By: Brusca Law
How much does a divorce cost in Orlando, Florida?
The costs associated with filing for divorce are called “filing fees”. The reason they are called “filing fees” is because they are the fees used to file your case with the appropriate Clerk of Court in your area. Filing fees are set by Florida Statute and can change from year to year and from county to county. The current filing fees for a divorce are $408.00 and an additional $10.00 for the summons. The summons is a document that directs either a process server (someone who literally hands the divorce papers to your spouse) or a sheriff to deliver the divorce papers to your spouse. In Florida we allow certified process servers and the Sheriffs to deliver divorce papers to your spouse.
As a good rule of thumb, you should have approximately $500.00 available when you are ready to file for divorce. Although the filing fees and charges for the summons are standard, each county may have different requirements for the fees needed upfront to file and there are additional fees charged when paying by credit card. Typically the fees are approximately $421 and then you will need additional monies to pay the process server or sheriff to serve the documents on your spouse.
More Information About Divorce Filing Fees Can Be Found Here:
What is the cheapest way to get a divorce in Florida?
As a divorce attorney, I have a different perspective on this question. If you and your spouse are able to agree to settlement and do not have the means for an attorney, then an uncontested dissolution of marriage may the cheapest way to get a divorce in Florida. Several things must happen in this scenario—you must feel comfortable that you know about all of the assets and debts in your spouse’s possession and you literally cannot afford to have an attorney review your proposed settlement agreement.
Even with an uncontested dissolution of marriage, you can generally cannot afford NOT to have an attorney review your proposed paperwork. The attorneys in this area generally charge a flat fee to review the paperwork, assist you in filing the necessary paperwork, and help you at the final hearing. I have seen instances where the parties did not want to get attorneys involved and they did not fill out the paperwork completely or accurately and they were faced with a mess months down the road when problems arose.
How do I file for divorce in Orlando, Florida?
Attorneys are typically already pre-registered through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Their address is: www.myflcourtaccess.com. To registered as a new user, click on this link. Once you are registered with the E-Filing Portal, you can receive, file, and monitor the documents filed in your court case. We always recommend that you monitor your emails at least twice a day when you are going through a divorce.
How long do you have to be separated in Florida to get a divorce?
Unlike many other states, Florida does not have a requirement that the parties “legally separate” before they file for divorce. You can file for divorce (also called filing for dissolution of marriage) when you or your spouse has resided in Florida for at least six months prior to filing for divorce.
How long does divorce take in Florida?
The amount of time it takes to get a divorce in Florida can vary widely, and it is important to know this if you are on a deadline. Orange county can take 4 to 5 weeks to process an uncontested dissolution of marriage, while Seminole county might be able to finalize your uncontested dissolution of marriage case within a week. The amount of time it takes depends on the county, the Judge your case is assigned to, and it depends on the time of the year you are trying to get a divorce. Also, if you have attorneys representing you and your spouse, it may take longer depending on the availability of the attorneys. Knowing the reasons for the delay ahead of time might help you process your frustration if and when your hearing takes longer than anticipated.
Orlando Divorce Attorney Lauren Roderick Brusca Can Help
Brusca Law can help you navigate the complicated process of divorce in an efficient and cost effective way that meets your needs. Learn more about the divorce process by contacting Lauren Roderick Brusca at 407-501-6564 for your free consultation. We look forward to learning more about your legal needs and how we can bring back your balance.