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Leon County Divorce Records

What Are Leon County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Leon County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.043, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings in the state. The records are created and maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Leon County as part of the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida.

Divorce records typically consist of several components:

  • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
  • Financial affidavits from both parties
  • Marital settlement agreements
  • Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
  • Child custody and support arrangements (if applicable)
  • Property division documentation
  • Name change orders (if applicable)

These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and government agencies, including:

  • Providing legal proof of marital status change
  • Enabling individuals to legally remarry
  • Supporting name change processes
  • Verifying eligibility for Social Security benefits
  • Documenting status for loan applications
  • Establishing legal status for immigration matters
  • Facilitating property transfers resulting from divorce settlements

The Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics also maintains an index of divorce certificates for divorces granted in Florida since June 6, 1927, which provides an official verification that a divorce was granted.

Are Leon County Divorce Records Public?

Leon County divorce records have a complex public access status governed by Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119. While Florida maintains a strong commitment to government transparency, divorce records contain varying levels of accessibility:

Court divorce case files are generally public records and may be accessed by any member of the public with certain important exceptions:

  • Records containing Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and certain financial information are redacted before public disclosure pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.0714
  • Information related to minor children is protected from public disclosure
  • Domestic violence victims may request that their information be sealed or redacted
  • Cases involving allegations of abuse may have restricted access

Certified divorce certificates, which verify the fact of divorce, have more restricted access. Under current Florida law, these certificates are available only to:

  • The former spouses named in the record
  • Legal representatives of either party
  • Individuals with a court order authorizing access
  • Agencies authorized by statute for official government business

The Leon County Clerk of Court maintains divorce records as part of the public court record system, while certified copies of divorce certificates may be obtained through the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Leon County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Leon County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The process varies depending on the type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the case.

For court case files related to divorce proceedings:

  1. Visit the Leon County Clerk of Court's office in person:

Leon County Clerk of Court
301 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-606-4000
Leon County Clerk of Court

  1. Provide the following information for the most efficient search:

    • Full names of both parties to the divorce
    • Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
    • Case number (if known)
    • Valid photo identification

  2. Pay applicable search and copy fees:

    • Record search fee: $2.00 per name per year searched
    • Regular copies: $1.00 per page
    • Certified copies: $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page

For certified divorce certificates:

  1. Submit a request to the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics:

Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
904-359-6900
Florida Department of Health

  1. Include in your request:

    • Completed application form
    • Copy of valid photo identification
    • Appropriate fee payment
    • Proof of relationship to named parties (if applicable)

  2. Specify delivery method:

    • Standard mail (processing time 5-7 business days)
    • Expedited service (additional fee applies)

Researchers may also utilize the services of the Leon County Law Library for assistance with locating historical divorce records or understanding legal terminology contained in divorce documents.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Leon County Online?

Leon County provides several digital resources for accessing divorce records online, though the level of detail and accessibility varies based on the specific system and the requester's status.

The primary online resources include:

  1. Leon County Clerk of Court's Public Records Search:

    • Navigate to the Leon County Clerk's online services portal
    • Select "Court Records Search"
    • Create a free account or log in as a guest
    • Search by party name, case number, or date range
    • Filter results by selecting "Family Law" or "Dissolution of Marriage"
    • View basic case information including filing date, parties involved, and case status
    • Note that complete case documents may not be viewable online and may require in-person inspection

  2. Florida Department of Health's VitalChek service:

    • Visit the Florida Department of Health's divorce certificates page
    • Select the online ordering option
    • Create an account and verify identity
    • Provide required information about the divorce record sought
    • Pay applicable fees ($14.00 per certificate plus service fees)
    • Note that this service is restricted to eligible individuals only

  3. Second Judicial Circuit's Case Information System:

    • Access the Second Judicial Circuit website
    • Navigate to the case information section
    • Search using party names or case numbers
    • View basic docket information and scheduled hearings
    • Note that this system provides case status but not document images

When using online systems, users should be aware that:

  • Not all documents within a divorce case file are available electronically
  • Sensitive information is redacted from publicly accessible records
  • Records prior to certain dates may not be digitized
  • Official certified copies cannot be obtained through the public search functions

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Leon County?

