Simple Divorce by Publication in Florida (No Court Hearing)
Simple Divorce by Publication in Florida — File Even Without Your Spouse
If your spouse’s whereabouts are unknown or they refuse to participate, Florida allows you to complete a divorce by publication. Our team prepares your forms, guides the court-required diligent search, coordinates the newspaper notice, and supports you through the brief final hearing.
No in-person appearance is typically required for our uncontested cases; publication cases usually include a short final hearing (often by phone or video, depending on county). We’ll prepare you for exactly what to expect.
When Divorce by Publication Is the Right Choice
- You cannot locate your spouse after a good-faith search
- Your spouse will not sign or cannot be reached
- No minor children and no property to divide (simple case)
- You can complete a short court-required search and attend a brief final hearing
What We Do for You
- Prepare all required divorce forms (fast turnaround)
- Guide and document your diligent search
- E-file notarized paperwork with the court
- Coordinate the legal newspaper publication (runs 30 days)
- File proof of publication and request default if no response
- Assist with final documents and hearing scheduling
Court & Publication Costs
Florida courts charge a filing fee. If your income qualifies, you may request a waiver — we’ll prepare the application and instructions.
Publication fees are paid to the newspaper. If you qualify for a filing fee waiver, your clerk may help coordinate publication; otherwise, we’ll handle the setup and provide simple payment steps.
Learn more: Court Fee Waiver Information
How Long Does a Divorce by Publication Take?
Most publication cases take about 3–6 months. Timing depends on your county’s schedule and how quickly the newspaper publication completes.
Ready to Begin?
Complete our secure intake form. We’ll review your details and send a personalized quote with next steps.
Divorce QuotePrefer to talk first? Schedule a quick call: https://calendly.com/floridadivorce
How Divorce by Publication Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Intake
Send your client intake form. We’ll contact you (813 area code), answer questions, and send your deposit link.
Step 2 — Forms & Notarization
We email your forms within 1–2 business days. Sign and notarize (remote online notarization available) and return them by email or mail.
Step 3 — Filing & Publication
We e-file your case and coordinate the Notice of Action to run in a qualified newspaper for 30 days. If you qualified for a fee waiver, your clerk may assist with publication logistics.
Step 4 — Default & Final Hearing
After publication ends with no response, we file for default and submit your final judgment packet. The court sets a brief final hearing (often virtual), and your case is finalized once the judge signs.
Watch: How Divorce by Publication Works
Remote Notarization Available
Can’t get to a notary? We offer online video notarization. Mention it in your quote request and we’ll send instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions — Divorce by Publication
Can I file for divorce in Florida without my spouse?
Yes. If your spouse is missing or will not participate, Florida allows service by publication after a documented diligent search.
Is a court hearing required?
Yes. Publication cases typically include a short final hearing since your spouse was not personally served. Many counties allow phone or video appearances.
What if I find my spouse during the process?
If you locate a valid address, we may need to attempt service by mail or process server instead. We’ll advise based on your county’s requirements.
Will the court filing fee be waived?
Possibly. If you qualify based on income, we’ll help you apply for a waiver of court costs.
How long does it take?
Most cases finalize in about 3–6 months, depending on publication timing and the court’s calendar.
Can I convert my case to publication later?
Yes. If you started another path and cannot locate your spouse, we can transition to service by publication.