A Look at the Numbers: How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Florida?

Your Guide To How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Florida

The average cost of a divorce in Florida is around $13,500 without children and is a little over $20,000 when minor children are involved.

These costs will vary depending on several factors. These include the need for alimony and whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

For a deeper dive into the cost of divorce, you can check out our article, How Much Does a Divorce Cost: A Complete Guide.

To help you navigate through this complex process, we’ve gathered information on the average cost, factors that can affect the costs, divorce lawyer fees, filing fees and court costs, additional costs, and options such as mediation and DIY divorce.

Key Takeaways:

• The average cost of a divorce in Florida is $13,500 without children and $20,300 with children.
• Factors that can affect the cost of a divorce in Florida include marital property or debt, children under 18, the need for alimony, and the ability to reach an agreement.
• Divorce lawyer fees in Florida generally range between $175 to $500 per hour, with an average of around $295. Retainer fees typically start in the $2,000 to $5,000 range.
• Filing fees for divorce in Florida are $408 or $409 (depending on the county), with additional minor fees for copy-making and self-representation.
• Additional costs in a Florida divorce may include expert witnesses such as custody evaluators, forensic accountants, and real estate assessors, with fees varying depending on the professional.

Factors That Affect the Cost of a Divorce in Florida

There are a number of things that can influence how much you’ll spend on your divorce proceedings in FL. By taking these factors into account, you can better plan your finances and navigate the process with clarity.

Here is a list of the main factors:

Presence of Marital Property or Debt

If you and your spouse own a lot of property or have a lot of debt, splitting it up can make your divorce more expensive. You might need to pay for experts to help value and divide things like houses, investments, and businesses.

Children Under 18

If you have children under the age of 18, child custody and support arrangements need to be worked out. Issues regarding child custody can sometimes become contentious, leading to additional legal fees. Also, child support calculations and determining the best interests of the child often require expert evaluations, further increasing costs.

Need for Alimony

If one spouse needs financial support from the other after the divorce, they might get alimony. Figuring out how much alimony should be paid and for how long can be tricky. It involves looking at what each spouse earns, can earn, and needs financially. Lawyers and financial experts might be needed, which can add to the cost.

Ability to Reach an Agreement

If both spouses are able to reach an agreement on major issues such as asset division, child custody, and support, the divorce can be less expensive. Uncontested divorces, where both parties agree on all aspects, typically have lower costs as they require less time and involvement from attorneys and the court system.

Factors	Impact on Cost
Presence of Marital Property or Debt	Increases the complexity of asset division and may require the involvement of appraisers and financial experts.
Children Under 18	Child custody and support arrangements can lead to additional legal fees and the need for expert evaluations.
Need for Alimony	Determining the appropriate amount and duration of alimony can involve attorneys and financial experts.
Ability to Reach an Agreement	Uncontested divorces, where both parties agree on major issues, are generally less expensive.

Divorce Lawyer Fees in Florida

The fees charged by divorce lawyers can vary depending on factors such as their experience, reputation, and the complexity of the case.

In Florida, the average hourly rate for attorneys is around $295. These rates usually range from $175 – $500.

In Florida, divorce lawyers usually ask for an initial payment known as a retainer. This amount, which can be between $2,000 and $5,000, is meant to cover the early expenses of the case. The lawyer’s work will be paid for from this retainer. If the money runs out, you’ll need to pay more to keep the lawyer working for you.

Divorce Lawyer Fees in Florida – Example Table

Lawyer	Experience	Hourly Rate	Retainer
Lawyer A	10 years	$500	$5,000
Lawyer B	20 years	$300	$4,000
Lawyer C	5 years	$250	$3,000

It’s a good idea to consult with multiple lawyers to get an understanding of their fees and choose one that aligns with your budget and needs. Also, discussing the payment structure and any additional costs with potential lawyers can help you make an informed decision about your legal representation.

Remember, divorce lawyer fees in Florida can vary, you’ll want to have a clear understanding of the costs involved before proceeding with your case. By being prepared and informed, you can better navigate the financial aspects of your divorce.

Filing Fees and Court Costs in Florida

Filing fees and court costs are important considerations when determining the overall cost of a divorce in Florida. These expenses are separate from attorney fees and can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

The filing fee for divorce in Florida typically is around $408 or $409, depending on the county. This fee is paid directly to the court when you submit your divorce paperwork.

