Every Florida dissolution path, mapped

Simplified dissolution

Full agreement · no minor children · no pregnancy · both spouses will appear together

• Both spouses file together (Form 12.901(a)) and both attend the final hearing.
• Financial disclosure can be waived in part; neither spouse can get alimony this route.
• You give up the right to trial and appeal — the trade for speed.

Uncontested — no children, no property

Agreement on everything · nothing to divide

• Petition 12.901(b)(3), respondent can file an Answer & Waiver, short final hearing.
• Six-month Florida residency still required; proof at the hearing.

Uncontested — with property

Agreement · real estate, retirement, or significant assets to divide

• A marital settlement agreement documents the division (§ 61.075 starts from equal).
• Deeds, refinances, and QDROs happen after judgment — sequence them in the agreement.

⚑ Retirement division and real-estate transfers are classic attorney-review items even in full agreement.

With minor children

Any level of agreement · children under 18

• Adds: parenting plan (12.995(a)), UCCJEA affidavit (12.902(d)), child support worksheet (12.902(e)), and the parenting course certificate.
• Child support arithmetic comes from § 61.30 — run scenarios before mediation.

⚑ Time-sharing and support are where cases go contested — organize early.

Contested

Disagreement on any major issue

• Full sequence: petition → service → answer/counterpetition → mandatory disclosure → mediation → hearings → trial if needed.
• Most contested cases still settle at or before mediation — preparation is leverage.

⚑ Attorney review before filing, and strongly before signing any settlement.

Spouse can't be located

No usable address after a real search

• A diligent search + affidavit unlocks service by publication — but publication generally supports the divorce itself, not support or property orders.
• The diligent-search checklist is specific; skipping steps sinks cases.

⚑ Constructive service is technical — attorney review recommended.

Business ownership

Either spouse owns a business or professional practice

• Valuation, income determination, and marital-vs-nonmarital classification drive everything.
• Business tax returns and records are part of mandatory disclosure at 30%+ ownership.

⚑ High-complexity — this is attorney and often expert territory.

Safety risk in the marriage

Domestic violence, coercive control, or fear of the other spouse

• Injunction (protective order) cases run separately from the divorce — the clerk helps file, no fee.
• Safety Mode covers safe devices, confidential addresses, and evidence preservation.

⚑ Route through Safety Mode first. If in immediate danger, call 911.