Divorce attorneys in Flagler County charge $250–$400 per hour — and even an uncontested divorce handled by an attorney typically runs $3,500–$10,000. A contested case can easily reach $12,000–$35,000 or more. Florida law gives every resident the right to represent themselves in family court. If you and your spouse have reached an agreement on all issues, you can file your own divorce without an attorney. This guide covers everything you need to file for divorce in Flagler County: the correct courthouse, residency rules, required forms, the full step-by-step process, and realistic timelines.
TL;DR — Flagler County Divorce Quick Reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Circuit | 7th Judicial Circuit |
| Clerk of Court | Tom Bexley, Flagler County Clerk of Courts |
| Courthouse | 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 1, Bunnell, FL 32110 |
| Filing Fee | ~$408 (dissolution, with or without children) |
| E-Filing Portal | myeclerk.com |
| Waiting Period | 20 days after service (Florida Statute 61.19) |
| Residency Required | 6 months in Florida + 6 months in Flagler County (one spouse) |
| Avg Uncontested Timeline | 60–90 days (no children); 90–120 days (with minor children) |
Filing fees are paid directly to the Flagler County Clerk of Court and are NOT included in any document preparation service fee.
Where ALL Flagler County Divorces Are Filed: Bunnell
This is the most important thing to know before you file: Palm Coast has no courthouse.
Palm Coast is by far the largest city in Flagler County — roughly 115,000 of the county's 135,000 residents live there. Yet every family law filing for all of Flagler County is handled at the county seat in Bunnell, a 15–20 minute drive from most Palm Coast ZIP codes.
Whether you live in Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Marineland, or Beverly Beach — your divorce papers are filed at the Flagler County Courthouse in Bunnell.
Flagler County Courthouse 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 1, Bunnell, FL 32110 Clerk: Tom Bexley, Flagler County Clerk of Courts
There is no family law satellite office in Palm Coast, no branch clerk on A1A, and no courthouse in Flagler Beach. Bunnell is the only filing location — plan your trip accordingly.
E-filing is mandatory under Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC13-7. Self-represented parties may file through myeclerk.com or in person at 1769 E. Moody Blvd. E-filing is available 24/7 and saves the drive.
Flagler Beach residents near the Volusia border: Flagler Beach is in Flagler County, but ZIP codes in the southern portion of the county near Beverly Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea are close to the Volusia County line. If you are unsure which county you are in, verify your address at flaglerpa.com before filing.
The 7th Judicial Circuit: Flagler County Completes the Cluster
Flagler County is the fourth and final county in Florida's 7th Judicial Circuit. The circuit also includes:
- Volusia County (Daytona Beach / DeLand) — Volusia County divorce filing guide
- St. Johns County (St. Augustine / Ponte Vedra Beach) — St. Johns County divorce filing guide
- Putnam County (Palatka / Crescent City) — Putnam County divorce filing guide
Each county in the circuit has its own clerk of court and its own courthouse. Circuit judges may rotate across counties, but filing is always in your county of residence. A Flagler County resident files in Bunnell. Period.
Flagler County is notable in this circuit for one reason: it is the fastest-growing county in Florida by percentage. The massive influx of families relocating from the Northeast and Midwest — New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts — has turned Palm Coast into one of Florida's most rapidly expanding communities. Many of these new residents are navigating Florida's residency rules for the first time.
County Boundary Callouts: Know Before You File
Flagler County's borders can cause real confusion, especially for residents near the county lines. Before you file, confirm your county at the Flagler County Property Appraiser website: flaglerpa.com.
Southern Border — Flagler / Volusia
The Flagler/Volusia county line runs roughly near Beverly Beach and the Ormond-by-the-Sea area. Residents near this border should verify at flaglerpa.com or the Volusia County Property Appraiser (vcpa.vcgov.org).
- Flagler County: File at the Flagler County Courthouse in Bunnell (7th Circuit — Tom Bexley, clerk)
- Volusia County: File at the Volusia County Courthouse in DeLand (7th Circuit — same circuit, but Laura E. Roth is the clerk, and it is a completely different clerk's office)
See the Volusia County divorce filing guide if you are on the Volusia side.
Northern Border — Flagler / St. Johns
The Flagler/St. Johns county line runs near the northern portion of Palm Coast and the Ponte Vedra Beach area. Palm Coast North residents near the county line should verify their address.
- St. Johns County: File in St. Augustine — see the St. Johns County divorce filing guide
Western Border — Flagler / Putnam
The Flagler/Putnam county line runs through rural areas near the western edge of Flagler County, close to the Bunnell/Palatka corridor.
