Filing for divorce in Pinellas County? Start here.
Top 7 Divorce Lawyers in St. Petersburg, FL (2026)
A divorce in St. Petersburg runs through the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, and Florida is a no-fault state - you do not have to prove anyone did anything wrong, only that the marriage is irretrievably broken. What actually decides your outcome is how property, time with the kids, and support get divided. The right lawyer keeps that process calm and fair. Every firm below has a verifiable St. Petersburg-area family law practice confirmed across at least two independent sources.
Updated May 25, 202612 min readEditorially independent
If you are getting divorced in St. Petersburg, your case will be filed in the Pinellas County family courts, part of Florida's Sixth Judicial Circuit. Florida law requires that at least one spouse has lived in the state for six months before filing, and because Florida is a no-fault state, the question is not who is to blame but how to split what you built and how to share time with your children.
Most St. Petersburg divorces settle without a trial, often through mediation, which Pinellas judges frequently require before they will set a final hearing. A simple uncontested divorce can wrap up in a few weeks, while a contested case with disputed assets or custody can take a year or more. The lawyer you choose shapes which path your case takes.
The seven firms below all have a verifiable family law practice serving St. Petersburg and the wider Pinellas County area, and each was confirmed across at least two independent sources (Super Lawyers, Avvo, Justia, Expertise.com, FindLaw, or the firm's own published records). Several hold Florida Bar recognition or family-law mediation credentials. Most offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.
How we picked these 7: We cross-referenced peer rankings and directories (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Justia, Expertise.com, FindLaw) and each firm's own published practice pages. Every firm below appeared in at least two independent sources and has a verifiable St. Petersburg-area divorce practice. We do not accept payment for placement, and we do not write sponsored reviews. More on our methodology →
1
Emerson Law, P.A.
St. Petersburg, FLFlorida Super LawyerBBB A+ rated
Practice focus: Divorce, alimony, child custody and support, property division, mediation
A St. Petersburg family law firm led by attorney Bill Emerson, recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer and named among the best divorce lawyers in St. Petersburg by Expertise.com. The firm holds the highest A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and handles both contested and uncontested divorce.
Why they made the list: Peer-recognized St. Petersburg practice with a strong consumer-review record and a focus on family law alone.
Tampa & St. PetersburgTop Lawyers 2020-2026Complex divorce
Practice focus: High-asset divorce, custody, relocation, support, marital agreements
A Tampa Bay family law firm with a St. Petersburg presence whose attorneys have been named Top Lawyers in Tampa Magazine every year from 2020 through 2026. The firm concentrates on complex and high-asset divorces along with the full range of family law matters.
Why they made the list: A repeat peer-recognized roster that is a strong fit when the marital estate or custody dispute is complicated.
St. Petersburg, FLFamily & litigationDowntown St. Pete
Practice focus: Divorce, custody, time-sharing, support, paternity
A St. Petersburg firm led by attorney Reza Khonsari that handles divorce and family law alongside its broader litigation practice. The firm is listed among the leading divorce and family law practices in St. Petersburg across multiple directories.
Why they made the list: A downtown St. Petersburg option with courtroom litigation depth behind its family law work.
St. Petersburg, FLTop 40 Under 40 trial lawyerFamily law focus
Practice focus: Divorce, child custody, time-sharing, support, modifications
Founder John DeGirolamo has built his career around guiding St. Petersburg clients through divorce, custody, and family litigation, and has been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 trial lawyer in Florida. The firm focuses on family law and offers a free initial consultation.
Why they made the list: A trial-recognized family lawyer with a client-centered approach and a free first consultation.
St. Petersburg, FLDivorce & family lawMediation-friendly
Practice focus: Divorce, custody, support, property division, mediation
A St. Petersburg family law practice listed among the area's leading divorce and family law firms. The practice handles contested and uncontested divorce, custody, and support, and is geared toward resolving matters efficiently where the facts allow.
Why they made the list: A St. Petersburg-based option for clients who want a focused family law practice close to the Pinellas courthouse.
Pinellas Park, FLServes St. PetersburgLed by Charis Campbell
Practice focus: Divorce, paternity, child custody, dependency, family injunctions
A Pinellas Park family law firm led by attorney Charis Campbell that serves clients throughout Pinellas County, including St. Petersburg. The firm represents clients in divorce, paternity, custody, and related family matters.
Why they made the list: A nearby Pinellas County firm with a focused family law team for St. Petersburg clients.
Pinellas County, FL30+ years in family lawSupreme Court-certified mediator
Practice focus: Divorce, high-conflict custody, mediation, guardian ad litem work
Attorney Gale H. Moore has practiced family law in Pinellas County for more than three decades and is certified by the Florida Supreme Court to mediate family law cases, also serving as a guardian ad litem in high-conflict divorces. The practice serves St. Petersburg and the surrounding county.
Why they made the list: Deep Pinellas County experience and formal mediation credentials, useful in high-conflict or child-focused cases.
Tell us a little about your situation and we will connect you with a vetted St. Petersburg divorce attorney who fits your case. Free, confidential, and no obligation.
How to choose between them in St. Petersburg
Decide first whether your divorce is contested. If you and your spouse agree on the big questions - property, support, and the kids - an uncontested or flat-fee divorce keeps costs low. If you disagree, you want a firm with real Pinellas courtroom experience like Harris, Hunt & Derr or Khonsari Law Group.
Ask how they use mediation. Pinellas judges often require mediation before a final hearing. A lawyer who mediates well, or who is a certified family mediator like Gale H. Moore, can save you months and thousands of dollars.
