Either spouse can file for the dissolution of marriage. You must prove that a valid marriage exists, one party has been a Florida resident for six months immediately preceding the filing of the petition, and the marriage is irretrievably broken, or one party has been adjudicated mentally incapacitated.
You must arrange to have the petition served on your spouse by a certified process server or a deputy sheriff. That person must also prepare documents to file in the court file certifying the petition was properly served.
Key points to understand: Financial affidavits are mandatory in Florida divorce cases, ensuring the court has accurate financial information. There are two forms: Form 12.902 B for gross annual income under $50000 and Form 12.902 C for income equal to or over $50000.
Simplified procedure Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (form 12.901(a)). Family law financial affidavit. Marital settlement agreement for simplified dissolution of marriage (Form 12.902(f)(3)). Notice of Social Security number. Final judgment of simplified dissolution of marriage (Form 12.990(a)).
If a spouse has an annual income of $50,000 or greater, they are required to use the long form financial affidavit to provide financial disclosures for the divorce. As of November 1st, 2023, a new family law procedural rule will officially take effect in Florida.
The first step in the divorce process is to file a divorce petition. Even if both spouses agree to a divorce, one must file a divorce petition with the court to begin the process of terminating the marriage. This person is known as the petitioner, and the other spouse is referred to as the respondent.
Since Washington is a no-fault divorce state, you cannot cite the infidelity of your spouse, or cheating as the reason for divorce. The courts are not interested in why your marriage fell apart.
Washington is a “no-fault” divorce state. You do not need to prove a spouse was “at fault.” You must only prove irreconcilable differences: you no longer get along.
Factors that Affect 50/50 Division in Washington For couples that have been married for shorter periods, the court is likely to rule for an equal 50/50 distribution. However, for longer marriages, equitable distribution may mean a 70/30 split or a 60/40 split.