Do I need original documents or are copies fine?

For most financial disclosures, copies are acceptable. The petition, marital settlement agreement, and financial affidavits must be signed in original ink (or e-signed where permitted) and notarized.

What if I cannot find a document?

Florida courts accept reasonable estimates supported by a sworn statement when documents are genuinely unavailable. Intentional omissions, however, can void the final judgment if later discovered.

Do both spouses need to file financial affidavits?

Yes. Florida requires both spouses to file a Family Law Financial Affidavit. The long-form is required when combined gross income exceeds $50,000; the short-form is used below that threshold.

Florida Divorce Checklist: Documents and Information to Gather

Florida divorce guide

Quick answer

Before filing an uncontested Florida divorce, gather proof of 6-month Florida residency, both spouses' identifying information, three months of paystubs and the most recent two years of tax returns, a complete list of marital assets and debts, and (if applicable) information about minor children and current parenting arrangements.

Residency proof for at least one spouse
Three months of paystubs + 2 years of tax returns
Complete asset and debt list
Child information if applicable

Identity and residency

These items establish who is filing and confirm the court has jurisdiction over the marriage.

Full legal names, dates of birth, and current addresses for both spouses
Date and county of marriage
Florida driver's license, Florida ID card, or voter registration card (residency proof)
Sworn statement from a third-party Florida resident if no government ID is available

Financial disclosures

Florida requires both spouses to complete a Family Law Financial Affidavit. The information below feeds that affidavit and the marital settlement agreement.

Three most recent pay statements for each spouse
Two most recent federal income tax returns with W-2s and 1099s
Account statements (checking, savings, brokerage, retirement)
Mortgage statements and current loan balances
Auto loan, credit card, and student loan statements

Asset and debt inventory

Build a single inventory showing every marital asset and debt, who owns or owes it, and the approximate current value or balance. This becomes the backbone of the marital settlement agreement.

Real estate — current market value and outstanding mortgage balance
Vehicles — make, model, year, current value, and any loan balance
Retirement accounts — plan name, account number, and balance
Investment accounts and crypto wallets
Personal property of significant value (jewelry, art, collections)
Credit card and other unsecured debts

Children

If the marriage involves minor or dependent children, additional information is required to draft the parenting plan and child support worksheet.

Full legal names and dates of birth of all minor children
Schools attended and primary address used for school enrollment
Health insurance information for each child
Childcare costs paid by either parent
Existing parenting schedule, if any, and proposed schedule

Filing fee

Florida clerks charge a filing fee for dissolution of marriage cases — typically near $409, set by the clerk and subject to local variation. Indigent filers may apply for a fee waiver through an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need original documents or are copies fine?: For most financial disclosures, copies are acceptable. The petition, marital settlement agreement, and financial affidavits must be signed in original ink (or e-signed where permitted) and notarized.
What if I cannot find a document?: Florida courts accept reasonable estimates supported by a sworn statement when documents are genuinely unavailable. Intentional omissions, however, can void the final judgment if later discovered.
Do both spouses need to file financial affidavits?: Yes. Florida requires both spouses to file a Family Law Financial Affidavit. The long-form is required when combined gross income exceeds $50,000; the short-form is used below that threshold.

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Florida divorce checklist: documents and information to gather