Where to File Your Paperwork in St. Lucie County?
To start your divorce, you must file your documents with the St. Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court (and that you may not even know this at first). While your hearings may take place before a judge or magistrate at the courthouse, all initial legal filings and fee payments must go through the Clerk’s office. Also, more on this in a bit, but this step is what officially opens your case.
Address: 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (772) 462-6900
Where to File: Submit your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and supporting documents to the Family Law department at either the Fort Pierce or Port St. Lucie office.
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Divorce Requirements: Do You Qualify?
To file for divorce in St. Lucie County, you must meet Florida’s strict residency and legal requirements:
- Residency: Either you or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months immediately before filing. You can really boil it down to meeting this time requirement. You can prove this with a Florida driver’s license, a voter registration card, or a sworn affidavit from a witness.
- Grounds: Florida is a “no-fault” state. You only need to state that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
- County Rules: You should generally file in the county where you or your spouse currently resides, or where you last lived together as a married couple. In our experience, this is where most people begin the process. So, early on, it helps to confirm residency details to avoid delays.
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Filing for an Uncontested Divorce (When Both Spouses Agree)
In Florida, an uncontested divorce is the most efficient way to end a marriage. If you have no minor children and agree on all financial terms, you may qualify for a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage, which is the fastest track available.
The Step-by-Step Process:
- File the Petition: You begin by filing a “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.” In 2026, the standard filing fee in St. Lucie County is approximately $408.00.
- Financial Disclosure: Both spouses must complete a Financial Affidavit unless the case is a “Simplified” version and you both waive this requirement. This document details your income, assets, and debts.
- The 20-Day Waiting Period: Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 61.19) requires a mandatory 20-day waiting period from the date of filing before a judge can sign the final judgment.
- The Settlement Agreement: If you have property or debts, you should have a written Marital Settlement Agreement signed and notarized. This contract settles how you divide cars, bank accounts, and the home.
- The Final Hearing: Unlike some states that allow “divorce by mail,” Florida usually requires at least one spouse to appear at a brief final hearing to confirm the details of the petition under oath.
Note: If you have minor children, Florida requires both parents to complete a Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course before the divorce can be finalized.
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Common St. Lucie County Divorce Forms You Will Need
Florida uses standardized Supreme Court-approved forms. You must ensure you are using the correct “packet” based on your situation. Common forms include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The primary document (Form 12.901).
- Family Law Financial Affidavit: Required for all cases involving financial relief or children.
- Notice of Social Security Number: To keep sensitive data private.
- Marital Settlement Agreement: The contract outlining your division of assets.
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage: The document the judge signs to end the marriage.
You can find official forms and packets on the St. Lucie County Clerk’s website or through the Florida Courts self-help center.
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Divorce Filing Fees and Costs
For 2026, the standard fee to file for divorce in St. Lucie County is $397.50, plus a $10.50 final judgment fee, totaling $408.00.
If you cannot afford these fees, you may apply for “Indigent Status.” You will need to fill out an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status; if approved, the Clerk may waive the filing fees or allow for a payment plan.
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