Florida Family Law Form 12.903(d) is the Answer, Waiver, and Request for Copy of Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, and a respondent fills it out by admitting or denying each numbered statement in the petition, signing the waiver of notice section before a notary or deputy clerk, and filing it with the clerk of court in the county where the divorce was filed. The form is used by a respondent who agrees with the divorce, does not want to attend the final hearing, and only wants to receive a copy of the final judgment when it is signed by the judge. You can download the current version directly from the Florida Courts self-help library maintained by the Florida State Courts System.
According to the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics, Florida recorded roughly 70,000 dissolutions of marriage in the most recent reporting year, and a large share of those filings move forward as uncontested cases where Form 12.903(d) is the respondent’s chosen response. Filling out this single form incorrectly can delay your divorce by months, force a contested hearing you never wanted, or cause the judge to refuse to enter the final judgment.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📝 The exact line-by-line method to complete every paragraph of Form 12.903(d) the right way
- ⚖️ The legal rights you give up when you sign the waiver and how Florida law treats that waiver later
- 👨👩👧 How the form works across simplified, no-children, and with-children dissolution tracks
- 🧾 Three real scenarios with named respondents, plus seven common mistakes that void the form
- ❓ Ten plain-English FAQs that answer the questions most respondents ask their county clerk
What Florida Form 12.903(d) Actually Is
Form 12.903(d) is a Florida Supreme Court approved family law form that combines three legal acts into one document, and it is governed by Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.903 and the broader Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure published by The Florida Bar. The form lets a respondent file an answer to the petition, waive the right to be told about the final hearing, and request a mailed copy of the final judgment. Federal law does not control divorce, because under the long-standing “domestic relations exception” recognized in cases like Ankenbrandt v. Richards, divorce is a state-court matter, so the entire framework here is Florida state law.
The plain-English meaning is simple: you are telling the court you got the petition, you do not plan to fight it, and you do not need a hearing notice. The consequence of signing this form when you really do disagree is severe, because once the judge accepts your waiver, you generally cannot show up later and demand to contest the case. A real-world example is Marcus in Tampa, who signed Form 12.903(d) thinking it was just a “received the papers” receipt; six weeks later the final judgment divided his 401(k) in a way he did not expect, and the Florida Statutes Chapter 61 gave him no easy path to undo it. A common misconception is that the form is “neutral” paperwork, but it is in fact an admission and a waiver with binding effect.
The Three Legal Acts Inside the Form
The first act is the answer, where the respondent admits or denies each numbered allegation from the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage that the petitioner already filed. The second act is the waiver, where the respondent gives up the right to receive notice of the final hearing under the rules in Rule 12.080 governing service. The third act is the request, asking the clerk to mail a stamped copy of the final judgment so the respondent has proof of the divorce.
If a respondent skips the answer portion and only signs the waiver, the clerk will reject the filing because Florida courts require a responsive pleading under Rule 12.110. The consequence is a default judgment risk if the 20-day answer window closes, and a real example is Elena in Orlando, who mailed only the signed waiver page and got a default notice two weeks later. The misconception that “waiver equals answer” trips up many pro se respondents who do not read the form’s title carefully.
When You Should and Should Not Use It
Use Form 12.903(d) when you and your spouse already agree on every issue, you have signed a marital settlement agreement, and you do not want to spend a day in court. Do not use it when you disagree about property, debts, alimony, time-sharing, or child support, because signing it locks you out of contesting those issues. Devon in Jacksonville used the form in a case with a disputed business valuation and learned that the Florida Family Law Self-Help Center specifically warns respondents against signing the waiver when any issue remains open.
The “why” behind this rule comes from due process: Florida courts will enforce a knowing waiver, and the consequence of signing while issues remain open is a final judgment that you cannot easily appeal. A useful comparison is that Form 12.903(d) is for “I agree” responses, while Form 12.903(c)(1) is the Answer and Counterpetition for “I disagree, and here is what I want instead.” A common misconception is that you can later “withdraw” the waiver, but Florida judges rarely allow that absent fraud or duress.
