How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL (2025 Guide)

You can get divorced without a lawyer in Jacksonville—especially if your case is uncontested and both spouses agree on all major issues. Florida law allows self-represented (pro se) divorces, and Duval County handles thousands of no-lawyer divorce cases every year.

This step-by-step guide explains how to divorce without an attorney in Jacksonville, including required forms, filing fees, timelines, and how to avoid mistakes that delay your divorce.

Can You Get Divorced Without a Lawyer in Jacksonville?

Yes. Florida allows spouses to represent themselves in court. A no-lawyer divorce works best when your case is uncontested, meaning you and your spouse agree on:

• Property and debt division

• Parenting time & parental responsibility

• Child support

• Alimony (or waiver)

• Insurance and tax arrangements

If you disagree on any issue, mediation is often the fastest and most affordable way to resolve disputes while avoiding attorneys.

Which Type of Florida Divorce Should You Choose?

Florida offers two main attorney-free divorce options:

✔ Simplified Dissolution of Marriage

Fastest + easiest

• No children under 18

• No pregnancy

• No alimony requests

• Full agreement on all issues

• Both spouses must attend the final hearing

Perfect for simple cases.

✔ Regular Uncontested Divorce (No Children or With Children)

• Works for couples with or without children

• Only one spouse must attend the final hearing

• Still affordable and attorney-free

• Most Jacksonville couples use this option

Divorce.com™ prepares all required Florida + Duval County forms automatically.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Jacksonville: Step-by-Step

1. Make Sure You Meet Florida’s Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Jacksonville, one spouse must have:

• Lived in Florida for 6+ months before filing

• Reside in Duval County (or immediate surrounding counties—Clay, Nassau—depending on filing location)

Proof can include a Florida ID, driver’s license, or affidavit.

2. Complete the Required Florida Divorce Forms

Forms depend on whether:

• You have children

• You are seeking a simplified dissolution

• Both spouses agree to sign together

Common Jacksonville Divorce Forms Include:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

• Family Law Financial Affidavit

• Marital Settlement Agreement

• Notice of Social Security Number

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (if children)

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet

• Affidavit of Corroborating Witness (for residency)

• Final Judgment of Dissolution

• Cover Sheet for Family Court Cases

Divorce.com™ automatically selects the right set based on your answers.

3. File Your Divorce Forms With the Duval County Clerk of Courts

Jacksonville divorces are filed with:

Duval County Clerk of Courts – Family Law Division
501 W. Adams St., Jacksonville, FL

You may file:

• In person, or

• Online using Florida’s statewide e-filing portal

Filing Fee (2025):

• ~$408 for dissolution

• Extra fees apply for summons + service

Fee waivers are available for qualifying residents.

4. Serve Your Spouse (Unless Using Simplified Dissolution)

If filing a standard uncontested divorce (not simplified):

• Your spouse must be formally served
  OR

• They may sign an Acceptance and Waiver of Service in front of a notary

Service options include:

• Sheriff (Duval County): ~$40

• Private process server: $50–$100

5. Complete Mandatory Financial Disclosures

Florida requires full financial disclosure, including:

• Income

• Bank accounts

• Retirement accounts

• Property

• Credit card debt

• Loans

Both spouses must exchange forms—this step cannot be skipped unless filing simplified dissolution.

6. Prepare and Sign Your Settlement Agreement

This legally binding agreement covers:

• Assets & debts

• Alimony

• Parenting plan

• Child support

• Healthcare & insurance

• Tax matters

Both spouses must sign before finalizing.

7. Attend the Final Divorce Hearing

For Jacksonville cases:

• Simplified dissolution: both spouses attend

• Regular uncontested divorce: only the petitioner usually attends

Hearings are typically brief (5–10 minutes).
A judge reviews your documents and signs your Final Judgment of Dissolution, making your divorce official.

How Long Does a DIY Divorce Take in Jacksonville?

Typical timelines:

• Simplified divorce: 30–45 days

• Regular uncontested divorce: 60–120 days

• Contested divorce: 6–18+ months

Uncontested cases move quickly if all forms are accurate.

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Jacksonville?

DIY Self-Represented Divorce

• Filing fee: ~$408

• Service: $40–$100

• Notary fees: $10–$25

Online Divorce Service

• $499–$999

• Faster and more accurate than navigating forms alone

Attorney-Led Divorce

Jacksonville divorce lawyers typically charge:

• $275–$450/hour

• Uncontested: $3,500–$7,000+

• Contested: $10,000–$30,000+

DIY or online filing is the most affordable option for low-conflict couples.

Benefits of Divorcing Without a Lawyer in Jacksonville

✔ Save thousands in attorney fees

✔ Faster than litigation

✔ Good for simple or uncontested cases

✔ Online tools make paperwork easy

✔ Final hearing is short and straightforward

Common DIY Divorce Mistakes to Avoid

• Not using Duval County–approved forms

• Incorrect service of process

• Missing financial disclosure forms

• Mistakes in the parenting plan

• Filing wrong version of the Final Judgment

• Forgetting mandatory child support guidelines

Divorce.com™ prevents these issues by preparing accurate, court-approved paperwork.

Get Help Filing Your Jacksonville Divorce Without a Lawyer

Divorce.com™ helps Jacksonville residents complete uncontested divorces quickly, accurately, and affordably.

Why Jacksonville couples choose Divorce.com™:

• 100% compliant Florida + Duval County forms

• Guided online questionnaire

• Optional attorney review

• Flat-fee pricing

• Easy step-by-step instructions

Start your divorce today and avoid delays, court rejections, or expensive attorney fees.