How to File for Divorce in Washington County, FL

Divorce is an important life choice that can be both emotionally and legally complicated. Whether you’re living in Florida, knowing the specific steps involved in filing for divorce is very important. Our article on WhereToFileDivorce.com aims to simplify this process, providing clear help for residents in these states.

Step 1: Confirm Residency Eligibility

Before the Washington County Clerk can accept your paperwork, you must prove Florida residency:

• Either you or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months immediately prior to filing.
• Proof required: You must provide a copy of a valid Florida driver’s license, a Florida ID card, or a voter registration card issued at least 6 months ago.
• Alternative: If your ID is newer, you must file an Affidavit of Corroborating Witness signed by someone who can vouch for your residency.

Step 2: Choose Your Divorce Path

Your family and financial situation will dictate which packet of Florida Supreme Court-approved forms you need to use:

• Simplified Dissolution of Marriage: The fastest path. You qualify only if you have no minor or dependent children, the wife is not currently pregnant, you both agree on asset/debt division, neither is seeking alimony, and both spouses are willing to go to the courthouse to sign the papers together.
• Regular Dissolution of Marriage: Used if you have minor children, disagree on terms (contested), or if one spouse refuses to sign the paperwork together.

Step 3: Complete and Notarize the Forms

You can pick up a physical packet at the Clerk’s office in Chipley, or download the standard family law forms online. Essential forms include:

• Civil Cover Sheet and Notice of Related Cases
• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Simplified or Regular)
• Family Law Financial Affidavit (Mandatory for both paths; must be completed within 45 days of filing)
• Marital Settlement Agreement (If you have agreed on how to divide property and debts)
• Parenting Plan & Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (Only if you have minor children)

⚠️ Important: Do not sign the documents yet! Most family law forms must be signed and dated in front of a Notary Public or a Deputy Clerk at the courthouse.

Step 4: File the Paperwork with the Clerk

Take your completed, original documents along with two copies of everything to the Washington County Clerk of Court office:

• In-Person Location: Washington County Clerk of Court www.washingtonclerk.com1293 Jackson Ave, Chipley, FL 32428 floridaonlinedivorce.comHours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Filing Fee: The standard filing fee for a dissolution of marriage in Florida is roughly $397.50 to $408 (plus minor fees for summons processing).
• Fee Waiver: If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk for an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status to request a waiver based on your income.

Step 5: Serve Your Spouse (If Not Filing a Simplified Divorce)

If you filed a Simplified Divorce, you skip this step because you both filed together. Otherwise, you must formally notify your spouse:

• Summons: Ask the Clerk to issue a Summons.
• Service: You cannot hand the papers to your spouse yourself. You must pay a fee to have the Washington County Sheriff’s Office or a certified private process server deliver the packet to them. floridadivorce.law
• Response: Once served, your spouse has 20 calendar days to file a formal Answer with the court.

Step 6: The Mandatory Waiting Period & Final Hearing

The Final Hearing: You will receive a notice for a brief final hearing. If it is an uncontested or simplified divorce, the hearing typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes. The judge will review the terms, ask a few basic questions, and sign the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.

Waiting Period: Florida law requires a mandatory 20-day cooling-off period from the exact date the petition is filed before a judge can finalize the dissolution (though a judge can waive this in extreme emergencies or simple uncontested cases).

The Case Manager: Once your paperwork and financial disclosures are processed, a Case Manager from the Family Law Court Staff will review your file to ensure everything is legally compliant.

Finding Your Way: Courthouse Locations & Contact Information

To start a divorce in Washington County, Florida, you should file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage at the Washington County Courthouse. The Clerk of Court’s office can provide you with the necessary forms and guidance on the filing process.

Must-have Local Requirements: Classes and Mediation Explained

First off, you or your spouse needs to have lived in Florida for at least six months before you can file. Once you’re set on that, head to the local circuit court to file your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Don’t forget to bring the necessary paperwork, like a financial statement and anything related to your assets, debts, or child custody.

Got kids under 18? There’s a parenting class you’ll need to take. It’s all about helping parents understand how divorce impacts children. While nobody loves more classes, this one’s a must before you can wrap up the divorce. Now, if there are any disagreements about things like who gets the house or the kids, mediation might be on the table. It’s a chance to hash things out with an unbiased person helping both sides. So, keep that in mind if you’re gearing up for this process!

What Forms Are Required for a Divorce in Washington County, Florida?

1. Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This is the initial form filed to start the divorce process. (Used by the spouse seeking a divorce to officially ask the court to end the marriage.)
2. Financial Affidavit. Details the financial situation of each spouse, including income, expenses, debts, and assets. (Needed to ensure fair division of marital assets and figuring out support responsibilities.)
3. Marital Settlement Agreement. Outlines the terms agreed upon by both parties regarding property division, alimony, and other matters. (Used when both parties agree on the division and terms, helping an uncontested divorce.)
4. Notice of Social Security Number. Provides the Social Security Numbers of both parties involved in the divorce. (Helps in the identification process and ensures proper filing of records.)
5. Parenting Plan. Details custody arrangements and how parental duties will be shared. (Used when the divorcing couple has minor children, outlining custody and visitation agreements.)
6. Child Support Guidelines Worksheet. Calculates the right amount of child support based on state guidelines. (Required whenever there are minor children involved in the divorce process.)
7. Summons. Notifies the respondent (the other spouse) that a divorce action has been started against them. (Used to formally deliver notice to the responding party that they are being named in a legal action.)

Common Questions

Can you get a divorce in Florida without going to court?

Yes, you can get a divorce in Florida without physically going to court through a process called “uncontested divorce” or “simplified dissolution of marriage.” This usually applies when both parties agree on all terms, like property division and custody arrangements, and can complete the necessary paperwork independently.

What is the 7 year divorce rule in Florida?

The “7-year divorce rule” in Florida is a bit of a myth, as Florida doesn’t have a specific rule tied to seven years of marriage for divorce proceedings. However, the duration of marriage can affect factors like alimony, where a longer marriage might lead to different support considerations.

How much money does it cost to file for divorce in Florida?

Filing for divorce in Florida typically costs between $400 and $500 for the court fees alone. However, additional costs can arise if you hire a lawyer or need extra services like mediation.

What is the first step in getting a divorce in Florida?

The first step in getting a divorce in Florida is to ensure you meet the residency requirement, meaning either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months. Once that’s sorted, you’ll need to file a “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage” with the local circuit court.