Updated June 2, 2026
Filing for divorce in Orlando means meeting Florida's six-month residency rule and going through the Ninth Judicial Circuit family court in Orange County. Florida is a no-fault, equitable-distribution state, and a 2023 law reshaped how alimony works — ending most permanent alimony. The right lawyer changes how long it takes, how property is split, and what it costs. Below are vetted Orlando family-law firms and plain-English answers on timelines, property, and fees.
Florida does not ask you to prove your spouse did anything wrong. You file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage stating the marriage is "irretrievably broken," and that is enough (Fla. Stat. 61.052). To file in Orlando, at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing (Fla. Stat. 61.021). If you and your spouse agree on everything, Florida offers a simplified dissolution that can finalize quickly; if you disagree on property, support, or children, the case is contested and takes longer.
Plenty of simple, agreed divorces can be handled with limited help, but most people benefit from at least a consultation. Talk to an Orlando divorce lawyer if any of these apply.
Florida is an equitable-distribution state (Fla. Stat. 61.075): marital assets and debts are divided fairly, which usually but not always means equally. Property either spouse owned before the marriage, or received by gift or inheritance, is generally separate. On alimony, a 2023 Florida law (effective July 1, 2023) eliminated permanent alimony and set clearer rules for durational and bridge-the-gap support tied to the length of the marriage. If support is on the table either way, this reform makes experienced counsel especially valuable.
Step 1: confirm the six-month residency. Step 2: file the petition in the Orange County Circuit Court, Ninth Judicial Circuit, at the courthouse on North Orange Avenue downtown. Step 3: serve your spouse and exchange mandatory financial disclosures. Step 4: temporary orders for support or time-sharing if needed. Step 5: mediation, which Orange County requires in most contested cases before trial. Step 6: settlement, or trial before the judge. Step 7: final judgment. An uncontested case can wrap in a couple of months; a contested one with children or a business commonly takes 8 to 18 months.
An uncontested Orlando divorce where you and your spouse agree on everything often runs a flat $1,500 to $3,500. A contested divorce is billed hourly at $260 to $450, with most firms asking a retainer of $2,500 to $7,500 up front that is drawn down as work is done. Cases involving business valuations, custody evaluations, or alimony disputes cost more. Some Orlando firms offer flat-fee packages for simple, agreed cases. Outcomes depend on the judge and your facts, so use a free first consultation to get a realistic estimate.
These firms are profiled in full, with practice focus and recognition, in our Top 10 Divorce Lawyers in Orlando guide. Each is a real, independently listed FL firm.
A downtown Orlando family-law firm led by Erin Morse, a Super Lawyers Rising Star with board certification in civil trial law, handling divorce, custody, alimony, and asset division.
An Orlando marital-law firm focused on divorce, time-sharing, and support, with strong client ratings on Avvo and Super Lawyers.
A Central Florida firm founded in 1998 by Cornell Law graduate Sherri K. DeWitt, handling complex divorces involving alimony, custody, and asset division.
An Orlando family-law firm whose attorney David Roberts is a Super Lawyers honoree handling divorce, custody, support, mediation, and family-law appeals.
An Orlando and Central Florida divorce practice with attorneys bringing more than 20 years of combined trial experience.
An Orlando firm led by Felicia Bunbury, a Super Lawyers Rising Star, offering flat-fee options for many family-law matters.
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