Members of the public seeking to access divorce records in Leon County without incurring fees have several limited options available. While obtaining certified copies or extensive searches typically involve costs, basic information may be accessed at no charge.

Free access options include:

  1. In-person inspection at the Leon County Courthouse:
    • Visit the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
    • Request to view specific divorce case files
    • Provide case number or names of parties and approximate date
    • Review documents on-site without requesting copies
    • Take notes on case information (photography of documents may be restricted)

Leon County Clerk of Court
301 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-606-4000
Leon County Clerk of Court

  1. Limited online case information:

    • Use the Leon County Clerk's public access system as a guest user
    • Search for basic case information including filing dates, case type, and party names
    • View docket entries showing case progression
    • Note that document images typically require payment or subscription

  2. Leon County Law Library resources:

    • Visit the Law Library located in the Leon County Courthouse
    • Access legal research terminals with case information
    • Obtain assistance from law librarians in locating relevant records
    • Use reference materials to understand divorce proceedings and terminology

  3. Second Judicial Circuit public terminals:

    • Use public access computers at the Second Judicial Circuit Court
    • Search case management system for docket information
    • View limited case details without printing documents

While these methods provide free access to basic information, limitations include:

  • Inability to obtain certified copies without payment
  • Restricted access to complete case files
  • Time constraints of in-person research during business hours
  • Limited historical record availability through electronic systems
  • Potential waiting periods for physical file retrieval

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Leon County

Divorce records in Leon County contain comprehensive documentation of the legal process dissolving a marriage. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Court as the official custodian of court records pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.222.

A complete divorce case file typically includes:

  1. Initial pleadings:

    • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
    • Summons and proof of service
    • Answer and/or counter-petition
    • Financial affidavits from both parties
    • Child custody jurisdiction affidavits (if children involved)

  2. Interim orders and filings:

    • Temporary relief orders
    • Mediation reports and agreements
    • Motions filed by either party
    • Discovery documents (interrogatories, depositions)
    • Guardian ad litem reports (if appointed)

  3. Final documentation:

    • Marital settlement agreement
    • Parenting plan (if children involved)
    • Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
    • Property distribution orders
    • Child support calculations and orders
    • Alimony determinations
    • Name change orders (if applicable)

  4. Post-judgment filings:

    • Motions for modification
    • Enforcement proceedings
    • Appeals documentation
    • Contempt proceedings

The Florida Department of Health maintains divorce certificates that contain more limited information:

  • Names of both parties
  • Date of divorce finalization
  • County where divorce was granted
  • Case number
  • Volume and page number in official records

Certain sensitive information is redacted from public versions of these records, including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Bank account numbers
  • Minor children's identifying information
  • Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
  • Medical and mental health information

The Second Judicial Circuit Family Law Division oversees divorce proceedings in Leon County, ensuring proper documentation and record-keeping throughout the process.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Leon County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Leon County have several options for obtaining this documentation, depending on their specific needs and the intended use of the proof.

For certified copies of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage:

  1. Contact the Leon County Clerk of Court:

Leon County Clerk of Court
301 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-606-4000
Leon County Clerk of Court

  1. Provide the following information:

    • Names of both parties to the divorce
    • Approximate date of divorce finalization
    • Case number (if known)
    • Valid photo identification
    • Relationship to the case (if requesting confidential information)

  2. Pay the required fees:

    • $2.00 per certification
    • $1.00 per page for copies
    • Additional search fees may apply if case information is incomplete

For official divorce certificates:

  1. Submit a request to the Florida Department of Health:

Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
904-359-6900
Florida Department of Health

  1. Include in your request:

    • Completed application form
    • Copy of valid photo identification
    • $14.00 fee per certificate (additional fees for expedited service)
    • Proof of entitlement to record (if not a party to the divorce)

  2. Specify preferred delivery method:

    • Regular mail
    • Expedited delivery (additional fee)
    • In-person pickup at Jacksonville office

For international use of divorce documentation:

  1. Obtain a certified copy from the Clerk of Court
  2. Contact the Florida Department of State for apostille or authentication:

Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations
Apostille Section
P.O. Box 6800
Tallahassee, FL 32314
850-245-6945
Florida Department of State

  1. Submit required documentation and fees for international certification

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Leon County?

While Florida maintains a strong public records tradition under Florida Statutes Chapter 119, certain aspects of divorce proceedings in Leon County may be kept confidential under specific circumstances and legal provisions.

