Where to File for Divorce in Broward County?
In Broward County, Family Courts handle cases related to marriage dissolution, annulment, adoption, child custody and support, paternity rights, etc. So, divorce papers must be filed with the Unified Family Court in the Central Courthouse, West Building.
Judicial Complex, West Building
📍 201 S.E. 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
4th Floor, Room: 04130
Phone: 954-831-6565
Fax: 954-831-6572
Business Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
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The Requirements for Divorce in Broward County
For the court to have jurisdiction over the divorce case, a couple must meet the residency requirements prescribed by Florida Law. According to it, at least one of the spouses must be a state resident for a minimum of 6 months before filing a Petition. The parties must also provide proof of their residence to the court.
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Filing for Uncontested Divorce in Broward County
To file for divorce in Broward County, you will need to take the following steps:
- Prepare the paperwork. Obtain, fill out, sign, and notarize the forms required for your case.
- File the paperwork. Submit the initial set of papers to the local Family Court and pay a filing fee.
- Complete a parenting seminar if you have minor kids. Both spouses must attend parenting classes and file The Certificate of Completion with the court.
- Get the final hearing date. The hearings involving pro se litigants are scheduled through the Unified Family Court Case Management Division.
- Attend the hearing. In uncontested cases, only the plaintiff may be required to attend the final hearing and bring the remaining paperwork with them.
- Finalize your divorce. When you get the Final Judgment signed by the Judge, complete a Final Disposition form and file it with the clerk. When you get the certified copies for yourself and your spouse, your marriage is officially over.
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Required Divorce Forms in Broward County
The number and type of papers required for filing a divorce case in Broward County greatly depend on each family’s circumstances. However, the basic package of forms for an uncontested marriage dissolution normally includes:
- Petition;
- Cover Sheet for Family Court Cases (12.928);
- The Twelve Rules of Courtroom Civility;
- Family Law Financial Affidavit;
- Notice of Social Security Number (12.902(j));
- Notice of Related Cases (12.900(h));
- Answer, Waiver, and Request for Copy of Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage (12.903(a));
- Marital Settlement Agreement (if the case is uncontested).
Mind that some of these forms may have different versions depending on the child’s involvement or income size. Make sure to clarify which ones are suitable for you.
If you have minor children with your spouse, you would also need:
- Parenting Plan (12.995(a));
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit (12.902(d));
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (12.902(e)).
It is good to contact the county court clerk and clarify the exact list of forms that you must complete and file in your specific case.
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Broward County Divorce Filing Fees
A divorce filing fee required by the Broward County Courthouse is currently $409. Additional expenses would be needed for filing supplementary motions, requests, or counter petitions, as well as for other services, such as document copies, certifications, process service, etc.
Filing fees must be paid to the Clerk of Court in the form of cash, cashier’s or attorney’s check, money order, or credit card. Personal checks are not accepted, which is stressed on the Broward County Clerk of Courts website. Generally, if you contact the clerk, you may clarify the possible costs that may be expected in your case, options for making payments, and the possibility of a fee waiver.
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