the case moving toward either settlement or a scheduled final hearing.

If you receive an Answer only, review it line by line. Admissions (“agree”) narrow issues; denials (“disagree”) show where you need evidence. If the Answer generally agrees with your requests and you already have a signed Marital Settlement Agreement (and Parenting Plan, if there are children), you can head straight for mediation or, in some circuits, directly to an uncontested final hearing once mandatory disclosures are exchanged. Call or email the case manager or check your circuit’s family division page for the uncontested calendar procedure. Some courts allow Affidavit of Non-Military Service and a short, five-to-ten minute prove-up where you testify to residency and that the marriage is irretrievably broken.

If a Counterpetition is filed, you must answer it—don’t ignore it. Use the official Answer to Counterpetition form, admit what is true, deny what is not, and assert any affirmative defenses that apply (for example, that a claimed “nonmarital” asset is actually marital due to commingling). Calendar the deadline (typically 20 days from service of the counterpetition). A counterpetition doesn’t derail pro se progress; it simply puts both parties’ requests on the table. In practice, counterpetitions often help mediation because each side sees their “asks” in writing and can trade terms toward a comprehensive deal.

If no response arrives by the deadline, prepare a Motion for Clerk’s Default (or use the clerk’s default request form) with a proposed default. Attach your proof of service and a short affidavit stating the respondent is not in military service (SCRA requirement) and has failed to file a response. Once the Clerk’s Default enters, you can request a default final hearing. Even in default, you still must prove core points (residency, irretrievable breakdown, best-interest findings for children, fair distribution), but the court can proceed without the respondent’s participation. Be sure to give notice of the default hearing date to the respondent at their last known address; courts prefer transparent notice even post-default.

Regardless of the pathway, start calendaring mediation now (most circuits require it before a contested trial). If your case involves children, enroll in the parenting course early; some judges won’t set a final hearing until both certificates are filed. Simultaneously, keep your mandatory disclosure schedule (Step 6) on track—exchanging financials reduces surprises and shortens both mediation and final hearings. Finally, if safety or finances are pressing, set a brief hearing for temporary needs (support, exclusive use of the home, time-sharing schedule) so the household functions while the case progresses. Step 5 is about managing forks in the road—answer/counterpetition/default—without losing your timeline discipline. Read, respond, schedule, and keep the docket tidy so the judge sees a case that’s advancing purposefully.

Step 6: Exchange mandatory disclosures, complete financial affidavits, and tailor discovery for mediation and trial

Florida’s family rules require a transparent exchange of financial information so the court can determine child support, alimony (if requested), and equitable distribution. As a self-represented petitioner, your best move is to treat disclosure like a project with a checklist, filenames, and deadlines—because that’s exactly how the judge and mediator will experience your case. Start with the Financial Affidavit: use the short form if your individual gross income is below the threshold and the long form if it is above or your finances are more complex. Fill it out carefully using recent pay stubs, benefit letters, or profit-and-loss statements if self-employed. Be conservative and accurate: overestimating expenses or hiding income will cost credibility and can lead to sanctions.

Next, assemble the documents typically required for mandatory disclosure: the most recent tax return (and W-2/1099s), the last three months of pay records, bank statements for all accounts (checking, savings, money market), retirement and brokerage statements, credit card statements, loan/line-of-credit statements, vehicle titles or registration, property deeds or closing disclosures, mortgage statements, and proof of health insurance premiums and childcare costs. Organize them chronologically and by institution. Create a simple index (“A1–A3 income, B1–B6 bank, C1–C3 retirement, D1–D3 credit, E1–E2 loans, F1 housing, G1 childcare, H1 insurance”) and produce as a single bookmarked PDF if you can; if not, label each file with a prefix that sorts (e.g., “B1_BankName_Jan.pdf”). Send your package by an agreed method (secure link or thumb drive) and file a Certificate of Compliance listing what you produced. If you need more time, ask the other side to stipulate to a brief extension before the deadline and memorialize it in writing.

While mandatory disclosure covers most basics, you may need targeted discovery to answer specific questions. Keep it proportional: a narrow Request for Production about a suspicious transfer or a discrete Interrogatory on a claimed nonmarital asset is more effective (and court-friendly) than broad demands for “all documents since the wedding.” If you run a small business, expect to exchange a profit-and-loss, bank statements for business accounts, and perhaps a few invoices or contracts that explain revenue swings. If your spouse is self-employed, consider requesting a year-to-date P&L and a handful of bank statements to verify cash flow. For vehicles and real estate, a current payoff letter and online valuation (paired with photos or inspection notes) can anchor negotiations without expensive experts.

