Divorce Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Finding the right divorce lawyer in Jacksonville, Florida can make a major difference in the outcome of your case — especially if you're dealing with custody disputes, significant assets, or high-conflict communication. This guide covers everything you need to know about divorcing in Jacksonville, including attorney costs, local court procedures, residency requirements, and more affordable options for uncontested divorces.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Jacksonville?

You may need a Jacksonville divorce lawyer if your case involves:

• Child custody, visitation, or parental responsibility disputes

• High-conflict communication or refusal to cooperate

• Significant financial assets, retirement accounts, or real estate

• Family-owned businesses or complex asset division

• Domestic violence or need for protective orders

• Disputes over alimony

• Suspected hidden income or property

• A case that may require hearings or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested, meaning you both agree on:

• Parenting schedules and custody

• Child support and alimony

• Property and debt division

• Division of retirement and investments

• Who stays in the marital home

For uncontested cases, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Jacksonville divorce for a significantly lower price than a law firm.

Where to File for Divorce in Jacksonville, FL

Divorce cases in Jacksonville are handled by the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Duval County (and also Clay and Nassau counties).

Primary Filing Location for Jacksonville Residents

Duval County Courthouse
501 W Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 255-2000

This courthouse handles:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Parenting plans and timesharing

• Child support & alimony

• Domestic violence injunctions

• Mediation & case management

• Hearings and trials

Florida allows e-filing through the statewide portal for many family law documents.

Florida Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Jacksonville:

• One spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before filing, AND

• Must file in the county where either spouse resides

Florida allows both no-fault and limited fault-based divorces, but most couples file under “irretrievable breakdown.”

How Divorce Works in Jacksonville, FL

Here’s how the divorce process typically works in Duval County:

1. File the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

Your petition may include details about property, debts, income, and children.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Unless they waive service, formal service must be completed.

3. Parenting Requirements (If You Have Children)

Florida requires:

• A Parenting Course (mandatory for both parents)

• A Parenting Plan

• Timesharing and responsibility schedules

• Mediation if custody is disputed

4. Mandatory Financial Disclosure

Both parties must exchange:

• Florida Financial Affidavit

• Pay stubs & tax returns

• Bank, loan, and credit card statements

• Retirement & investment documentation

5. Mediation or Court Hearings

Uncontested cases may finish quickly.
Contested cases may require:

• Temporary hearings

• Discovery

• Mediation

• Settlement conferences

• Trial

6. Final Judgment of Dissolution

A judge signs the Final Judgment, legally finalizing your divorce.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Jacksonville, FL?

Attorney fees in Jacksonville are generally moderate compared to other large Florida cities.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $250–$450

• Uncontested divorce (with lawyer): $2,000–$4,000

• Contested divorce: $8,000–$20,000+

• High-asset or high-conflict cases: $25,000–$60,000+

Assets like oceanfront property, military pensions, and business ownership often increase costs.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Jacksonville, FL

Here are trusted Jacksonville divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. The Lawrence Law Group, P.A.

https://www.lawrence-law.com

2. Owenby Law, P.A.

https://www.owenbylaw.com

3. The Dorsey Law Firm

https://www.dorseylawjax.com

These firms handle contested and high-conflict cases, mediation, custody litigation, and complex financial matters.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, you may not need a traditional law firm.

Divorce.com offers three affordable flat-fee options:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Florida divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file everything with Duval County Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A specialist helps manage your entire case from start to finish.

These options are ideal for couples seeking a smooth, affordable alternative to attorney-led divorce.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Jacksonville divorce lawyer if:

• You expect a custody battle

• Your spouse refuses to cooperate

• There are domestic violence concerns

• You own a business or multiple properties

• Significant assets or retirement accounts are involved

• One spouse may be hiding income or assets

• The case is likely to go to trial

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Jacksonville Couples

• Florida-specific forms

• Transparent, flat-fee pricing

• Filing service available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Faster and more affordable than law firms

• Ideal for uncontested divorces

Divorce.com simplifies the process so Jacksonville couples can move forward confidently.

Start Your Jacksonville Divorce Today

Whether you choose a lawyer or use an online divorce platform, the most important step is getting started. Divorce.com helps Jacksonville residents complete their divorce quickly, affordably, and with professional support.