Simplified Dissolution Jacksonville FL: $750 Fast Divorce (2026)
Simplified dissolution Jacksonville guide: Form 12.901(a), eligibility, Duval County filing steps, and a $750 flat attorney fee (court costs separate).
A simplified dissolution in Jacksonville is Florida's fastest divorce path, available under F.S. 61.052(2) when spouses have no minor children, neither seeks alimony, and both agree on dividing property and debts. You file Form 12.901(a) in Duval County (4th Judicial Circuit). Our firm prepares your case for a $750 flat attorney fee statewide (Duval filing fee ~$409 and notary separate).
What Is a Simplified Dissolution in Jacksonville?
Simplified dissolution of marriage is a streamlined divorce process created by Florida Statute 61.052(2) for couples who fully agree and meet strict eligibility rules. Instead of the longer regular dissolution track, qualifying spouses file a single joint petition, Form 12.901(a), and appear together at a brief final hearing in the Duval County Courthouse.
In Jacksonville, these cases are handled by the Circuit Court for the 4th Judicial Circuit, and documents are filed with the Duval County Clerk of Court. The process is designed to be efficient, but it is not automatic, and it waives certain rights that a regular uncontested dissolution preserves.
Because simplified dissolution waives your right to a trial and to financial disclosure from your spouse, it is not the right choice for everyone. Understanding whether you qualify, and what you give up, is the most important decision in a fast Jacksonville divorce.
Who Qualifies for Simplified Dissolution in Jacksonville?
Under F.S. 61.052(2), a couple can use simplified dissolution only if every one of the following is true:
- Neither spouse has any minor or dependent children together, and the wife is not currently pregnant.
- Neither spouse is seeking alimony (spousal support).
- Both spouses agree the marriage is irretrievably broken.
- Both spouses have divided their property and debts and are satisfied with the division.
- At least one spouse has lived in Florida for 6 months before filing (F.S. 61.021), provable by a Florida driver's license, voter registration, or a corroborating witness.
- Both spouses are willing to sign the petition and both will appear at the final hearing.
Florida is a no-fault state, so you never have to prove wrongdoing. Under F.S. 61.052, the only ground for divorce is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." You do not need your spouse's permission to divorce, but for the simplified path you do need their cooperation, because both signatures and both appearances are mandatory.
If you have minor children, if either spouse wants alimony, or if one spouse cannot appear in court, you cannot use simplified dissolution. You would instead use a regular uncontested dissolution, which our firm also prepares for the same $750 flat fee.
Simplified Dissolution vs. Regular Uncontested Divorce in Jacksonville
Both paths are "uncontested" in the everyday sense, but they use different forms and offer different protections. The table below compares them for a Jacksonville filing.
| Feature | Simplified Dissolution | Regular Uncontested Dissolution |
|---|---|---|
| Governing statute | F.S. 61.052(2) | F.S. 61.052; F.S. 61.075 |
| Petition form | 12.901(a) | 12.901(b)(1) no children; 12.901(b)(2) with children |
| Minor/dependent children allowed | No | Yes |
| Alimony allowed | No | Yes (or waived by agreement) |
| Both spouses must appear at hearing | Yes | Often only the petitioner |
| Financial affidavit | Waived | Form 12.902(b) or (c), unless waived by 12.902(k) |
| Right to trial | Waived | Preserved until judgment |
| Right to spouse's financial disclosure | Waived | Preserved unless waived |
| Typical speed | Fastest | Fast, slightly longer |
| Our flat attorney fee | $750 | $750 |
The practical trade-off: simplified dissolution is the fastest divorce in Jacksonville, but you waive financial disclosure and the right to trial. If you are confident you know your spouse's finances and there are no children or alimony issues, it is an efficient fit. If anything is uncertain, the regular uncontested track protects you for the same price. For a broader breakdown, see our uncontested divorce checklist for Florida.
How Do You File a Simplified Dissolution in Duval County?
Filing a simplified divorce in Jacksonville follows a defined sequence in the 4th Judicial Circuit:
Duval County's family law self-help resources and the Clerk's family law department can direct you to the correct filing location, and Jacksonville Area Legal Aid publishes a simplified-dissolution guide for pro se filers. When our firm handles your case, we prepare and review the petition and settlement paperwork so the documents are correct before they reach the clerk.
