Quick answer: The Miami-Dade filing fee is about $409. An uncontested divorce with an attorney typically costs $1,500–$3,500 total. A contested divorce runs $5,000–$30,000+, depending on conflict and complexity. The single biggest factor is how much you and your spouse agree on.
"How much will this cost?" is the first question nearly every client asks us — and it deserves a straight answer. Below is a realistic breakdown of divorce costs in Miami-Dade in 2026, what drives the price up, and the strategies we use to keep our clients' costs down.
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Miami-Dade filing fee (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage) | ~$409 |
| Service of process (sheriff or private server) | $40 – $100 |
| Simplified dissolution (no children, full agreement, no lawyer) | $409 – $600 total |
| Uncontested divorce with attorney (flat fee) | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Contested divorce (hourly billing) | $5,000 – $30,000+ |
| Mediation (cost usually split between spouses) | $100 – $300/hour |
* Estimated ranges based on typical Miami-Dade cases. Your free consultation includes a concrete estimate for your specific situation.
If you and your spouse agree on property division, alimony, and — if you have children — a parenting plan and support, your divorce can be completed quickly for a predictable flat fee. Our uncontested divorce clients often finalize in four to six weeks.
Contested cases are different: discovery, expert witnesses, custody evaluations, and trial preparation all bill by the hour. The more issues in dispute, the higher the total. Even contested cases usually settle in mediation — and settling early is where the real savings are.
Agreement is the cheapest strategy in divorce. Every issue resolved between you and your spouse is an issue you don't pay lawyers to fight over.
Cases with children require a parenting plan and child support calculation. A custody dispute adds evaluations and hearings — and significant cost.
Real estate, retirement accounts, and family businesses may need appraisals or forensic accountants, which add expert fees on top of attorney time.
Fights over spousal support mean financial analysis and negotiation, especially in longer marriages with a large income gap.
If one spouse conceals income or accounts, discovery takes longer. An experienced attorney knows how to trace assets efficiently instead of billing endless hours.
Uncontested cases close in weeks; contested ones can run six months to over a year. Every extra month is more billable time.
1. Settle what you can before filing. Talk through the big items with your spouse first. If you're already in agreement, ask about our flat-fee uncontested option.
2. Use mediation strategically. Miami-Dade requires mediation in most family cases anyway. Arrive prepared with concrete proposals and you'll resolve more in fewer sessions.
3. Organize your financial documents early. Bank statements, tax returns, property titles, pay stubs. Every hour your attorney doesn't spend chasing paperwork is money saved.
4. Pick your battles. Litigating over furniture or principle costs more than the items are worth. Focus on what matters: your children, your home, and your financial future.
5. Start with a free consultation. Know your real cost scenario before spending a dollar. Call (786) 671-4878 or read our step-by-step guide to the divorce process in Miami.
A Miami divorce can cost as little as the ~$409 filing fee or as much as a car — the difference is almost entirely about conflict. The fastest way to control cost is a clear strategy from day one. Our family law attorneys will tell you exactly what your case should cost and the cheapest path to get it done right.
Get a concrete estimate in a free, confidential consultation. Serving Miami-Dade, Broward & Palm Beach counties.
(786) 671-4878