Port St. Lucie Divorce Attorney | Experienced Family Law Representation on the Treasure Coast

Divorce is one of the most significant legal and personal events a person can experience. Whether you live in Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Hobe Sound, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach, or anywhere else along Florida’s Treasure Coast, navigating a dissolution of marriage requires an understanding of both the Florida family law statutes and the local court rules that govern how cases are handled in your county. Working with an attorney who knows these local procedures can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.

Port St. Lucie is the largest city in St. Lucie County and one of the fastest-growing communities on the Treasure Coast. Family law cases filed in St. Lucie County, Martin County, Indian River County, and Okeechobee County are all governed by the same Standing Temporary Domestic Relations Order—a local court rule that takes effect automatically in every dissolution of marriage case the moment a petition is filed. This order was most recently updated in January 2026 and imposes specific obligations and restrictions on both parties that remain in effect for the duration of the case. Understanding what this order requires is essential for anyone going through a divorce in any of these four counties.

Filing for Divorce on the Treasure Coast

Florida is a no-fault divorce state, which means that neither spouse is required to prove wrongdoing by the other to obtain a dissolution of marriage. The only ground required is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. To file for divorce in St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, or Okeechobee County, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the State of Florida for a minimum of six months prior to filing the petition.

Your petition for dissolution of marriage is filed with the clerk of courts in the county where you reside. If you live in Port St. Lucie or Fort Pierce, your case will be filed in St. Lucie County. If you live in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Palm City, or Indiantown, your case will be filed in Martin County. Residents of Vero Beach, Sebastian, and the surrounding areas file in Indian River County, while residents of Okeechobee file in Okeechobee County. Regardless of which of these four counties your case is filed in, the same Standing Temporary Domestic Relations Order applies automatically upon filing.

The Treasure Coast Standing Temporary Domestic Relations Order

The Standing Temporary Domestic Relations Order that governs divorce cases in St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties is one of the most comprehensive standing orders in the state. It was updated in January 2026 and applies to all dissolution of marriage cases filed on or after that date. The order binds the Petitioner upon filing and becomes binding on the Respondent upon service of the summons and petition along with a copy of the order. It remains in full force and effect until entry of a final judgment, dismissal of the case, or entry of a subsequent temporary order.

The Standing Order addresses a wide range of critical issues that affect families going through a divorce on the Treasure Coast:

No Relocation of Children

The Standing Order prohibits either parent from permanently removing, causing to be removed, or permitting the removal of any minor child of the parties from St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, or Okeechobee County without the written agreement of both parents or a court order. This geographic restriction is tied specifically to the four-county area rather than a mileage radius or the state border, which distinguishes it from the rules in some other Florida jurisdictions. Temporary travel within Florida is not prohibited, but any permanent relocation outside these four counties during the pendency of the case requires either mutual written consent or court approval.

Child Support

The Standing Order notes that in most circumstances, child support will be ordered retroactive to the date the parents separated—not merely the date of filing. This is an important distinction that can affect the total amount of retroactive support owed. The court encourages parents to make voluntary child support payments before a formal support order is entered, calculated under the Uniform Child Support Guidelines in Section 61.30 of the Florida Statutes. Because of the retroactive nature of child support in these counties, it is critical to begin making payments early and to document every payment carefully.

Treatment of Children

The Treasure Coast Standing Order goes beyond a simple non-disparagement clause. Neither parent may take any action that is intended or would reasonably be expected to result in an alienation of affection by a child for the other parent. Neither parent may disparage the other party to or in the presence of the children, nor may either parent permit any third party to do so. Both parents are required to actively encourage the children to foster respect for the other parent and to encourage timesharing with the other parent. Additionally, the court directs both parents to read and become familiar with the “Guidelines for Parenting” that are attached to the Standing Order, which provide detailed guidance on helpful behaviors and behaviors to be avoided during and after the divorce.

Guidelines for Parenting

The Standing Order includes a set of court-issued Guidelines for Parenting that all parties are required to review. These guidelines identify constructive behaviors—such as developing a workable plan that gives children access to both parents, maintaining ongoing contact so children do not feel rejected or abandoned, providing telephone access, keeping communication lines open, and establishing a home for the children with space for their personal belongings. The guidelines also identify harmful behaviors to be avoided, including pumping children for information about the other parent, using children to deliver support payments or angry messages, arguing in front of the children, speaking negatively about the other parent in the children’s presence, asking children to choose sides, and using children as pawns to hurt the other parent. Family law judges on the Treasure Coast expect both parents to follow these guidelines, and a parent’s failure to do so can be raised as a factor in timesharing determinations.