Do You Need a Marital Settlement Agreement for Simplified Dissolution?
For a true simplified dissolution with no children and no alimony, Florida provides Form 12.902(f)(3), the Marital Settlement Agreement for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage. This document records how you have divided your property and debts. Even though the simplified petition is short, a clear written agreement protects both spouses from later disputes.
A Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) should cover, at minimum:
- Division of marital assets (bank accounts, vehicles, personal property, real estate)
- Division of marital debts (credit cards, loans, mortgages)
- Confirmation that neither spouse seeks alimony
- Any agreement about who keeps or refinances jointly titled property
Under Florida's equitable distribution rules in F.S. 61.075, marital property is divided fairly, not automatically 50/50. In a simplified dissolution you and your spouse decide the split yourselves, and the court generally approves an agreement both parties freely signed. Because you waive formal financial disclosure in the simplified path, it is critical that the agreement is complete and accurate. This is where attorney preparation adds value, catching missing assets, unclear debt language, or refinancing gaps before you sign. For a deeper look at dividing assets, see our property division in uncontested divorce Florida guide.
How Much Does a Simplified Dissolution Cost in Jacksonville?
Our firm prepares an uncontested Florida divorce, including a Jacksonville simplified dissolution, for a $750 flat attorney fee. That price is the same statewide in all 67 Florida counties. Court costs are separate: the Duval County filing fee is approximately $409-$410, and notary fees (about $50 per session) are additional. There is no waiting period in Florida, though F.S. 61.19 requires that at least 20 days pass after filing before a judgment can be entered.
Here is how the numbers typically break down for a Jacksonville simplified dissolution:
| Cost item | Typical amount | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| Our flat attorney fee | $750 | Our firm (statewide) |
| Duval County filing fee | ~$409-$410 | Duval County Clerk |
| Notary fee | ~$50/session | Notary/vendor |
| Fee waiver (if indigent) | Filing fee may be waived | Court, Form 12.902(a) |
Court filing fees are set by each county clerk and are separate from our flat attorney fee. As of July 2026, verify the current amount with your local clerk. Compared with traditional divorce retainers that commonly run $5,000 to $7,500, a flat, transparent $750 attorney fee gives Jacksonville couples predictable pricing with full representation by a licensed Florida attorney. For a full price breakdown, see our uncontested divorce cost in Jacksonville guide.
How Long Does a Simplified Divorce Take in Jacksonville?
A simplified dissolution is the fastest Florida divorce, but the court controls scheduling, so no firm can promise an exact date. Florida imposes no mandatory waiting period, yet F.S. 61.19 bars entry of the Final Judgment until at least 20 days after the petition is filed. In practice, once both spouses sign and the Duval County Clerk schedules the final hearing, many simplified cases conclude within a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the court's calendar.
The biggest time factors in Jacksonville are how quickly both spouses complete and sign the paperwork and how soon the 4th Judicial Circuit can set the required final hearing. Because both parties must appear together, coordinating schedules matters. Our firm keeps your documents moving so nothing stalls on the preparation side.
Attorney-Prepared vs. DIY or Online Simplified Divorce
Many Jacksonville couples consider a DIY filing or an online form service to save money. Those routes can work for the simplest cases, but there are real differences worth understanding before you choose.
Non-lawyer document-preparation and typing services cannot give legal advice, cannot tell you whether simplified dissolution is the right path for your situation, and cannot catch substantive errors in your Marital Settlement Agreement. If a form service misses an asset or uses unclear debt language, you may only discover the problem after the judgment is entered, when it is far harder to fix.
A licensed Florida attorney prepares and reviews your documents, confirms your eligibility under F.S. 61.052(2), ensures the MSA is complete, and answers your legal questions along the way, all for the same flat $750 fee. This is not about whether self-help is permitted, it is permitted, but about the value of attorney oversight in a process where you waive financial disclosure. If your situation turns out to be more complex than it first appeared, an attorney can also help you switch to the correct track. See our guide on converting a contested divorce to uncontested in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simplified Dissolution in Jacksonville
Below are the questions Jacksonville couples ask most often about simplified dissolution, Duval County procedure, and our flat fee.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about Florida divorce law and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. The Law Office of Antonio G. Jimenez can prepare your uncontested divorce for a $750 flat attorney fee (court costs and notary separate); contact our office to confirm whether your case qualifies as uncontested.
