Out of country Divorce

[ViktorHill]

I married in Florida several years ago a foreign citizen that never has lived in Florida and is no residing overseas. We actually filed for divorce overseas 2 years ago but have not found out that it isn't 100% legitimate so we are going to file for a divorce in Hillsborough.

The divorce is uncontested (no assets or children) to worry about. I also meet the residence requirements for Florida.

My issue is that it is difficult for her to appear at any hearings. Can I do a simplified dissolution without her attendance? Is there a special form for this?

She is willing to sign and get endorsed by the US consulate (or wherever) the paperwork required so that she doesn't need to travel the long distance (and expense) to the US.

[Attorney Howard Iken]

Yes, you can get a divorce with only one side attending. You cannot do the simplified version - you must pick another form.

If you have an overseas order, you may want to try to have the order domesticated by the Florida court.


Attorney Howard Iken

The Divorce Center
3000 W. Gulf to Bay Blvd
Clearwater, FL 33760
727-844-7676

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[The Divorce Center]

In short, it can be done. However, you need to file for a uncontested divorce (as opposed to a simplified). If your spouse is willing to sign the required forms, then that spouse can waive their appearance at the final hearing.

We offer a paperwork only service for $575 which will provide you with the required forms.

Brian Arrighi
The Divorce Center - Tampa
703 W. Bay St.
Tampa, FL 33606

[ViktorHill]

Thanks for the information. It is helpful.

How are documents served to people overseas? Are they just sent certified with positive ID required on receipt?

I have been unemployed for more than a year, so even expenses like 575 USD seem enormous for me at the moment. On top of that there are also the court costs. I am trying to keep the costs as low as possible by doing as much as I can on my own.

[Attorney Howard Iken]

If you need to serve the documents - it is not an uncontested.

You can find some forms at flcourts.org