Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Filing Their Own Divorce Paperwork; Best Practices

Filing for divorce in Florida doesn’t always require hiring an attorney — especially if it’s uncontested. But many people run into major delays, court rejections, or unexpected costs simply because the paperwork isn’t completed correctly. Small errors can turn a simple divorce into a stressful headache. Here's some best practices.

Here are the top five mistakes we see every day when individuals try to file their own divorce paperwork.

1. Using the Wrong Forms

Florida family law is very form-driven, and there are different packets for different types of cases, including:

• Divorce with children

• Divorce without children

• Divorce with property

• Simplified dissolution

• Contested divorce

Most people download whatever they find first online — but using the wrong packet means your case will get rejected or delayed. Clerks cannot tell you which forms you need, and every county may have its own local requirements.

Tip: Always verify your form number (12.901, 12.902, etc.) and make sure you’re using the most recent version.

2. Forgetting Mandatory Disclosure (Rule 12.285)

Many clients think they can just fill out a petition and be done. In Florida, both parties must exchange financial information, including:

• Income

• Bank statements

• Debt

• Retirement accounts

• Property

Failing to serve mandatory disclosure can cause motions to compel, sanctions, or hearings you never expected.

Tip: Know your deadlines — disclosure is typically due within 45 days of service.

3. Incorrect Notary and Signature Sections

One of the most common reasons paperwork is rejected is simply missing or incorrect notarization. Mistakes include:

• Signing before you’re in front of a notary

• Forgetting identification

• Leaving notary blocks blank

• Using white-out on legal forms (not allowed!)

• Missing initials on required pages

A court clerk cannot notarize most family forms, and many documents require two signatures — one for the preparer and one for the filer.

Tip: Read every signature page carefully, and always sign in blue or black ink with a licensed Florida notary.

4. Incorrect Filing Location or Service of Process

Filing in the wrong county or failing to serve correctly can stop your case before it even starts. Common errors include:

• Filing where you live instead of where the marriage is legally located

• Using regular mail instead of certified service

• Not using a process server when required

• Forgetting to file a Certificate of Service

If the respondent isn’t properly served, the judge cannot move the case forward — period.

Tip: Always include your Notice of Related Cases (Form 12.900(h)) and know your service options.

5. Missing or Incorrect Parenting Plan (When Minor Children Are Involved)

If you have children together, you must file:

• A Parenting Plan

• Child support guideline worksheet

• UCCJEA affidavit

Many parents forget to include details like:

• Holiday rotations

• Transportation responsibilities

• School decisions

• Timesharing specifics

• Child support amounts

Courts will not approve vague plans — judges want structure to avoid future disputes.

Tip: Be very detailed and realistic, and confirm your plan follows your county’s standard guidelines.

How Marion County Legal Docs Can Help

You don’t need to spend thousands on an attorney to avoid these mistakes. A professional legal document preparer makes sure:

✔ You have the correct forms

✔ Everything is filled out clearly and correctly

✔ All signatures and notary requirements are met

✔ Deadlines are tracked

✔ Required attachments and exhibits are included

✔ You understand the process from start to finish

We complete divorce packets every single week for Florida clients just like you.

Free Consultation — Local and Affordable

📞 Call / Text: 352-537-8357

📍 Serving Marion County and surrounding areas

🖋 Mobile notary available

🌐 Fast document preparation

We make sure your divorce paperwork is handled right the first time so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Disclaimer

We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court. We prepare legal documents at your direction.