- Average price of divorce in Florida
- Key facts about cost
- Uncontested vs. contested divorce
- Filing fees and lawyer costs
- How can I save money on divorce?
- Try a DIY divorce in Florida
- References
Getting divorced? If so, you likely understand the divorce process takes a financial toll as well as an emotional one. Understanding the costs involved in divorce helps you prepare for what lies ahead.
What’s the average price for a Florida divorce?
The cost of a Florida divorce hinges on your personal circumstances. We'll get into the specifics in a moment, but a divorce in Florida can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
The average cost range for a simple, uncontested divorce in Florida typically falls between $500 and $2,500, depending on various factors. Hello Divorce offers complete divorce plans from $400.
Key facts about the cost of divorce in Florida
Here are several factors that impact cost and divorce complexity:
- How much property or debt you have
- Whether you have minor children
- Whether either person wants alimony or child support
- Whether you agree on debt and property division
For a simple, uncontested divorce, expect to pay $500-$2,500 on average, depending on whether you handle the process yourself, use online services, or seek limited legal assistance. Planning ahead and cooperating with your spouse can significantly reduce costs. Legal assistance, coaching, and other expert services ramp up costs quickly – especially if you end up going to court.
Breakdown of potential costs of divorce in Florida
- Filing fees: $400-$410 (varies by county). This is a mandatory fee to file the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
- Summons issuance fee: $10-$15.
- Mediation: If required, around $60-$120 per session for court-sponsored mediation.
- Sheriff or process server fee: $40-$75 to serve divorce papers.
- Service by publication (if the spouse cannot be located): $200-$300 (includes newspaper fees).
- Online divorce services: $150-$500 for minimal assistance with form preparation; more for full service, like our Pro, Plus or Mediation plans (that include everything you need, plus a dedicated divorce specialist to ensure the process runs smoothly with your local court).
- Attorney fees: For limited-scope representation or review of forms, costs typically range from $1,000-$2,500 for an uncontested divorce. We offer hourly attorney consultations for much less.
- Notary fees: Approximately $10-$20 if forms need to be notarized.
- Parenting course fees: Required for divorces involving minor children; usually $25-$50.
Factors that affect costs
- Complexity: Simple cases without children, property, or debts are less expensive.
- Agreement between spouses: If both can agree on terms, the process is quicker and cheaper.
- County requirements: Filing fees and procedures can vary slightly by county.
Uncontested divorce vs. contested divorce
The nature of a couple's relationship can greatly impact the cost of a divorce in Florida. This is especially true when you consider whether they’re pursuing an uncontested or contested divorce case.
|
|
Contested Divorce |
Uncontested Divorce |
|
About $400 |
About $400 |
|
|
$275 to $350 per hour |
Potentially $0 |
|
|
$40 |
$40 |
|
|
Potentially $0 |
$60 to $120 per party per three-hour session |
|
|
$18 to $39 per person |
$18 to $39 per person |
Cost of uncontested divorce in Florida
An uncontested divorce is one where both parties agree on all issues related to the divorce settlement. This includes how they will structure their property division, debt division, child custody and visitation, spousal support, and child support.
In other words, in an uncontested divorce, there are no disputes that need to be resolved through negotiation or court.
This type of divorce is typically quicker and less costly because lengthy court proceedings aren’t required. The average cost of an uncontested divorce in Florida can range from under $500 up to $5,000, including filing fees and attorney fees, if you choose to retain one.
Let's consider an example: A couple with no children and few shared assets mutually decide to part ways. They agree on how to divide their assets (like splitting their savings account equally) and have no disagreements over any financial issues. This kind of scenario often leads to an uncontested divorce.
Cost of contested divorce in Florida
A contested divorce is one where the divorcing parties cannot agree on one or more issues related to their settlement. Their inability to compromise leads to the need for negotiation or even a trial.
The contested divorce process is typically more time-consuming and expensive due to the increased legal work and court involvement.
Common issues that can lead to a divorce being contested include:
- Disagreements over child custody and visitation rights
- Disputes over how to divide marital property and debts
- Disputes over the amount and duration of alimony
- Disagreements over child support amount
Filing fees and lawyer costs
How much is the divorce filing fee in Florida?
The filing fee for a divorce in Florida is an important part of the overall cost. As of 2024, the filing fee for initiating a divorce proceeding in Florida is about $400. This money is paid directly to the court when you file the paperwork.
Notably, this fee can vary slightly by county. It's also notable that there may be additional minor costs associated with the process, such as fees for serving documents or attending mandatory parenting classes, if applicable. If your children are between ages 6 and 17, they must take classes, too. Those classes cost between $18 and $39 per person.
If you have a professional process server deliver divorce papers to your spouse, this will be an additional cost. Serving fees are typically $40 in Florida.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Florida?
The cost of a divorce lawyer in Florida depends on the complexity of your case, the lawyer's level of experience, and the specific services required.
The average hourly rate for a divorce lawyer in Florida is between $275 and $350. Some highly experienced lawyers may charge more. You're likely to encounter higher prices in areas such as Collier, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Orange counties.
Keep in mind that the aforementioned figure range reflects the divorce attorney’s hourly rate. The total cost can add up quickly if your case involves complex issues or becomes contested. On average, the total cost for a divorce lawyer in Florida can range from $11,000 to $14,000.
