Lakeland City Dissolution Of Marriage Records are filed and stored by the Polk County Clerk of Court, not by the City of Lakeland government. Anyone living in Lakeland who needs to search for a divorce case, view court filings, or order a certified copy must work through Polk County offices.
The county seat is Bartow, and the clerk records, indexes, and issues copies of every dissolution case filed in the 10th Judicial Circuit. This page explains how city residents can locate their records, what forms to use, what fees apply, and which state offices also hold related files.
Where Lakeland Residents File Dissolution Cases
Lakeland sits inside Polk County, so every dissolution of marriage case starts at the county level. The circuit court family division handles all filings. The Clerk of Court stores the docket, the petition, the final judgment, and all supporting motions. City offices like Lakeland City Hall do not maintain these files, and they cannot issue certified copies of court orders.
Polk County Clerk of Court Contact
The Clerk of Court for Polk County is Stacy M. Butterfield, CPA. The main office sits at 255 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830. The clerk phone number is 863-534-4000. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call before visiting to confirm window hours, payment rules, and whether you need an appointment.
| Office Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Stacy M. Butterfield, CPA |
| Address | 255 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830 |
| Phone | 863-534-4000 |
| Office Hours | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday |
| Circuit | 10th Judicial Circuit |
| County Website | polkclerk.com |
Why the City Cannot Handle These Records
Florida law places divorce jurisdiction with the circuit courts in each county. Lakeland does not have its own family court. The city only provides local services like utilities, permits, and police reports. All domestic relations cases, including dissolution, fall under the Polk County Clerk’s authority. This structure keeps court records uniform across the state and limits access to one trusted custodian per case.
How to Search Lakeland Dissolution Records Online
Polk County offers free online search tools through the clerk’s website. Anyone can look up a case by party name, case number, or filing date. The system shows docket entries, hearing dates, and final judgment status. Older cases from before 2000 may require an in-person request because some files exist only in paper or microfilm form.
Step-by-Step Online Search
Start at polkclerk.com and click the court records search link. Enter the last name of either spouse, choose a date range, and select “Domestic Relations” as the case type. The search will return a list of matching cases. Click the case number to view the full docket. Note the case number for later use when requesting certified copies.
- Open the Polk Clerk website at polkclerk.com.
- Click the court records search tool.
- Type the last name of either spouse.
- Pick a date range that covers the filing year.
- Select Domestic Relations as the case type.
- Review the list of cases for the right match.
- Write down the case number and judge assigned.
- Use the case number to order a certified copy later.
Statewide Court Access Portal
Florida also runs a statewide e-portal at myflcourtaccess.com. This tool shows case info from all 67 counties. Lakeland residents can use it to confirm case status, see if a final judgment was entered, and check hearing schedules. The statewide portal pulls data from each county clerk daily, so it stays current.
Requesting Certified Copies of a Divorce Decree
A certified copy of a final judgment of dissolution carries the court seal and clerk signature. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, and other agencies usually require this version. Plain printouts from the online portal are not certified and may not be accepted for legal use.
Ways to Request Certified Copies
Polk County allows three main request methods: in person, by mail, or online through an approved vendor. Each method has its own fee and processing time. Walk-in requests at the Bartow office can often be filled the same day if the file is current and the staff can locate it quickly. Mail requests take seven to ten business days. Online orders through the clerk’s vendor system offer credit card payment and tracking.
Standard Fees and Payment Options
The clerk charges a fee for each certified copy and an additional charge for the search if staff must pull the file manually. Most certified copies of a dissolution judgment cost between $10 and $25 per document. Search fees usually run $2 per name per year. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards for in-person orders. Online orders require a small service fee added by the vendor.
| Service | Fee Range | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy of Final Judgment | $10 – $25 | Same day to 10 days |
| Name Search Fee | $2 per year | Added to total |
| Online Vendor Service Fee | $5 – $10 | Added to total |
| Additional Page Copies | $1 per page | Included in order |
Florida Department of Health Divorce Certificates
The Florida Department of Health issues a state-level divorce certificate, separate from the court judgment. This certificate shows basic facts: names of both spouses, the county of filing, and the date the court entered the final judgment. It does not include property division, custody orders, or financial terms. Many employers and federal agencies accept this certificate in place of a full decree.