If there are minor children, use the exchanged income and expense information to draft a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet. This worksheet calculates presumptive support based on both parents’ net income, time-sharing overnights, health insurance premiums for the children, and childcare costs. Prepare two or three scenarios (e.g., 50/50 time-sharing vs. 60/40) so you can talk concretely at mediation. Bring documentation for any proposed deviation (special medical needs, unusual travel costs). For alimony, outline a simple budget showing need (your shortfall after reasonable expenses) and ability to pay (the other party’s surplus), understanding that alimony remains discretionary and highly fact-specific. Provide evidence, not adjectives.

Protect privacy and the record. Redact full account numbers except the last four digits and use the court’s confidential information cover sheet where required. Never alter documents beyond permitted redactions; if you make a mistake, disclose it transparently and correct it. If the other side fails to disclose, send a polite deficiency letter listing missing items with a seven- or fourteen-day cure window. If there’s still no movement, file a short, exhibit-supported Motion to Compel that attaches your deficiency letter and the rule citation. Judges appreciate pro se litigants who give fair warning and keep motions tight and factual.

Your end goal in Step 6 is mediation readiness: a clean financial affidavit, a labeled disclosure packet, a draft equitable distribution worksheet (two columns listing assets and debts with values and who keeps what), and—if applicable—a draft parenting plan and child support worksheet. Package these with a one-page list of open questions (valuation date for a retirement, who refinances and by when, holiday exchange logistics). When you show up at mediation with numbers, documents, and clear asks, the “without a lawyer” part fades into the background. You look prepared, reasonable, and solution-oriented—which is exactly how cases settle and, if necessary, how judges expect you to present at a short final hearing.

Step 7: Prepare for and attend mediation like a project manager—convert documents into deal terms

Mediation is the engine room of most Florida divorces, including pro se cases. Courts either require it before a contested trial or strongly encourage it because mediated agreements are faster to implement and less likely to produce post-judgment disputes. To make mediation productive without a lawyer, treat it like an engineering sprint with inputs, a backlog, and shippable outputs. Your inputs are the disclosures you compiled in Step 6 (financial affidavit, statements, titles, childcare and health-cost proofs) plus any parenting information (school calendars, travel constraints, medical needs). Your backlog is a prioritized list of decisions: (1) parenting plan (decision-making authority, time-sharing schedule, exchanges, holiday rotation, communication rules, travel and relocation protocols), (2) child support (guidelines worksheet and any justified deviations), (3) equitable distribution (who keeps which assets/debts and how to equalize values), (4) alimony (if sought) aligned to need/ability and duration, and (5) implementation mechanics (deeds, titles, refinance deadlines, retirement account division, insurance transitions, tax allocations). Your shippable outputs are a signed Mediated Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) and, if you have children, a signed Parenting Plan, each with dates and task deadlines that are clear enough to execute without guesswork.

Well before the session, send the mediator (and the other party) a one- to two-page mediation brief. Keep it factual and neutral: “We have two children, ages 9 and 12. Current schedules allow 2 school-night overnights with me; I propose a 5-2-2-5 rotation starting after the school year ends. Marital assets are the homestead (approx. $285k value, $190k mortgage), two vehicles (2018 SUV, 2016 sedan), and retirement accounts (401(k) $74k; IRA $12k). Debts are the credit card ($4,800) and HELOC ($9,500). I can refinance the home within 90 days if I retain it; if not, I propose we list within 60 days.” Attach your child support worksheet and a simple two-column property spreadsheet. You’re not arguing in this brief; you’re equipping the mediator to run a focused meeting.

On mediation day, bring three things: (a) proof—recent statements, pay stubs, insurance premiums, childcare invoices; (b) proposals—print your parenting plan draft and property spreadsheet with blank lines for edits; and (c) mindset—aim to solve problems, not win debates. In joint opening, be concise and civil. If emotions spike, request caucus (separate rooms), which is common in family cases. In caucus, your job is to convert positions (“I want the house”) into options with conditions (“I keep the house if I refinance and pay you a $18,000 equalizing payment within 90 days; if I can’t, we list it with Agent X, list price $Y, reduction schedule Z”). For vehicles, propose a swap tied to title transfer, loan assumption, insurance updates, and a hard date to exchange keys. For retirement, decide between in-kind splits via QDRO (cheaper and tax-efficient) or a cash equalization (consider penalties and taxes). For household items, avoid nickel-and-diming: agree on a division day and use an A/B pick list or “whoever keeps the item, keeps the memory” rule to reduce friction.

