Divorce in Florida can cost anywhere from about $410 to more than $50,000 per spouse. That’s a huge range, so it’s no surprise if the numbers feel overwhelming.
The biggest factor is whether your divorce is uncontested or contested. A contested case can get expensive quickly, but divorce doesn’t have to drain your savings. Here’s what to expect in 2026.
Quick Cost Breakdown by Divorce Type
| Divorce Type | Estimated Cost | What Drives the Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Simplified Dissolution (DIY) | $410 to $600 | Court filing fee and Florida Supreme Court forms. Only for couples with no children and no alimony. |
| Uncontested Divorce | $460 to $3,500 | Filing and service fees, plus flat-fee document help or a limited attorney review. |
| Mediated Divorce | $3,500 to $8,000 | Mediator fees, settlement drafting, and court filing fees. |
| Contested Divorce (Litigation) | $10,000 to $50,000+ per spouse | Hourly attorney fees, depositions, expert witnesses, and trial. |
Court Filing Fees and Required Costs
Every Florida divorce comes with some court costs, no matter how you handle your case:
- Filing fee: About $409 to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Fla. Stat. § 28.241). The exact amount can vary slightly by county.
- Summons fee: $10 for the clerk to issue a summons.
- Service of process: $40 when the sheriff’s office serves your spouse (Fla. Stat. § 30.231), or usually $50 or more for a private process server.
- Parenting course: Often $25 to $60 per parent for the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course, which is required in Florida when you have minor children (Fla. Stat. § 61.21).
- Court-ordered mediation: If the court orders mediation, the fee is $60 or $120 per person, per session, depending on your combined income.
Fee Waiver: If you can’t afford court fees, you can file an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status with the clerk to ask to have your fees waived or deferred.
Residency and Timeline Requirements
Before you file, make sure you meet Florida’s basic requirements:
- 6-month residency: Under Fla. Stat. § 61.021, at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing.
- 20-day waiting period: Under Fla. Stat. § 61.19, a judge can’t finalize your divorce until at least 20 days after the petition is filed.
- Real-world timeline: The 20-day waiting period rarely affects how long your case actually takes. Most uncontested cases wrap up in about 30 to 90 days, while contested cases can take 6 to 18 months or longer. Learn more about how long a divorce takes in Florida.
Attorney Fees: How They’re Structured
Legal fees are usually the biggest and most variable part of a Florida divorce. Most firms bill in one of two ways.
Hourly Billing and Retainers
Contested cases are usually billed hourly. Florida divorce attorneys often charge $250 to $500 or more per hour, and most firms require an upfront retainer of $3,000 to $10,000 or more.
Flat-Fee Uncontested Packages
If you and your spouse agree on everything, a flat fee can be a simpler, more predictable option. Flat-fee uncontested divorce packages often range from about $750 to $2,500, not including court fees.
Local Note: Attorney and mediator rates vary across Florida. Rates in South Florida, including West Palm Beach and Boca Raton, are often higher than in rural parts of the state.
How Affordable Divorce Center Keeps Costs Down
At Affordable Divorce Center, we believe ending a marriage shouldn’t leave you broke. That’s why we keep our pricing simple and upfront:
- Document Assembly ($199): For people handling their own case who agree on everything. We give you the court-approved forms and step-by-step instructions, and you fill them out. Learn more about our document assistance options.
- Document Preparation ($750 without children, $1,250 with children): We complete the forms for you and explain how to file and set your final hearing. Free notary services are included, and our attorney can represent you at your uncontested final hearing for an additional fee.
- Low-Cost Representation (from $3,000): If you and your spouse can’t agree, or there are children or finances at stake, you get an attorney at hourly rates well below other firms. The $3,000 can be split into two payments, 30 days apart. See our low-cost representation page.
- Payment Plans: We offer payment plans so quality legal help can fit your budget.
Who Pays Attorney Fees in a Florida Divorce?
If paying for a lawyer is a concern, Florida law offers some help. Under Fla. Stat. § 61.16, a judge can order one spouse to pay some or all of the other spouse’s attorney fees and costs. The decision is based on each spouse’s financial need and ability to pay, not on who wins the case. Learn more about who pays attorney fees.
What Drives Costs Higher in Complex Cases?
In high-conflict cases, outside professionals can push the total past $50,000. If custody is heavily disputed, the case may involve a custody evaluator or a guardian ad litem, which can cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more. If the finances are complicated or you suspect hidden assets, you may need a forensic accountant, which can add $3,000 to $10,000 or more.
How to Reduce Your Divorce Costs
- Agree early: Work out as much as you can on property and parenting schedules with your spouse before bringing in lawyers.
- Gather your own financial documents: Collect bank statements, tax returns, and pay stubs yourself so you’re not paying hourly rates for paperwork. This also makes your financial affidavit easier to complete.
- Choose mediation over court: Mediation can save you thousands in trial preparation costs.
- Use flat-fee and payment plan options: Look for document packages or payment plans that fit your budget. For more ideas, see these tips to keep your divorce costs down.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Florida?
Most uncontested divorces in Florida cost about $460 to $3,500. If you handle it yourself, expect around $460 in required fees (about $409 to file, $10 for the summons, and $40 for sheriff service). Adding flat-fee document help or an attorney review raises the total.
What Is the Filing Fee for Divorce in Florida?
The fee to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is about $409, plus $10 for each summons issued (Fla. Stat. § 28.241). The exact amount can vary slightly by county.
Can I Get Divorced in Florida Without a Lawyer?
Yes. If you qualify, you can file for a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage. You can’t have minor or dependent children, the wife can’t be pregnant, neither spouse can ask for alimony, and you must agree on how to divide your property and debts. You’ll also both need to sign the paperwork and attend the final hearing together. If you’re weighing your options, read our guide on hiring a divorce lawyer vs. doing it yourself.
Is There a Waiting Period for Divorce in Florida?
Yes. Florida law requires at least 20 days between the date the petition is filed and the date a judge can enter a final judgment.
Who Pays Attorney Fees in a Florida Divorce?
Under Fla. Stat. § 61.16, a judge can order one spouse to pay some or all of the other spouse’s attorney fees. The court looks at each spouse’s financial need and ability to pay, so a higher-earning spouse may be ordered to contribute.
Ready to Protect Your Rights Without Going Broke?
Schedule a low-cost consultation with one of our attorneys today. If you hire us within 7 days, your consultation fee is applied to your retainer. We serve clients from our offices in West Palm Beach and Boca Raton.