How to Order a State Divorce Certificate
Order through the Florida Department of Health website or use the VitalChek online portal. Provide both full names, the date of divorce or filing year, and the county where the case was heard. Mail the request to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The certificate costs $30, and an extra $10 fee applies for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
Differences Between a Certificate and a Decree
A certificate proves only that a divorce happened. A decree proves the full legal terms. People who need to change their name on a Social Security card usually need the decree. People who need to show proof of single status for a new marriage usually need the certificate. Knowing which one to order saves both time and money.
Florida Statutes That Govern Lakeland Divorce Cases
Florida law applies statewide, so Lakeland cases follow the same rules as any other county. The statutes below cover who can file, where to file, what grounds apply, and how the court enters judgment. Each statute cited here is current as of 2026 and applies to all new filings in Polk County.
Residency and Filing Rules
Florida Statute 61.021 requires at least one spouse to live in Florida for six months before filing. Florida Statute 61.043 lists the proper way to start a case by filing a petition for dissolution of marriage. The petition must include the grounds, which Florida Statute 61.052 identifies as the marriage being irretrievably broken.
Final Judgment and Property Division
Florida Statute 61.019 controls the timing of the final judgment. Most simple dissolutions take a few weeks to a few months. Florida Statute 61.075 sets the rules for dividing assets and liabilities fairly between the spouses. The court looks at income, contributions, and future needs when making this decision.
Vital Statistics Reporting
Florida Statute 382.023 requires the clerk to send a report to vital statistics after each final judgment. This step adds the case to the state index and triggers the option to order a state divorce certificate. Without this report, the state has no record that the divorce happened, even though the local court file stays complete.
Lakeland Dissolution Records Across Nearby Counties
People sometimes file in a county other than Polk because of where they lived at filing time. If a Lakeland resident moved before filing, the case may sit in another county’s docket. The section below covers the most common nearby counties and how their systems work.
Major Florida County Clerks
Florida has 67 counties, each with its own clerk. The largest counties by population include Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Orange, Duval, and Pinellas. Each clerk runs its own search portal with slightly different tools. The statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com covers all of them in one search box.
| County | Main City | Clerk Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Miami | miami-dadeclerk.com |
| Broward | Fort Lauderdale | browardclerk.org |
| Palm Beach | West Palm Beach | mypalmbeachclerk.com |
| Hillsborough | Tampa | hillclerk.com |
| Orange | Orlando | occompt.com |
| Duval | Jacksonville | duvalclerk.com |
| Pinellas | Clearwater | pinellasclerk.org |
Steps to Order Records From Home
Many people cannot travel to Bartow to pick up records in person. The clerk offers two remote options that cover most needs. This section walks through both so anyone can complete the process without leaving home.
Ordering by Mail
Write a request letter that lists both full names, the case number if known, the year of filing, and the type of document needed. Include a check or money order for the fee plus return postage. Mail the request to the Polk County Clerk of Court at the Bartow address. Allow ten business days for processing and mailing back.
Ordering Online
Visit the clerk’s online records portal and select the certified copy option. Enter the case number or party names. Pay the fee by credit card. The system will email a status update when the order is ready. Some orders ship by USPS within five business days.
Common Questions About Lakeland Dissolution Records
Most search questions fall into a few simple categories. The list below covers the most frequent cases the clerk handles each week. These answers give a starting point for anyone new to the process.
What If I Only Know One Spouse’s Name?
The clerk’s online search works with partial names. Use a broad date range and check all results. Many people share common names, so review each case carefully. The docket usually shows both parties and the filing date for easy matching.
What If the Case Is Sealed or Expunged?
Sealed cases do not show in the public search. Only parties named in the case or their lawyers can view the file. Expunged cases are removed from public view entirely. Both require a court order to open, and only the clerk can confirm whether a file exists.
Can I Get Records From Before 1980?
Yes, but older files may sit in storage rather than the active system. The clerk must pull them by hand, which adds a search fee and waiting time. Some very old files exist only on microfilm. The clerk can still issue certified copies, though the process takes longer.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Get My Records?
