How to File for Divorce Without a Lawyer in St. Petersburg, FL

You're sitting near Salvador Dalí Museum at midnight, googling "file for divorce myself Florida." Here's the reality: Florida has expensive filing fees ($409—one of the highest in the state) and a 20-day mandatory waiting period, but if you and your spouse agree on everything, you can handle this yourself.

Total cost: $449-$509. Time: 4-6 weeks if uncontested.

St. Petersburg is an expensive beach city, but DIY divorce still saves you thousands compared to hiring lawyers.

Can You DIY?

About 30% of people who start DIY in Pinellas County finish without hiring a lawyer. That's moderate odds—lower than some places because St. Pete divorces often involve expensive beach property.

DIY works when:

• You've lived in Florida at least 6 months

• You and your spouse agree on everything

• Both willing to cooperate

• Relatively straightforward assets

• No business ownership or complex investments

• You're comfortable with detailed paperwork

DIY doesn't work when:

• Your spouse won't cooperate or disagrees on major issues

• Can't agree on dividing your Old Northeast condo or beach house

• Business ownership (tourism business, restaurant, professional practice)

• Complex assets (rental properties, investments, stock options)

• Big income gap and alimony is disputed

• Any domestic violence (you need legal protection)

• Spouse is hiding money or assets

The reality in St. Petersburg: median home price is $380,000 (expensive), many couples are young professionals with good incomes, and beach property complicates things. If your situation is straightforward—short marriage, renting, minimal assets—DIY works well. If you own waterfront property or have complex finances, consider at least paying a lawyer to review your agreement ($825-$1,350 for 3 hours).

What It Costs

Pinellas County filing fee: $409

This is expensive—one of the highest filing fees in Florida. Only one spouse pays this when filing the Petition for Dissolution.

Pay at Pinellas County Clerk of Court (downtown St. Petersburg location, 315 Court Street). They take cash, checks, money orders, credit/debit cards.

Can't afford it? File Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status. If approved, court waives the fee. You need to show income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines.

Getting your spouse served: $40-$100

Florida requires official service. You cannot serve your spouse yourself.

Your options:

• Pinellas County Sheriff: $40 (most common, reliable, takes 1-2 weeks)

• Private process server: $75-$100 (faster, more flexible)

• Certified mail: $8 (only works if spouse cooperates and signs receipt)

Most people use Pinellas County Sheriff service ($40). It's affordable and reliable.

Total DIY cost: $449-$509

That's expensive for DIY. Compare to:

• Divorce.com: $908-$2,408

• Uncontested lawyer: $2,500-$5,500

• Contested lawyer: $8,000-$20,000+ per person

Even spending 25-30 hours on DIY, you're saving yourself $2,000-$19,500 per person.

The 20-Day Mandatory Waiting Period

Florida requires a 20-day waiting period from the date your spouse is served. You cannot finalize your divorce before 20 days, even if you both agree on everything immediately.

This is relatively short—many states have longer waits (California 6 months, Kansas 60 days). But it's still frustrating if you're ready to move forward.

Timeline for simple uncontested DIY:

• 1-2 weeks: Gather documents, prepare forms

• 1 week: File paperwork

• 1 week: Serve spouse via sheriff

• 20 days: Mandatory waiting period (starts from date of service)

• 1-2 weeks: Final hearing and decree processing

Total: 4-6 weeks if everything goes smoothly and you both agree.

That's fast. Pinellas County's efficient court system helps too.

DIY vs. Divorce.com vs. Lawyer

DIY ($449-$509):

• You do all work yourself

• Download free forms from Florida Courts website

• Fill everything out

• File and manage process

• Best if: Comfortable with detailed paperwork, simple situation

Divorce.com ($908-$2,408):

• Online interview generates your forms

• They prepare all Pinellas County paperwork

• You still file and serve yourself

• You still pay the $409 filing fee separately

• Best if: Need help with forms but agree on everything

Uncontested lawyer ($2,500-$5,500):

• Lawyer does everything

• You just show up when needed

• Best if: Can afford it, want professional handling

Contested lawyer ($8,000-$20,000+):

• Lawyer negotiates for you

• Best if: Spouse disagrees on major issues

Start with DIY. If you get overwhelmed, you can upgrade. The work you've done isn't wasted—lawyers charge less to finish what you started.