Parenting requires practical detail. Define decision-making (shared parental responsibility is the default; specify tie-breakers for medical or education if conflict is chronic). Map the base schedule in plain language (e.g., “Week 1: M/T with Parent A, W/Th with Parent B, Fri–Sun alternate”), add exact exchange times and locations, and include a short protocol for temporary swaps (24 hours’ notice by text, response within 6 hours). Solve holidays and school breaks with a rotating schedule, and incorporate video/phone contact windows that respect bedtime. For travel, set written notice periods and passport rules. For communication, name an app (if required by your circuit) or adopt a simple rule: major decisions by email with 48-hour response times; day-to-day logistics by text. Precision prevents post-judgment skirmishes.

By the final hour, push from concept to contract. Ask the mediator to draft the MSA and Parenting Plan in real time so you can read every term. Confirm each date and dollar: refinance deadline, list-if-not-refinanced trigger, equalizing payment method (wire, cashier’s check), account identifiers (masked to last four digits), QDRO responsibilities and plan approval windows, deed form attached, vehicle VINs and title transfer dates, insurance switches, and who covers costs like recording fees or plan processing. If you hit impasse on one item (for example, alimony duration), bracket it (“12–18 months”) and sign the rest. Partial agreements narrow your final hearing to the few unresolved items instead of re-litigating settled ground. Leave mediation with signed originals or immediate e-signs, plus a to-do list with owners and due dates. You’ve just turned a box of documents into an executable plan the judge can adopt.

Step 8: Draft, file, and polish your settlement papers—or trial packet—so the judge can decide efficiently

After mediation you’re at one of two destinations: (1) a full settlement with a signed Mediated Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) and—if you have children—a signed Parenting Plan; or (2) a partial settlement (or none), meaning you’ll present limited issues at a final hearing. Either way, your next move is document craftsmanship. Judges are not looking for poetry; they want clear, accurate, court-ready papers that make entry of a compliant final judgment easy. Start by proofreading the MSA and Parenting Plan line by line. Verify that every number matches your last statements (mortgage payoff, retirement balances if referenced), that dates have a year (not “next month”), and that triggers are measurable (“refinance on or before March 31, 2026; if not, list with Agent Smith by April 15, 2026, at $395,000 with 2% price reductions every 21 days until under contract”). Confirm deed and QDRO responsibilities are assigned to a specific person, with a deadline and a cooperation clause. If anything remains open, draft a one-page addendum and get initials from both parties.

Next, assemble your finalization packet. At minimum, you’ll need: (a) the MSA; (b) the Parenting Plan (if applicable); (c) a current Child Support Guidelines Worksheet; (d) any required Final Judgment template for your circuit (many divisions post fillable forms); (e) proof of completion for the parenting course; (f) a Notice of Social Security Number and any confidential information coversheet your county requires; and (g) a Final Disposition or Cover Sheet if your division uses one at closure. If you want to restore a former name, include a paragraph in your proposed final judgment that spells the exact name to be restored. Double-check that your case caption and case number are identical across all documents. Typos cascade; fix them now.

For partial-settlement or contested issues, create a short trial packet that respects the court’s time. Include: (1) a one-page issues list; (2) a two-column equitable distribution chart with totals and any proposed equalizing payment; (3) the child support worksheet (if children); (4) concise exhibits (statements, pay stubs, valuations) labeled and pre-shared; and (5) proposed orders: a final judgment with blank lines for the court’s findings and, if needed, a short order on any single disputed item (e.g., sale vs. refinance conditions). Keep exhibits focused—judges appreciate pro se parties who avoid duplication and deliver just what the finding requires. If you’ll present photos or messages, print them with dates and context, not as a phone-scrolling exercise. Where authenticity could be questioned, be ready to testify: “This is my January bank statement downloaded from Bank A’s portal.”

Scheduling is part of the craft. Call the judicial assistant (or use your circuit’s online scheduler) to obtain an uncontested final hearing date if you’re fully settled. Some circuits offer a “consent calendar” that lasts five to ten minutes. Ask what your judge prefers: in-person, Zoom, or paperwork review only. If contested, request enough time for the narrow issues (often 30–60 minutes), confirm the court’s exhibit process (email in advance or bring paper sets), and serve a notice of hearing on the other party with the date, time, and platform link if remote. In your notice email, include a professional courtesy: attach the packet you plan to use so the other party is not surprised; this reduces objections and continuances.

