Divorce is rife with challenges, and many don’t anticipate the proceeding’s prospective financial strain. You are not only transitioning from two potential incomes to one, but also paying filing fees and possibly alimony. If you need to end your marriage, understanding what it may cost will help you prepare—and, ultimately, do what’s best for you and your loved ones.
4 Factors That Influence the Cost of Your Divorce
Unfortunately, what people pay for divorce varies greatly, even within the state of Florida. Here are 4 factors that may influence the cost of your divorce:
- The type of divorce you pursue. Uncontested divorces are less expensive than contested divorces because they generally avoid court procedures. Simplified divorces are an expedited and more cost-effective option. More information on simplified divorces below.
- Where you file for divorce. Fees for the proceeding vary depending on the court, jurisdiction, or county through which you are filing. In Miami-Dade County, the fee to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is $409. Typically, you must live in a county for a certain amount of time before filing through its court system.
- Whether you have children with your spouse. Costs typically increase when children are involved in a divorce proceeding because you must establish custody, visitation rights, and child-support.
- Marital assets. The more assets or expenses you and your spouse share, the more time (and fees) you may need to spend dividing them.
Be prepared to pay for miscellaneous divorce expenses as well, such as document processing or copies of public records. These fees tend to add up quickly.
Do You and Your Spouse Qualify for a Simplified Divorce?
Simplified divorce is the preferred option for many couples because it saves both time and money. However, Florida has strict stipulations for applicants. Generally speaking, simplified divorce is designed for couples who are ending their relationship more amicably—they come to agreements without the aid of an attorney or trial. You may qualify to file a Petition for a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage if you and your spouse:
- Have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before filing
- Both agree that the marriage is irreparable
- Have no children
- Are working out property division on your own
- Both forego the right to a trial, an appeal, and alimony
- Both sign the petition at the clerk’s office
- Both attend the final hearing together
You and your spouse must meet all of these prerequisites to be considered.
Let Our Attorney Help You Estimate the Cost of Your Divorce
For more information, you can research costs of divorce procedures in your specific county. With this extensive list of variables, however, a skilled attorney may be incredibly helpful in determining a more accurate total cost. If you have a better idea of what you will need to pay, you can prepare ahead of time. With more than a decade of experience, Beatriz Zyne, P.A. is ready to help you estimate the cost of your divorce.
Attorney Zyne provides compassionate legal support and aggressive litigation tactics for clients in Miami and beyond. Schedule a consultation or call (305) 876-6138 to get started today.
