Miami-Dade County Divorce Lawyer: Complete Local Guide (2026)

Divorce in Miami-Dade County: Your Complete Local Guide

Quick Answer: Divorce filing fees in Miami-Dade County are $409 plus a $10 summons fee. The process typically takes 6-8 weeks for uncontested divorces and 8-18 months for contested cases due to the county's busy court docket.

If you're filing for divorce in Miami-Dade County, you need to understand the local procedures, costs, and resources specific to Florida's largest county.

Miami-Dade County Divorce Filing Fees (2026)

Where to File: Miami-Dade Family Court

Location:

Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center

175 NW 1st Avenue

Miami, FL 33128

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Family Law Self-Help Program:

• Room 175, Ground Floor
• Phone: (305) 349-5775
• Provides assistance to self-represented litigants

E-Filing Requirement: Miami-Dade requires electronic filing through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Paper filing is only available in limited circumstances.

Miami-Dade Specific Requirements

Mandatory Financial Disclosures

Within 45 days of service, both parties must exchange:

• Financial Affidavit (Form 12.902(b) or (c))
• Tax returns (3 years)
• Pay stubs (3 months)
• Bank statements (3 months)
• Retirement account statements

Mediation Requirement

Miami-Dade County requires mediation before any contested matter can be set for trial.

Mediation Costs:

• Court-appointed mediator: $120/hour (split between parties)
• Private mediator: $300-$600/hour

Parenting Course

If you have minor children, both parents must complete the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course before the divorce can be finalized.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Cost: $25-$40
• Available online through court-approved providers

Miami-Dade Divorce Timeline

Why Miami-Dade Takes Longer: Miami-Dade's family court docket is one of the busiest in Florida. Contested cases may wait months for trial dates.

Miami-Dade Divorce Attorney Costs

Unique Considerations for Miami-Dade Divorces

International Assets

Miami's international character means many divorces involve:

• Foreign bank accounts
• Property in other countries (especially Latin America)
• Income from international businesses
• Currency exchange considerations

Bilingual Proceedings

Miami-Dade courts are accustomed to bilingual proceedings. Spanish interpreters are available, and many attorneys practice in both English and Spanish.

High-Value Real Estate

With Miami's expensive real estate market, property division often involves:

• Primary residences worth $500,000+
• Condos with complex association rules
• Investment properties
• Properties purchased during real estate fluctuations

Local Resources in Miami-Dade County

Legal Aid:

• Legal Services of Greater Miami: (305) 576-0080
• Income restrictions apply

Domestic Violence Resources:

• Miami-Dade Advocate Program: (305) 349-6255
• Safespace Foundation: (305) 247-4249

Court Self-Help:

• Family Court Self-Help Center: (305) 349-5775
• Website: miami-dadeclerk.com

Areas Served in Miami-Dade County

We represent clients throughout Miami-Dade County:

• Miami (all neighborhoods)
• Miami Beach
• Coral Gables
• Hialeah
• Homestead
• Kendall
• Doral
• Aventura
• Key Biscayne
• Cutler Bay
• All other Miami-Dade municipalities

Frequently Asked Questions: Miami-Dade Divorce

Q: Can I file for divorce in Miami-Dade if I just moved here?

A: At least one spouse must have been a Florida resident for 6 months before filing.

Q: How do I serve my spouse if they're in another country?

A: International service requires following the Hague Convention procedures, which can take 2-4 months.

Q: Is mediation really required?

A: Yes, for contested cases. But many cases settle at mediation, avoiding lengthy trial delays.

Q: Can I get emergency custody orders?

A: Yes, if there's immediate danger to children. Emergency motions are heard quickly.

Why Miami-Dade Residents Choose AI-Powered Divorce

• Local Knowledge: We understand Miami-Dade's courts and procedures
• Technology Advantage: Victoria AI OS handles complex financial situations efficiently
• Flat-Fee Pricing: No "Miami premium" pricing—just fair, transparent fees
• Bilingual Support: We serve English and Spanish-speaking clients

Schedule Your Miami-Dade Strategy Session

Schedule a $125 Strategy Session to discuss your Miami-Dade divorce. We'll explain local procedures, assess your situation, and provide a clear cost estimate.