Serving Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Haines City & All of Polk County, Florida
Getting divorced in Polk County doesn't have to drain your savings or take months of your time. Whether you're looking for an affordable uncontested divorce, need help with simplified divorce paperwork, or want to handle your own DIY divorce, we provide Polk County residents with the resources and support to file confidently at any of the Polk County Clerk's three convenient locations.
Start your DIY divorce course today.
An uncontested divorce is the most straightforward path to ending your marriage when you and your spouse agree on all major issues. In Polk County, this means you can avoid expensive attorney fees and lengthy court battles while still ensuring your divorce paperwork meets all requirements for the 10th Judicial Circuit Court.
What Makes a Divorce "Uncontested" in Polk County?
Your divorce qualifies as uncontested when both spouses agree on:
Division of property and debts
Child custody and timesharing (if applicable)
Child support arrangements (if applicable)
Alimony or spousal support (if applicable)
Most Polk County uncontested divorces can be finalized in 4-6 weeks after filing, compared to 6-12 months for contested cases. Our uncontested divorce services help Lakeland and Winter Haven area residents navigate this process smoothly and affordably.
Traditional divorce attorneys in the Lakeland area typically charge $3,000-$10,000 or more. Our affordable divorce solutions provide Polk County residents with professional document preparation services at a fraction of the cost.
Our Affordable Options:
DIY Divorce Course - $47 Learn everything you need to file your own divorce in Polk County with our comprehensive online course. You'll get step-by-step video instructions, all required forms, and unlimited email support. Start your DIY divorce course today.
Full-Service Document Preparation - $350-$500 We prepare all your divorce paperwork customized for Polk County filing requirements. Includes form completion, review, filing instructions, and support throughout your case.
Florida offers a streamlined simplified dissolution process for couples who meet specific criteria. If you qualify, a simplified divorce can be the fastest and most economical way to end your marriage in Polk County.
Do You Qualify for Simplified Divorce in Polk County?
You can file for simplified dissolution if:
Both spouses agree to the divorce
No minor or dependent children (born or adopted during the marriage)
Wife is not pregnant
No alimony will be requested by either party
Both parties agree on division of assets and debts
Both spouses have filed financial affidavits or waived filing
You're willing to give up your right to trial and appeal
Both spouses are willing to go into the Clerk's office to sign the petition
Polk County simplified divorce cases typically reach the final hearing within 3-4 weeks of filing.
Many Polk County residents successfully file their own divorce without hiring an attorney. Our DIY divorce resources provide everything you need to navigate the process confidently.
What You'll Get with Our DIY Approach:
Complete Polk County-specific divorce forms package
Step-by-step filing instructions for the Polk County Clerk
Guidance on serving your spouse properly
Sample completed forms showing exactly how to fill out each document
Email support when you have questions
Our comprehensive DIY divorce training walks you through each stage of the Polk County divorce process, from preparing your petition to attending your final hearing.
All divorce cases in Polk County are filed with the Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. Here's what you need to know:
Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Clerk: Stacy M. Butterfield, CPA Main Phone: (863) 534-4000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Three Convenient Locations:
Bartow Main Courthouse (Primary Filing Location) Address: 255 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830 Civil Department: First Floor Note: DIY Center with dedicated staff available to assist with DIY filings
Lakeland Branch - Polk Government Center Address: 930 East Parker Street, Room 240, Lakeland, FL 33801
Northeast Government Center Address: 200 Government Center Boulevard, Lake Alfred, FL 33850 (Also referenced as 3425 Lake Alfred Road, Winter Haven area)
Self-Help Services: Phone: (863) 534-4015 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM The Self-Help staff can help you locate forms but cannot provide legal advice or help fill out forms.
Filing Your Divorce in Polk County:
Divorce forms are filed at the Civil Department on the first floor of the Bartow Courthouse. The current filing fee is approximately $408.00. Additional fees include $10.00 for issuance of a summons. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver by submitting an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status.
Polk County TurboCourt Option:
Polk County offers an interactive online forms system called TurboCourt for preparing Dissolution of Marriage with Children and without Children cases. While there are no fees to prepare forms using TurboCourt, there are fees when filing electronically ($5 Florida ePortal fee plus 4% payment provider fee).
Required Florida Residency:
To file for divorce in Polk County, at least one spouse must have been a Florida resident for the past six months. Acceptable proof includes:
Florida driver's license
Florida ID card
Voter registration card
Affidavit from a third party
Step 1: Prepare Your Forms Complete all required divorce forms for Polk County. The specific forms depend on whether you have children, property, or other factors. Packets of forms and instructions may be purchased from the Bartow and Northeast locations, or use TurboCourt to prepare forms online.