- Putnam County: File in Palatka — see the Putnam County divorce filing guide
Snowbird and Retiree Domicile: The Palm Coast Residency Question
Flagler County — and Palm Coast in particular — has one of Florida's largest retiree populations. The massive influx of residents from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut has created a large community of people who own Florida homes but still maintain legal ties to their home states. If this describes you, here is what matters for divorce filing.
Florida requires: 6 months of Florida residency AND 6 months of Flagler County residency (one spouse) before filing.
The 6-month clock starts on your physical move-in date — not your home purchase date, not your closing date, and not the date you filed for a homestead exemption.
Common scenario: A Palm Coast resident who bought a home in 2023 but still has a New York driver's license, votes in New York, and banks primarily at a New York branch — this person likely does not yet meet Florida's domicile requirement, even if they spend most of the year in Palm Coast.
What establishes Florida domicile:
- Florida driver's license
- Florida voter registration
- Primary banking and financial ties at a Florida branch
- Florida vehicle registration
- Filing taxes as a Florida resident
ITT/General Development Corp. history: Palm Coast was developed starting in the early 1970s by ITT Community Development Corporation (later General Development Corp.), which sold lots and homes across the country — heavily marketed to Northeasterners as a retirement destination. Many original Palm Coast buyers purchased lots decades ago but didn't move full-time until retirement. If you are one of these original Palm Coast community residents who relocated from the Northeast and are now seeking a divorce, the domicile analysis is the same: it starts on your physical move-in date, not the date you bought the lot.
If you have not yet met the 6-month threshold in Flagler County, you may need to wait before filing — or file in the state where you currently meet the residency requirement.
Step-by-Step: How to File for Divorce in Flagler County
Step 1 — Confirm FL + Flagler County 6-Month Residency
At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for 6 months AND in Flagler County for 6 months before filing. Count back from your physical move-in date. Residency is proven by testimony at the final hearing — keep documentation handy (utility bills, lease, mail, FL driver's license issuance date).
Step 2 — Determine Your Dissolution Type
- Simplified Dissolution: No minor children, no alimony, both spouses agree on everything, and no contested property. Fastest path — can be completed in as little as 30–45 days.
- Regular Uncontested: You have minor children, or one of the simplified criteria doesn't apply, but you've reached a full agreement on all issues.
- Contested: You and your spouse cannot agree on property division, alimony, time-sharing, or another material issue. Requires mediation and potentially trial.
Step 3 — Gather Required Documents
- Marriage certificate (certified copy)
- Proof of residency (utility bills, lease, mail records)
- Financial records (bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, retirement account statements)
- Documentation of real property, vehicles, and debts
- Birth certificates for any minor children
Step 4 — Prepare Your Petition and Supporting Forms
Florida Supreme Court forms are used statewide. Prepare the petition, financial affidavit, marital settlement agreement (if applicable), and any required parenting plan. See the forms table below. A document preparation service can prepare all of these forms based on the information you provide.
Step 5 — E-File via myeclerk.com or File In Person
Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC13-7 mandates e-filing for represented parties. Self-represented (pro se) parties may file in person or e-file.
- E-file: myeclerk.com (select Flagler County)
- In person: 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 1, Bunnell, FL 32110
Pay the filing fee (~$408) at the time of filing.
Step 6 — Serve Your Spouse
After filing, your spouse must be legally served. Two options:
- Sheriff service: Flagler County Sheriff's Office civil process unit, approximately $40. The sheriff delivers the papers to your spouse.
- Waiver of Service: If your spouse agrees to cooperate, they can sign a notarized Waiver of Service (Form 12.913(a)(2)). This avoids the need for sheriff service and can shorten the timeline.
Florida Statute 61.19 imposes a mandatory 20-day waiting period after service before a final judgment can be entered.
Step 7 — Mandatory Financial Disclosure, Mediation if Contested, Final Hearing
Both parties are required under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285 to exchange mandatory financial disclosure. In an uncontested case, once disclosure is complete and the settlement agreement is signed, you schedule a final hearing before the judge. The judge reviews the agreement and enters the final judgment dissolving the marriage.
For contested cases, mediation is required before the matter can proceed to trial.
Florida Supreme Court Forms You Will Need
| Form Number | Form Name | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| 12.901(b)(1) | Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage | No children, mutual agreement, no alimony |
| 12.901(b)(2) | Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (no children) | Standard dissolution, no minor children |
| 12.902(b) | Financial Affidavit (Short Form) | Income under $50,000/year |
| 12.902(c) | Financial Affidavit (Long Form) | Income $50,000/year or above |
| 12.902(f)(1) | Marital Settlement Agreement | No minor children |
| 12.902(f)(3) | Parenting Plan | Required when minor children are involved |
| 12.995(a) | Child Support Guidelines Worksheet | Required if minor children are involved |
| 12.913(a)(2) | Waiver of Service | Cooperative spouse, avoids sheriff service |
| 12.932 | Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure | Required at or before final hearing |
All Florida Supreme Court family law forms are available free at flcourts.gov.
