How Much Are Court Fees in Orlando, FL?

There’s no shortage of reasons why you might end up heading into court in Orlando, whether you’re disputing a traffic ticket, filing for divorce, or facing criminal charges. That said, any time you go to court, you need to be prepared to pay court costs. Nevertheless, it can be hard to plan for these fees when you don’t know what they’ll be in the first place.

If you need to make sure you can cover your court fees before you head to the courthouse, it helps to have an idea of what you’ll have to pay for different types of court proceedings in Orlando.

What Are Orlando Court Fees?

Any time you go to court in Orlando, you have to pay court fees, also known as filing fees. These are separate from other financial obligations, like fines or lawyer fees. When you initiate some type of legal action at an Orlando court, you have to submit the appropriate documentation and pay the filing fee.

There’s no one set filing fee when it comes to Orlando court costs, though; the amount you’ll have to pay depends on the type of legal action you’re there for, and it may also depend on the specific circumstances of your case.

How Much Do Court Fees Cost in Orlando?

If you’re trying to figure out how much you’ll have to pay in Orlando court fees, it helps to break the categories down by types of legal action. Criminal cases are the most complicated and often tend to bring the most fees, so you’ll need to speak with your criminal defense lawyer about what documents you need to file based on your case and how much they’ll cost.

If you’re heading into an Orlando court for a family law issue, court fees can vary substantially. Some of the most important Orlando family law fees to be aware of include the following:

  • Divorce: $408 (and an additional $10 summons fee)
  • Establishing paternity and visitation rights: $300
  • Petitions for custody by extended family: $400
  • Adoption: $400
  • Name Changes: $412.50
  • Restraining Orders: No fee

If you need to file a counter-petition, changes typically range from $295 to $395, depending on the type. You might also have to pay additional costs; for example, if you want to reopen a case or request a modification to a final judgment, such as a modification of child support, there’s a $50 filing fee.

The other two most common reasons to have to pay court fees in Orlando are for probate court and civil court. Both probate court fees and civil court fees vary substantially in Orlando, and they will depend on the type of legal action and amount of assets the case concerns.

How Can I Avoid Paying Orlando Court Fees?

There are many situations in which you won’t have to pay Orlando court fees. Certain actions, like filing for a restraining order, don’t require any filing fees in Orlando. If you need to take legal action and you can’t afford the filing fee, you can complete a form to establish civil indigent status. If you meet the income requirements, the court can waive your filing fees.

Consult an Attorney Before You Pay Orlando Court Fees

One final way to bypass Orlando court costs is to consult a lawyer before you file in court. A family law attorney, for instance, may be able to walk you through the process of mediation, which can be a considerably cheaper alternative for resolving your legal issues without having to pay court filing costs.

When you explore your options beforehand, you’re able to achieve the legal resolution you need without unnecessarily paying hundreds of dollars to the Orlando court system.

Contact Our Family Law Firm in Orlando, FL

Contact the experienced Orlando familylawyers at McMichen, Cinami & Demps today for legal assistance. Contact our Orlando, FL office at (407) 898-2161 to schedule a free consultation.

McMichen, Cinami & Demps – Orlando Office
1500 E Concord St
Orlando, FL 32803