How does a same sex divorce work?

A same sex divorce in the state of Florida works the same way as a heterosexual divorce works in the state of Florida. The first document that's filed is called a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. That's a document you file that tells the court that you want to get divorced. You then serve that petition on the other party and they have twenty days to file what's called a Response of Pleading which is generally an answer. They can also file a counter-petition and sue you back which means you have twenty days to file your Response of Pleading. Once all those documents are in, you go to court and the court sends you to mediation to try and amicably resolve the case. If you're able to amicably resolve the case and reach a settlement at the mediation, you go to one quick, uncontested final hearing and the case is all done. If however you do not reach a complete settlement at the mediation then you go back to court. They set you on a trial docket, you start the discovery process and start preparing for trial.