Step-by-Step: How to DIY Your Florida Divorce

Step 1: Confirm You Qualify

You or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before filing. One of you needs to swear to this in the Petition.

If you just moved to St. Petersburg, wait until you meet the 6-month requirement.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Before touching any forms, collect everything:

Personal information:

• Marriage certificate (original or certified copy)

• Social Security numbers (both spouses)

• Current addresses

• Employment information

Financial documents:

• Last 3 years tax returns

• Recent pay stubs (both spouses, last 3 months)

• Bank statements (all accounts, last 3 months)

• Investment account statements

• Retirement account statements (401k, IRA, pension)

• Credit card statements (all cards)

• Mortgage statements

• Car loan documents

• Any other debt documentation

Property information:

• Deed to house/condo

• Recent property value (Zillow estimate or appraisal)

• Vehicle titles (all cars)

• List of furniture and personal property (major items)

If you have kids:

• Birth certificates

• School records

• Medical records

• Childcare costs documentation

• Health insurance information

Florida requires extensive financial disclosure. You can't just estimate—you need documentation.

This takes most people 8-15 hours to gather thoroughly. Do it right. Missing documents cause delays.

Step 3: Download Florida Forms

Get forms from Florida Courts website (flcourts.gov) under "Forms" → "Family Law."

For uncontested divorce, you need:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

• Marital Settlement Agreement

• Financial Affidavit (Florida Family Law Form 12.902(b) or (c))

• Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage

• Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure

• Notice of Social Security Number (both spouses)

If you have children:

• Parenting Plan (Florida Family Law Form 12.995)

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet

• Affidavit of Diligent Search (if spouse can't be located)

Florida provides detailed instructions with forms. Read them carefully—they're helpful.

Step 4: Fill Out the Petition for Dissolution

The Petition is your main document. It tells the court:

• Who you are (names, addresses, dates of birth)

• When and where you married

• That you or your spouse has lived in Florida 6+ months

• Whether you have minor children

• What you're asking for (divorce, property division, alimony, custody)

Grounds: Florida is a no-fault state. You simply check the box saying "The marriage is irretrievably broken." That's it. You don't have to prove anyone did anything wrong.

Be accurate. This is a sworn document.

Step 5: Complete Financial Affidavit

Florida requires a detailed Financial Affidavit from each spouse. This is MANDATORY—you can't skip it.

Form 12.902(b): Use if gross income under $50,000/year Form 12.902(c): Use if gross income $50,000+/year

You must list:

• All income sources (employment, investments, rental property, etc.)

• All monthly expenses (housing, food, transportation, insurance, etc.)

• All assets (with current values)

• All debts (with current balances)

Be thorough and honest. Lying on a Financial Affidavit is perjury and can result in serious penalties.

St. Petersburg-specific considerations:

• High property taxes on beach property

• Condo fees ($300-$800/month typical)

• Flood insurance (required for beach properties)

• Property insurance (expensive in Florida)

Step 6: Create Your Marital Settlement Agreement

This is THE most important document. It's your contract with your spouse spelling out:

• How you're dividing the house/condo

• Who gets which vehicles

• How you're dividing retirement accounts (401k, IRA, pensions)

• Who pays which debts

• Alimony (if any)

• Child custody and parenting time (if applicable)

• Child support amount (if applicable)

Be extremely specific. Florida courts want detail.

Don't write: "We'll split the condo fairly."

Write: "Husband shall have sole ownership of the marital condominium located at [address], St. Petersburg, Florida 33701, valued at $525,000 with remaining mortgage of $285,000 (equity $240,000). Wife shall receive an equalization payment of $120,000 (50% of equity) to be paid: $60,000 at closing via refinance, and $60,000 in 24 monthly installments of $2,500 beginning 30 days after Final Judgment."