Mutual Restraining Order and No Harassment

The Standing Order directs both parties to refrain from physical, verbal, or any other form of harassment of the other. This includes acts done in person, by telephone, text message, email, social media, at either party’s residence, or at their workplace. Both parties are further enjoined from threatening any acts of physical violence against the other. The explicit inclusion of text messages, email, and social media in this provision reflects the court’s awareness of how harassment and conflict between divorcing spouses can escalate through digital communication. Violations of this provision can result in contempt proceedings and may negatively affect a party’s position in the case.

Protection of Marital Property and Assets

The Standing Order contains strong protections to preserve the marital estate. Neither party may conceal or damage any property, whether real or personal, joint or separate. Neither party may dissipate, sell, donate, pledge, remove, assign, transfer, dispose of, lend, mortgage, or encumber any marital or non-marital property without the written consent of the other party or a court order. The only exception is for cash, checking accounts, or other funds customarily used to pay ongoing living expenses, marital debts, or other recurring obligations, and only in the amounts actually required to pay those recurring obligations. Additionally, neither party may change the beneficiary on any survivor benefit plan or life insurance policy during the pendency of the case.

No Concealment or Destruction of Records

Neither party may directly or indirectly conceal from the other or destroy any family records, business records, or any records relating to income, debt, or other obligations. Full financial transparency is a foundational requirement of the divorce process on the Treasure Coast, and the failure to comply with this provision can result in serious consequences, including sanctions and adverse inferences at trial.

Insurance Policies

All insurance policies in effect at the time the petition is filed—including life insurance, annuities, homeowners insurance, health insurance, and motor vehicle policies—must remain the same without any change of their terms. No policy may be canceled, modified, borrowed against, pledged, or otherwise encumbered by either party. All premiums must continue to be paid in full on a timely basis. These protections can only be altered by the written consent of both parties or a court order.

Additional Debt

Neither party may incur additional debt that would have any effect on the other spouse, marital assets, or non-marital assets, except by written consent or court order. Notably, the Treasure Coast Standing Order extends this prohibition beyond just direct debt: it also covers any action by either party that results in a decreased ability to pay support or an increased need for support or family expenses. This broad language means that voluntary decisions that impair a party’s earning capacity—such as quitting a job or taking on unnecessary financial obligations—can be scrutinized and potentially sanctioned by the court.

Testamentary Dispositions

One of the most distinctive provisions of the Treasure Coast Standing Order concerns testamentary dispositions—the way property passes upon the death of a spouse during the pendency of the divorce. For all property or assets in which one party’s interest would pass or transfer upon death—including jointly titled assets, homestead real estate, the probate estate, retirement plan beneficiary designations, life insurance, annuities, last wills and testaments, and revocable trusts—the owner-spouse is prohibited from reducing the other spouse’s beneficial interest to less than a thirty percent share, consistent with the elective share provided under Section 732.201 of the Florida Statutes. For ERISA-governed plans such as 401(k) accounts or the Florida Retirement System, the other spouse’s beneficial interest may not be reduced below fifty percent, or as directed by ERISA. Any changes beyond what this provision allows require the express written agreement of both parties or a court order. This provision provides a meaningful layer of protection that is not found in the standing orders of many other Florida circuits.

Fiduciary Appointments

The Standing Order permits either party to update the fiduciary appointed under advance directives (such as a health care surrogate, living will, or declaration of preneed guardian), a durable power of attorney, a last will and testament (personal representative), or a trust (trustee) at any time without leave of court or the consent of the other party. However, any such changes must not circumvent any other provision of the Standing Order. This provision recognizes that during a divorce, many people appropriately want to change who is authorized to make decisions on their behalf, and allows them to do so without court involvement—while still preserving the financial protections established elsewhere in the order.

Family Law Services on the Treasure Coast 

While divorce is the most common family law matter, the courts in St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties handle a wide range of related cases. An experienced Treasure Coast family law attorney can provide guidance and representation across all of these areas.

