Am I Eligible for a DIY Divorce in Florida? (2026)

Florida offers some of the most DIY-friendly divorce options in the country. Work through these questions to find out which path is right for you.

Section 1 — Basic Eligibility

1. Does at least one of you meet Florida's residency requirement? 6 months in Florida.

  • ✅ Yes — continue
  • ❌ No — wait until you qualify

2. Can you prove residency at a final hearing? Florida driver's license, voter registration, or a corroborating witness.

  • ✅ Yes — continue
  • ⚠️ No — gather proof before filing

Section 2 — Which Path Fits You?

3. Do you qualify for Simplified Dissolution? No children + no alimony + full agreement + both attend hearing together.

  • ✅ Yes — Simplified Dissolution is your fastest path (30–45 days)
  • ❌ No — use regular dissolution process

4. Do you and your spouse agree on all terms?

  • ✅ Yes — strong candidate for DIY
  • ⚠️ Not yet, but communicating well — still possible, resolve before filing
  • ❌ Can't agree on major issues — consider mediation (Florida courts require it for contested custody anyway)
  • ❌ Spouse won't participate — default divorce path

Section 3 — Complexity Factors

5. Do you own a home together?

  • ✅ No — simpler
  • ⚠️ Yes, and we agree on outcome — manageable with careful MSA language
  • ❌ Yes, and we disagree — contested issue

6. Do either of you have retirement accounts from during the marriage?

  • ✅ No — simpler
  • ⚠️ Yes, but we agree — DIY possible; use QDRO specialist for the actual division
  • ❌ Yes, and we disagree — consider attorney

7. Is alimony an issue?

  • ✅ Neither of us wants alimony — include a waiver in MSA, proceed DIY
  • ⚠️ We agree on an amount and duration — include in MSA, manageable
  • ❌ We disagree significantly — attorney recommended given 2023 law changes

8. Has either spouse hired an attorney?

  • ✅ No — level playing field
  • ❌ Yes — consider hiring one yourself

Section 4 — Children

9. Do you have minor children?

  • ✅ No — simpler process, consider Simplified Dissolution
  • ⚠️ Yes, and we fully agree on Parenting Plan, time-sharing, and support — DIY is doable
  • ❌ Yes, and we disagree on time-sharing — mediation required, attorney strongly recommended

10. Has either parent discussed relocating more than 50 miles?

  • ✅ No plans to relocate — proceed normally
  • ❌ Yes — Florida's relocation statute is strictly enforced; consult an attorney

Section 5 — Safety

11. Is there any history of domestic violence?

  • ✅ No — proceed normally
  • ❌ Yes — call the National DV Hotline (1-800-799-7233). Florida has special protections. An attorney can help you access them safely.

Your Results

Strong DIY Candidate

  • Both spouses cooperating
  • Simple or agreed finances
  • No safety concerns
  • If children: full agreement on Parenting Plan

Next step: Check Simplified Dissolution eligibility first. If not eligible, go to our Florida Divorce Complete Guide.

Good DIY With Some Help

  • Own a home (but agreed on outcome)
  • Have retirement accounts (use QDRO specialist)
  • Not confident with forms — use Online Divorce or 3StepDivorce

Consider an Attorney

  • Disagreement on time-sharing with children
  • History of domestic violence
  • Relocation planned
  • Significant alimony dispute
  • Spouse already has an attorney
  • Complex business or financial situation

Free Florida Resources

  • flcourts.org — All official Florida Family Law Forms
  • floridalawhelp.org — Free legal aid for qualifying Floridians
  • Your county Clerk of the Circuit Court self-help resources

Florida Document Services

  • Online Divorce — onlinedivorce.com
  • 3StepDivorce — 3stepdivorce.com
  • LegalZoom — legalzoom.com

Last reviewed: March 2026

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.