Florida's equitable distribution: Florida divides marital property "equitably" (fairly), not necessarily 50/50. Property acquired during marriage is marital property. Property owned before marriage or received as inheritance/gift is separate property.

In most St. Petersburg divorces with straightforward assets, 50/50 split is common. But the court can divide differently based on:

• Duration of the marriage

• Economic circumstances of each spouse

• Contribution of each spouse to the marriage (including homemaking)

• Interruption of career or education

• Contribution of one spouse to career/education of the other

• Desirability of retaining certain assets (like marital home)

• Any intentional waste or destruction of assets

Alimony: Florida recognizes several types:

• Bridge-the-gap: Short-term (max 2 years) to transition to single life

• Rehabilitative: Help spouse get education/training to become self-sufficient

• Durational: Set period (can't exceed marriage length) for moderate marriages

• Permanent: Rare, usually only for long marriages (17+ years) or special circumstances

St. Petersburg alimony is common in longer marriages with income disparity. Court considers:

• Standard of living during marriage

• Duration of marriage

• Age and health of both spouses

• Financial resources and earning capacity of each spouse

• Contribution of each spouse to the marriage

• All sources of income

Typical amounts: 25-35% of income gap for moderate marriages.

Step 7: Create Parenting Plan (If Kids)

Florida requires a detailed Parenting Plan if you have minor children.

You must specify:

• Time-sharing schedule: Exactly when kids are with each parent

• Decision-making: Who makes major decisions (medical, educational, religious)

• Communication: How parents will communicate about the children

• Methods for resolving disputes

• Extra-curricular activities and costs

• Technology use and costs

• Health care and costs

Be extremely specific. Florida courts want detail. "Reasonable time-sharing" won't work.

Example: "Mother shall have time-sharing every Monday 3:00 PM through Wednesday 8:00 AM. Father shall have time-sharing Wednesday 8:00 AM through Monday 3:00 PM. Parents shall alternate major holidays. Mother shall have children for Thanksgiving in even years, Father in odd years. Christmas Eve (6:00 PM December 24 through 10:00 AM December 25) with Mother in even years, Father in odd years."

Most people spend 8-15 hours creating a good Parenting Plan. Florida courts review them carefully.

Step 8: Calculate Child Support

Florida has mandatory child support guidelines. Use Florida's Child Support Calculator (available online through Florida Department of Revenue).

You enter:

• Both parents' monthly gross income

• Number of children

• Health insurance costs

• Daycare costs

• Number of overnights each parent has per year

The calculator determines monthly support. The parent with less time-sharing typically pays the parent with more time.

Florida's formula is complex but the calculator does the math. Don't try to calculate by hand—use the official calculator.

In St. Petersburg, where incomes tend to be higher (median household $60k-$70k), support amounts are moderate-high. Someone earning $75,000 with one child pays about $800-$950/month. Someone earning $100,000 with two kids pays about $1,500-$1,800/month.

Step 9: Complete Certificate of Compliance

Florida requires a Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure. This certifies that you've exchanged all required financial documents with your spouse:

• Financial Affidavit

• Tax returns (last 3 years)

• Pay stubs (last 3 months)

• Bank statements

• All documents listed in Florida Family Law Rule 12.285

Both spouses sign this certificate. It goes in your court file.

Step 10: File Your Paperwork

Take your completed forms to Pinellas County Clerk of Court (315 Court Street, downtown St. Petersburg, near the courthouse).

Bring:

• Original Petition and all supporting documents (plus 2 copies—one for court, one for you, one for spouse)

• $409 filing fee (cash, check, money order, or card)

• Photo ID

The clerk will:

• Review for completeness (not accuracy—just checking all blanks are filled)

• Take your $409 fee

• File-stamp your copies

• Give you a case number

• Return copies to you

Filing by mail: You can mail your Petition with a check for $409, but it's slower. In-person is recommended.

Keep your file-stamped copies. You'll need them.

Step 11: Serve Your Spouse

You cannot serve divorce papers yourself. Florida requires service by:

• Pinellas County Sheriff ($40)

• Private process server ($75-$100)

• Certified mail with return receipt (if spouse agrees: $8)

Most people use Pinellas County Sheriff service for reliability and affordability.

