If you are considering divorce in Florida, one of your first questions is probably: how much is this going to cost? The answer depends almost entirely on how you approach it — and for many Florida couples, the most affordable and stress-free path is one that most people never even consider: working with a professional document preparer or an online divorce service.
Here is a plain-language breakdown of all three options so you can choose what actually fits your situation.
Why the Path You Choose Matters More Than You Think
The average Florida divorce with a family law attorney costs $11,000 to $14,000 — and that is for a relatively straightforward case. Contested divorces with children, property disputes, or alimony arguments routinely climb to $30,000 or more. Those numbers come from attorney billing rates of $250 to $500 per hour, with retainers typically starting at $2,500 to $5,500.
But here is what many couples in Florida do not realize: if your divorce is uncontested — meaning you and your spouse already agree on the major terms — you almost certainly do not need to pay attorney-level fees to get legally divorced.
TRY OUR ONLINE DIVORCE COST CALCULATOR!
Option 1: Online Divorce Service or Document Preparer
Estimated total cost: $500 – $1,200
*(filing fees + document preparation)*
For couples with an uncontested divorce or those who qualify for a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage, using a professional document preparation service or a reputable online divorce platform is the most practical, affordable, and time-efficient route available.
What a Document Preparer Does for You
A licensed Florida legal document preparer (also called a paralegal or document preparation specialist) is not an attorney, but that is actually fine for uncontested cases — because no legal advocacy is needed. What you do need is accurate, court-compliant paperwork. That is exactly what a document preparer provides.
A quality document preparation service will:
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Complete all required Florida Supreme Court-approved forms
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Prepare your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or Petition for Simplified Dissolution (Form 12.901(a))
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Draft your Marital Settlement Agreement
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Prepare required Financial Affidavits from both spouses
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Notarize your documents on-site at no additional charge (saving you $40–$75)
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Provide step-by-step instructions for filing at your county courthouse
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Help you apply for a filing fee waiver if you qualify
Document preparation fees for a Florida uncontested divorce typically run $299 to $750 without children and $750 to $1,250 with children, depending on complexity. Mandatory court filing fees add approximately $400–$410 in most Florida counties (Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach charge $409; other counties range from $397 to $410).
Your realistic all-in cost: roughly $700 to $1,600, depending on your county and whether you have children — a fraction of what an attorney charges for the same outcome.
Online Divorce Platforms
Several reputable online services such as OnlineDivorce.com offer Florida-specific document packages starting around $199, delivering completed court-ready forms within 1–2 business days. These work well for very simple, no-children, no-property cases where both spouses are cooperative and tech-comfortable.
The advantage of a local Florida document preparer over a generic online platform: a human being reviews your specific situation, catches errors before you file, notarizes your documents in person, and can answer questions about your county's specific filing requirements. Mistakes on self-filed paperwork can result in costly delays or having your case rejected and refiled.
Who This Path Is Ideal For
You are a strong candidate for a document preparer or online service if:
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You and your spouse agree on all terms of the divorce
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You have no minor children together (or you have agreed on a parenting plan)
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Neither spouse is seeking alimony
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Your assets and debts are straightforward and already agreed upon
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At least one spouse has lived in Florida for six months prior to filing
This describes a large majority of Florida divorces — particularly among couples in shorter marriages, younger couples, or those without significant shared assets.
Option 2: Pure DIY (Do It Yourself)
Estimated total cost: $400 – $800
It is technically possible to complete your own Florida divorce paperwork entirely without outside help. Florida courts provide free forms online through the Florida Courts Self-Help Center, and many county courthouses offer self-help desks.
The honest reality: DIY divorce sounds like the cheapest option, but it carries real risk. Florida divorce law has specific procedural requirements — from proper service of process to the correct financial affidavit format — and errors frequently result in rejected filings, required amendments, or court dates being pushed back weeks.
Common DIY pitfalls include:
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Filing the wrong petition type (simplified vs. regular uncontested)
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Incomplete or inconsistent Financial Affidavits
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Improperly drafted Marital Settlement Agreements that courts will not accept
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Missing notarization or witness requirements
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Errors in proposed Final Judgment language
For most people, the small additional cost of a document preparer — who ensures accuracy, handles notarization, and walks you through the process — is worth every dollar compared to the risk of mistakes that need a lawyer to fix.
If you are highly detail-oriented, have zero assets or property to divide, have no children, and are comfortable reading Florida family law court rules, DIY may work. For everyone else, a document preparer is the smarter move at minimal extra cost.
Option 3: Family Law Attorney
Estimated total cost: $2,500 – $50,000+
Retaining a family law attorney makes clear sense in certain situations:
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Your divorce is contested — meaning you and your spouse disagree on significant terms
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There are minor children and disputes over custody, timesharing, or child support
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Alimony is a significant factor
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There are complex, high-value assets (businesses, retirement accounts, real estate portfolios)
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Domestic violence or safety concerns are present
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There is a significant imbalance of financial information or leverage between spouses
In these situations, an attorney is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Florida family law attorneys typically charge $250 to $500 per hour, with most uncontested attorney-handled cases totaling $2,500 to $5,000 and contested cases routinely reaching $10,000 to $30,000+.
For a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage with no complications, paying an attorney $2,500+ to complete paperwork that a document preparer handles for $500–$750 simply does not make financial sense — unless you genuinely have questions about your legal rights that require qualified legal advice.
Florida Simplified Dissolution of Marriage: The Fast Track
If you qualify, the Simplified Dissolution of Marriage is the most streamlined divorce process available in Florida under Florida Statutes § 61.052(2).
You qualify if:
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Both spouses agree the marriage is irretrievably broken
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No minor or dependent children (and no current pregnancy)
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Both spouses agree on division of all property and debts
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Neither spouse is seeking alimony
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At least one spouse has been a Florida resident for six months
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Both spouses waive their right to trial or appeal
The process involves filing a joint petition together, paying the filing fee (~$409), and attending one brief hearing before a judge. When everything is in order, the judge signs the Final Judgment and your divorce is final immediately — no waiting period.
A professional document preparer can have your Simplified Dissolution paperwork completed, notarized, and ready to file in as little as one to two business days.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
PathDocument PrepFiling FeesApproximate TotalDocument Preparer (no children)$299 – $750$400 – $410$600 – $1,200Document Preparer (with children)$750 – $1,250$400 – $410$1,150 – $1,700Online Service (basic)$199 – $399$400 – $410$600 – $810Pure DIY$0$400 – $410$400 – $810Flat-Fee Attorney (uncontested)—$400 – $410$1,395 – $5,400Hourly Attorney (contested)—$400 – $410$10,000 – $50,000+
The Bottom Line
For the majority of Florida couples with an uncontested or simplified divorce, the choice is straightforward: a professional document preparer gives you accuracy, guidance, included notarization, and peace of mind at a fraction of attorney cost. You avoid the risk of DIY errors while keeping your total cost well under $1,500 in most cases.
An attorney becomes the right choice when your divorce involves genuine disputes, complex finances, or minor children without agreement on custody terms. For everything else, you are paying for something you simply do not need.
Have questions about your Florida divorce paperwork? Florida Mobile Notary & Legal Docs provides professional legal document preparation across Florida — including mobile notary services so we come to you. Contact us to find out how we can help you move forward.
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