Orlando, Florida Family Court Guide

Orlando sits in Orange County, Florida, so family court is handled at the county level. How and where to file family court papers from Orlando: the right clerk of court, e-filing, filing fees, and self-help for custody, child support, and divorce.

The most time-sensitive thing for any Orlando parent is the response clock. In Florida you generally have 20 days to file a written response after you are served (Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.140; Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.140(a)). Calendar days from service of the summons and petition. Miss that window and the other side can ask the Orange county court that serves Orlando to move ahead without you, so put the deadline on your calendar the day you are served and confirm the exact date with the clerk.

Child support for Orlando families is set under Florida's Income Shares guideline. Both parents' incomes combined; obligation split proportionally by income share. The judge applies the same statewide formula whether you file in Orlando or anywhere else in Florida, so an honest income picture and the official worksheet matter more than where in the state you live.

When Orlando parents split parenting time, Florida courts call the schedule "Timesharing", and that is the language to use in your paperwork. If safety is the issue, the order to ask the Orange county court that serves Orlando about is the Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file family court papers if I live in Orlando, Florida?

Orlando sits in Orange County, Florida. Family court matters for Orlando residents are filed with the clerk of court for the Orange county. Start with the Orange county court resources linked on this page to confirm the family division, courthouse location, hours, and accepted filing formats. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource and not a law firm.

Can I e-file my Orlando family court case online?

Florida uses Florida Courts E-Filing Portal for electronic court filings. Whether self-represented filers in Orlando can e-file depends on the court and case type, so confirm with the clerk before you submit. Where e-filing is not open to you, the clerk will accept paper filings in person or by mail.

How much does it cost to file for divorce or custody in Orlando?

Divorce ($409), Custody ($295), Modification ($295) - varies by county. The exact amount is set by the clerk and changes over time, so verify the current schedule before filing. If you cannot afford the fee, Florida courts let you ask for a fee waiver based on income.

Is there free self-help for self-represented parents near Orlando?

Yes. Florida maintains a statewide self-help resource for people without a lawyer, and many clerks run a local self-help center too. Use those official resources for forms and procedure, and use FamilyCourtHelp.com to organize your case, draft documents, and prepare. This page is educational and not legal advice.

Which county court covers Orlando?

Orlando is served by the Orange county court in Florida. Divorce, custody, child support, and parenting-plan cases for Orlando residents are heard in that court's family division.

How long do I have to respond to a family court case in Orlando, Florida?

In Florida you generally have 20 days to file a written response after you are served (Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.140; Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.140(a)). Calendar days from service of the summons and petition. The summons you were served lists your own deadline, and service method or case type can change it, so confirm the exact date with the clerk that serves Orlando before you rely on it.

How is child support calculated for Orlando families?

Florida uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' incomes combined; obligation split proportionally by income share. Run the numbers on the Florida child-support worksheet for an estimate; the judge sets the final amount and can adjust it for the facts of your case.

What is a restraining order called in Florida?

In Florida it is generally called a Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence. You request it through the same court system that serves Orlando. If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911 first, then ask the clerk how to file for emergency protection the same day.