Situations where confidentiality may be granted include:

  1. Domestic violence protection:

    • Under Florida Statutes § 741.465, individuals who have obtained an injunction for protection against domestic violence may request that their personal information be kept confidential
    • The court may seal certain records or redact identifying information
    • Address confidentiality programs may be utilized to protect victim locations

  2. Financial information protection:

    • Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and certain financial information are automatically redacted from public records
    • Financial affidavits may be filed under seal upon request and court approval
    • Trade secrets and proprietary business information may be protected

  3. Child protection measures:

    • Records containing information about minor children have heightened privacy protections
    • Guardian ad litem reports are typically confidential
    • Psychological evaluations and therapy records related to children are protected

  4. Sealing by court order:

    • Parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of a divorce file
    • The judge must find that privacy interests outweigh the public interest in access
    • Sealing orders must be narrowly tailored to protect only necessary information

To request confidentiality:

  1. File a motion with the Second Judicial Circuit Court requesting specific records be sealed
  2. Demonstrate compelling reasons why confidentiality is necessary
  3. Attend a hearing where the judge will determine if the legal standard for confidentiality has been met

It is important to note that:

  • Complete sealing of divorce cases is rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances
  • Even when records are sealed, basic case information (parties' names, case number, judge) typically remains public
  • Confidentiality orders may be temporary or permanent depending on circumstances
  • Court officials, authorized attorneys, and certain government agencies may still access sealed records

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Leon County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Leon County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court caseload. The Second Judicial Circuit Court processes divorce cases according to Florida law and local administrative procedures.

Timeframes for different types of divorce proceedings:

  1. Simplified Dissolution of Marriage:

    • Minimum waiting period: 20 days after filing
    • Typical completion time: 30-45 days
    • Requirements: No minor children, pregnancy, or alimony claims; complete agreement on property division; both parties attend final hearing
    • This expedited process is available only when specific criteria are met

  2. Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage:

    • Minimum processing time: 45-60 days
    • Typical completion time: 60-90 days
    • Factors affecting timeline: Completeness of paperwork, court calendar availability, statutory waiting periods
    • Requires complete written agreement on all issues prior to filing

  3. Contested Dissolution of Marriage:

    • Minimum duration: 6 months
    • Average duration: 9-12 months
    • Complex cases: 12-24 months or longer
    • Factors affecting timeline: Discovery disputes, valuation of assets, custody evaluations, expert testimony needs, court continuances

According to the Florida Courts statistical reporting, factors that significantly impact divorce timeframes include:

  • Case complexity factors:

    • High-value or complex assets requiring valuation
    • Ownership interests in businesses
    • Disputed parenting arrangements
    • Contested alimony or support claims
    • Real estate in multiple jurisdictions
    • Retirement accounts requiring qualified domestic relations orders

  • Procedural factors:

    • Court congestion and scheduling availability
    • Attorney scheduling conflicts
    • Mediation requirements and outcomes
    • Availability of necessary experts
    • Discovery compliance issues
    • Motion practice and hearings

Florida law requires a minimum 20-day waiting period after filing before any divorce can be finalized, even when parties are in complete agreement. Additionally, at least one party must have been a Florida resident for six months prior to filing the petition for dissolution of marriage.

How Long Does Leon County Keep Divorce Records?

Leon County maintains divorce records according to Florida's records retention schedules established under Florida Statutes § 119.021. These schedules determine how long different types of divorce-related documents must be preserved.

Retention periods for divorce records in Leon County:

  1. Court case files:

    • Permanent retention for Final Judgments of Dissolution of Marriage
    • Permanent retention for orders determining property rights
    • Permanent retention for judgments affecting child custody or support
    • 10 years for temporary orders after case closure
    • 5 years for routine procedural motions after case closure

  2. Divorce certificates:

    • Permanent retention by the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics
    • Maintained in searchable index format since June 6, 1927
    • Original certificates preserved in secure state archives

  3. Supporting documentation:

    • Financial affidavits: 10 years after case closure
    • Guardian ad litem reports: 10 years after youngest child reaches majority
    • Deposition transcripts: 10 years after case closure
    • Exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeals period (typically 30 days after judgment)

