Divorce attorneys in St. Johns County typically charge $300–$500 per hour — one of the highest ranges in Northeast Florida, reflecting the county's rapid growth and high household incomes in communities like Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, and World Golf Village. A contested divorce involving property, retirement accounts, or children can run $5,000–$20,000 or more. For couples who have reached an agreement on all issues, Florida courts fully support self-represented (pro se) filers, and you do not need an attorney to complete an uncontested divorce. This guide covers everything you need to file for divorce in St. Johns County: the correct courthouse, filing fees, required forms, residency rules, and the complete step-by-step process.
TL;DR — St. Johns County Divorce Quick Reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Circuit | 7th Judicial Circuit |
| Clerk | Brandon Patty, St. Johns County Clerk of Courts |
| Courthouse | 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084 |
| Filing Fee | ~$408–$410 (plus ~$10 for summons) |
| E-Filing Portal | myeclerk.com or floridacourts.gov/efile |
| Waiting Period | 20 days after service (FL Statute 61.19) |
| Residency Required | 6 months in Florida + 6 months in St. Johns County |
| Avg Uncontested Timeline | 60–90 days (no children); 90–150 days (with children) |
Filing fees are paid directly to Brandon Patty, St. Johns County Clerk of Courts — they are NOT included in any document preparation service fee.
Where to File: County Boundaries and the Duval/Clay Confusion
St. Johns County is part of Northeast Florida's dense metro area, and the county lines here cause more filing confusion than almost anywhere in the state. Before you file, confirm which county you actually live in.
Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, and World Golf Village: You File in St. Augustine
If you live in Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, or World Golf Village, you may work in Jacksonville, have a Jacksonville mailing address on some accounts, or simply think of yourself as part of the Jacksonville area. But these communities are in St. Johns County — not Duval County.
If your ZIP code is 32081 (Nocatee), 32082 (Ponte Vedra Beach), or 32092 (World Golf Village / St. Johns), you file in St. Augustine — not Jacksonville.
All St. Johns County residents file their divorce petition at:
St. Johns County Courthouse 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084 Clerk: Brandon Patty, St. Johns County Clerk of Courts
Do NOT file at the Duval County Courthouse (501 W. Adams St, Jacksonville) — that courthouse serves only Duval County residents.
Common Boundary Situations
| Community | County | Where to File |
|---|---|---|
| Ponte Vedra Beach (32082) | St. Johns | 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine |
| Nocatee (32081) | St. Johns | 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine |
| World Golf Village / St. Johns (32092) | St. Johns | 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine |
| Julington Creek | St. Johns | 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine |
| Mandarin | Duval | 501 W. Adams St, Jacksonville (4th Circuit) |
| Fleming Island | Clay | 825 N. Orange Ave, Green Cove Springs (4th Circuit) |
Fleming Island note: Fleming Island uses a Clay County address, not St. Johns. Clay County is a completely separate county in the 4th Judicial Circuit. Fleming Island residents file at the Clay County Courthouse in Green Cove Springs — not in St. Augustine. If you are unsure whether your address is St. Johns or Clay County, check the St. Johns County Property Appraiser's website or contact the clerks' offices directly before filing.
The 7th Judicial Circuit
St. Johns County sits in the 7th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Flagler County (Bunnell/Palm Coast), Putnam County (Palatka), and Volusia County (Daytona Beach/DeLand). Volusia is the largest county in the circuit by population, but St. Johns has been the fastest-growing county in Florida for several consecutive years, and is the fastest-growing county in the circuit.
Each county in the 7th Circuit has its own clerk of court and its own courthouse. Filing in the wrong county results in rejection or transfer — always file in the county where you (or your spouse) have lived for the past 6 months.
For the Volusia County guide (Daytona Beach/DeLand, same 7th Circuit), see: How to File for Divorce in Volusia County, Florida
Military Filers: NAS Jacksonville Spillover into St. Johns County
Naval Air Station Jacksonville is located in Duval County, but a large portion of military families assigned to NAS Jax live in St. Johns County — particularly in communities along the Julington Creek corridor, Orangedale, and southern St. Johns County neighborhoods. If you or your spouse are active duty military and live in St. Johns County, there are two issues worth knowing before you file.
Residency for Active Duty Members
Florida law generally allows military members stationed in Florida to count time stationed here toward the 6-month residency requirement — even if they maintain a legal domicile in their home state. If you have been physically living in St. Johns County pursuant to military orders for 6 or more months, you may meet the residency requirement to file here.
However, the interaction between military status, domicile, and Florida residency law is fact-specific. Your JAG office or an attorney familiar with military family law can confirm how this applies to your specific situation.
SCRA and the Default Judgment Process
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a federal law that protects active duty military members from certain civil court proceedings, including default judgments in divorce cases.
If your spouse is active duty military and does not respond to your divorce petition, you cannot simply obtain a default judgment the way you would in a civilian case. Before the court can enter a default, you are required to investigate and certify the military status of the respondent. This is done through the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) database.
If the respondent is active duty military, a default judgment is not available without following specific SCRA procedures. The consequences of failing to comply with SCRA are serious — a default judgment entered in violation of SCRA can be reopened or set aside years later.