It's also important to note that some lawyers may offer a flat fee for an uncontested divorce, which can range from $495 to $795, depending on whether children are involved. Usually, flat fee divorces are only available in divorces without minor children.
What about fee waivers?
Florida courts offer fee waivers to help people who can’t afford filing fees. If you’re approved, you can start your court case without paying the typical $400 fee. You’ll be charged $25 to begin the process.
Florida courts use an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status form, which you can get online or from the clerk where you file your divorce papers. On that form, you must provide the following information:
- How many children you have
- How much income you make (before taxes) including your salary, tips, and overtime payments (You can deduct payments ordered by the court, such as child support payments, from your income)
- How much income you make from things like Social Security, veteran’s benefits, workers’ compensation, and trusts
- How much you have in assets, such as the amount in your savings account, your equity in real estate, or the balance in your checking account
- How much you owe on things like cars, mortgages, and credit card bills
If the court approves the application, fees for the entire case are usually waived.
Suggested: Why Hello Divorce is Better Than Other Online Divorce
How can I save money on divorce?
Several strategies can help couples save money. Here's a detailed look at some of them.
Uncontested divorce
An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all terms of their divorce, including division of assets and debts, child custody, and spousal support.
This type of divorce is typically less expensive because it involves fewer court appearances and less legal work.
To work toward an uncontested divorce, open communication is key. Spouses should be willing to discuss and compromise on the various aspects of their divorce. Using clear, open dialogue to reach mutual agreements can drastically reduce costs.
Suggested: Askers vs. Guessers: The Power of Understanding Negotiation Style
Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
In Florida, there is a type of uncontested divorce designed for couples with no minor children and few assets called “simplified dissolution of marriage.” It's quicker and cheaper than a regular divorce, as it requires less paperwork and, typically, no court appearance.
Both parties must agree to the division of all property and debts, and neither party may seek alimony. To proceed, couples fill out a "Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage" form and submit it to their local county court.
Eligibility criteria for simplified dissolution in Florida
To qualify for a simplified dissolution, both spouses must meet the following conditions:
- Residency requirement: At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months before filing for divorce.
- Agreement to simplified dissolution: Both spouses must agree to use the simplified process.
- No minor or dependent children/not pregnant: The couple must have no minor or dependent children together, and the wife must not be pregnant.
- No alimony: Neither spouse can request spousal support (alimony).
- Decided about the division of assets and debts: The couple must agree on the division of all assets and debts.
- Mutual agreement/cooperation: Both spouses must sign the petition together and attend the final hearing. The divorce cannot involve disputes over property or financial matters.
Process for filing a simplified dissolution in Florida
- Complete the forms: Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.901(a)), Financial Affidavits (Form 12.902(b) or 12.902(c)) and Notice of Social Security Number (Form 12.902(j)).
- File the forms: Submit the completed forms to the clerk of court in the county where either spouse resides. If you live in different counties, check filing fees and requirements, as one county might be better suited to your needs than the other.
- Pay the filing fee. Fee waivers may be available for individuals with financial hardship.
- Attend the final hearing: Both spouses must appear before the judge together for a brief hearing.
- Receive the final judgment: If the judge approves the petition, a Final Judgment of Simplified Dissolution of Marriage will be issued, completing the divorce process.
Advantages of simplified dissolution
- Cheaper: Lower costs compared to a traditional divorce.
- Simpler: Fewer forms and faster resolution.
- Lower conflict: Encourages amicable agreements between spouses.
Disadvantages
- Limited eligibility: Only available to couples meeting strict criteria.
- No disagreements allowed: If conflicts (even minor ones) arise, the case must proceed as a regular divorce.
- Final and binding: Once granted, the divorce cannot be appealed.
Divorce mediation
Divorce mediation is another cost-saving strategy for couples seeking a low-cost divorce. A neutral third party (the mediator) helps the couple negotiate and resolve issues pertaining to their marital settlement, such as who gets to keep the family home.
The mediator doesn't make decisions for the couple. Instead, they facilitate discussions and propose solutions. Their goal is to help the couple reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediation is often cheaper than a fully litigated divorce, as it avoids lengthy court battles. Mediation in Florida typically costs $60 to $120 per party per three-hour session.
Collaborative divorce
In a collaborative divorce, each spouse hires their own attorney. Instead of opposing each other in court, however, everyone works together to negotiate a settlement.
The collaborative process may also involve other professionals, such as child custody specialists and financial advisors. This approach can be more cost-effective than traditional divorce litigation, particularly for complex cases, because it aims to solve problems collectively and avoid court proceedings.
In addition to these methods, being organized and honest can also help reduce costs. Organized records and full transparency about assets and debts can make the process smoother and faster. Also, using lawyers wisely and focusing their time on legal advice rather than emotional support can keep costs down.
Suggested: Everything You Need to Know before Getting Divorced in Florida
Try a DIY divorce in Florida
The mission of Hello Divorce is to make divorce affordable and accessible to anyone who wants a fresh start. We offer flat-rate online Florida divorce plans that can help you whether you want to do it yourself (we give you the forms and direct you where to file) or require extensive help from a mediator and lawyer.
Read about our Florida divorce plans here.
References
Service Packet, Special Service, and Fees. Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
Family Court Fees and Costs. Pasco County Clerk.
Bar Survey Examines Wages, Profitability, and Hourly Rates. (November 2022). The Florida Bar.
Mediation Fees. The 2nd Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions for Divorce Education Programs for Parents and Children. Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida.
