The Family Law Process At The Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center

Last updated on August 21, 2026

If you are new to the Miami-Dade County area, you might not know how the family law process moves or where you can file for divorce, address child custody and time sharing or seek support. The Law Offices of Granoff & Kessler are here to guide you through the process and make it easier for you to keep moving forward with your case.

Filing Your Divorce Case

When you are filing for divorce at 175 NW 1st Avenue in Miami, you may be able to submit your petition electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal or file in person at the courthouse. Self-represented litigants generally must have certain family law petitions reviewed by the Family Court Self Help Program before e-filing, while a simplified divorce requires both spouses to appear in person.

The Family Division Clerk of Courts handles family filings on the 12th floor. Court hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, but the Family Court Division Clerk is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Preparing For Hearings In The Family Division

Family Division judges use courtMAP, the 11th Judicial Circuit’s online Management and Access Platform, for tasks that can include scheduling hearings and submitting proposed orders. Because procedures and deadlines vary by judicial section, you should review your assigned judge’s instructions before setting a hearing or submitting documents.

Completing Mediation Before Trial

Family Division judges often order mediation before a case goes to trial (all cases must go to mediation before trial, unless the respondent was defaulted or was served via publication). The Mediation/Arbitration Division runs that mediation, while family court services at Lawson offers parenting help and social investigation referrals.

Before mediation, you must also meet certain financial requirements in your case. Some sections require financial affidavits before referral, and Rule 12.285 requires parties to exchange mandatory financial disclosures by set deadlines. The court can impose sanctions if a party does not comply.

Working With Family Division Case Management

Lawson is home to more than a dozen judges who address family law cases, along with the Family Division Case Management Unit. Case managers track domestic relations cases, review pleadings for legal sufficiency and identify statutory requirements that still need attention.

Talk To A Family Law Attorney About Your Case

An attorney familiar with the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse can help you prepare documents, understand what the court expects and keep the process moving. To speak with the Law Offices of Granoff & Kessler, give us a call at 786-591-1849 or complete the online contact form and schedule your consultation.