Related Topics
Ready to Get Started?
If you and your spouse agree, here's how we can help:
Uncontested Divorce
$750Full representation to judgment — with or without minor children
Attorney-prepared and reviewed before filing. Court filing fee and remote notary not included.
Not sure if you qualify?
Victoria can talk through your situation and let you know if an uncontested divorce is a fit.
About the Author
Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq.
Florida attorney since 2006 · Florida Bar #21022 · LL.M. Trial Advocacy
Antonio is the founder of FloridaDivorce.law and creator of Victoria AI, our AI legal intake specialist. A U.S. Navy veteran and former felony prosecutor, he has handled thousands of family law cases across Florida. He built this firm to deliver efficient, transparent legal services using technology he developed himself.
Have questions? Ask Victoria AIFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a simplified dissolution cost in Jacksonville?
Our firm prepares a Jacksonville simplified dissolution for a $750 flat attorney fee, the same price statewide in all 67 Florida counties. Court costs are separate: the Duval County filing fee is approximately $409-$410, set by the Duval County Clerk, and notary fees run about $50 per session. Court filing fees are set by each county clerk and are separate from our flat attorney fee, so as of July 2026 you should verify the current amount with your local clerk. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may request a waiver using Form 12.902(a). Compared with traditional retainers of $5,000 to $7,500, the flat $750 fee gives predictable, transparent pricing with full representation by a licensed Florida attorney.
What is the difference between simplified dissolution and regular uncontested divorce?
Simplified dissolution under F.S. 61.052(2) uses Form 12.901(a) and is available only when there are no minor or dependent children, neither spouse seeks alimony, and both spouses agree on property and debts. Both parties must appear at the final hearing, and you waive financial disclosure and the right to trial. Regular uncontested dissolution uses Form 12.901(b)(1) (no children) or 12.901(b)(2) (with children) and is resolved through a written Marital Settlement Agreement. It allows children and alimony, usually requires only the petitioner to appear, and preserves financial disclosure unless waived. Our firm handles both paths for the same $750 flat attorney fee, so cost is not the deciding factor, eligibility is.
Can I get a simplified dissolution in Jacksonville if I have children?
No. Under F.S. 61.052(2), simplified dissolution is not available if you and your spouse have any minor or dependent children together, or if the wife is currently pregnant. Children require a Parenting Plan and time-sharing schedule under F.S. 61.13, plus child support calculated under F.S. 61.30, none of which the simplified petition addresses. If you have children, you would file a regular uncontested dissolution using Form 12.901(b)(2), which includes the Parenting Plan and child support worksheet. Our firm prepares that with-children uncontested divorce for the same $750 flat fee. See our guide on uncontested divorce with children in Jacksonville for the full process and required forms.
Where do I file a simplified dissolution in Duval County?
You file with the Duval County Clerk of Court, which serves the Circuit Court for the 4th Judicial Circuit. You can file in person at the Duval County Courthouse at 501 W. Adams Street in Jacksonville, or electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. When paying by mail, the clerk accepts only money orders or cashier's checks, not personal checks; in person, cash, credit card, money order, or cashier's check are accepted. The standardized family law forms, including Form 12.901(a), are available at flcourts.gov. Because a simplified dissolution requires both spouses to appear, the final hearing is set at the courthouse before a 4th Circuit judge.
Do both spouses have to appear in court for a simplified divorce?
Yes. A defining feature of simplified dissolution under F.S. 61.052(2) is that both spouses must sign the petition and both must appear at the final hearing before the judge. This is different from a regular uncontested dissolution, where often only the petitioner needs to attend. If one spouse cannot or will not appear in Jacksonville, you cannot use the simplified path and must file a regular uncontested dissolution instead. This appearance requirement is one reason simplified dissolution suits couples who are cooperating fully and can coordinate their schedules. If your spouse lives out of state or cannot attend, our guide on uncontested divorce when your spouse lives in a different state explains your options.
How long does a simplified dissolution take in Jacksonville?