Three Dissolution Tracks Where Form 12.903(d) May Appear
Florida offers three procedural tracks for ending a marriage, and Form 12.903(d) can appear in two of them. The simplified track under Florida Family Law Rule 12.105 does not use this form because both spouses sign a joint petition. The two regular tracks — uncontested with no dependent or minor children, and uncontested with dependent or minor children — both allow the respondent to use Form 12.903(d) when the spouses have already agreed on everything.
Simplified Dissolution (Rule 12.105)
In a simplified dissolution, both spouses must sign the Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage jointly, neither party seeks alimony, there are no minor or dependent children, and the wife is not pregnant. Because both spouses are petitioners, there is no “respondent,” and Form 12.903(d) is never used. The consequence of trying to file 12.903(d) in a simplified case is a clerk rejection, because the docket has no respondent slot.
A real example is Priya and Sanjay in Miami-Dade, who filed simplified dissolution and tried to also file Form 12.903(d) “for safety”; the clerk returned it with a note pointing them to Rule 12.105. The misconception that “more forms are safer” wastes filing fees and confuses the docket.
Uncontested With No Children
This is the most common scenario where Form 12.903(d) is used, and it follows the petition format in Form 12.901(b)(2). The respondent receives the petition, signs Form 12.903(d), attaches the marital settlement agreement under Form 12.902(f)(3), and the petitioner attends the final hearing alone. The consequence of this clean process is a final judgment in as little as 21 days from filing.
A real example is Aisha in Fort Lauderdale, who used Form 12.903(d) with a fully signed settlement agreement; her divorce closed in 28 days. The “why” is that Florida courts move quickly when no issues are contested, and the Family Law Self-Help Center timeline guide confirms the speed.
Uncontested With Dependent or Minor Children
When children are involved, Form 12.903(d) is still allowed, but the respondent must also file a Family Law Financial Affidavit under Rule 12.285, a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, and a Parenting Plan. The consequence of skipping any of these mandatory disclosures is rejection of the entire filing, because Florida Statutes §61.13 requires the court to make findings about the child’s best interests.
A real example is Hector in Hialeah, who filed Form 12.903(d) without the parenting plan and got a “deficiency notice” within seven days. The misconception that “if we agree, we don’t need the worksheet” causes most child-related filing rejections statewide.
Line-by-Line Walkthrough of Form 12.903(d)
The form has a caption at the top, a numbered set of paragraphs in the body, a signature block, a notary acknowledgment, and a certificate of service at the end. Each section has a specific legal purpose, and getting any one wrong can void the filing. The current version is the one approved by the Florida Supreme Court via In re Amendments opinions issued under the family law rules committee.
The Caption (Top of Page 1)
The caption identifies the court, the county, the case number, and the names of the petitioner and respondent. The respondent must copy these details exactly from the petition, because a mismatched case number sends the form to the wrong file. The consequence of a caption error is that your answer never reaches the judge assigned to your case.
A real example is Brianna in St. Petersburg, who transposed two digits of her case number and her form sat in a “miscellaneous” pile for three weeks. The “why” is that Florida clerks docket by case number, not by name, and a common misconception is that names alone will route the document correctly.
Paragraph 1: Receipt of the Petition
Paragraph 1 states that the respondent received a copy of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This is an admission that service was effective, and the consequence of signing it is that the respondent cannot later argue improper service under Rule 12.070.
If a respondent was never properly served, signing this paragraph waives the defect. The misconception is that “I got the papers from my spouse” counts as service; under Florida law, formal service usually requires a sheriff or process server, but signing Form 12.903(d) cures any defect in how the petition reached you.
Paragraph 2: Admission of Allegations
Paragraph 2 lets the respondent admit the allegations in the petition. The respondent should re-read the petition before checking this box, because admitting includes admitting that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” under Florida Statutes §61.052. The consequence of admitting allegations you disagree with is a final judgment built on those admissions.
