How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Tampa — Step by Step

1. Meet Florida’s Residency Requirement

Before filing for divorce in Hillsborough County, at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for:

• 6 months

You can show proof using a Florida driver’s license, ID card, voter registration, or a sworn witness affidavit.

2. Choose the Right Type of DIY Divorce in Florida

Florida offers two main options:

Simplified Dissolution of Marriage

Choose this if:

• No minor children

• No pregnancy

• No alimony requested

• You agree on everything

• Both spouses will sign and attend the final hearing

This is the fastest and simplest option.

Regular Uncontested Divorce

Choose this if:

• You have minor children

• Alimony is requested

• You still agree on all major issues

The process requires more forms but is still manageable without a lawyer.

3. Gather the Required Florida Divorce Forms

Common Florida Forms

You may need:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

• Marital Settlement Agreement

• Family Law Financial Affidavit

• Notice of Social Security Number

• UCCJEA Affidavit (if children)

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet

• Final Judgment

• Summons (if spouse must be served)

Hillsborough County Requirements

Hillsborough County may also require:

• Additional local cover sheets

• Sheriff service forms

• Notarized signatures on certain documents

Divorce.com automatically assembles all state + county forms for your specific situation.

4. File Your Divorce Forms in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County Clerk of Court — Family Law Division
800 E. Twiggs St.
Tampa, FL 33602

You can file:

• In person

• By mail

• Electronically via Florida e-Filing Portal

Filing Fee

• Approximately $408–$410

• Additional fees for summons issuance and certified copies

Fee waivers may be available if you qualify.

5. Serve Your Spouse (Unless Filing a Simplified Divorce)

For a regular uncontested divorce, you must formally serve your spouse unless they sign:

• Answer and Waiver, or

• Acknowledgment of Service

Service options include:

• Hillsborough County Sheriff

• Licensed process server

• Certified mail (in limited cases)

File your Proof of Service afterward.

6. Complete Mandatory Financial Disclosures

Florida requires both spouses to exchange financial documents, including:

• Income information

• Tax returns

• Assets and debts

• Bank statements

• Child-related expenses

A Financial Affidavit must be filed with the court.

7. Prepare Your Marital Settlement Agreement

Your agreement must cover:

• Property division

• Debts and liabilities

• Child custody and visitation (timesharing)

• Child support

• Alimony

• Health insurance and childcare provisions

A well-prepared agreement speeds up your final hearing and reduces court questions.

Divorce.com guides you through building a complete, court-ready agreement.

8. Attend Your Final Divorce Hearing

Most uncontested divorces in Tampa require a short hearing.

Bring:

• Photo ID

• Your signed Marital Settlement Agreement

• Final judgment forms

• Child support documents (if applicable)

If the judge approves your agreement and paperwork, your divorce becomes final.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Tampa?

Typical timelines:

• 30–90 days for most uncontested cases

• 1–2 months for simplified dissolution

• Longer if paperwork is incomplete or the court is backed up

Hillsborough County is generally efficient with uncontested divorces, especially when forms are correct.

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

Typical DIY divorce costs:

• $408–$410 filing fee

• $0–$100 for service of process

• $0 if preparing forms yourself

• $499–$1999 using Divorce.com for forms + agreement prep

Hiring a divorce attorney in Tampa typically costs $10,000–$20,000+, making DIY divorce a highly cost-effective option.

When You Should Still Consider Hiring a Lawyer

Even in Tampa, a DIY divorce may not fit every situation.

Consider hiring a lawyer if:

• Domestic violence is involved

• A spouse hides assets or income

• You own complex property (business, investments, multiple homes)

• Custody or timesharing is high-conflict

• Spousal support is disputed

• One spouse refuses to cooperate

For low-conflict cases, most couples can complete the entire process without an attorney.

Why Tampa Couples Use Divorce.com

Divorce.com helps simplify your Florida divorce by:

• Preparing all necessary Florida + Hillsborough County forms

• Creating a court-ready Marital Settlement Agreement

• Offering step-by-step guidance

• Reducing filing errors

• Providing optional attorney support if needed

It’s the easiest and most affordable way to complete a Tampa divorce without a lawyer.

Final Thoughts

Divorcing without a lawyer in Tampa is fully achievable — and often the fastest and most cost-effective path for couples who agree on major issues. With the right forms, clear instructions, and guided support, you can confidently complete your Hillsborough County divorce from start to finish.

Divorce.com offers everything you need to file and finalize your Florida divorce efficiently and affordably.