No. Anyone can request a certified copy of a public record. You do not need to be a party to the case to receive a copy. The clerk sells the same records to anyone who pays the fee. Lawyers only help when a case is sealed or restricted.
What Forms Do I Need to File a New Case?
The Florida Supreme Court approves all family law forms. You can download them free from the Florida Courts website. The basic dissolution package includes a petition, summons, financial affidavit, and child support worksheet if kids are involved. The DIY Florida interview tool at flcourts.gov builds these forms automatically based on your answers.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Polk County?
Uncontested cases with no children usually finish in 30 to 90 days. Contested cases with property or custody disputes can take six months to two years. The court sets hearing dates based on the judge’s calendar and the complexity of the issues. The clerk’s online docket shows the most current schedule for any open case.
Can I Change My Name on the Divorce Decree?
Yes. Florida law allows either spouse to ask for a name change back to a former name as part of the final judgment. The request goes in the petition or a separate motion. The clerk prints the new name on the decree, and the Social Security Administration and DMV accept the decree as proof of the name change.
Official Contact Details and Locations
The Polk County Clerk of Court serves as the official record keeper for every dissolution case filed by Lakeland residents. Use the details below for direct contact, mail requests, and walk-in service. The clerk’s office operates under Florida’s public records law, which guarantees access to non-sealed files for any member of the public.
Main Office Details
Polk County Clerk of Court, 255 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830. Phone: 863-534-4000. Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Official Website: polkclerk.com. Statewide Records Portal: myflcourtaccess.com. Florida Department of Health Vital Statistics: floridahealth.gov. Florida Family Law Forms: flcourts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakeland Dissolution Records
This FAQ section covers the most common questions that Polk County receives about dissolution of marriage records from Lakeland residents. Each answer gives clear, direct guidance based on current Florida law and clerk office practice. Use this section to resolve specific issues before contacting the clerk directly. The clerk staff can answer anything not covered here during business hours.
Can I View Someone Else’s Divorce File in Polk County?
Yes, in most cases. Florida public records law makes all dissolution files open to the public unless a judge has sealed them. Anyone can walk into the Bartow clerk office, pay the copy fee, and view the docket. The clerk does not require proof of relationship to view a public file. Sealed cases require a court order, and the clerk cannot grant access without one. The online portal shows only public cases, so sealed files do not appear in search results.
How Do I Correct an Error on My Divorce Decree?
File a motion to correct or modify the final judgment with the same court that issued it. The motion must show the error clearly and include proof of the correct information. A judge reviews the motion and signs an amended order if the correction is valid. The clerk stamps the amended order and attaches it to the original file. There is a filing fee for the motion, plus the cost of a new certified copy.
What Happens to Divorce Records After Someone Dies?
The records stay in the clerk’s archive forever. Death does not trigger sealing or removal. Family members and legal heirs can still request certified copies. The clerk charges the same fees and follows the same process as for living parties. Older files may sit in off-site storage, which can slow the request by a few days.
Do I Need Both the Court Decree and the State Certificate?
It depends on why you need the records. Name changes, property transfers, and insurance claims usually need the court decree. Remarriage and proof of single status usually need the state certificate. Many people order both to cover all future needs at once. The clerk and the Department of Health charge separate fees for each.
Can I Search Dissolution Records From Other States Through Polk County?
No. Polk County only holds records for cases filed in Polk. Other states have their own rules and offices. To find an out-of-state divorce, contact the vital records office in the state where the case was filed. The state Department of Health in Florida can only confirm dissolutions that happened in Florida counties.
Is There a Way to Search Dissolution Records for Free?
Yes. The Polk County online portal allows free searches by name and case number. You only pay when you want a certified copy or a printed document. The Florida statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com also offers free search tools. Third-party sites may charge fees for the same data that the clerk provides at no cost.
How Long Must the Clerk Keep Dissolution Records?
Permanently. Florida law requires clerks to keep all court records forever, even after digitization. Older files may transfer from paper to microfilm to digital scans, but the records stay available. This permanent retention ensures that anyone can verify a divorce decades later for legal, family history, or government purposes.