In addition to the filing fee, there may be minor fees for services such as copy-making and self-representation, which can amount to approximately $12 to $15. These additional costs also vary depending on the county you are filing in.

Check out this list of Florida’s filing fees and court costs.

If you find it difficult to afford the filing fee due to financial constraints, you have the option to file an Application for Determination of Indigent Status. If approved, the court may waive the filing fees for your divorce case. It’s important to note that other court costs, such as those for hearings or trials, may still be applicable even if the filing fees are waived.

Description	Cost
Filing Fee	$408 – $409
Copy-making and self-representation fees	$12 – $15

You can find the most up-to-date information about filing fees and court costs for the biggest counties in Florida here:

• Miami-Dade County
• Broward County
• Palm Beach County
• Hillsborough County
• Orange County
• Duval County
• Pinellas County
• Lee County
• Polk County
• Brevard County

Additional Costs in a Florida Divorce

In some divorces, there may be a need to hire expert witnesses to provide specialized knowledge and testimony. These expert witnesses can play a crucial role in helping the court make informed decisions regarding child custody, financial matters, or property division.

Here are some examples of expert witnesses commonly involved in divorce cases:

Custody Evaluator

A custody evaluator is typically a mental health professional who assesses the well-being of the children involved in the divorce. They evaluate various factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent, their emotional needs, and the ability of each parent to meet those needs.

The fees for custody evaluators in Florida can range from $4,500 to $15,000.

Forensic Accountant

A forensic accountant specializes in analyzing financial information and providing expert testimony related to financial matters in a divorce. They can help uncover hidden assets, calculate the value of marital property, and determine the income and expenses of each spouse.

The fees for forensic accountants in Florida typically range from $300 to $500 per hour.

Real Estate Assessor

In cases where there are significant assets, such as real estate properties, a real estate assessor may be hired to determine the value of the property. This can be particularly important when it comes to dividing marital assets.

The fees for real estate assessors in Florida generally range from $400 to $700.

Expert Witness	Typical Fees
Custody Evaluator	$4,500 – $15,000
Forensic Accountant	$300 – $500 per hour
Real Estate Assessor	$400 – $700

Uncontested Divorce in Florida

An uncontested divorce in Florida occurs when both parties agree on all aspects of the divorce, including child custody, visitation, alimony, and property division. It is considered a smoother and faster process compared to a contested divorce, as there’s no need for court hearings or long negotiations between attorneys.

When it comes to the cost of an uncontested divorce in Florida, there are a few factors to consider. If you choose to complete the paperwork yourself and file without a lawyer, the cost can be under $500. This option is suitable for couples who have already reached an agreement on all issues and have a clear understanding of the necessary legal forms.

Another option is to use online help and filing instructions. This can provide additional guidance and support throughout the process. The cost for online services usually ranges from under $500 to around $650, depending on the level of assistance required.

If you choose to hire a lawyer for an uncontested divorce, the cost can be higher, typically ranging from around $3,000 to $5,000. However, having legal representation can provide peace of mind and ensure that all necessary documents are properly prepared and submitted.

Cost Components	Average Cost Range
Completing paperwork yourself and filing without a lawyer	Under $500
Using online help and filing instructions	Under $650
Hiring a lawyer for uncontested divorce	Around $3,000-$5,000

Overall, an uncontested divorce in Florida offers a more streamlined and cost-effective approach compared to a contested divorce. It allows couples to finalize their divorce with less financial strain and can even help preserve personal savings for their future as they move forward.

Contested Divorce in Florida

In a contested divorce in Florida, where the parties cannot agree on one or more issues, the average cost can range from $5,000 to $30,000.

The actual cost may vary depending on factors such as the hourly fee of the lawyer, the length of the proceedings, and the willingness of the spouses to compromise.

Typically, a contested divorce involves more time and resources compared to an uncontested divorce. This is because contested divorces often require additional court hearings, negotiations, and potentially even a trial. These factors can significantly increase the overall cost of the divorce process.

