Where to File Your Paperwork in Highlands County?
To start your divorce in Highlands County, you must file your legal documents with the Clerk of the Courts. In our experience, while your case will be heard by a judge in the 10th Judicial Circuit, the Clerk’s office is, so early on, the official gateway for all family law filings.
Address: 590 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 402-6565
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where to File: You can submit your petition in person at the Clerk’s office in the Highlands County Courthouse or electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
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Divorce Requirements: Do You Qualify?
To file for divorce in Highlands County, at least one spouse must have lived in the state of Florida for at least six months immediately before filing the petition.
Unlike some other states, Florida requires proof of this residency. Bummer, we know. That said, you can prove this by providing a copy of a Florida driver’s license (issued at least six months prior) or by having a witness sign an Affidavit of Corroborating Witness. Using our divorce service helps you navigate these specific Florida statutes (so, for example), ensuring your residency proof and county-specific forms are correctly handled for the Highlands County court.
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Filing for an Uncontested Divorce (When Both Spouses Agree)
In Florida, an uncontested divorce is often referred to as a “Simplified Dissolution of Marriage” (if you have no children/property) or a “Dissolution of Marriage by Agreement.” This is the fastest route to ending a marriage, provided both parties are cooperative.
The process follows these key steps:
- File the Petition: You begin by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. In Highlands County, the standard filing fee for 2026 is approximately $408.00.
- Financial Disclosure: Florida law requires both spouses to file a Financial Affidavit within 45 days of filing, though this can sometimes be waived in simplified cases where no financial relief is sought.
- The 20-Day Waiting Period: Florida has a mandatory 20-day waiting period from the date of filing before a final judgment can be signed. In rare cases of hardship, a judge may waive this.
- Marital Settlement Agreement: During the process, you and your spouse will sign a written agreement detailing how assets and debts are divided. If you have children, a Parenting Plan is also required.
- Final Hearing: In Highlands County, at least one spouse (the Petitioner) must usually attend a brief final hearing. The judge will review your agreement and, if everything is in order, sign the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.
Using a service like ours ensures you meet the strict Florida “Mandatory Disclosure” rules, helping you avoid the delays that occur when the Clerk rejects incomplete financial paperwork.
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Common Highlands County Divorce Forms You Will Need
Florida uses standardized Supreme Court forms, but Highlands County may require specific local cover sheets or “packets.”
The basic forms you may need include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The primary document that starts the case.
- Family Law Financial Affidavit: (Short form for income under $50k; Long form for income over $50k).
- Notice of Social Security Number: To identify parties for the court record.
- Marital Settlement Agreement: The contract that outlines your division of property and debts.
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage: The document the judge signs to end the marriage.
If you have minor children, you will also need:
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit: Confirming where the children have lived for the last five years.
- Parenting Plan: Outlining time-sharing and visitation schedules.
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet: To calculate support based on Florida’s statutory formula.
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Divorce Filing Fees and Costs
For 2026, the standard fee to file for divorce in Highlands County is $397.50, plus a $10.50 final judgment fee, totaling $408.00. If you need the Sheriff to serve your spouse, there is an additional fee (usually around $40).
If you cannot afford these fees, you may fill out an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status. If the Clerk determines you meet the low-income requirements, your filing fees may be waived or deferred.
Start Divorce in 3 Simple Steps
Our service can complete the paperwork for your agreed-upon divorce, minimizing your stress and the risk of submitting the wrong forms.
Check Your Eligibility
Answer several simple questions on our platform to see if our service is suitable in your specific circumstances.
Fill out a Questionnaire
Complete a full online questionnaire, providing the details of your case so the system can select and fill in the right forms.
Print out the Papers
Download the completed documents from your account, print, sign, and notarize them to start the case with the local court.
- Court-Approved Divorce Packet 📂
We prepare all the forms for your uncontested divorce in Jefferson County. You won’t waste hours searching which papers you need. Everything comes complete and ready to file at the courthouse. - Forms Filled Automatically Based on Your Answers 📝
Our simple guided questionnaire fills out the forms for you. No confusing legal language or hours spent figuring out instructions – we make it easy. - Step-by-Step Filing Instructions 🛠️
Along with your forms, you’ll get simple instructions that show how to file with the court. This makes the process easier and less stressful.