What a Document Preparer Can (and Cannot) Do
A document preparer CAN:
- Prepare petitions, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, parenting plans, and all court forms based on the information you provide
- Organize and e-file documents on your behalf
- Explain the filing process and what to expect at each step
- Help ensure your paperwork is complete and consistent before filing
A document preparer CANNOT:
- Give legal advice
- Tell you what to put in your settlement agreement
- Advise you on what outcome is "fair" or strategically better for you
- Predict court outcomes
- Represent you at hearings
Timeline and Cost Comparison
How Long Will It Take?
| Type | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Simplified dissolution | 30–45 days |
| Uncontested (no children) | 60–90 days |
| Uncontested (with children) | 90–120 days |
| Contested | 6–24+ months |
All timelines run from the date of service. The mandatory 20-day waiting period (FL Statute 61.19) is built into every case.
What Will It Cost?
| Path | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Attorney (uncontested) | $3,500–$10,000 |
| Attorney (contested) | $12,000–$35,000+ |
| Document preparation service | $350–$850 |
| DIY (forms only) | ~$408 (filing fee only) |
Document preparation fees are for form preparation only. Court filing fees (~$408) are paid separately and directly to the Flagler County Clerk of Court.
Ready to Get Your Documents Prepared?
If you and your spouse have reached an agreement and you're ready to move forward, Pro Se Document Preparation can prepare your Flagler County divorce documents — petition, financial affidavit, settlement agreement, parenting plan, and all supporting forms.
Get started with your Florida divorce documents
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I live in Palm Coast. Do I file in Palm Coast or Bunnell?
Bunnell. The Flagler County Courthouse at 1769 E. Moody Blvd. is the only family law filing location for all of Flagler County — including Palm Coast, which has no courthouse of its own despite being by far the largest city in the county. Plan for a 15–20 minute drive from most Palm Coast ZIP codes.
2. I'm near the Volusia County line. How do I know which county I'm in?
Check your property address at flaglerpa.com. If your property is in Volusia County, file in DeLand at the Volusia County Courthouse — not in Bunnell. The Flagler/Volusia county line runs near Beverly Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea; if you are in that area, the property appraiser lookup is the definitive answer.
3. I bought a house in Palm Coast but still have my New York license. Do I qualify?
You need 6 months of physical Florida residency with intent to remain permanently. Owning a home in Palm Coast is not enough by itself. A Florida driver's license, Florida voter registration, and Florida vehicle registration all support your claim of Florida domicile. The 6-month clock starts on your physical move-in date — not your closing date.
4. How long does an uncontested divorce take in Flagler County?
Typically 60–90 days from filing, assuming no minor children and both parties agree on all terms. Cases involving minor children generally take 90–120 days due to the parenting plan, child support worksheet, and mandatory financial disclosure timeline. Contested cases can take 6–24+ months.
5. Is e-filing mandatory in Flagler County?
Yes, under Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC13-7. myeclerk.com is the portal for Flagler County. Self-represented parties may also file in person at 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 1, Bunnell.
6. What if I can't afford the filing fee?
File Form 68 (Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status) with the clerk at the time of filing. If approved, the filing fee is waived. Bring documentation of your income and expenses. The clerk's office at 1769 E. Moody Blvd. can provide the form.
Also in the 7th Judicial Circuit
Flagler County is one of four counties in the 7th Judicial Circuit. If you are near a county border, these guides cover the neighboring courts:
- How to File for Divorce in Volusia County, Florida — DeLand courthouse, Laura E. Roth clerk
- How to File for Divorce in St. Johns County, Florida — St. Augustine courthouse, Brandon Patty clerk
- How to File for Divorce in Putnam County, Florida — Palatka courthouse, Tim Smith clerk
If you are in the southeast Florida area, also see:
- How to File for Divorce in Brevard County, Florida — Melbourne/Viera courthouse, 18th Judicial Circuit
Get Your Flagler County Divorce Documents Prepared
Pro Se Document Preparation serves Florida residents statewide — including Flagler County and Palm Coast. We prepare all required forms for your uncontested divorce: petition, financial affidavit, marital settlement agreement, parenting plan, and supporting documents. You file. You represent yourself. We make sure the paperwork is complete.
Start your Florida document preparation today
Pro Se Document Preparation is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We are a document preparation service. The information in this guide is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-342-8011.