Finally, pre-approve implementation channels. For deeds, identify a notary and the recording method; attach a quitclaim deed template with the legal description already filled. For QDROs, contact the plan administrator in advance to confirm model language and fee amounts; if the plan requires pre-approval, calendar their review window now. For equalizing payments, confirm transfer method and banking details off the public record (never file account numbers in open court filings). The more you front-load logistics, the less likely you are to return to court later to clean up “how” after the decree enters. Your goal for Step 8 is simple: hand the judge a package that makes saying “granted” the easy, obvious next step.

Step 9: Prove-up and obtain your Final Judgment—deliver clean testimony, findings, and signatures

The final hearing is usually brief in an uncontested case and focused in a partially contested one. Think of it as a checklist you read into the record so the court can enter a legally complete Final Judgment. Arrive (or log in) early, with two printed sets of your packet (or as instructed by your division), dressed neatly, and with your ID. When called, you’ll be sworn in. If fully settled, your testimony can be under five minutes. Cover: (1) your name and that you have been a Florida resident for six months immediately preceding filing (and how you can prove it—ID, voter card, or witness); (2) date and place of marriage; (3) that the marriage is irretrievably broken and reconciliation is not reasonably possible; (4) if there are children, that a Parenting Plan has been filed and is in the children’s best interests; (5) that your signed MSA and Parenting Plan are true and voluntary; (6) request to restore a former name, if applicable; and (7) request that the court incorporate but not merge the agreements and reserve jurisdiction to enforce. Hand up the proposed Final Judgment. Answer any quick questions from the judge.

If there are contested narrow issues, be brief, factual, and exhibit-driven. For example, on a refinance-vs-sale dispute: “Your Honor, my income supports a refinance; here is my prequalification letter, current mortgage statement, and two months of pay stubs. I propose a 90-day refinance deadline with a listing fallback and a $X equalizing payment funded at closing.” On a time-sharing disagreement: “Here are the school calendars and commute times; my schedule supports a 5-2-2-5 rotation, with exchanges at 6:00 p.m. Sundays and Wednesdays at the school. I’ve attached a proposed calendar and a child support worksheet reflecting that plan.” Avoid fault narratives; judges will redirect you to proof that supports a lawful finding and practical order.

Two administrative notes make life easier. First, bring (or email per division rules) an editable version of your proposed judgment so the judge can correct a date or add a finding without delay. Second, have signature lines for both parties if your judge prefers consent signatures on the judgment (some do, some don’t). If you are remote by Zoom, know how to screen-share exhibits if asked; also, email your packet to the judicial assistant the day before with the case number in the subject line. After the judge announces a ruling, confirm next steps aloud: “May I e-file the signed MSA today?”; “Will the court upload the signed judgment to the portal?”; “Do you prefer we submit the QDRO for approval within 30 days?” Small clarity now avoids phone-tag later.

Once the judge signs, obtain a certified copy of the Final Judgment if you will need it for banks, title offices, or plan administrators. If you restored a former name, schedule a DMV appointment and Social Security name-change promptly (bring the certified judgment). If child support is ordered through the State Disbursement Unit, set up your account and ensure the first payment is timely—the court’s patience for missed first payments is thin. Your win condition for Step 9 is simple: a signed, accurate Final Judgment on the docket that reflects your agreements or the court’s rulings, with all necessary findings (residency, irretrievably broken, best interests if children) recorded cleanly so you never have to revisit them on appeal or correction.

Step 10: Execute the judgment—deeds, titles, QDROs, support rails, and a post-judgment maintenance plan

Most post-divorce headaches come not from the judgment’s words but from lagging follow-through. Treat implementation like closing out a software release: a punch list, owners, deadlines, and confirmations. Start with real property. If you are transferring a home to one party, prepare the quitclaim deed with the correct legal description (copy from the prior deed, not a realtor flyer), have it signed and notarized, and record it with the county clerk. Switch utilities and homeowner’s insurance to the new owner the same day. If the judgment includes a refinance deadline, calendar two reminders (midpoint and one week before). If the refinance fails, trigger the sale process exactly as written: hire the named agent, list at the specified price, apply the reduction schedule, and keep emails that prove compliance.

