Florida family law cases — divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, paternity, and injunctions — are filed in the circuit court for the county where you or the other party reside, or where the events occurred. Each county has its own clerk, courthouse, and local procedure. Use the pages below to find information specific to your area.
Note: All Florida family law courts follow the same state statutes (Florida Statutes Chapter 61), but local rules, judge assignments, and docket timing vary by county. An attorney familiar with the local court can make a real difference in scheduling and procedure.
Orlando and surrounding areas. The Ninth Judicial Circuit handles family law matters at the Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando. Largest family law docket in Central Florida.
Kissimmee and St. Cloud. The Ninth Judicial Circuit. Family law cases filed at the Osceola County Courthouse in Kissimmee.
Osceola County Family Law Attorney
Kissimmee Family Law Attorney
Kissimmee Divorce Attorney
Kissimmee Child Custody and Visitation Attorney
Sanford, Lake Mary, Oviedo, Winter Springs. The Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. Family law cases filed at the Seminole County Courthouse in Sanford.
Seminole County Family Law Attorney
Sanford Family Law Attorney
Tavares, Clermont, Leesburg, Eustis. The Fifth Judicial Circuit. Family law cases filed at the Lake County Courthouse in Tavares.
Daytona Beach, DeLand, Deltona, Port Orange. The Seventh Judicial Circuit. Family law cases filed at the Volusia County Courthouse in DeLand.
Melbourne, Titusville, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Viera. The Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. Family law cases filed at the Moore Justice Center in Viera.
Florida family law cases are filed in the circuit court for the county where one of the parties resides. For divorce, either spouse’s county of residence qualifies. For child custody and time-sharing modifications, the case is typically filed in the county where the child has lived for the past six months (the child’s “home state” under the UCCJEA — Fla. Stat. § 61.503). For injunctions, the petition is filed in the county where the petitioner currently resides.
This page is a navigation hub to help you find the right county page. Each county page covers local procedure, courthouse location, and what to expect when filing. For the full practice overview — including types of cases and the process — visit our Family Law hub.
Generally the county where you or the other party currently resides. For cases involving children, the county where the child has lived for the past six months typically controls jurisdiction. If you’re unsure, your current address is usually the right starting point — speak with an attorney to confirm.
It depends on the type of case and how long you’ve lived in the new county. For divorce, 6 months of Florida residency is required before filing, but there’s no county-specific waiting period. For custody modifications, the child’s residency history controls. An attorney can advise on the correct venue for your situation.
Fighter Law serves clients throughout Central Florida. If your county isn’t listed, contact us directly — we can advise on jurisdiction and whether we can assist with your matter.
Yes — local rules, judge assignments, and docket scheduling all vary by county. An attorney familiar with the local court, clerk procedures, and typical timelines can navigate the case more effectively than one who is not.
Facing a family law matter in Central Florida? Call Fighter Law at (407) 344-4837 or use our contact form.
Florida Bar note: This page is for general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and the best next step depends on the specific facts of your situation.
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