Brevard County dissolution of marriage records are official court files that show when a marriage ended in Florida. These records include the petition, the final judgment, and the case docket from the 18th Judicial Circuit Court.
People need these records to confirm a divorce, change their name, settle property matters, or remarry. The Brevard County Clerk of Court keeps the original files. The Florida Department of Health also keeps a state abstract of each divorce. This page covers where Brevard County dissolution of marriage records are stored, how to search them online, how to request certified copies, the laws that control filings, and the self-help tools available to residents of Brevard County, Florida.
Where Brevard County Records Are Filed
Dissolution of marriage records in Brevard County pass through three main offices. The county clerk handles court filings. The circuit court issues the final judgment. The state health department creates a separate abstract for vital statistics purposes.
Brevard County Clerk of Court Role
The Brevard County Clerk of Court stores the original case file for every divorce filed in the county. The clerk assigns a case number, creates the docket, scans new filings, and issues certified copies when asked. All petitions, motions, financial affidavits, and final judgments stay in the clerk office. Residents can visit the clerk in person, send a mail request, or use the online portal to pull records.
The clerk office splits duties between court records and official records. Court records hold the full case file. Official records hold the final judgment and any recorded documents. Search both systems when checking on an older case, because some files appear in one index and not the other.
18th Judicial Circuit Court System
Brevard County sits in the 18th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Seminole County. All dissolution of marriage cases go through the circuit court family law division. The family law judges sign final judgments and approve settlement agreements. The circuit court follows Florida statutes for filing rules, residency checks, and waiting periods.
The clerk office for the 18th circuit manages cases filed in Titusville, Cocoa, Melbourne, Palm Bay, and other Brevard cities. Every city falls under the same county clerk because Florida circuit courts cover whole counties.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics holds a state-level abstract of each divorce. County clerks send a report to the state after the court enters a final judgment. This report produces a state divorce certificate, which works for name changes, Social Security updates, and remarriage.
The state record holds less detail than the county court file. It lists the names of both spouses, the date of divorce, and the county where the case ended. It does not hold the property settlement or parenting plan. Anyone who needs those details must contact the county clerk office.
How to Search Divorce Records Online
Online search tools help users check case status, find a case number, and view docket entries. The county portal, the statewide e-filing system, and the official records search all serve different purposes. Use the tool that matches the type of record needed.
Online Search Tools
The Brevard County Clerk office runs a public case search on its website. Users enter a name and a year range to see open and closed family cases. The search shows the case style, the filing date, and the case number. The tool does not show sealed or expunged files.
The Florida e-filing portal lets users track cases filed through the statewide system. This tool helps people who already filed and need to check the status of pending motions or hearings. The official records search covers recorded judgments and land records tied to a divorce settlement.
Name-Based Lookup
Name searches work well when the full legal name is known. The clerk database uses the name that appears on the petition, which may differ from a current legal name. Use the name at the time of divorce, not a name changed after the case ended.
Common search tips:
- Spell the name the same way it appears on the court file
- Search both married and maiden names for women
- Use a wider year range when the exact date is unclear
- Try alternate spellings if the first search returns nothing
Case Number Search
A case number search gives the most exact result. Each dissolution of marriage case in Brevard County gets a unique case number that uses the year, a sequence code, and the case type. The format looks like 2024-DR-001234. Entering this number in the clerk portal pulls the full docket.
Users who do not have the case number can call the clerk office. Staff can search by name and read the case number over the phone. A small search fee may apply for some lookup services.
Requesting Certified Copies of Decrees
A certified copy of a divorce decree carries a raised seal or stamp that proves it came from the clerk office. Banks, insurance companies, federal agencies, and other courts often require a certified copy rather than a plain printout. Brevard County offers certified copies through in-person visits, mail requests, and online orders.
In-Person Requests
The clerk office accepts walk-in requests for certified copies at the records desk. Bring a valid photo ID, the case number or names of both spouses, and payment for the copy fee. Staff searches the file, pulls the judgment, and certifies the copy on the spot for files already scanned into the system.
Older files may sit in offsite storage. The clerk office can pull these files, but the request takes a few business days. Plan ahead when an older certified copy is needed.