Match the firm to your assets and your kids. A high-asset divorce with a business or retirement accounts is a different case than a short marriage with no children. Ask each firm how many cases like yours they have handled in Pinellas County in the last three years.
Get the fee structure in writing. Most St. Petersburg divorce lawyers bill hourly with a retainer, while uncontested cases are often flat fee. Confirm the hourly rate, the retainer, and what happens if the case settles early.
What divorce help typically costs in St. Petersburg
Divorce costs in St. Petersburg depend almost entirely on whether the case is contested. Here is what to expect:
Uncontested / flat-fee divorce: Commonly $1,500-$3,500 in attorney fees when both spouses agree on everything, plus the Pinellas County filing fee of about $409.
Contested divorce (hourly): Most St. Petersburg family lawyers charge $250-$450 per hour, with an upfront retainer of $2,500-$7,500 that is billed against as work is done.
Mediation: Private family mediators in Pinellas typically run $150-$400 per hour, usually split between the spouses, and often resolve the case in one or two sessions.
Total contested cost: A contested divorce that settles before trial often lands between $7,000 and $20,000 per spouse; cases that go to trial cost more.
Ask each firm for a written estimate based on your facts. A lawyer who has handled similar Pinellas cases can give you a realistic range rather than a vague answer.
How long it takes
Florida law sets a minimum 20-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized. Beyond that, timing depends on conflict:
Uncontested divorce: Often final in 4-8 weeks once both spouses sign the marital settlement agreement.
Contested divorce with mediation: Usually 6-12 months from filing to final judgment, depending on the court's schedule and how quickly the parties exchange financial information.
High-conflict or trial: 12-24 months when custody is hotly disputed or a business must be valued.
Red flags to watch for when hiring a divorce lawyer in St. Petersburg
Guaranteed outcomes. No ethical attorney can promise a specific result. If a firm guarantees a win, a number, or a court ruling, walk away.
The disappearing senior partner. You meet a named partner at intake, then never hear from them again while an unsupervised junior runs the file. Ask in writing who handles your matter day to day.
Pressure to sign on the spot. Reputable firms give you the engagement letter in writing and time to read it. High-pressure intake is a volume-mill signal.
No verifiable track record. Look for named results, peer rankings, board certifications, or bar recognition — not "we have helped thousands of clients."
Vague fees. Every legitimate firm will put the fee structure, what is covered, and what triggers extra charges in a written engagement letter.
10 questions to ask in your free consultation
Most of the firms on this list offer a free or low-cost initial call. Use it. Bring a written list and write down the answers, then compare across two or three firms before you sign anything.
Who, specifically, will handle my matter day to day? Get a name and a direct email, not just the firm.
How many matters like mine have you handled in the last three years? You want a number, not a brochure line.
What is your fee, and what does it cover? Get the structure in writing before you sign.
What out-of-pocket costs am I responsible for, and when? Filing fees, records, and experts add up - ask now.
What is the realistic range of outcomes? A good lawyer gives a range; a weak one promises the high end.
How long will this take? An honest estimate, with the assumptions stated.
What is my deadline, and is it at risk? Many divorce matters carry hard filing deadlines.
How often will I hear from you? Set the communication cadence now.
What can I do to help my own case? The best lawyers will give you homework.
What is the worst-case outcome? A lawyer who refuses to discuss downside risk is selling you something.
What to bring to your St. Petersburg consultation
You will get more out of the first call if you arrive organized. For most divorce matters, gather:
A short written timeline. Dates, names, and what happened, in order.
The key documents. Any contracts, letters, agreements, court orders, or filings you have received.
Your correspondence. Relevant emails, texts, or messages - and do not delete anything.
Any deadlines you know about. A court date, a signing deadline, or an agency notice.
Your questions. The 10 above are a good place to start.
If you are not sure whether something is relevant, bring it anyway. It is easier for a lawyer to set aside what does not matter than to chase down what you left at home.
Talk to a vetted Divorce attorney in St. Petersburg
Tell us about your situation. We'll match you with one of these firms or a similar one. Free, confidential, no obligation.
Frequently asked questions about divorce lawyers in St. Petersburg
How long do you have to live in Florida to file for divorce?
At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing. The case is then filed in the county where you live - for St. Petersburg, that is Pinellas County.
Is Florida a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. You do not have to prove wrongdoing. You only have to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken, which one spouse can do on their own.
How is property divided in a Florida divorce?
Florida follows equitable distribution, which means marital property is divided fairly - usually but not always equally. Property you owned before the marriage is generally yours to keep.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in St. Petersburg?
Uncontested divorces are often a flat $1,500-$3,500. Contested cases are billed hourly at about $250-$450 per hour with a retainer up front.
Do we have to go to mediation?
Usually yes. Pinellas County judges typically require mediation before they will set a contested divorce for a final hearing, and many cases settle there.
How is alimony decided in Florida?
Florida reformed its alimony law in 2023, ending most permanent alimony. Courts now weigh the length of the marriage, each spouse's need, and the other's ability to pay when setting the type and length of support.
What happens to time with our children?
Florida uses a parenting plan with a time-sharing schedule, decided on the best interests of the child. There is no automatic preference for either parent.
Can I change custody or support later?
Yes. Time-sharing and support can be modified if there is a substantial, permanent, and unanticipated change in circumstances. A family lawyer can tell you whether your situation qualifies.
One last thing. Choosing a lawyer is personal. Read the reviews. Call two or three firms before you sign. Ask each one: How many matters like mine have you handled in the last three years? The answer tells you a lot. — The LawFirmSquare team
LawFirmSquare is a directory. We do not represent clients or refer cases for a fee.
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