How to File for Divorce in Fort Lauderdale: Steps and Court Procedures
Divorce is one of the most challenging transitions in life. Impacts are varied and often far-reaching, but knowing what is likely to happen can make it less intimidating.
If you are considering ending your marriage in Broward County, our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer can help you avoid common pitfalls. Below, we outline the steps, legal requirements, and local court procedures that guide divorce proceedings throughout Florida.
Initial Requirements For A Fort Lauderdale Divorce and Early Filings
Under Section 61.021 of the Florida Statutes, you must meet residency requirements and filing rules to file for a divorce in Fort Lauderdale. At least one of the parties must have lived in the state for six months before filing.
Your divorce case begins when you or your spouse submits a Florida Petition for Dissolution of Marriage to the county family court. If you opt to file first, key steps you need to take include:
- Get professional legal help in determining whether you meet the requirements for filing a divorce through the Broward County Clerk of Courts.
- File the correct type of petition, depending on whether you have a simplified, uncontested, or contested divorce case.
- Pay court filing fees and serve your spouse with a summons (you can seek reimbursement as part of your divorce).
- Complete an initial financial affidavit within the required timeframe and submit it to the court.
Your petition sets the stage for your case. Filing it accurately and per Florida law is a top priority. Mistakes and errors could cost you money and delay getting a final divorce order.
Disclosures, Parenting Requirements, and Mediation In A Fort Lauderdale Divorce
Once you file and serve your Fort Lauderdale divorce petition, you must address issues such as division of marital property (Florida follows the rule of equitable division), potential alimony payments, and child-time sharing and support if you have children.
To negotiate a reasonable settlement and determine parenting requirements, you will need to do the following:
- Provide a detailed list of all individual and marital property and assets.
- Exchange financial documents, including pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements,
- File a child support worksheet if minor children are involved
- Attend mediation to resolve divorce-related disputes before trial.
- Prepare for case management hearings as scheduled by the Broward Family Court.
These steps reflect the court’s goal of fair financial division and protect children and parents in Fort Lauderdale divorce proceedings.
Request A Consultation Today With An Experienced Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer
Getting a divorce in Fort Lauderdale involves more than just completing paperwork. It takes strong planning and adherence to legal requirements to avoid delays and potentially costly problems that could impact you far into the future.
At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, we guide clients step by step through the Broward County divorce process, from filing petitions to providing the strong legal representation you need to get the best possible settlement. Give us a call or contact our office online and schedule a confidential consultation with our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer today.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.021.html
browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family