This is a procedural flag, not legal advice. If your spouse is active duty military and you are considering filing for default, contact your JAG office or a family law attorney before proceeding.
Snowbirds and Retirees: Establishing Domicile in St. Augustine
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States and home to a large and growing retiree community. Many residents own condos or homes in the historic district, along the waterfront, or in surrounding St. Johns County communities — but spend part of the year in their home state.
Owning a home or condo in St. Augustine does not automatically establish Florida domicile.
The 6-month residency clock for divorce filing purposes begins when you physically move in and establish Florida as your primary residence — not when you close on a property purchase, not when you take out a Florida homestead exemption. Courts look at the totality of your domicile evidence:
- Florida driver's license — one of the strongest indicators of domicile
- Florida voter registration — registered to vote at your St. Johns County address
- Financial ties — bank accounts, credit cards, and financial accounts with a Florida address
- Vehicle registration — Florida plates registered to your St. Johns County address
- Homestead exemption — suggests primary residence, but alone is not conclusive
If you still hold an out-of-state driver's license, split your time between Florida and another state, or have not transferred financial accounts to a Florida address, review your domicile situation carefully before filing. The 6-month clock runs from when you genuinely established St. Johns County as your primary home.
7 Steps to File for Divorce in St. Johns County
Step 1: Determine your divorce type
Are you and your spouse in agreement on all issues — property, debts, and (if applicable) timesharing and child support? If yes, you are on the uncontested path. If there are unresolved disputes, you are on the contested path. Most pro se filers are pursuing an uncontested divorce.
Step 2: Confirm your residency
At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for 6 months AND in St. Johns County for 6 months immediately before the filing date. You will attest to this in the petition. If you do not yet meet the county residency requirement, you must wait — filing early results in dismissal or transfer.
Step 3: Gather your documents
Collect your marriage certificate, financial records (bank statements, pay stubs, most recent tax returns), property deeds, vehicle titles, retirement account statements, and any written agreements about asset division. For cases involving real property, have a current mortgage statement and deed available.
Step 4: Prepare your petition and financial affidavit
This is where Pro Se Document Preparation helps. We prepare your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Financial Affidavit, Marital Settlement Agreement (if uncontested), Parenting Plan (if minor children are involved), UCCJEA Affidavit, mandatory disclosure forms, and any additional forms required for your case. All documents are prepared based on information you provide. We do not give legal advice — we prepare accurate, complete court documents.
Step 5: E-file at myeclerk.com and pay the filing fee
E-filing is mandatory in St. Johns County under Administrative Order AOSC13-7. File through myeclerk.com or the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at floridacourts.gov/efile. Create a free account, upload your documents, and pay the filing fee (~$408–$410, plus ~$10 for summons) online. If you cannot afford the filing fee, file Form 68 (Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status) to request a waiver.
Step 6: Serve your spouse
After filing, your spouse must be formally served. Two options:
- St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Civil Process Unit — 4015 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084 — approximately $40; the Sheriff serves your spouse personally
- Notarized Waiver of Service (Form 12.913(a)(2)) — if your spouse is cooperative, they sign a notarized waiver and no Sheriff service is required. This is faster and avoids the service fee.
After service, the mandatory 20-day waiting period (FL Statute 61.19) begins. No divorce can be finalized before this period expires.
Step 7: Mandatory disclosure, mediation (if needed), and final hearing
Florida Rule 12.285 requires both parties to exchange mandatory financial disclosure within 45 days of service. For uncontested cases, the settlement agreement (and parenting plan, if applicable) is filed and you request a final hearing. In some straightforward uncontested cases, the judge may sign without requiring a court appearance. For contested cases, mediation is typically required before a final hearing is scheduled.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Forms
These are the Florida Supreme Court forms used in St. Johns County divorce cases. Pro Se Document Preparation prepares these forms for you — filled out completely and accurately based on your information.
| Form Number | Form Name |
|---|---|
| 12.901(b)(1) | Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (no minor children) |
| 12.901(b)(2) | Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with minor children) |
| 12.902(b) | Family Law Financial Affidavit - Short Form (income under $50k/yr) |
| 12.902(c) | Family Law Financial Affidavit - Long Form (income over $50k/yr) |
| 12.902(f)(1) | Marital Settlement Agreement (no minor children) |
| 12.902(f)(2) | Marital Settlement Agreement (with minor children) |
| 12.995(a) | Parenting Plan |
| 12.913(b) | Default |
| 12.913(a)(2) | Waiver of Service of Process |
What a Document Preparer Can and Cannot Do
Understanding the limits of document preparation protects you and sets accurate expectations before you hire anyone.
We CAN prepare:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Family Law Financial Affidavit (short or long form)
- Marital Settlement Agreement
- Parenting Plan
- UCCJEA Affidavit
- Mandatory disclosure cover sheet and financial document package
- Summons
- Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure
We CANNOT:
- Give you legal advice of any kind
- Represent you in court or at hearings
- Tell you how to divide your assets or debts
- Predict what a judge will decide
- Advise on legal strategy for contested issues
7th Judicial Circuit Self-Help Center: The St. Johns County Courthouse at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine has a Self-Help Center available to pro se litigants for procedural questions — how to file, which forms you need, where to go. Self-Help staff cannot give legal advice, but they can guide you on court procedures. This resource is free and available during courthouse business hours.
