The Florida Bar Re Amendment to Florida Rules of Civil Procedure (dissolution of Marriage)

Summary

The court approved a modified simplified dissolution procedure for qualifying marriages, concluding that such a procedure would improve access to courts, reduce costs, protect the parties and the state, and remain consistent with statutory law. The procedure requires sworn certifications, personal appearance before a judge, corroboration of residency, and clerk assistance, while eliminating the proposed five-year marriage-duration limit. The court initially delayed the effective date for public comment and later extended it to June 1, 1984, to permit revisions and implementation. Justice Boyd, joined by Justice Shaw, dissented, arguing that the procedure expands access to courts without providing meaningful access to legal services and may inadequately protect poor litigants.