If you've started researching divorce in Florida, you've probably already gotten a quote from an attorney and nearly choked on it. The good news: attorney fees are optional. Here's an honest breakdown of every dollar you might spend — and how to keep total costs as low as possible.
TL;DR — Florida Divorce Cost Summary
Path Document Prep Court Filing Fee Estimated Total DIY (you fill out the forms yourself) $0 ~$408 ~$408+ Document prep service — uncontested $350 ~$408 ~$758 Document prep service — with minor children $500 ~$408 ~$908 Document prep — contested $850 ~$408 ~$1,258+ Attorney — uncontested $1,500–$5,000 ~$408 $1,900–$5,400+ Attorney — contested $2,500–$15,000+ ~$408 $3,000–$15,000+
Florida Divorce Filing Fees
No matter how you handle the paperwork, every Florida divorce starts with a check to the Clerk of Court. This fee is paid directly to the court — it is not part of any attorney or document prep cost.
Filing fees in most Florida counties run approximately $408. The exact amount varies slightly by county:
- Most Florida counties: ~$408
- Some rural counties may be slightly lower
- Miami-Dade, Broward, and other large counties: $408
In addition to the petition filing fee, you may encounter these additional court costs:
- Summons fee: ~$10 (if your spouse needs to be formally served)
- Service of process: $40–$75 (by sheriff or private process server, unless your spouse signs a notarized waiver)
- Certified copies of the Final Judgment: ~$1–$2 per page (you'll want 2–3 copies for records, name change, refinancing, etc.)
- Parenting class: $25–$50 per parent — required by Florida law if you have minor children
If you cannot afford the filing fee, ask the clerk about the Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status. You may qualify for a fee waiver.
The Expensive Path: Hiring an Attorney
Hiring a Florida divorce attorney is the most common approach — and the most expensive. Attorneys bill hourly, typically $250–$400/hour in Florida. That adds up fast.
Typical attorney fee ranges:
- Uncontested divorce (attorney-assisted): $1,500–$5,000
- Contested divorce: $2,500–$15,000+
- High-conflict contested divorce (disputed assets, custody battle): $15,000–$50,000+ for both sides combined
Every email, phone call, document revision, and court appearance gets billed. In a contested case, if both spouses dig in on custody or asset division, attorney fees can easily exceed the value of what's being disputed.
For straightforward, uncontested divorces — where both spouses agree on everything — many people are surprised to learn that hiring an attorney is not required.
The DIY / Pro Se Path: Representing Yourself
Florida law explicitly allows you to represent yourself in divorce court. This is called "pro se" representation — and it's completely legitimate. Judges see pro se litigants every day.
The Florida Supreme Court has approved standardized family law forms specifically designed for self-represented filers. These forms are free to download at flcourts.gov. The state has made a genuine effort to make the process accessible to people without attorneys.
The challenge isn't finding the forms — it's completing them correctly.
Common DIY mistakes that cause filings to be rejected or hearings to be delayed:
- Using the wrong form for your situation
- Leaving required fields blank
- Errors or omissions on the Financial Affidavit
- Improper service of process on your spouse
- Missing the residency affidavit
A rejected filing means another trip to the courthouse, a new filing fee, and more time before your divorce is finalized. If you're confident with legal paperwork and willing to do thorough research, the DIY path is achievable. If you'd rather have someone handle the paperwork correctly the first time — at a fraction of attorney rates — that's where document preparation services come in.
What a Document Preparer Costs
A document preparation service is a middle path: professionally prepared paperwork, without attorney fees.
Document preparers are not attorneys and do not give legal advice. What we do is take the information you provide and prepare your Florida court documents — correctly, completely, and ready to file. You represent yourself in court (pro se), and we handle the paperwork.
At Pro Se Document Preparation, our Florida divorce document prep pricing is:
| Service | Document Prep Fee | + Court Filing Fee | Total Out-of-Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | $350 | ~$408 | ~$758 |
| Uncontested Divorce with Minor Children | $500 | ~$408 | ~$908 |
| Contested Divorce (through trial) | $850 | ~$408 | ~$1,258+ |
What's included in the document prep fee:
- Preparation of all required Florida court forms for your situation
- Review for completeness before delivery
- Forms ready to sign, notarize, and file
What's NOT included:
- The court filing fee (paid separately to the Clerk of Court)
- Service of process costs (if applicable)
- Parenting class fees (if you have minor children)
- Notarization (available separately — or use any Florida notary)
- Legal advice of any kind
The document prep fee + court filing fee = your total out-of-pocket cost for a typical uncontested Florida divorce. No retainer. No hourly billing surprises.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Document preparation is likely the right fit if:
- You and your spouse agree on all terms (property, debts, parenting, support)
- Your case is straightforward — no complex business valuations or disputed retirement accounts
- You want correctly prepared documents without paying attorney rates
- You're comfortable representing yourself at the final hearing
Consider hiring a Florida attorney if:
- Your divorce is contested and you can't agree on key issues
- There are significant assets to divide (businesses, multiple properties, large retirement accounts)
- You have concerns about your or your children's safety
- The situation is complicated enough that you want legal strategy and representation
A good rule of thumb: if both spouses are aligned and communicating, document preparation is the affordable, efficient choice. If you're heading into litigation, an attorney becomes worth the cost.
Get Started with Pro Se Document Preparation
If your Florida divorce is uncontested, you don't need to overpay for attorney fees — or guess your way through unfamiliar court forms.
View Florida Divorce Services →
Our Uncontested Divorce Package ($350 + the ~$408 court filing fee) includes all required Florida Supreme Court-approved forms, prepared based on your information and ready to file.
Order the Uncontested Divorce Package →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for divorce in Florida without a lawyer?
Yes. Florida law allows anyone to represent themselves in court — this is called "pro se" representation. The Florida Supreme Court provides approved divorce forms at flcourts.gov specifically for self-represented filers. You are responsible for completing the forms correctly and following all court procedures.
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Florida?
An uncontested divorce in Florida typically takes 30–90 days from filing to final judgment, depending on the county's court schedule. Cases with minor children may take slightly longer due to additional required documents and the mandatory parenting class. Some counties move faster than others.
What forms do I need for a Florida divorce?
The forms depend on your situation. For an uncontested divorce with no minor children, the core forms include the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.901), Financial Affidavit (Form 12.902), Marital Settlement Agreement (Form 12.902(f)(1)), and the Final Judgment. Cases with minor children require additional forms including a Parenting Plan, Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, and others. All approved forms are available at flcourts.gov. We prepare these forms for you — correctly and completely — so you don't have to figure it out yourself.
What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Florida?
The absolute cheapest option is the simplified dissolution of marriage — if you qualify. Both spouses must file together, have no minor children, and agree on everything. Your only cost is the ~$408 filing fee plus notarization. If you don't qualify for simplified dissolution, using a document preparation service for an uncontested divorce brings your total cost to roughly $758 ($350 prep fee + ~$408 filing fee) — far less than attorney fees.
Do I need to attend a hearing for an uncontested divorce in Florida?
For a simplified dissolution, both spouses must attend the final hearing together. For a regular uncontested divorce, whether you need to appear depends on your county and whether a parenting plan is involved. Some counties allow the final judgment to be entered without a hearing if all paperwork is in order; others require a brief appearance. Your local Clerk of Court can tell you what to expect in your county.
What county do I file in?
You file in the circuit court in the Florida county where either you or your spouse currently lives. If you've recently moved, you or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months before filing.
Pro Se Document Preparation is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We prepare documents based on information you provide. For legal advice, contact the Florida Bar Referral Service at 1-800-342-8011.