Mail Requests
Mail requests work for users who cannot visit the clerk office. Send a written request that lists both full names, the case number when known, the year of filing, the type of record needed, and a return mailing address. Include a copy of a photo ID and a check or money order for the fee.
Mail requests take longer than in-person visits because of processing time and return postage. Most mail requests finish within 7 to 10 business days after the clerk office receives them.
Online Copy Requests
The Brevard County clerk online portal accepts certified copy orders through a secure payment page. Users enter the case number, select the documents needed, and pay the fee by card. The clerk office mails the certified copy to the address on file or holds it for pickup.
Online orders process during regular business hours. Orders placed after hours or on weekends start processing the next business day. Tracking numbers help confirm delivery.
Fees and Payment
Brevard County clerk fees follow Florida public records law. Certified copies of a divorce judgment carry a per-page charge plus a certification fee. Standard searches by name may carry a separate lookup fee. Payment methods vary by request type and include cash, check, money order, and card.
A breakdown of common fees:
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of judgment | $1 per page plus $2 certification fee |
| Plain copy of document | $0.15 per page |
| Name search lookup | $2 per name per year |
| Federal expedited request | Higher fee with rush processing |
| Online service charge | Small card processing fee per order |
Florida Divorce Filing Laws and Rules
Florida statutes set the rules that every county clerk must follow. These laws cover who can file, where to file, how long the case takes, and how property gets divided. Brevard County applies the same rules as every other Florida county.
Residency Requirements
Florida Statute 61.021 requires one spouse to live in Florida for at least six months before filing for dissolution of marriage. The six-month period must end before the court enters a final judgment. Military members stationed in Florida often meet this rule through their assignment.
Proof of residency can include a Florida driver license, voter registration, utility bills, or a sworn statement. The court may ask for these documents during the case.
Waiting Period
Florida Statute 61.019 sets a minimum 20-day delay between filing the petition and entering the final judgment. The clock starts when the other spouse receives notice of the petition. The court can waive this delay for good cause in rare cases.
A simple, uncontested case with no minor children often reaches a final judgment in 30 to 90 days. Cases with custody disputes, property fights, or missing spouses take longer.
Grounds for Dissolution
Florida is a no-fault state for divorce. Florida Statute 61.052 says the court can grant dissolution when the marriage is irretrievably broken. The spouse who files does not need to prove wrongdoing by the other spouse. The court only needs to confirm the marriage is beyond repair.
The same statute also lists mental incapacity as a ground for dissolution. This option is rare and requires proof through medical records.
Property Division
Florida Statute 61.075 creates a framework for dividing marital property and debts. The court starts with a presumption that equal division is fair. The judge then looks at factors like each spouse’s income, earning potential, health, and contributions to the marriage.
Separate property owned before marriage or received by gift or inheritance during marriage usually stays with the original owner. The court can override this rule when commingling makes separate property hard to trace.
Brevard County Self-Help and Legal Aid
Self-represented users in Brevard County can use free tools from Florida Courts and local legal aid groups. These tools help people fill out forms, understand procedure, and avoid common mistakes. Court staff cannot give legal advice but can explain how the process works.
DIY Florida Forms
Florida Courts runs a free DIY interview tool that builds family law forms through a question and answer process. The tool asks about the marriage, children, property, and income. At the end, it creates the petition, financial affidavit, and other required forms with the answers filled in.
DIY Florida works best for simple cases without disputes. Users with complex property or custody matters still need an attorney for legal advice and court representation.
Family Law Forms
The Florida Courts website posts approved family law forms for every type of family case. These forms include the petition for dissolution, summons, financial affidavit, parenting plan, and child support worksheets. Each form carries a clear instruction sheet that explains what to write in each blank.
Brevard County courts accept the statewide forms without changes. Local clerk offices do not add county-specific forms for routine dissolution cases.
Legal Aid Options
Low-income residents in Brevard County can contact legal aid groups for free help with family law cases. These groups handle simple dissolutions, name changes, and parenting plan issues. They also run clinics where volunteer attorneys review forms and answer questions.
The Florida Bar lawyer referral service lists attorneys who offer reduced fees for family law matters. Many attorneys offer free consultations for new clients.
Other Florida Counties Divorce Records
Brevard County is one of 67 counties in Florida. Each county runs its own clerk office with its own records. Users searching for a divorce filed in another county need to contact that county’s clerk office directly. The statewide e-filing portal helps with cases filed in any circuit.