  4. Electronic records:

    • Case management data: Permanent retention
    • Scanned document images: Same retention as paper originals
    • Audio/video recordings of hearings: 10 years

The Leon County Clerk of Court maintains these records according to state-mandated schedules. While some documents may be destroyed after their retention period expires, records with permanent retention status are preserved indefinitely through:

  • Microfilming of older records
  • Digital preservation of more recent records
  • Secure storage in climate-controlled facilities
  • Regular backup and verification procedures

Historical divorce records dating back to the county's founding are maintained in the Leon County Archives and may require special procedures to access. Researchers seeking historical divorce records should contact:

Leon County Clerk's Archives
315 S. Calhoun Street, Room 750
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-606-4030
Leon County Clerk's Office

How To Get a Divorce In Leon County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Leon County must follow procedures established by the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida and Florida family law statutes. The process varies depending on the circumstances of the marriage and the level of agreement between parties.

The primary methods for obtaining a divorce in Leon County are:

  1. Simplified Dissolution of Marriage:

    • Available only when:
      • Both spouses agree completely on all issues
      • No minor children or dependent children
      • No pregnancy
      • No alimony claims
      • At least one spouse has been a Florida resident for six months
    • Process:
      • Both parties complete and file required forms together
      • Pay filing fee ($408 as of current fee schedule)
      • Attend final hearing together
      • Receive final judgment at hearing

  2. Regular Dissolution of Marriage:

    • Required when simplified dissolution criteria are not met

    • Process for uncontested cases:

      • Petitioner files dissolution petition and related forms
      • Serves documents on other spouse
      • Respondent files answer
      • Parties file financial affidavits
      • Submit marital settlement agreement
      • Attend final hearing
      • Receive final judgment

    • Process for contested cases:

      • Petitioner files dissolution petition
      • Serves documents on other spouse
      • Respondent files answer and/or counter-petition
      • Mandatory disclosure of financial information
      • Temporary relief hearings if needed
      • Mediation (required in most cases)
      • Discovery process
      • Pre-trial conference
      • Trial if issues remain unresolved
      • Final judgment issued by judge

All divorce cases in Leon County are filed at:

Leon County Courthouse
301 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-606-4000
Leon County Courts

Resources available to assist with the divorce process:

  • Family Law Forms - Official court-approved forms
  • Family Law Case Management - Assistance with procedural questions
  • Legal Aid Foundation of Tallahassee - Services for qualifying low-income individuals
  • Leon County Law Library - Self-help resources and legal research materials

Required residency: At least one spouse must have been a Florida resident for six months prior to filing, which must be verified by filing a Florida Driver's License, Florida ID Card, or Affidavit of Corroborating Witness.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Leon County

Individuals seeking divorce papers in Leon County have several options for obtaining the necessary forms to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings. The required documents vary based on the type of dissolution being pursued and the specific circumstances of the marriage.

Sources for obtaining divorce papers include:

  1. Leon County Courthouse:

Leon County Courthouse Family Law Division
301 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-606-4100
Leon County Family Court

  • Visit the Family Law Division clerk's office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
  • Request specific divorce packet based on your situation
  • Pay applicable printing fees ($1.00 per page)
  • Receive guidance on which forms are required for your specific case
  1. Second Judicial Circuit website:
  1. Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms:
  • Access the Florida Courts website
  • Select appropriate forms based on case type
  • Download fillable PDF documents
  • Complete forms according to instructions
  1. Leon County Law Library:
  • Visit the Law Library located in the Leon County Courthouse
  • Use public computers to access and print forms
  • Receive assistance identifying appropriate documents
  • Pay nominal printing fees

Common divorce packets available include:

  • Simplified Dissolution of Marriage packet
  • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Children
  • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Children
  • Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
  • Counter-Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
  • Financial Affidavit forms (short form and long form)
  • Marital Settlement Agreement templates
  • Parenting Plan forms
  • Child Support Guidelines Worksheet

When obtaining divorce papers, individuals should:

  • Verify they have the most current version of all forms
  • Ensure they have all supplementary forms required for their specific situation
  • Consider consulting with an attorney or legal aid service before filing
  • Make copies of all completed documents before filing
  • Be prepared to pay filing fees or apply for a fee waiver if eligible

Lookup Divorce Records in Leon County

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