Note that a contested divorce does not necessarily mean that both parties will have to appear in court. In many cases, the divorcing spouses can reach a settlement through mediation or negotiations outside of the courtroom. This can help reduce costs and facilitate a resolution without the need for a lengthy and expensive trial.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Contested Divorce

There are several factors that can influence the cost of a contested divorce in Florida. These may include:

• The complexity of the case: If the divorce involves significant assets, complex financial issues, or disputes over child custody, the legal process may be more involved, leading to higher attorney fees and court costs.
• Attorney fees: Each lawyer sets their own hourly rate, which can vary depending on their level of experience and expertise. The more experienced and renowned the attorney, the higher their fees are likely to be.
• Length of proceedings: The longer the divorce proceedings take, the higher the overall cost is likely to be. This includes time spent on negotiations, court hearings, and any other necessary legal processes.
• Willingness to compromise: If the divorcing spouses are unable or unwilling to come to a mutual agreement on key issues, such as child custody or division of assets, the case is likely to require more court intervention and increase the cost.

It’s a very good idea to hire an experienced divorce lawyer in Florida to guide you through the contested divorce process. They can help protect your rights, negotiate on your behalf, and strive to achieve a fair outcome while minimizing unnecessary expenses.

Factors	Average Cost Range
Complexity of the case	$5,000 – $30,000
Attorney fees	Varies based on hourly rate ($175 – $500 per hour)
Length of proceedings	Varies based on case
Willingness to compromise	Varies based on case

Divorce with Children in Florida

When going through a divorce in Florida and children are involved, there are specific factors that can impact the overall cost. Issues related to child custody, child support, and spousal support can contribute to the complexity and expenses of the divorce process.

Child Custody:

Child custody is a key aspect of a divorce involving children. Judges in Florida make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child. They take into account factors such as their well-being, relationship with parents, and the financial abilities of each parent.

The determination of child custody can involve legal fees, court costs, and potentially the need for a custody evaluator to assess the child’s situation.

Child Support and Spousal Support:

Child support is money meant to help cover a child’s living costs. In Florida, the amount is decided by rules that look at both parents’ incomes, how many kids there are, and if the kids have special needs.

Alimony is money one spouse might get from the other after a divorce if they need help. How much and for how long it’s paid depends on things like how long the marriage lasted, what each spouse earns or can earn, and how they lived during the marriage.

Be sure to consult with a divorce lawyer experienced in handling cases involving children to ensure that your rights and the best interests of your children are protected throughout the divorce process.

They can guide you through the legal requirements, represent your interests in court, and help you navigate the complexities of child custody, child support, and spousal support issues.

Child Custody	Child Support	Spousal Support
Involves legal fees, court costs, and potentially a custody evaluator.	Calculated based on specific guidelines that consider factors such as income and number of children.	Determined based on various factors, including the length of the marriage and financial situation of each spouse.
Focuses on the best interests of the child and their well-being.	Aims to provide financial resources for the child’s care and well-being.	Provides financial assistance to one spouse if they require support after the divorce.

Final Thoughts

Going through a divorce in Florida can be a complex and emotionally challenging process. In addition to the emotional toll, a divorce can also have significant financial consequences.

Understanding the average cost of a divorce and the factors that can affect the overall expenses is helpful for individuals going through a marriage dissolution in Florida.

The average cost of a divorce in Florida can vary depending on various factors, such as the presence of children, the need for alimony, and the complexity of the case. Attorney fees are a major component of the overall cost, with the average hourly rate for attorneys in Florida being $295.

Remember, there are alternative methods available, such as mediation or a DIY divorce, which can help reduce costs.

Mediation can be a cost-effective option for couples who are willing to work together to reach an agreement. In mediation, a neutral third party assists the couple in resolving their disputes and coming to a mutual agreement. This can help save both time and money, as it avoids the need for extensive litigation.

For individuals who prefer to handle their divorce themselves, a DIY divorce is another option. In a DIY divorce, individuals complete and file the necessary paperwork themselves without hiring an attorney.

To get an idea of how the cost of a divorce in Florida compares to other states, check out our articles about the cost of divorce in New Jersey and divorce costs in Alabama.

While this can help save on legal fees, you’ll need a thorough understanding of the divorce process and the specific requirements in Florida to ensure all necessary steps are followed correctly.