Family Law Attorneys in St. Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg divorces, custody matters, and support disputes are handled in Pinellas County, where preparation makes the difference. A Florida-licensed family law attorney will review your case for free.

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How we match your St. Petersburg family law case

When you submit a St. Petersburg family law matter, we route it through a national network of independent partner firms and put it in front of the one that fits best — based on the kind of case it is, what it is likely to involve, where it has to be handled, and who has capacity to take it on now.

Case type

A family law matter needs someone who handles family law work day to day, not a generalist. Practice area is the first filter.

Size and complexity

Some firms are built for catastrophic injury and multi-party litigation; others resolve straightforward claims quickly. We weigh what your matter is likely to involve against how each firm actually works.

Jurisdiction and licensing

Your matter is decided under Florida law, so it goes to an attorney licensed in Florida who regularly appears where your case would be heard.

Capacity and fit

Availability, conflicts of interest and language all matter. If the best-fit firm cannot take your case, we route it to the next one that can — or tell you plainly when no one in the network is the right answer.

Every partner reviews your case for free. Injury and workers’ compensation matters are handled on contingency — no fee unless you win. Other matters are quoted upfront, before you commit to anything.

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Family Law cases in St. Petersburg

More about legal help in St. Petersburg →

Divorce, custody and support matters in St. Petersburg run the range from young downtown families to retirees dividing decades of assets, pensions and Florida real estate. Relocation disputes come up often because parents move across the bay for work or out of state, and seasonal residents raise questions about which state’s courts have authority. Family cases are heard in Pinellas County courts, which generally expect parties to attempt mediation before trial. DearLegal matches you with a Florida-licensed attorney who handles family law cases in St. Petersburg, with a free review.

Divorce, custody and support cases for St. Petersburg residents are heard in Pinellas County courts.
Relocation disputes are common as parents move between Pinellas, Tampa and out of state.
Retiree divorces often involve pensions, Social Security timing and waterfront property division.

Florida family law rules at a glance

St. Petersburg cases run under Florida law. The full walkthrough — timeline, when to call, case types, and what a recovery can include — is on the Florida page.

Read the full Florida family law guide →

Residency Requirement: 6 months
6 months in Florida (Fla. Stat. § 61.021)
Property Division System: Equitable distribution
Equitable distribution with presumption of equal division (Fla. Stat. § 61.075)
Custody Standard: Time-sharing
Time-sharing and parental responsibility under 20 factors; shared parental responsibility presumed (Fla. Stat. § 61.13)
Child Support Guidelines: Income Shares
Income Shares model (Fla. Stat. § 61.30)
Spousal Support Framework: 50%
2023 reform (SB 1416) — bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational alimony; permanent alimony abolished; duration cap of 50% short, 60% moderate, 75% long-term marriages
Typical attorney fee: Hourly
Hourly / Flat Fee

Exhibit D

How much do St. Petersburg family law attorneys cost?

Typical fee schedule

Florida · Family Law

Fee modelHourly / Flat Fee

Feequoted per petition or matter

Filing costsitemized upfront

Case reviewFree

Illustrative only. Your fee terms are set in a written agreement with your attorney and may include costs and expenses regardless of outcome.

Family Law matters in Florida are usually a flat fee per filing — quoted before you commit, not billed by the hour.

Family law cases in Florida are not handled on contingency. Florida Rule of Professional Conduct 4-1.5(f)(3) — patterned on ABA Model Rule 1.5(d) — prohibits contingent fees in domestic relations matters where the fee is contingent on securing a divorce or on the amount of alimony, support, or property settlement. Florida family law attorneys charge hourly (billed against a retainer) or a flat fee for uncontested matters. Courts may award fees under Fla. Stat. § 61.16 based on relative need and ability to pay.

A good attorney walks through every number at your free consultation — before you sign anything.

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Exhibit F

St. Petersburg family law questions, answered

Still unsure? Tell us what happened and a Florida attorney will review it for free.

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Divorce petitions for St. Petersburg residents are filed in Pinellas County courts, provided at least one spouse has lived in Florida for the required residency period. An attorney can confirm residency, prepare the financial disclosures Florida requires and explain how custody and property issues will be handled.

Florida courts focus on the child’s best interests and usually expect both parents to share responsibility through a detailed parenting plan. Judges look at each parent’s involvement, stability and willingness to cooperate. A family attorney can help you build a realistic plan and present your situation effectively.

Moving a significant distance with a child generally requires the other parent’s written agreement or court approval under Florida’s relocation rules. Doing it without permission can backfire badly. An attorney can help you request approval properly or oppose a move you believe would hurt your child.

Florida has a 20-day mandatory waiting period from filing before the court can enter a final judgment (Fla. Stat. § 61.19). Uncontested divorces (simplified dissolution if eligible) typically finalize in 30–60 days. Contested cases generally take 6–18 months.

Yes — Florida is a no-fault state. The only grounds under Fla. Stat. § 61.052 are irretrievable breakdown of the marriage or mental incapacity of a spouse for at least 3 years. Fault is generally not a ground but can be relevant to equitable distribution and alimony.