Florida’s divorce laws apply statewide, but the practical details like where to file, what the courthouse expects, and how long things take locally can vary by county. If you live in Palm Beach County or your last shared marital residence was here, this is your local guide to filing for divorce in the 15th Judicial Circuit.
The base filing fee for a dissolution of marriage in Palm Beach County is $409. If you are filing a simplified dissolution, both spouses must appear together in person at the clerk’s office with a valid Florida photo ID and proof that at least one party has lived in Florida for six months. You’ll also need your marriage certificate and a signed property settlement agreement. For regular dissolutions, the petitioner files the petition and arranges for the respondent to be served—either through the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (approximately $40 per defendant) or a private process server. The respondent has 20 calendar days to file a response.
If your divorce involves minor children, Palm Beach County requires both parties to separately complete a Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course from a state-approved provider. Each party is responsible for the course fee and must file a Certificate of Attendance with the court. Additionally, in contested cases, the 15th Judicial Circuit requires mediation before a case can proceed to trial. Mediation gives both sides an opportunity to reach a resolution with the help of a neutral mediator, often resulting in a faster and less expensive outcome than litigation.
Florida law requires a minimum 20-day waiting period between filing and finalization, but actual timelines depend on the complexity of the case. Uncontested divorces in Palm Beach County—where both parties agree on all terms—can typically be finalized in about five to eight weeks. Contested divorces, where there are disputes over property, custody, or support, go through discovery, mandatory mediation, and potentially trial, which can extend the process to six months or longer. Simplified dissolutions, when both parties qualify and appear together, can be finalized at the earliest date the court’s schedule allows after filing.
Whether your divorce is straightforward or involves complex property, custody, or alimony issues, having an attorney who knows the 15th Judicial Circuit makes a difference. At Borell Law, our family law attorneys represent clients throughout Palm Beach County, from West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Delray Beach to Wellington, Jupiter, and Royal Palm Beach.
This is general information, not legal advice. Every case is unique; consult your Florida family law attorney before taking action.
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