Dissolution of Marriage, also known as divorce, is the termination of a marriage between a husband and wife, effected by the judgment or decree of a court. 

In general, parties wishing to obtain a divorce should contact their attorney. There are several different types of divorces that you may choose from. They are:

• Contested Divorce: This type of divorce is one where you do not agree on every issue. An attorney is necessary to file a contested divorce. The Clerk’s Office does not provide forms for this type of divorce.
• Uncontested Divorce without Children: This type of divorce is one where you both agree onEVERY issue and have no children. The Clerk’s office provides this divorce packet for a fee but does not provide assistance in filling out the forms. Once you file the paperwork on an Uncontested Divorce, a Pro-Se Litigant will go over the file and let you know if anything further is needed prior to going to court. It will not be set for a hearing unless the file has everything needed. Failure to file the appropriate paperwork could result in the case being dismissed. We do not refund money collected for filing fees or forms. Packets are $20.00 ea. Fees subject to change.
• Uncontested Divorce with Children: This type of divorce is one where you agree on EVERYissue and have children. The Clerk’s office provides this divorce packet for a fee but does not provide assistance in filling out the forms. Once you file the paperwork on an Uncontested Divorce, a Pro-Se Litigant will go over the file and let you know if anything further is needed prior to going to court. It will not be set for a hearing unless the file has everything needed. Failure to file the appropriate paperwork could result in the case being dismissed. We do not refund money collected for filing fees or forms. Packets are $30.00 ea. Fees subject to change.
• Simplified Divorce: Florida Law allows a simplified divorce that can be handled by the parties themselves in the following circumstances: Both parties must be present together at the time of filing and also at the final hearing. If any of the following conditions cannot be met then the Simplified Dissolution procedure cannot be used. Packets are $8.00 ea. Fees subject to change. The Clerk will provide this packet

The parties certify under oath that:

1. There are no minor or dependent children (including adopted children) of the parties.
2. The wife is not now pregnant.
3. The marriage between the parties is irretrievably broken and both agree that it cannot be reconciled.
4. The parties have made a satisfactory division of their property and have agreed as to payment of their joint obligations.
5. The husband and wife or one of them has been a resident of Florida for at least six months prior to filing the petition for divorce.
6. Both parties have signed the joint petition and all other papers needed to carry out the simplified dissolution procedure and have paid the required fees to the Clerk of Circuit Court.
7. Both parties agree that after the divorce becomes final, neither has any right to expect money or support from the other, except for what is included in the property settlement agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Simplified Divorce”

What are the requirements for a simplified divorce?

1. There are no minor or dependent children of the parties and the wife is not now pregnant.
2. The parties have made a satisfactory division of their property and have agreed as to payment of their joint obligations.
3. The husband and wife or one of them has been a resident of Florida for at least six months prior to filing the petition for divorce.
4. The marriage between the parties is irretrievably broken.

A Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage may be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court’s Office in the Osceola County Courthouse.

You and your spouse must come to the Clerk’s Office together and jointly file the paperwork. You will need to bring a form of identification that includes your picture (such as a driver’s license). You will need a Certificate of Corroborating Witness, this form is included in the simplified dissolution packet, and can be signed in the presence of a notary. Forms for filing a Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage are available in the Clerk’s Office for a fee of $8.00.

An attorney is not required with the Simplified Dissolution procedure. If you or your spouse have any doubt in your mind regarding legal questions, you should consult with an attorney prior to filing for a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage.

The filing fees for a simplified divorce are set by Florida Statute and are subject to change as a result of new laws passed by the legislature each year. The current fee is $397.50, which is collected at the time of filing. An additional fee of $10.50 for Vital Statistics is collected upon the entry of the final judgment granting the divorce. Both fees are payable to the Osceola Clerk of Court. Payment may be made by cash, money order or cashiers check. We do not accept personal checks or Visa cards.

A hearing to finalize your divorce will be scheduled at the earliest possible date dependent upon the Court’s schedule. There is a mandatory 20 day waiting period before a hearing can be held. You and your spouse must both appear before the court on the scheduled hearing date.

If, after filing for a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage, you believe your marriage can be saved and the divorce avoided, you and your spouse may file a Motion to Dismiss the Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage. Both parties are required to come into the Clerk’s Office and both must sign a Voluntary Dismissal to dismiss the case. We do not refund money collected for filing fees or forms.

Clerk personnel are not permitted to provide legal advice. You may wish to seek the assistance of an attorney for these matters. Modification packages are available at the Clerk’s Office for $30.00. The filing fee is $50.00. We do not refund money collected for filing fees or forms.

For more information concerning a Simplified Divorce, the parties should contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Department or an Attorney.