A real example is Carlos in Naples, who admitted Paragraph 2 without reading the property allocation in the petition; the judge entered a judgment giving the marital home to his spouse. The misconception is that admissions can be “fixed later” — Florida courts treat them as binding under standard pleading rules.
Paragraph 3: The Waiver of Notice
Paragraph 3 is the heart of the form. By signing, the respondent waives the right to be notified of the final hearing date, waives the right to appear, and waives any further notice in the case. The consequence under Rule 12.080 is that the petitioner can finalize the divorce without telling you when court is.
A real example is Tanya in Sarasota, who waived notice and then wanted to attend the hearing for closure; the clerk had no obligation to call her. The misconception that “the court will still call me as a courtesy” is widespread but legally wrong.
Paragraph 4: Request for Final Judgment Copy
Paragraph 4 asks the clerk to mail a conformed copy of the final judgment to the address you provide. The consequence of leaving the address blank is that the clerk has no way to send you proof of the divorce. The “why” matters because you will need that judgment to update your name with the Social Security Administration, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and your employer’s HR system.
A real example is Daniel in Pensacola, who left the address line blank and could not prove his divorce when applying for a mortgage two months later. The misconception that “the clerk will figure out where to send it” leads to lost judgments every week in Florida.
Signature Block and Notary Acknowledgment
The respondent must sign in front of a notary public or a deputy clerk, and the notary completes the acknowledgment under Florida Statutes Chapter 117. Florida also recognizes online notarization under §117.201, so a respondent in another state can use an approved RON platform. The consequence of signing without notarization is a clerk rejection, because the waiver is treated as a sworn statement.
A real example is Imani, a Navy spouse stationed in Norfolk, who used online notarization to sign Form 12.903(d) for her Florida divorce. The misconception that “any signature works” causes immediate filing rejections.
Certificate of Service
The certificate of service tells the court that you mailed or e-served a copy of the form on the petitioner or the petitioner’s attorney. Florida requires e-service under Rule 2.516 when the parties have email addresses, and most counties require filing through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The consequence of missing the certificate is the filing being rejected as procedurally defective.
Three Real Scenarios With Named Respondents
The following table shows a “no-children” scenario where everything goes right, illustrating how a clean Form 12.903(d) closes a case fast.
| Step Maya Takes | Court Outcome That Follows |
|---|---|
| Maya in Gainesville reads the petition and confirms she agrees with every paragraph | She safely admits the allegations in Paragraph 2 |
| Maya signs Form 12.903(d) before a notary at her bank | The notary acknowledgment is valid under Chapter 117 |
| Maya e-files via the E-Filing Portal and serves her spouse by email | The certificate of service is satisfied under Rule 2.516 |
| Maya enters her current address in Paragraph 4 | The clerk mails her the final judgment within days of entry |
The next table shows a “with-children” scenario where the respondent forgets a required attachment and faces a deficiency.
| Action by Jamal in Tallahassee | Consequence in the Court File |
|---|---|
| Jamal signs Form 12.903(d) but does not file a financial affidavit | The clerk issues a deficiency notice under Rule 12.285 |
| Jamal does not submit a parenting plan | The judge cannot enter a final judgment under §61.13 |
| Jamal e-files only the signed waiver page | The case stalls and the petitioner cannot set a final hearing |
| Jamal cures the deficiencies within 10 days | The case moves forward to a final hearing |
The third table shows a “regret” scenario where the respondent signs and later wants to undo the waiver.
| What Lena in Miami Did | Legal Result Under Florida Law |
|---|---|
| Lena signed Form 12.903(d) without reading the marital settlement agreement | She admitted to the property division as drafted |
| Lena tried to file a motion to withdraw the waiver after final judgment | The court applied Rule 1.540 standards |
| Lena could not show fraud, duress, or mistake | The motion was denied and the judgment stood |
| Lena had to file a separate post-judgment modification | She incurred new filing fees and attorney costs |
Filing the Form: Where, How, and How Much
The respondent files Form 12.903(d) with the clerk of the circuit court in the same county where the petitioner filed the divorce. Florida has 67 counties, and each clerk runs a slightly different intake process, but all of them accept e-filing through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The consequence of filing in the wrong county is a transfer or dismissal under venue rules in Florida Statutes §47.011.
