How Much Does a Divorce Cost? How Long Does It Take?

Wondering how much your divorce will cost or how long it will take? In Florida, the cost depends on whether your divorce is uncontested or contested. An uncontested divorce can be as little as $408 if you handle everything yourself, while a contested divorce, especially one that goes to trial can run into the tens of thousands. The more you and your spouse can agree on, the faster and more affordable the process will be. Working with an attorney early on can help you save money and avoid unnecessary delays.

Understanding the Cost and Timeline of Divorce: What You Need to Know

If you are considering divorce in Florida, one of your first questions is probably: “How much is this going to cost?” The second is likely: “How long will it take?” The answers depend on your situation, especially whether your divorce is uncontested or contested—and how much support you need along the way.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce: What is the Difference?

Your divorce process starts with figuring out whether your case is uncontested or contested.

• In an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse agree on everything, property division, debt, child custody, support, parenting time, and more.
• A contested divorce means you disagree on one or more of those issues and need help to resolve those issues.

Uncontested divorces are typically faster, simpler, and more affordable, while contested divorces often involve more time, more stress, and higher costs.

What Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost?

If you and your spouse agree on everything and are comfortable handling paperwork yourselves, the only required expense is the court filing fee, which is currently $408 in Central Florida.

But many people choose to work with an attorney to make sure nothing gets overlooked. If you don’t need full representation, you might opt for limited-scope services, for legal consultations, document reviews, or help drafting agreements. These services usually range from $1,500 to $2,500 and give you professional support without committing to the full cost of litigation.

Why Do Contested Divorces Cost More?

Once your divorce becomes contested, especially if there are complex financial issues, businesses involved, or custody disagreements, costs start to rise. You may need multiple court hearings, discovery (the process of exchanging financial information), and extended legal representation.

In high-conflict or high-asset cases, legal fees can easily exceed $12,000 to $50,000 or more. In some extreme situations, divorces may reach $100,000+, especially if they go to trial.

The general rule is simple: The more you fight, the more you spend.

How Long Will It Take to Finalize the Divorce?

• If your divorce is uncontested, and all paperwork is filed correctly, you could be legally divorced in as little as 21 days after filing.
• If you are using Collaborative Divorce or Mediation, timelines vary based on how quickly you and your spouse reach an agreement, but many couples resolve things within a few months.
• For contested cases, especially those going through the full court process, expect it to take 9 to 18 months, sometimes longer, depending on how busy the local courts are and how many issues remain unresolved.

Planning for a Smoother Divorce

Divorce is emotional, but it does not have to be financially draining or drawn out. If you can focus on cooperation, even during difficult conversations, you will save time, money, and stress.

Here are a few tips:

• Talk with a family law attorney early, even if you are not ready to file
• Consider limited-scope or collaborative services if you want support but do not need full litigation
• Be realistic about timelines and costs based on your situation
• Keep communication open with your spouse if possible. It is the best way to stay in control of the process

FAQs

Q1: Is it cheaper to file for divorce without an attorney?
Yes, if your case is truly uncontested, and you are confident handling all documents yourself, you could complete your divorce for just the filing fee. But even simple cases benefit from legal review.

Q2: What is limited-scope representation?
Limited-scope services allow you to hire a lawyer for specific tasks, like reviewing documents or helping with strategy without committing to full legal representation.

Q3: What makes a divorce take longer?
Disagreements over finances, custody, or property division can significantly delay the process especially if the case ends up in court. Choosing Mediation or Collaborative Divorce will help avoid these delays.

About Zaneta Matthews
Zaneta Matthews is a family law attorney based in Orlando, Florida. She helps clients to divorce with clarity, compassion, and a practical focus on resolution. As a member of Collaborative Divorce Central Florida and the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Zaneta offers peaceful alternatives to traditional divorce litigation.

📞 Ready to talk about your divorce options? Call Zaneta Matthews at (407) 630-8959 to schedule a consultation.