Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage) in Duval County, Florida

Dissolution of marriage is a circuit court case governed by Chapter 61, Florida Statutes, and the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, using the Supreme Court–approved family law forms.

Where this case is heard in Duval County

Court: Fourth Judicial Circuit Court · Fourth Judicial Circuit (Circuit 4)
Filing: e-file through the statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com or in person with the Duval County Clerk of Court.
Local bench: 58 judges verified for Duval County — check the assigned judge's practice preferences before any hearing.

The procedure, step by step

1. Meet the residency requirement
One spouse must have resided in Florida for the 6 months before filing (§ 61.021, Fla. Stat.). Florida is no-fault: the petition alleges the marriage is irretrievably broken.
2. Choose the right petition and file in circuit court
Florida's Supreme Court–approved family law forms (Fla. Fam. L. R. P. Form 12.901 series) cover simplified dissolution (both spouses agree, no minor children, no alimony sought) and regular dissolution with or without children or property.
3. Disclosures, parenting course, and final hearing
Both parties exchange financial affidavits under the mandatory disclosure rule (Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.285). If there are minor children, each parent must complete the approved parenting course before final judgment (§ 61.21, Fla. Stat.), and a parenting plan is required.

Common questions

How long do you have to live in Florida to file for divorce?: Six months. Section 61.021, Florida Statutes requires one party to have resided in Florida for the six months preceding the filing.
Is Florida a no-fault divorce state?: Yes — the only grounds needed are that the marriage is irretrievably broken (or a spouse's legal incapacity for 3 years), § 61.052, Fla. Stat.

Governing authority

Ch. 61, Fla. Stat.
§ 61.021 (residency); § 61.052 (grounds); § 61.21 (parenting course)
Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.285 (mandatory disclosure); Form 12.901 series

Procedural information only — not legal advice and not a substitute for an attorney. Statewide rules are summarized with citations; local practice varies by division and judge, so verify deadlines with the Duval County clerk and review the assigned judge's verified preferences on the Duval County page.

Where this case is heard in Duval County

Court: Fourth Judicial Circuit Court · Fourth Judicial Circuit (Circuit 4)

Filing: e-file through the statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com or in person with the Duval County Clerk of Court.

Local bench: 58 judges verified for Duval County — check the assigned judge's practice preferences before any hearing.

The procedure, step by step

1. Meet the residency requirement

One spouse must have resided in Florida for the 6 months before filing (§ 61.021, Fla. Stat.). Florida is no-fault: the petition alleges the marriage is irretrievably broken.

2. Choose the right petition and file in circuit court

Florida's Supreme Court–approved family law forms (Fla. Fam. L. R. P. Form 12.901 series) cover simplified dissolution (both spouses agree, no minor children, no alimony sought) and regular dissolution with or without children or property.

3. Disclosures, parenting course, and final hearing

Both parties exchange financial affidavits under the mandatory disclosure rule (Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.285). If there are minor children, each parent must complete the approved parenting course before final judgment (§ 61.21, Fla. Stat.), and a parenting plan is required.

Common questions

How long do you have to live in Florida to file for divorce?

Six months. Section 61.021, Florida Statutes requires one party to have resided in Florida for the six months preceding the filing.

Is Florida a no-fault divorce state?

Yes — the only grounds needed are that the marriage is irretrievably broken (or a spouse's legal incapacity for 3 years), § 61.052, Fla. Stat.

Governing authority

Ch. 61, Fla. Stat.

§ 61.021 (residency); § 61.052 (grounds); § 61.21 (parenting course)

Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.285 (mandatory disclosure); Form 12.901 series