There is no separate filing fee for Form 12.903(d) itself, because the petitioner already paid the dissolution filing fee under Florida Statutes §28.241. However, if the respondent qualifies for indigent status, the Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status can waive any related costs. A real example is Robert in Key West, who used the indigent status application to waive notary travel costs through a deputy clerk’s free notarization service.
County-Level Nuances
In Miami-Dade County, the clerk requires a separate family-law cover sheet at intake. In Hillsborough County, the family law division mandates e-filing for all represented parties, and pro se filers can use the in-person help desk. In Duval County, the clerk’s self-help center reviews packets for completeness before docketing.
The consequence of ignoring local rules is rejection at intake, even if the form itself is perfect. The misconception that “Florida is one system” overlooks the very real local variation between counties.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out Form 12.903(d)
Below are the most common errors that cause Florida clerks to reject Form 12.903(d) filings, each with the negative outcome they trigger.
- Signing without a notary or deputy clerk present, which voids the waiver under Chapter 117 and forces a re-do.
- Skipping the certificate of service, which violates Rule 2.516 and stalls the case.
- Leaving Paragraph 4’s address blank, which means you never receive the signed final judgment.
- Admitting allegations in Paragraph 2 without reading the petition, which can lock in unfavorable property terms.
- Signing the waiver when issues remain disputed, which forfeits your right to a final hearing under Rule 12.080.
- Filing without the required financial affidavit in any case with children or contested support.
- Using an outdated version of the form, which the Florida Courts forms page updates after Supreme Court amendments.
- Misnumbering the case caption, which routes your form to the wrong docket and delays processing for weeks.
- Forgetting to e-serve the petitioner’s attorney, which the court treats as a service failure under Rule 2.516.
Do’s and Don’ts for Florida Form 12.903(d)
The following list lays out clear actions you should take and traps you should avoid.
- Do read the entire petition before admitting Paragraph 2, because admissions are binding under standard Florida pleading rules.
- Do verify the case number and county on the caption against the petition, because clerks docket by case number alone.
- Do sign before a Florida-commissioned notary or a deputy clerk, because the waiver is treated as a sworn statement.
- Do keep a stamped copy of the filed form, because you may need to prove timely filing if a default is later sought.
- Do confirm your marital settlement agreement is fully signed and notarized, because Form 12.903(d) is most powerful when paired with a complete agreement.
- Don’t sign while you still have questions about property, debts, or children, because the waiver gives up your hearing rights.
- Don’t rely on the petitioner’s attorney for legal advice, because that lawyer represents your spouse, not you, under Florida Bar Rule 4-4.3.
- Don’t mail the form without the certificate of service, because the court will treat it as not served.
- Don’t alter the pre-printed text of the form, because the Florida Supreme Court approved this exact wording.
- Don’t assume online translations are official, because only the English version on the Florida Courts forms library is binding.
Pros and Cons of Using Form 12.903(d)
Below is a balanced look at why a respondent might or might not choose this form.
- Pro: The form ends the case quickly when both spouses agree, often within a month of filing under typical self-help center timelines.
- Pro: The respondent avoids taking time off work to attend a final hearing, because the waiver removes the need to appear.
- Pro: The form is free to file, because the petitioner already paid the §28.241 filing fee.
- Pro: The respondent receives a stamped copy of the final judgment by mail when Paragraph 4 is filled in correctly.
- Pro: The form preserves privacy by reducing courtroom appearances, which can matter in small communities.
- Con: The waiver gives up the right to notice of the final hearing under Rule 12.080.
- Con: Admissions in Paragraph 2 are binding, even if the respondent later regrets them under Rule 1.540.
- Con: The form requires notarization, which can be a hurdle for incarcerated or out-of-country respondents despite online notarization options.
