Divorce Documents That Require Notarization in Florida

Divorce is one of the most document-intensive legal processes a person can go through. Florida's court system requires a significant amount of paperwork, and several key documents must be notarized to be accepted by the court. Understanding which documents need notarization — and getting it done correctly — can help your case move forward without unnecessary delays.

Florida Divorce Overview

Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither party needs to prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. The legal term in Florida is "dissolution of marriage." Divorces can be:

• Simplified dissolution — available when both parties agree on all issues, have no minor children, and meet other specific criteria
• Uncontested dissolution — both parties agree on all terms but don't qualify for simplified dissolution
• Contested dissolution — parties disagree on one or more issues and require court intervention

Regardless of the type, notarized documents are required.

Key Divorce Documents That Require Notarization

Financial Affidavit

The financial affidavit is one of the most important documents in any Florida divorce. It discloses each party's income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Florida courts require a notarized financial affidavit in virtually all dissolution cases involving property, support, or children.

There are two versions:

• Short form — for parties with a gross annual income under $50,000
• Long form — for parties with a gross annual income of $50,000 or more

Both must be signed under oath before a notary.

Marital Settlement Agreement

A marital settlement agreement (MSA) is the contract between divorcing spouses that resolves all issues — property division, debt allocation, alimony, and (if applicable) child custody and support. While Florida does not always require an MSA to be notarized, most attorneys recommend it, and many courts require it for the agreement to be incorporated into the final judgment.

Parenting Plan

If the couple has minor children, a parenting plan is required. This document outlines time-sharing schedules, decision-making authority, and other parenting arrangements. Notarization is typically required.

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

The initial petition filed with the court must be signed under oath. Depending on the county and the specific form used, this may require notarization.

Affidavit of Corroborating Witness (Simplified Dissolution)

In a simplified dissolution, a corroborating witness must sign an affidavit confirming that the marriage is irretrievably broken. This affidavit must be notarized.

Quit Claim Deeds

If real property is being transferred between spouses as part of the divorce settlement, a quit claim deed must be executed and notarized. This is one of the most common notarizations in divorce proceedings.

Tips for Managing Divorce Paperwork

Work with a family law attorney. Florida's divorce forms and procedures can be complex, especially when children or significant assets are involved. An attorney ensures your documents are complete and correct.

Don't sign before the notary arrives. Every document that requires notarization must be signed in the notary's presence. Pre-signing invalidates the notarization.

Keep copies of everything. Retain notarized copies of all documents for your records.

Be accurate on financial affidavits. Providing false information on a financial affidavit is perjury — a serious crime with serious consequences.

We Make a Difficult Process a Little Easier

Divorce is stressful enough without having to hunt down a notary. Sterling Mobile Notary - Riverview, FL comes to you — at your home, your attorney's office, or any convenient location in Riverview, FL. We handle divorce-related notarizations with professionalism and discretion.

Notarizations start at $49 for the first document. Contact us to schedule your appointment.