International marriages are increasingly common—and so are international divorces. Many couples who were married abroad and later move to Florida eventually ask: “Can I get divorced in Florida if I got married in another country?”

The short answer is yes; Florida recognizes valid marriages performed in other countries. But the process comes with unique considerations involving jurisdiction, documentation, and property laws. Whether you are seeking the affordable way to divorce in Florida, need guidance from an uncontested divorce lawyer, or are researching divorce laws in Florida, this guide explains everything you need to know.

Does Florida Recognize International Marriages?

Florida accepts marriages performed in other countries as long as the marriage was legally valid in the country where it occurred. You do not have to get remarried in the U.S. for Florida to recognize it. Therefore, if you want a divorce in Florida, the fact that you married abroad will not stop you from filing.

This applies whether your ceremony took place in Europe, Latin America, Asia, or anywhere else. Many clients searching for a divorce lawyer Miami Florida or “best divorce lawyer near me” fall into this category.

Who Can File for Divorce in Florida? Residency Requirements

The most important requirement is residency, not where the marriage occurred. To file for divorce in Florida, at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six consecutive months before filing.

This applies to all divorces, including:

• Uncontested divorce in Florida
• Contested divorces
• Divorces with children
• Divorces involving foreign spouses or documents

Even if your spouse lives in another country, you can file as long as you meet the residency requirement.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce for International Marriages

Many couples married in other countries are able to complete an uncontested divorce in Florida, which is typically the cheapest way to divorce in Florida and the fastest. If both parties agree on issues like:

• Property division
• Child custody
• Child support
• Alimony
• Timesharing

…then an uncontested divorce lawyer can help finalize the process efficiently.

If there is disagreement on one or more issues, it becomes a contested divorce, which may increase the divorce lawyer cost, court fees, and processing time.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Florida?

Many clients searching for information are concerned about expenses and want to know:

How much does a divorce lawyer cost?
How much does a divorce cost in Florida?
What is the divorce lawyer cost for international marriages?

On average:

• Uncontested divorce Florida: $500–$3,500 depending on complexity.
• Contested divorce: $5,000–$15,000+ depending on disputes.
• High-conflict, international, or property-heavy cases: Can exceed $20,000.

Costs depend on whether the case requires a divorce lawyer consultation, court appearances, translations, property evaluations, or child-related hearings.

Foreign Documents You May Need

When filing for a divorce in Florida, you may be asked to provide:

• Your foreign marriage certificate
• Official translations (if the document is not in English)
• Identification documents
• Proof of Florida residency
• Evidence of separation or service to the other spouse (if they live abroad)

Your divorce and family law attorney will assist you in gathering the necessary documents.

What If Your Spouse Lives in Another Country?

You can still file in Florida, but serving divorce papers may require:

• International service of process
• Letters rogatory
• Service through the Hague Convention (if applicable)

This does not prevent the divorce, it simply adds procedural steps, may increase the cost and the length of time to get divorced.

Property Division in Florida for International Marriages

One of the biggest concerns is how to divide assets in a divorce when the marriage occurred abroad or when assets exist in multiple countries. Florida follows equitable distribution, not community property. That means the court aims for fair, not necessarily 50/50, division.

Important terms your clients search for include:

• property division Florida
  
• Florida marital property
  
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Florida courts can divide:

• Real estate in Florida
• Bank accounts
• Vehicles
• Retirement accounts
• Business interests
• Marital debts

If property is located outside the U.S., Florida courts may still divide the value — but the physical enforcement may occur in the other country.

If you are in Miami, working with a property division lawyer or Miami property division lawyer is especially helpful in international cases.

Child Custody in International Divorce Cases

If minor children are involved, parents often search for:

• divorce in Florida with kids
  
• Florida divorce laws with child
  
• divorce with children in Florida
  
• how to get custody of a child in Florida
  
• custody attorney Florida
  
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Florida courts prioritize the best interests of the child, even if one parent lives abroad.

Courts will decide:

• Parental responsibility
• Timesharing
• Decision-making authority
• Child support

Florida child support laws apply regardless of where the child was born or where the marriage occurred.

Collaborative Divorce for International Marriages

International divorces often benefit from a collaborative divorce approach. You may see searches like:

• collaborative divorce Miami
  
• Florida collaborative divorce attorney
  
• collaborative divorce attorney Miami
  
• collaborative law lawyer
  

This method is ideal for couples who:

• Want to avoid litigation
• Need privacy
• Want faster resolutions
• Have property in multiple countries
• Need creative solutions for travel or child custody

Collaborative divorce uses a team-based approach to create mutually beneficial agreements.

Should You Hire a Lawyer for an International Divorce in Florida?

While Florida does not legally require you to hire a lawyer for divorce, international marriages involve:

• Foreign documents
• Translation requirements
• International service of process
• Complex property division
• Child custody across borders

For this reason, most clients choose to work with an experienced divorce attorney, especially those needing a:

• Florida divorce lawyer
  
• divorce and property lawyer
  
• divorce attorney custody specialist
  

If you were legally married in another country and now reside in Florida, you can file for divorce here. Florida courts recognize valid foreign marriages and allow qualifying residents to dissolve them—whether the divorce is uncontested, contested, or involves complex property or custody matters.

Understanding Florida divorce laws, property division, and the cost of divorce in Florida can help you choose the right path, whether you prefer negotiation, the collaborative law approach, or representation from a traditional litigation attorney.

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