The cost of a divorce in Miami depends mostly on one thing: whether you and your spouse agree. At The Law Office of John P. Sherman, an uncontested divorce may start at $2,000. A contested divorce usually requires a $3,500- $ 5,000 retainer that is applied against the attorney’s hourly rate. If you only need help with part of your case, limited-scope representation is available at $400 per hour. And if you have a short marriage, no children and no assets to divide, our online divorce portal may be all you need.
How divorce fees work, by type of case
We use flat fees, hourly rates and retainers, depending on the type of case and how complex it is. Here is how that looks in practice.
| Type of case | How it is billed | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Simple uncontested divorce (short marriage, no children, no assets) | Online portal, as a one-time payment or a monthly subscription | Your documents are prepared from templates, then reviewed and submitted by an attorney |
| Uncontested divorce | Fees may start at $2,000 and increase with complexity | Divorces where you and your spouse agree on the terms, including children, support or property |
| Limited-scope representation | $400 per hour | An attorney handles specific tasks, such as reviewing a settlement or preparing filings, and you handle the rest |
| Contested divorce | Usually a $3,500 retainer, applied against the attorney’s hourly rate | Cases where you and your spouse disagree on one or more issues |
What makes a divorce cost more or less
- Whether you agree. Every issue you settle early is an issue you do not pay to fight about.
- Children. A parenting plan, time-sharing schedule and child support add work, especially if you disagree.
- Assets and debts. A home, retirement accounts or a business take more time to divide than a simple household.
- Financial investigation. If one spouse may be hiding assets, the case may need formal discovery or a forensic accountant.
- Hearings and trial. Mediation, hearings and trial each add time. Most of the cost of a contested case comes from these steps.
Costs that are not attorney fees
Some costs are separate from legal fees. These include the court’s filing fee, the cost of serving your spouse, mediation fees and, in complex cases, appraisers or financial experts. We explain which of these may apply to you at your consultation.
Frequently asked questions about divorce costs in Miami
How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Miami?
Uncontested divorces with our firm may start at $2,000. The final fee depends on how complex your agreement is. A divorce with children, support and a shared home takes more work than one with none of those. If your case is simple enough, our online portal may cost less.
What is the retainer for a contested divorce?
Contested cases usually require a $3,500 retainer. The retainer is applied against the attorney’s hourly rate, so it is a deposit toward the work done on your case, not an extra fee. Your fee agreement explains how billing works.
What is limited-scope representation, and what does it cost?
With limited-scope representation, you hire an attorney for specific tasks instead of the whole case. For example, the attorney might review your settlement agreement or prepare your court filings while you handle the rest yourself. We bill limited-scope work at $400 per hour.
Can I get divorced online?
Possibly. Our online portal is built for simple uncontested divorces: a short marriage, no children and no assets to divide. You can pay once or choose a monthly subscription. An attorney reviews your templates and submits them for you. If you have children, property or a disagreement with your spouse, a portal is usually not the right fit, and we will tell you so.
Will my spouse have to help pay my legal fees?
Sometimes. In some Florida divorces, a court can order one spouse to contribute to the other’s attorney’s fees, based on each spouse’s financial need and ability to pay. Whether this applies to you depends on your situation.
How do I know which option is right for me?
Start with a consultation. We will look at your marriage, your children, your assets and how much you and your spouse agree on, then explain which option fits and what it is likely to cost. Your fee is confirmed in writing before we begin.
To learn more, read our guides to uncontested divorce in Florida, contested vs. uncontested divorce and what divorce lawyers charge, or see our divorce and separation services.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Fees depend on your situation and are confirmed in a written fee agreement.
