Family & Divorce Lawyers near me in Orange County, FL

At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing a petition for dissolution of marriage. Proof is typically a Florida driver's license, ID card, voter registration, or testimony from someone who knows the resident. If you recently moved to Orange County from another state, talk to a lawyer about timing.

Florida requires at least 20 days between filing the petition and a final judgment. Uncontested cases with a full agreement can finish within a couple of months, while contested cases involving children, businesses or alimony often take much longer, depending on discovery, mediation, and court schedules in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

Cost depends mostly on how contested the case is. Many family lawyers bill hourly against a retainer, while some offer flat fees for uncontested divorces. Expert fees, such as for business valuations or custody evaluations, add to the total. Ask for a written fee agreement and regular billing statements.

Yes. In Florida divorces involving minor children, both parents must complete a state-approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization course before the final judgment. The court will also require a parenting plan that covers time-sharing and decision-making. Your lawyer can point you to approved course providers.

It is a faster process for couples who agree the marriage is over, have no minor or dependent children, the wife is not pregnant, neither seeks alimony, and they have already divided their property and debts. Both spouses must appear in court together. If you don't qualify, a regular dissolution is required.