Equitable Distribution of Assets and Debts

Florida is an equitable distribution state, meaning that marital assets and liabilities are divided fairly—though not necessarily equally—between the spouses. The Standing Order’s strong protections against the concealment, dissipation, or transfer of marital property reflect just how seriously the Treasure Coast courts take the preservation of marital assets during the pendency of a case. Divorce cases involving significant real estate holdings, business interests, retirement accounts, or complex financial structures require careful valuation and strategic negotiation to ensure a fair result.

Alimony

Florida law provides for several types of alimony, and the appropriate form of support depends on the length of the marriage, each party’s financial circumstances, and other statutory factors. A Port St. Lucie divorce attorney can evaluate your situation and advise you on whether you may be entitled to receive alimony or may be required to pay it, and what amount and duration may be appropriate given the facts of your case.

Child Custody and Timesharing

Florida uses the term “timesharing” rather than “custody” to describe the schedule by which each parent spends time with the children. The court’s primary consideration is always the best interests of the child. The Treasure Coast Standing Order’s detailed treatment-of-children provisions and attached Guidelines for Parenting reflect this court’s particular emphasis on protecting children from the harmful effects of parental conflict. Judges in St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties expect parents to actively foster the child’s relationship with the other parent, and a parent’s failure to do so can significantly impact timesharing outcomes.

Paternity Actions

For unmarried parents on the Treasure Coast, establishing paternity is a critical legal step that formalizes parental rights, establishes a timesharing arrangement, and creates an enforceable child support obligation. A local family law attorney can guide you through the paternity process and help protect the rights of both the parent and the child.

Modifications and Enforcement

After a final judgment has been entered, circumstances may change in ways that require a modification of the original terms. Whether the issue involves timesharing, child support, or alimony, the party seeking a modification must demonstrate a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances. If the other party is not complying with the terms of a final judgment or court order, enforcement proceedings—including contempt of court—may be necessary. The family law judges on the Treasure Coast have broad authority to enforce their orders and hold non-compliant parties accountable.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

A well-drafted prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can provide significant clarity and protection in the event of a future divorce. Florida law recognizes and enforces these agreements, provided they meet requirements regarding financial disclosure, voluntariness, and fairness. A Treasure Coast family law attorney can draft, review, or challenge a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement to ensure your interests are fully protected.

Domestic Violence Injunctions

In cases involving domestic violence, the courts in St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties can issue temporary and permanent injunctions for protection. While the Standing Order’s automatic mutual restraining order and no-harassment provisions provide a baseline of protection in every divorce case, a domestic violence injunction provides additional and more specific remedies. If you are the victim of domestic violence or have been served with an injunction petition, obtaining experienced legal representation promptly is essential.

Why Choosing a Local Treasure Coast Attorney Matters 

Family law cases on the Treasure Coast are governed not only by the Florida Statutes and the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, but also by local administrative orders that are specific to St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties. The Standing Temporary Domestic Relations Order discussed on this page is one of the most detailed in the state, with provisions—such as the testamentary disposition protections and the detailed treatment-of-children requirements—that go well beyond what many other Florida circuits require. An attorney who regularly practices in the Treasure Coast family courts will be familiar with these local requirements, the expectations and preferences of the individual judges, and the procedures at each county’s courthouse.

Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, and the surrounding communities are served by the St. Lucie County Courthouse. Stuart, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Palm City, and Indiantown are served by the Martin County Courthouse. Vero Beach, Sebastian, and the barrier island communities are served by the Indian River County Courthouse. And the city of Okeechobee and surrounding areas are served by the Okeechobee County Courthouse. While these are four separate courthouses, the same Standing Temporary Domestic Relations Order governs divorce cases in all four counties. Whether you live in Port St. Lucie or anywhere else on the Treasure Coast, having an attorney who knows this landscape is a significant advantage.

Why Fairway Law Group 

If you are facing a divorce or any other family law issue in St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, or Okeechobee County, the most important step you can take is to consult with an experienced Treasure Coast family law attorney who can explain your rights, help you understand the Standing Order and other local rules that will govern your case, and develop a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. Early legal guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes and put you in the strongest possible position as your case moves forward.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you navigate the family law process on the Treasure Coast.