A simplified dissolution is the fastest Florida divorce path, but the court controls the calendar, so no exact date can be guaranteed. Florida has no mandatory waiting period; however, F.S. 61.19 requires that at least 20 days pass after the petition is filed before the court can enter the Final Judgment. In practice, once both spouses sign and the Duval County Clerk schedules the required final hearing, many simplified cases conclude within a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the 4th Judicial Circuit's docket. The main time factors are how quickly both spouses complete the paperwork and how soon the court can set the hearing that both parties must attend.
Do I need a financial affidavit for a simplified dissolution?
No. In a simplified dissolution, the parties waive the Family Law Financial Affidavit that a regular dissolution generally requires within 45 days. This is one of the rights you give up in exchange for speed: you also waive your right to trial and your right to formal financial disclosure from your spouse. Because there is no mandatory disclosure, it is essential that you already know and agree on all assets and debts before filing. In a regular uncontested dissolution, the financial affidavit is Form 12.902(b) (short form) or 12.902(c) (long form), and spouses may agree to waive filing it using Form 12.902(k). If you are unsure of your spouse's finances, the regular uncontested track is the safer choice.
What is a Marital Settlement Agreement in a simplified divorce?
A Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) is the written contract that records how you and your spouse divide property and debts. For a simplified dissolution, Florida provides Form 12.902(f)(3), the Marital Settlement Agreement for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage. It should cover division of marital assets, division of marital debts, and confirmation that neither spouse seeks alimony. Under F.S. 61.075, Florida uses equitable distribution, dividing property fairly rather than automatically 50/50, but in a simplified case you and your spouse decide the split yourselves and the court generally approves an agreement both freely signed. Because you waive financial disclosure in the simplified path, a complete, accurate MSA matters; attorney preparation helps catch missing assets or unclear debt language before you sign.
Is a simplified dissolution the right choice, or should I hire a lawyer?
Simplified dissolution is a good fit when your situation is genuinely simple: no minor children, no alimony, full agreement on property and debts, and confidence that you know your spouse's finances. It is not the right choice if there are children, alimony, hidden or uncertain assets, real estate to refinance, or if one spouse cannot appear in court. We do not tell readers they never need a lawyer; instead, attorney preparation adds value because you waive financial disclosure and the right to trial in a simplified case. A licensed Florida attorney confirms your eligibility under F.S. 61.052(2), prepares and reviews the documents, and can move you to the correct track if your case turns out to be more complex, all for the flat $750 fee.
What if my simplified divorce turns out to be contested?
Simplified dissolution only works if both spouses agree on everything and both are willing to sign and appear. If your spouse disagrees on any issue, property, debts, alimony, or refuses to cooperate, the case is contested and the simplified path (and our $750 flat fee) does not apply. In that situation you would file a regular Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, and contested Florida cases go through mandatory mediation in most circuits before any trial. Sometimes a case that starts contested can be narrowed to an agreement; our guide on converting a contested divorce to uncontested in Florida explains how. Our firm focuses on uncontested divorces, and we can tell you at the outset whether your Jacksonville case qualifies.
Still Have Questions?
Every situation is different. Chat with Victoria AI to get personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances.
Ask Victoria AIRelated Articles
More from our Uncontested Divorce series
Uncontested Divorce in Florida: $750 Flat-Fee Guide (2026)
Uncontested divorce in Florida explained: requirements, forms, costs, and timeline. Our firm prepares your case for a $750 flat attorney fee. 2026 guide.
14 min readUncontested DivorceOnline Divorce in Florida: How It Works & $750 Flat Fee (2026)
Online divorce in Florida explained: how to file via the e-filing portal, simplified vs. uncontested dissolution, and a $750 flat attorney fee (court costs separate).
16 min readUncontested DivorceUncontested Divorce Cost in Florida: $750 Flat Fee (2026)
Uncontested divorce cost in Florida: a $750 flat attorney fee plus ~$408-$410 county filing fees. See total costs, forms, and how to save in 2026.
14 min readUncontested DivorceHow Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Florida? (2026)
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Florida? Typically 4-12 weeks, with a 20-day minimum under F.S. 61.19. $750 flat fee guide.
13 min readUncontested DivorceUncontested Divorce Miami: $750 Flat Fee Guide (2026)
Get an uncontested divorce in Miami for a $750 flat attorney fee (court costs ~$409 separate). Filing steps, forms, and the 11th Circuit process explained.
11 min read