Orange County Records
Orange County dissolution of marriage records sit with the Orange County Clerk of Courts in Orlando. The county serves Orlando, Winter Park, and other central Florida cities. The Orange County clerk runs a public records search on its website.
Orange County records can also be pulled through the Florida e-filing portal. Use the statewide system when filing a new case from another county.
Miami-Dade County Records
Miami-Dade County dissolution of marriage records go through the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts. The clerk office covers a large population and handles many family cases each year. The clerk website offers an online search by name and case number.
Users can visit the Miami-Dade clerk office in person or order copies by mail. The clerk also supports online certified copy orders with card payment.
Hillsborough County Records
Hillsborough County dissolution of marriage records are stored with the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court in Tampa. The clerk office covers Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace. The public search tool on the clerk website lists family cases by name and year.
Hillsborough County uses the same statewide forms as every Florida county. Filing fees match the standard fee schedule set by Florida law.
Palm Beach County Records
Palm Beach County dissolution of marriage records sit with the Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts in West Palm Beach. The county covers Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and other coastal cities. The clerk office offers online search and certified copy services.
Palm Beach County records also appear in the statewide e-filing portal. Search the statewide system when the case was filed in another circuit.
Contact Details and Office Hours
Brevard County Clerk of Court handles all requests for dissolution of marriage records. Users can reach the clerk office by phone, by mail, or in person. Office hours run during standard business hours on weekdays. The clerk office closes on state holidays.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | Brevard County Clerk of Court |
| Phone | 321-637-2000 |
| Website | https://www.brevardclerk.us/ |
| Main Location | 400 South Street, Titusville, FL 32780 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| State Records | Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics |
| State Phone | 904-359-6900 |
| State Website | https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/ |
Common Questions About Divorce Records
This section covers the questions people ask most often about Brevard County dissolution of marriage records. Each answer gives direct facts about the search process, certified copies, and state rules. Use these answers to plan a request and avoid common delays.
What is the residency rule for filing?
One spouse must live in Florida for at least six months before filing the petition for dissolution of marriage. The six months must end before the court enters the final judgment. A Florida driver license, voter registration, or utility bill can prove residency. Military members stationed in Florida usually meet this rule through their orders. The court can deny a case when the residency rule is not met.
How long does a divorce take in Brevard County?
A simple, uncontested dissolution of marriage in Brevard County often reaches a final judgment in 30 to 90 days after filing. Florida law sets a minimum 20-day delay between the petition and the judgment. Cases with custody fights, property disputes, or missing spouses take much longer. Some contested cases run six months to two years before the court enters a final judgment. The exact timeline depends on the facts of each case.
Are divorce records public in Florida?
Most dissolution of marriage records in Florida are public records under state law. Anyone can search the case docket, view filings, and request a copy. The court can seal or limit access in cases involving domestic violence, minor children, or sensitive financial data. Sealed records appear in the court system but show limited details to the public.
What does a certified copy show?
A certified copy of a divorce judgment shows the full names of both spouses, the case number, the date of the final judgment, the county of filing, and the judge who signed the order. The copy carries a raised seal or stamp that proves it came from the clerk office. Banks, federal agencies, and other courts accept certified copies as legal proof of divorce. Plain printouts from the online portal do not carry this legal weight.
Can I seal a divorce record?
A judge can seal parts of a dissolution of marriage file when sensitive information needs protection. Common reasons include domestic violence, identity theft risk, or the safety of minor children. The spouse who wants the seal must file a motion and explain the reason. The court reviews the motion and decides whether to grant the request. Sealed records stay in the clerk file but show limited details to the public.
What if I lost my divorce decree?
A lost divorce decree can be replaced through the county clerk office where the case was filed. Brevard County residents can request a certified copy in person, by mail, or through the online portal. The clerk office charges a per-page fee plus a certification fee. The new copy carries the same legal weight as the original decree.
How much do copies cost?
The cost of copies from the Brevard County clerk office follows the standard fee schedule set by Florida law. Certified copies cost a per-page fee plus a certification fee. Plain copies cost a small per-page fee. Name search lookups carry a separate charge. Users should check the current fee page on the clerk website before submitting a request.