Florida Answer, Waiver, and Request for Copy of Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
What this Florida Answer, Waiver, and Request form is
Why completing this form matters
Filing an accurate Answer, Waiver, and Request preserves procedural rights, documents consent or objections, and creates a record to obtain certified copies of the final judgment for property, estate, or recordkeeping purposes.
Who typically prepares and files this form
The form is used by parties to a dissolution case, their attorneys, or authorized agents to register a response, waive certain rights, and request certified documents from the court clerk.
Step-by-step: completing and filing the form
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01Gather case info: Locate petitioner name, case number, and county of filing.
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02Complete form fields: Enter full names, dates, and specific waiver language accurately.
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03Sign and notarize: Sign where required; have signature notarized if clerk requires.
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04File with clerk: Submit in person, by mail, or per e-filing rules for the county.
Digital submission and platform compatibility notes
Many Florida county clerks accept scanned or e-filed documents; check local court e-filing rules before submitting electronically.
- Integrations: Supports PDF/DOCX and integrates with common systems like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
- Authentication: Use email or SMS multi-factor authentication per court e-filing guidance.
- File formats: Submit PDF/A when the clerk requires archival-format documents.
Typical online workflow to complete and obtain certified copies
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Prepare document: Upload template and populate case-specific fields.
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Collect signature: Send signing request to party; capture signed PDF and audit trail.
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Submit to clerk: E-file or deliver scanned notarized copy per county rules.
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Receive certified copy: Clerk issues certified copy or returns file-stamped copy for pickup or mail.
Timing considerations and common processing timelines
Response window:
Deadlines to answer vary; check local rules for the service timeframe.
Clerk processing:
Certified copy turnaround commonly 1–4 weeks depending on county workload.
Expedited requests:
Many clerks offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
E-filing delays:
E-filing system backlogs can add several business days.
Service confirmation:
Retain proof of filing and any electronic receipt from the clerk.
Consequences of incorrect or incomplete filings
Real-world examples of online document workflows
Optica Ventures LLC
Optica simplified execution of legal documents across remote teams
- The interface is simple and easy-to-use for internal and external users
- The company reduced turnaround time for signed documents and improved recordkeeping while maintaining an auditable trail for court or title needs.
Martin Properties
A small real estate firm processed agreements and requests for certified documents online
- Mobile signing was essential on site
- The team reported consistent compliance, faster document returns, and fewer in-person visits to the county clerk.
Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion
Key differences between this form and related family law filings
| Criteria | Answer/Waiver | Motion to Set | Petition for Dissolution | Request for Copy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | respond | schedule hearing | start case | obtain certified copy |
| When used | after service | any time pretrial | to initiate case | post-judgment |
| Notarization | sometimes required | rarely required | varies | clerk certification |
| Effect | creates response record | seeks hearing date | starts litigation | produces certified copy |
eSignature vendor pricing and capability snapshot for document workflows
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by promotion | Varies by promotion | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Frequently asked questions and common issues
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Can I e-sign this form?
Possibly, but court filings and family law decrees are listed among ESIGN exceptions; consult local clerk rules and the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and state e-signature law before relying solely on an electronic signature.
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Is notarization required?
Some counties require notarized signatures for waiver or verification language; check the county clerk’s filing instructions and local family law rules to confirm requirements.
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How do I request a certified copy?
Include a clear request on the form, pay applicable clerk fees, and provide a return address; processing times vary by county and may include an additional certification fee.
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What happens if I file incorrectly?
The clerk may reject or return the filing for correction; failure to timely correct could lead to default or inability to obtain the certified copy when needed.
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Can I withdraw a waiver later?
Withdrawing a waiver depends on case posture and consent of other parties or court approval; consult counsel because courts may not permit rescission of certain executed waivers.
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Where to get help filing?
Contact the county clerk’s office for procedural questions and consult an attorney for legal advice about waivers, responses, or potential impacts on rights.