What does it mean to get a divorce by summons?

A divorce by summons is necessary when the relationship between both of you is toxic or the other party is in jail. The other options to get a divorce are in mutual agreement and by publication, when you don’t know the whereabouts of your spouse.

To initiate the divorce process in Florida using a summons, you can follow these steps:

  1. Prepare the necessary documents: Begin by gathering all the required paperwork for filing a divorce by summons in Florida. This may include the summons form, petition for dissolution of marriage, and any additional forms specific to your case.
  2. Fill out the forms: Carefully complete each form, providing accurate and detailed information. Be sure to include essential details such as the names of both parties involved, addresses, contact information, and relevant case details.
  3. File the forms with the court: Once the forms are filled out, make copies of everything for your records. Then, take the original set of documents to the clerk’s office in the appropriate county courthouse. Pay any necessary filing fees and submit the forms to the clerk for processing.
  4. Serve the summons to the other party: After filing the forms, you will need to ensure that the other party is properly served with the divorce summons. This typically involves delivering a copy of the summons and other documents to the other party in a legally acceptable manner. Consider consulting with a professional process server or researching the specific rules for service in your county.
  5. Obtain proof of service: Once the summons has been successfully served to the other party, make sure to obtain a proof of service document. This document serves as evidence that the other party has been made aware of the divorce proceedings.
  6. Await the other party’s response: After the other party has been served, they will have a certain period of time to respond to the summons. This timeframe may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Be prepared to proceed accordingly based on their response.
  7. Move forward with the divorce process: If the other party does not respond to the summons within the designated timeframe, you may continue with the divorce process. However, if they do respond, you will need to navigate the subsequent steps according to Florida’s divorce laws and procedures.

Please note that this information is intended as a general guide. It is advisable to consult with a qualified family law attorney or legal professional to ensure you are following the correct procedures and to address any specific concerns related to your case.

How Can We Help You With a Divorce by Summons in Florida?

At Divorce in Florida Online you are technically hiring a secretary that will help you with the documents in your divorce. While we are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice we are experienced document preparers based in Florida.

How to save money when filing for a divorce by summons.

Here is a list of some of them:

  • If you are low income – you can apply for the Application for Indigent Status. If approved this will have the court filing fee waived and the sheriff fee waived as well as long as your ex lives in Florida.
  • You can buy the divorce packet right on the courthouse.
  • We can help you with the paperwork for your divorce process until you are divorced for 1 flat fee.

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