The person who serves must complete an Affidavit of Service proving they served your spouse. This gets filed with the court.

Step 12: Wait 20 Days

Florida's mandatory 20-day waiting period starts from the date your spouse is served.

You must wait 20 days before you can finalize the divorce, even if your spouse agrees immediately.

Use this time to:

• Make sure all paperwork is complete

• Prepare for final hearing (if required)

• Organize any remaining financial matters

Step 13: File Final Judgment

After 20 days, if your spouse hasn't objected (or has agreed), you can file the Final Judgment of Dissolution.

The Final Judgment incorporates your Marital Settlement Agreement and Parenting Plan. The judge signs it, making everything official.

Some judges require a brief final hearing (10-15 minutes) even for uncontested cases. Others sign based on paperwork alone. Check Pinellas County local rules.

Step 14: Attend Final Hearing (If Required)

If a hearing is required, dress business casual. Be respectful. The judge will ask:

• Do you both agree to this dissolution?

• Do you understand the Marital Settlement Agreement?

• Is anyone forcing you to agree?

• Is the agreement fair?

Answer honestly. The hearing is brief.

Step 15: Receive Your Final Judgment

After the judge signs the Final Judgment, the court mails certified copies to both spouses.

You're officially divorced as of the date on the Final Judgment.

Save your Final Judgment. You'll need it to:

• Change your name (if reverting to maiden name)

• Update Social Security

• Update driver's license

• Divide retirement accounts (QDRO comes after)

• Refinance house (if applicable)

• Update insurance and benefits

Common St. Petersburg Complications

Expensive condos: Downtown St. Pete condos are $400k-$800k. Even "affordable" condos in North St. Pete are $250k-$350k. High values mean high stakes. Get professional appraisal if you can't agree on value.

Beach property: St. Pete Beach or waterfront property in Old Northeast/Snell Isle—homes are $500k-$2M+. These need accurate valuation and careful division.

Multiple properties: Many St. Pete couples own a rental property or second home. Each needs valuation and division plan.

Tourism businesses: Restaurants, bars, tour companies, vacation rentals—these need business valuation ($5,000-$20,000) if you can't agree.

Raymond James Financial employees: Stock options, RSUs, executive compensation—complex to value and divide. Consider lawyer help.

When to Stop DIY and Hire Help

Stop DIY and hire a lawyer if:

• Your spouse won't cooperate. If they refuse to sign or disagree on major issues—you need help.

• You discover hidden assets or income. If your spouse lied about income, didn't disclose accounts, or is hiding money—hire immediately.

• Beach property disputes. If you own waterfront worth $800k+ and can't agree on division—pay for expert help.

• Business ownership. If either spouse owns a business—pay for proper valuation.

• Domestic violence. If there's been violence or you fear for safety, you need legal protection.

• Your spouse hires a lawyer. If they lawyer up, you should too. Don't face a lawyer alone.

• You're overwhelmed. If you're stressed, confused, making mistakes—hire help. Better to spend $2,500 for uncontested lawyer than mess up a $240,000 property division.

The money you spent on DIY ($449-$509) isn't wasted. Lawyers charge less to finish what you started.

The Bottom Line

DIY divorce in St. Petersburg costs $449-$509 and takes 4-6 weeks if you agree on everything.

Florida's 20-day waiting period is mandatory but relatively short. Pinellas County's court system is efficient.

About 30% of St. Pete DIY filers finish without lawyers. That's decent odds if you're organized, agree on terms, and comfortable with detailed Florida paperwork.

But St. Petersburg's expensive real estate ($380k median home) and beach property complications mean many couples benefit from at least a lawyer review ($825-$1,350 for 3 hours).

You can do this if assets are straightforward and you truly agree. But don't penny-wise, pound-foolish yourself into a $120,000 mistake on beach property division.

Florida provides good court forms and instructions. The Sunshine City's efficient court system is accessible for DIY. Just be thorough, be honest, and get help on the complicated parts.

You'll get through this.