Step 2: File at the Courthouse You have three filing options:
DIY via TurboCourt: File electronically (court filing fees + $5 Florida ePortal fee + 4% payment provider fee)
DIY via Florida Courts E-Filing Portal: File electronically (court filing fees + $5 Florida ePortal fee)
In Person at Bartow Courthouse: Visit the Civil Department on the first floor (court filing fees only)
Step 3: Serve Your Spouse Your spouse must receive official copies of the divorce papers. Service can be handled by the Polk County Sheriff's Office (approximately $40 service fee), a private process server, or by certified mail if your spouse agrees to accept service.
Step 4: Wait for Response Your spouse has 20 days to respond after being served. In most uncontested cases, your spouse will sign a waiver or file an agreement.
Step 5: Complete Required Parenting Course (if applicable) If you have children, both parents must attend a parenting education and family stabilization course. A list of approved providers is available through the Florida Department of Children and Families and on the 10th Judicial Circuit website.
Step 6: Finalize Your Divorce Contact the clerk at least 20 days after filing to inquire about a hearing date. At the final hearing, the judge will review your settlement agreement and issue the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. After the judge signs the Final Judgment, you must file the Final Disposition form with the clerk.
Local Expertise: We understand Polk County Clerk requirements and 10th Judicial Circuit procedures. Your forms will be prepared correctly the first time.
Affordable Solutions: Whether you choose our $47 DIY course or full-service preparation, you'll save thousands compared to hiring an attorney.
Fast Turnaround: Most clients receive their completed forms within 24-48 hours.
Ongoing Support: Questions about filing at the Bartow courthouse? Need help understanding a form? We're here to help throughout your case.
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Polk County? Most uncontested divorces in Polk County are finalized within 4-6 weeks after filing. Simplified dissolutions can be completed in as little as 3-4 weeks. The mandatory 20-day waiting period begins when the case is filed.
Can I file for divorce online in Polk County? Yes! Polk County offers TurboCourt for preparing forms and e-filing options through both TurboCourt and the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. You can prepare your forms with our service and then file them electronically or in person at the Bartow Courthouse.
Do I need to go to court for an uncontested divorce in Polk County? Yes. Florida law requires at least one spouse to attend a final hearing, even in uncontested cases. The hearing is typically brief (5-15 minutes) and straightforward when both parties agree.
Can I file at the Lakeland or Winter Haven locations? Divorce cases are primarily filed at the Bartow main courthouse. However, you can purchase divorce form packets at the Bartow and Northeast locations. Contact the Clerk's office at (863) 534-4000 to confirm which services are available at each location.
What if my spouse lives outside Polk County? You can still file in Polk County if you live here and meet Florida's six-month residency requirement. Your spouse can be served wherever they currently reside.
Do I need to hire an attorney for my Polk County divorce? No. Many Polk County residents successfully complete their own uncontested divorces. The Self-Help Services line at (863) 534-4015 can help you locate forms, and the DIY Center at the Bartow Courthouse has dedicated staff to assist with DIY filings. However, if your case involves complex property, business assets, contested custody, or other disputes, consulting with an attorney may be worthwhile.
What payment methods does the Polk County Clerk accept? The Clerk accepts cash, credit card (American Express, Apple Pay, Discover, Google Pay, MasterCard, Samsung Pay, or Visa), money order, or check made payable to Polk County Clerk of Courts. A service charge is applied to credit card transactions.
Stop letting divorce costs hold you back. Whether you need a complete DIY solution or prefer full-service document preparation, we make affordable divorce accessible to all Polk County residents.
Ready to move forward?
📞 Call us: 321-283-6452 📧 Email: gracie.sias32@gmail.com
Choose Your Path:
Start DIY Divorce Course ($47) - Complete online training with all forms included
Full-Service Document Preparation ($350-$500) - We handle all paperwork for you
Free Uncontested Divorce Information - Learn about the process before deciding
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We are not attorneys. The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. We provide document preparation services for self-help purposes at your specific direction. We cannot provide legal advice, explain legal terms, or advise you of the legal consequences of your actions.
If you need legal advice regarding your specific situation, particularly in cases involving complex property division, contested custody, domestic violence, or other complicated issues, please consult with a licensed Florida attorney. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service can be reached at 1-800-342-8011.
By using our services, you acknowledge that you are representing yourself in your Polk County divorce case and that we are acting only as document preparation professionals under your direction.
Don't let high attorney fees keep you stuck in an unhappy marriage. Polk County divorce can be affordable, straightforward, and fast when you have the right support. Contact Noble Notary & Legal Document Preparers today.