(1) A proceeding for dissolution of marriage or a proceeding under s. 61.09 shall be commenced by filing in the circuit court a petition entitled “In re the marriage of , husband, and , wife.” A copy of the petition together with a copy of a summons shall be served upon the other party to the marriage in the same manner as service of papers in civil actions generally.
(2) Upon filing for dissolution of marriage, the petitioner must complete and file with the clerk of the circuit court an unsigned anonymous informational questionnaire. For purposes of anonymity, completed questionnaires must be kept in a separate file for later distribution by the clerk to researchers from the Florida State University Center for Marriage and Family. These questionnaires must be made available to researchers from the Florida State University Center for Marriage and Family at their request. The actual questionnaire shall be formulated by researchers from Florida State University who shall distribute them to the clerk of the circuit court in each county.
History.—s. 5, ch. 71-241; s. 11, ch. 98-403.
Structure Florida Statutes
Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure
Chapter 61 - Dissolution of Marriage; Support; Time-Sharing
Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 61.001-61.45)
61.011 - Dissolution in chancery.
61.021 - Residence requirements.
61.031 - Dissolution of marriage to be a vinculo.
61.043 - Commencement of a proceeding for dissolution of marriage or for alimony and child support; dissolution questionnaire.
61.044 - Certain existing defenses abolished.
61.052 - Dissolution of marriage.
61.061 - Proceedings against nonresidents.
61.071 - Alimony pendente lite; suit money.
61.075 - Equitable distribution of marital assets and liabilities.
61.076 - Distribution of retirement plans upon dissolution of marriage.
61.077 - Determination of entitlement to setoffs or credits upon sale of marital home.
61.079 - Premarital agreements.
61.09 - Alimony and child support unconnected with dissolution.
61.12 - Attachment or garnishment of amounts due for alimony or child support.
61.125 - Parenting coordination.
61.13 - Support of children; parenting and time-sharing; powers of court.
61.13001 - Parental relocation with a child.
61.13003 - Court-ordered electronic communication between a parent and a child.
61.1301 - Income deduction orders.
61.13015 - Petition for suspension or denial of professional licenses and certificates.
61.13016 - Suspension of driver licenses and motor vehicle registrations.
61.1354 - Sharing of information between consumer reporting agencies and the IV-D agency.
61.14 - Enforcement and modification of support, maintenance, or alimony agreements or orders.
61.16 - Attorney’s fees, suit money, and costs.
61.18 - Alimony and child support; default in undertaking of bond posted to ensure payment.
61.181 - Depository for alimony transactions, support, maintenance, and support payments; fees.
61.1811 - Clerk of the Court Child Support Enforcement Collection System Trust Fund.
61.1812 - Child Support Incentive Trust Fund.
61.1814 - Child Support Enforcement Application and Program Revenue Trust Fund.
61.1816 - Child Support Clearing Trust Fund.
61.1824 - State Disbursement Unit.
61.1825 - State Case Registry.
61.183 - Mediation of certain contested issues.
61.19 - Entry of judgment of dissolution of marriage, delay period.
61.20 - Social investigation and recommendations regarding a parenting plan.
61.21 - Parenting course authorized; fees; required attendance authorized; contempt.
61.29 - Child support guidelines; principles.
61.30 - Child support guidelines; retroactive child support.
61.401 - Appointment of guardian ad litem.
61.402 - Qualifications of guardians ad litem.
61.403 - Guardians ad litem; powers and authority.
61.404 - Guardians ad litem; confidentiality.
61.405 - Guardians ad litem; immunity.
61.45 - Court-ordered parenting plan; risk of violation; bond.