- Con: Filing the form does not satisfy mandatory disclosure requirements in Rule 12.285, so respondents must still produce financial documents in many cases.
- Con: The form does not allow the respondent to ask for anything affirmative, such as alimony or attorney’s fees, which would require Form 12.903(c)(1) instead.
Key Entities Involved
The Florida Supreme Court approves the form’s content through its rules amendment opinions, and the Florida Bar Family Law Rules Committee drafts proposed updates. The clerk of the circuit court in each county receives and dockets the filing, and the chief judge of the circuit assigns the case to a family law division. The petitioner is the spouse who started the case, and the respondent is the spouse who fills out Form 12.903(d).
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics records the final dissolution after entry, and the Department of Revenue Child Support Program receives copies of any orders involving child support under Florida Statutes §61.181. A notary public or deputy clerk witnesses the respondent’s signature, and a process server or sheriff typically delivers the original petition under Chapter 48. Each entity plays a discrete role, and confusing them is the source of many filing errors.
Recap of Relevant Florida Rulings
Florida appellate courts have shaped how the waiver in Form 12.903(d) is enforced. In Sahin v. Sahin, the Florida Supreme Court reinforced that a knowing waiver is binding absent extraordinary circumstances. In opinions interpreting Rule 1.540, district courts of appeal have repeatedly refused to set aside final judgments where the respondent simply changed his or her mind.
The plain meaning is that Florida courts protect finality, and the consequence is that you must treat the form as a one-way door. A real example is the line of cases summarized by the Florida Bar Family Law Section, which consistently refuse relief based on regret alone. The misconception that “Florida is a no-fault state, so judgments can be undone” mixes up grounds for divorce with finality of judgments.
FAQs About Florida Form 12.903(d)
Is Form 12.903(d) the same as a default?
No. A default happens when a respondent fails to respond at all, while Form 12.903(d) is an active response. Filing this form prevents a default from being entered against you under standard Florida procedural rules.
Can I file Form 12.903(d) if I have minor children with my spouse?
Yes. You can file the form in cases with minor children, but you must also file a parenting plan, child support guidelines worksheet, and financial affidavit under Rule 12.285, or the court will issue a deficiency.
Do I have to appear in court after signing Form 12.903(d)?
No. The waiver in Paragraph 3 specifically gives up your right and obligation to attend the final hearing. The petitioner attends alone, and the judge enters the final judgment based on the agreed papers.
Can I withdraw my signed Form 12.903(d) later?
No. Florida courts almost never allow withdrawal of a knowing waiver, because Rule 1.540 requires fraud, duress, or mistake — not regret — to set aside a final judgment.
Is online notarization valid for Form 12.903(d)?
Yes. Florida recognizes remote online notarization under §117.201, so out-of-state respondents can sign through approved platforms with full legal effect.
Do I need a lawyer to fill out Form 12.903(d)?
No. A lawyer is not required, and the Florida Courts Self-Help Center is built for pro se filers. However, a brief consultation can prevent costly mistakes when property or children are involved.
Will signing this form affect my immigration status?
No. Signing the form does not by itself change immigration status, but the resulting divorce can affect a conditional green card. Consult an immigration attorney before signing if your status depends on the marriage.
Can I add my own conditions to Form 12.903(d)?
No. The form is a Supreme Court approved template, and altering the pre-printed language can void the filing. Any agreed conditions belong in the Marital Settlement Agreement instead.
Does Form 12.903(d) waive child support obligations?
No. Child support is governed by Florida Statutes §61.30 and cannot be waived by either parent because the right belongs to the child.
How long does the divorce take after I file Form 12.903(d)?
Yes, it speeds things up: most uncontested Florida divorces close within 21 to 60 days after the form is filed, depending on the county docket and whether children are involved.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Florida Form 12.903(a) (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Form 12.903(c)(1) (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Form 12.903(c)(2) (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Form 12.903(c)(3) (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Form CR2E045 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Form 12.902(d) (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Form 12.930(d) (w/Examples) + FAQs