For vehicles, sign title transfer blocks, execute a bill of sale if your state practices recommend it, exchange keys, remove former drivers from insurance, and update DMV registration. Include VINs and odometer disclosures where required. For retirement accounts, initiate QDRO or plan-acceptable orders immediately. Many employer plans require model language and will pre-approve the order before the judge signs it. Submit to the plan, obtain pre-approval, then route for court signature and return for execution. Keep screenshots or letters at each stage; retirement administrators work on queues, and a lost step can add months. If you agreed to equalizing payments, move funds by traceable method (cashier’s check or wire) and keep the receipt; if a payment is due after a refinance or sale closes, state that dependency plainly in your emails and closing statement.

Turn on support rails right away. If child support is to be paid through the State Disbursement Unit, create your account, verify the case number, and make the first payment early. For health insurance reimbursements and uncovered medical costs, set a lightweight protocol: monthly ledger with dates of service, receipt PDFs, and Zelle/ACH reimbursement within 30 days. If alimony is ordered, automate payments on the 1st of the month to prevent accidental default. Share a calendar entry with both parties for annual tax document exchanges if your Parenting Plan allocates dependency exemptions by year. Proactive, predictable money flows minimize friction and keep you out of court.

Don’t forget identity and security hygiene. If you restored a former name, change your Social Security record first, then DMV, bank, payroll, insurance, and professional licenses. Update beneficiaries on retirement and life insurance to match the judgment (mind ERISA and court restrictions). Close or separate joint accounts promptly. Change passwords on email, cloud storage, and financial apps; set up two-factor authentication. If property insurance or mortgage servicers require a certified copy of the judgment or deed, send it with a clear cover letter and keep confirmations.

Finally, set a post-judgment maintenance plan. Create a one-page table of deadlines from the judgment (deed recording, QDRO submission, refinance date, listing trigger, support start date, parenting course completion filing) with assigned owners and a status column. Check the docket after you file anything; make sure PDFs actually appear. If the other party misses a deadline, start with a polite, dated email quoting the exact paragraph and offering a reasonable cure window. If that fails, file a short, exhibit-backed motion to enforce or for contempt, asking for specific relief (e.g., “authorize clerk to sign deed” or “enter income deduction order”). If you discover a true ambiguity that’s blocking execution (for example, the judgment doesn’t say who pays a transfer tax), request a clarifying order—not a modification. Avoid relitigating resolved issues; your goal is to finish the checklist and move on. When every box is checked, archive your case file (digital and paper), store certified copies safely, and update your personal records. You’ve completed the pro se path: from decision, through forms and mediation, to a final, implemented decree—without needing an attorney at every turn.

Costs Associated

Expect a filing fee (county-specific, often around the $400 range), service of process fees (sheriff or certified server), possible mediation fees (court-connected programs may offer sliding scales; private mediators set hourly rates shared by the parties), parenting course fee if you have minor children, copying and certification fees for records, and post-judgment implementation costs: deed recording, potential documentary stamp tax on certain transfers, motor-vehicle title fees, and retirement plan/QDRO drafting and processing charges. If you cannot afford court costs, apply for civil indigent status; approved applicants may receive waivers or deferrals. Keep receipts—many costs can be shifted by agreement in the MSA or considered by the court when allocating fees.

Time Required

Uncontested cases with complete disclosures and signed settlement papers can wrap up within weeks to a few months, depending on docket availability and local procedures. Contested cases typically resolve within three to six months with effective mediation; complex parenting or valuation issues can extend timelines to six to twelve months. Service should be completed early (well before the 120-day cap), mediation is usually scheduled after disclosures, and final hearing timing depends on your division’s calendar. Post-judgment implementation (deeds, titles, QDROs, refinance) often adds 30–120 days.

Limitations

• “No-fault” does not mean “no paperwork.” You must still prove residency, complete disclosures, and, if there are children, file a compliant Parenting Plan and child support worksheet.
• Self-filing is feasible, but high-conflict parenting, complex businesses, or unusual assets may warrant limited-scope professional help (e.g., valuation, QDRO drafting).
• Court staff and mediators cannot give legal advice; they can explain procedures but won’t tailor strategy to your advantage.

Risks and Unexpected Problems

• Service or notice defects can stall the case; double-check addresses and docketed returns.
• Late or incomplete financial disclosure undermines mediation and can trigger motions to compel or sanctions.
• Vague settlement terms (no deadlines, no triggers) cause post-judgment fights; write with dates, dollars, and “if/then” fallbacks.
• Implementation drift—missed deeds, unsubmitted QDROs, or slow refinance—erodes the value of your settlement and can lead to contempt exposure.

Sources

• Florida Courts — Family Law Forms (Dissolution and related)
• The Florida Bar — Consumer Pamphlet: Divorce in Florida
• Florida Courts E-Filing Portal