⚡ Just got served?
You have deadlines. Missing them means the court only hears their side.
Respond to papers →Florida Circuit Court handles dissolution of marriage, time-sharing, child support, and injunctions for protection. Florida uses Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms — the same statewide forms in every circuit, from Miami-Dade to Escambia.
We walk you through exactly what to fill out, in plain English, and produce the forms ready to sign and file.
Where do you need help?
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Dissolution of Marriage
Start or respond to a divorce case. Covers petition, financial disclosure, and the complete filing packet.
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Time-Sharing / Parental Responsibility
Establish custody and parenting time when you were never married or as part of a divorce.
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Modify Time-Sharing or Parental Responsibility
Change an existing custody or parenting time order when circumstances have significantly changed.
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Child Support
Establish or modify a child support order.
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Establish Paternity
Legally establish parentage when the parents were not married.
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Injunction for Protection (Domestic Violence)
Get an emergency order to protect yourself or your children from domestic violence or harassment.
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Petition to Relocate
Request court approval to move with your children, or oppose a move.
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Enforce a Court Order
Bring the other party back to court when they are violating an existing order.
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Name Change
Change your name or your child's name through the court.
Coming soon
Spousal Support / Alimony
Request or respond to a request for spousal support or alimony.
What Florida requires — before you file
1
6-month residency. You or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before filing for dissolution of marriage.
2
20-day waiting period. Florida requires at least 20 days after the respondent is served before a final judgment can enter.
3
Parenting plan required if children. All Florida cases involving minor children require a court-approved Parenting Plan (Form 12.995). The plan must address time-sharing, decision-making, and holiday schedules.
4
Financial affidavit required. Both parties must file a sworn Financial Affidavit — short form (12.902b) for income under $50,000, long form (12.902c) for $50,000 or more.
5
Parenting class required if children. Both parents must complete a court-approved parenting class when minor children are involved.
Florida says 'dissolution of marriage' not divorce, 'time-sharing' not visitation, and 'parental responsibility' not custody. Injunctions for Protection replace restraining orders. All forms carry Supreme Court form numbers (12.XXX).
All 20 Florida Circuits
Florida is divided into 20 judicial circuits. File in the circuit where you or the other party lives.
1st — Pensacola
2nd — Tallahassee
3rd — Lake City
4th — Jacksonville
5th — Ocala
6th — Clearwater/Pasco
7th — Daytona Beach
8th — Gainesville
9th — Orlando
10th — Bartow
11th — Miami
12th — Sarasota
13th — Tampa
14th — Panama City
15th — West Palm Beach
16th — Key West
17th — Fort Lauderdale
18th — Viera/Sanford
19th — Fort Pierce
20th — Fort Myers
Florida Circuit pages — courthouse info & local details
Each page below has the courthouse address, phone, e-filing link, and frequently asked questions for that circuit.