How to properly serve Respondent

[daxrod]

I am in the process of filing for divorce. I have all the necessary forms ready. The only issue I am having trouble understanding is the service issue. My husband, the Respondent, lives in another country, while I am filing in Broward County, Florida. There are no issues to resolve such as property or children. I know where my husband lives and we both are in agreement to disolve the marriage ASAP. Do I have to first file the divorce package, then wait for the court to serve my husband, or do I have to serve him at the same time I mail the package to the court? Any help you can give regarding service will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Attorney Howard Iken]

You do not have to serve him. He can sign an Acceptance of Service that will take the place of service.

Attorney Howard Iken
Divorce Attorney

[daxrod]

Okay. That's a relief, but where can I find one othose Acceptance of Service forms and does it have to be filed along with the original petition, or is that filed later? Does my husband first sign and notarize an Acceptance form, mail it back to me, then I file everything?

[Attorney Howard Iken]

You file everything at the same time.

There may be a form here: Florida State Courts