A divorce in West Palm Beach and Boca Raton, Florida, starts with filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing. Filing fees apply, but you may qualify for a fee waiver. Those who live in West Palm Beach or Boca Raton may choose to file the papers in the county’s designated court location through electronic filing.
The Affordable Divorce Center assists people with creating their filing papers and knowing their choices when it comes to preparing the paperwork.
Residency and Grounds
Florida is a no-fault state, therefore all you need to say that your marriage is irretrievably broken. The only firm rule for filing divorce in Florida is residency. At least one of you have lived in Florida for 6 months before you file. To prove you have been here long, you can use any of these:
- Prove residency by the testimony or affidavit of an eligible witness.
- A Florida’s voter registration card.
- Florida driver’s license.
Your Courthouse
The appropriate filing location depends on your case and the Clerk’s current procedures.
| Your city | Courthouse | Address |
|---|---|---|
| West Palm Beach | Main Courthouse | 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL |
| Boca Raton | South County Courthouse | 200 W. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL |
The clerk of the circuit court also maintains branch offices. Documents can possibly be filed online using the electronic filing system of Florida. It is important that you verify the right division as well as filing requirements before you file the documents.
West Palm Beach Divorce Filing Fees
Here’s what you’ll pay the court and other expenses before starting your case.
| Expense | What to know |
|---|---|
| Petition for dissolution | Approximately $409; confirm the current fee with the Clerk |
| Service of process | Additional charges may apply for a sheriff or private process server |
| Parenting course | Each parent pays the provider’s fee, unless an applicable waiver or exemption applies |
Court fees change from time to time, so check the Clerk’s Fees and Costs page before filing. If you cannot afford court costs, ask the Clerk about applying for civil indigent status. The Clerk determines whether you qualify for a fee waiver.
Parenting Course Rules
If your children are below 18 years old, you and your spouse have to attend the Florida- approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course, but you do not have to attend together.
The parent filing for divorce must complete the course within 45 days of filing, and the other parent must complete it within 45 days of being served. This course is at least 4 hours long and necessary as it will help your children go through the changes ahead. Here’s what you should know:
- This is done individually for each parent.
- Choose a provider approved for the relevant court requirements.
- Submit the Certificate of Attendance accordingly.
- Attend the course as early as possible before your judgment is final.
How Long Does a Divorce Take?
Your timeline depends on cooperation, document accuracy, service of process, and unresolved disputes.
| Stage | Typical requirement or timeframe |
|---|---|
| Your Spouse’s response to petition | Generally 20 days after service |
| Financial disclosure | Generally due within 45 days after service, subject to applicable rules and exceptions |
| Earliest final judgment | Florida generally imposes a 20-day waiting period after filing, subject to limited exceptions |
| Uncontested divorce | Often 30 to 90 days |
| Contested proceedings | Several months to a year or longer |
Incomplete forms, unsuccessful service, scheduling backlogs, and disagreements about finances or parenting can delay resolution.
Where Affordable Divorce Center Helps
The right level of assistance depends on how much you and your spouse agree.
- Document Assistance ($199 / $750): Suitable for people who need help preparing divorce paperwork. Review the available options at Document Assistance.
- Divorce Law Services: Consider legal support if your spouse disputes property division, alimony, parenting arrangements, or other important terms. Learn more about Divorce Law Services in Florida.
- Paperwork checklist: Before filing, review Documents You Need to File for Divorce in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Document preparation can help organize your submission, but it does not replace legal advice when your case involves complex rights or contested issues.
Your Next Step
Prepare your documents, confirm the correct filing location, and check the current court fees before submitting your petition. If you are unsure which forms apply to your situation, the Affordable Divorce Center can help you review your paperwork needs and choose an appropriate level of assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file in West Palm Beach if my spouse lives out of state?
Yes, as long as you’ve lived in Florida for 6 months.But personal jurisdiction may be required over your spouse in order to rule on issues such as child support.
What happens if my spouse refuses to cooperate with the divorce?
You can still get divorced.Once your spouse is properly served, they have 20 days to respond. If they ignore it, ask the Clerk for a default and keep moving your case without them. In some situations, you may request default once the response period lapses.
Does filing first give me an advantage?
Filing first does not necessarily mean that it will give you a good chance for equitable distribution of property or alimony. However, it is used to set up the filing date and enable you to put forward your demands to the court.
Can I restore my former name during the divorce?
You are entitled to request the reinstatement of your former name in most cases. You should provide your desired name to the court.
Do we qualify for simplified dissolution?
You may be eligible when both of you are sure that your marriage cannot be salvaged and you do not have any dependent or minor children. You should also agree on asset and debt allocation and fulfill the other criteria.
