Process
Simplified vs. Regular Dissolution of Marriage in Florida: Which One Applies to You?
Florida has two ways to end a marriage by agreement. The simplified route is quicker but has strict eligibility rules. Here's how to tell which one fits your situation.
September 8, 2026 · 5 min read · SplytUp Team
If you and your spouse agree on ending your marriage, Florida gives you two cooperative options: a simplified dissolution of marriage and a regular (uncontested) dissolution. They end in the same place, a final judgment, but the eligibility rules and paperwork are different.
Simplified dissolution: the short form
Simplified dissolution is designed for couples with very little to untangle. To use it, all of the following must be true:
- You have no minor or dependent children together, and the wife is not pregnant.
- At least one of you has lived in Florida for the past six months.
- You both agree the marriage is irretrievably broken.
- You have already agreed on how to divide property and debts.
- Neither of you is seeking alimony.
- You both give up the right to a trial and to appeal.
- You are both willing to attend the final hearing together.
In exchange for meeting those conditions, the paperwork is lighter and financial affidavits are generally not required. Both spouses sign the petition, file it together, and appear at the final hearing.
Regular dissolution: still uncontested, more complete
If you have children, if either spouse wants alimony, or if you simply want to keep the right to a trial should things change, you use a regular dissolution. When you agree on everything, it's still uncontested. The difference is in the documents:
- One spouse files the petition and the other files an answer or a waiver.
- A written marital settlement agreement covers property, debts, and alimony.
- Financial affidavits are usually exchanged so both spouses make decisions with full information.
- With minor children, you also file a parenting plan, a child support guidelines worksheet, and proof both parents completed the required parenting course.
Which one should you choose?
If you meet every simplified requirement, it's usually the fastest route. But many couples who technically qualify still choose a regular dissolution because they want a detailed marital settlement agreement, want to keep the option of alimony, or don't want to appear in court together. If you have children, the choice is made for you: regular dissolution is the only option.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship with Yaffa Family Law Group, P.A. Florida law and court procedures change; confirm current requirements with a Florida family law attorney.