Ready to Get Started?
Pro Se Document Preparation handles all your St. Johns County divorce paperwork - starting at $350
Our team prepares every required form, checks for completeness, and delivers your document package ready to e-file at myeclerk.com. You handle the filing — we handle the paperwork.
Timeline Comparison: Uncontested vs. Contested
| Divorce Type | Situation | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Uncontested - No Children | Both spouses agree on all issues; no minor children | 60–90 days |
| Uncontested - With Children | Both agree on all issues; timesharing + child support settled | 90–150 days |
| Contested | Disagreement on property, children, support, or any issue | 6–18+ months |
For contested cases, the 7th Circuit typically requires mediation before a final hearing is scheduled. Mediation adds time and cost but resolves the majority of contested cases before trial.
Cost Comparison: St. Johns County Divorce Options
| Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Hire an attorney | $2,500–$8,000+ (uncontested); $15,000–$50,000+ (contested) |
| Pro Se Document Preparation | $350–$500 (document prep only) |
| Completely DIY | ~$408 (filing fee only) |
Attorney fee estimates reflect typical St. Johns County rates for the Ponte Vedra/St. Augustine/Nocatee corridor — among the highest in Northeast Florida. Rates vary by attorney and case complexity. Document preparation fees are for document preparation only — the court filing fee is always paid separately by you directly to the St. Johns County Clerk of Courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
My address says Ponte Vedra Beach. Does that mean I file in Jacksonville?
No. Ponte Vedra Beach is in St. Johns County, not Duval County — even though many residents work in Jacksonville and think of themselves as Jacksonville-area residents. ZIP code 32082 (Ponte Vedra Beach), 32081 (Nocatee), and 32092 (World Golf Village / St. Johns) are all St. Johns County. You file at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084 — not at the Duval County Courthouse in downtown Jacksonville.
I'm active duty at NAS Jacksonville but live in St. Johns County. Can I file for divorce here?
If you have been living in St. Johns County for 6 months pursuant to your military orders, you likely meet the county residency requirement to file here. Florida law generally allows military members stationed in the state to count that time toward the residency requirement. That said, the intersection of military status, domicile law, and Florida residency rules is fact-specific. Your JAG office or a family law attorney familiar with military divorce can confirm your specific situation. Also note: if your spouse is the respondent and is active duty military, SCRA rules apply to any default judgment proceedings — review the military filer section above before filing for default.
How long does an uncontested divorce take in St. Johns County?
For uncontested divorces with no minor children: approximately 60–90 days from filing to final judgment. For uncontested divorces involving minor children (parenting plan + child support required): approximately 90–150 days. The mandatory 20-day waiting period after service (FL Statute 61.19) is the minimum floor — no divorce can be finalized before that time, regardless of how straightforward the case is.
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in St. Johns County?
Florida law gives every person the right to represent themselves in court (pro se). For uncontested divorces where both spouses agree on all issues, many people successfully complete the process without an attorney. A document preparation service like Pro Se Document Preparation can prepare your court documents accurately and completely — but we are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice. If your case involves significant contested property, disputed custody, domestic violence, immigration implications, or complex financial issues, consulting a licensed Florida family law attorney is strongly recommended. Contact the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-342-8011.
Is e-filing mandatory in St. Johns County?
Yes. E-filing is mandatory under statewide Administrative Order AOSC13-7. All divorce petitions in St. Johns County must be filed electronically through the clerk's e-filing portal at myeclerk.com or the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at floridacourts.gov/efile. This applies to both represented parties and pro se filers.
What if I can't afford the filing fee?
If you cannot afford the $408–$410 filing fee, file Form 68 (Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status) with the St. Johns County Clerk of Courts at the time of filing. If approved, the clerk waives the filing fee. Form 68 is available at the clerk's office at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, or can be downloaded from the Florida Courts website.
Other Northeast Florida Divorce Guides
St. Johns County borders Duval County and sits in the 7th Judicial Circuit with Volusia, Flagler, and Putnam counties. If you are researching across county lines or recently relocated in the area, these guides cover the specific details for each county:
- How to File for Divorce in Duval County, Florida (Jacksonville)
- How to File for Divorce in Volusia County, Florida (Daytona Beach) - same 7th Circuit
- How to File for Divorce in Brevard County, Florida (Melbourne/Space Coast)
- How to File for Divorce in Seminole County, Florida (Sanford)
Get Your St. Johns County Divorce Documents Prepared Today
You do not need an attorney to file an uncontested divorce in St. Johns County. The 7th Judicial Circuit supports pro se litigants, the Self-Help Center at the St. Augustine courthouse is available for procedural questions, and the e-filing process at myeclerk.com is straightforward once your documents are in order.
Start your St. Johns County divorce document package - Pro Se Document Preparation
Documents prepared accurately, completely, and ready to e-file. You handle the courthouse — we handle the paperwork.
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 Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-342-8011.