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Things You May Not Know You Have to Do if You Have a Divorce Case in Orlando

Divorce cases are stressful, and you may not realize everything you need to do in a dissolution of marriage case. Here are examples of things you may not know you have to do: 

Take a Parenting Course

Did you know that if your case involves children, it is mandatory to take a parenting course? It is very important to complete this course. A judge will not sign a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage unless both parents have completed the parenting course, then filed a certificate of completion and a copy of the parenting certificate with the court.  

File Personal Paperwork

At the bare minimum, to get divorced you must file a petition for dissolution of marriage, financial affidavit, notice of social security number form, affidavit of military service, and copy of your Florida driver’s license with the issuance date of six months or more prior to the date of filing. The driver’s license is necessary to prove residency, to show that you have been a resident of the state of Florida for at least six months prior to filing the petition for dissolution of marriage. If you have children, you must also file a UCCJEA, parenting plan, and parenting course certificate. 

Produce Mandatory Disclosure

Most people also want the other side to produce Mandatory Disclosure pursuant to Rule 12.285 of Family Law Rules. With mandatory disclosure, both sides of the case must produce their last six months of paystubs, last three years of tax returns, a credit report, savings account statements, credit card statements, checking account statements, and much more regarding their financial status. 

This is necessary so both parties know the full and complete financial picture of the marriage. You want to know that so you can negotiate an equitable settlement. You may settle by Marital Settlement Agreement, Mediated Marital Settlement Agreement, or go to trial. However, either way, you need to know the full financial picture to make an intelligent, knowledgeable, and equitable settlement. 

If you have more questions regarding a Marital and Family Law matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney client privilege.