Flagler County divorce decree records are official court papers that show a marriage has legally ended in Flagler County, Florida. These records include the final judgment, case number, names of both spouses, and the date the court approved the divorce.
People request these records for legal name changes, remarriage, immigration papers, and other legal needs. This page explains how to find, request, and use these records in Flagler County.
What Are Flagler County Divorce Decree Records
Flagler County divorce decree records are written orders signed by a judge that end a marriage. The clerk of court stores these records after the judge signs the final judgment. Each record has the full legal names of both parties, the case number, the date the judge signed, and the terms of the divorce.
Types of Documents in Divorce Files
Divorce case files in Flagler County include several documents that work together. The final judgment is the main document, but other papers support it.
- Petition for dissolution of marriage filed by one spouse
- Response or answer filed by the other spouse
- Marital settlement agreement with property and custody terms
- Final judgment of divorce signed by the judge
- Court orders for child support or alimony
- Notice of hearing and hearing transcripts
Who Can Request These Records
Florida public records law allows most people to see basic case information. Both former spouses named in the case can ask for certified copies. Lawyers, court officials, and government agencies can also request records for legal work. Some sealed records require a court order before they can be released to the public.
Difference Between a Divorce Decree and a Divorce Certificate
A divorce decree is the full court order with all terms and conditions of the divorce. A divorce certificate is a short form that only shows basic facts like names, date, and place. The clerk of court issues the decree. The Florida Department of Health issues the certificate through VitalChek and local health offices.
How to Search Flagler County Divorce Records Online
You can search for Flagler County divorce records through the clerk of court website. The online search lets you look up cases by name, case number, or date range. Basic case information is free to view. Certified copies need a separate request and payment.
Using the Clerk of Court Online Portal
The Flagler County clerk of court runs a public records search on its main website. Start at the homepage and look for the court records or public records link. The portal lets you search civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases. Divorce cases fall under the family court division.
Searching by Party Name
To search by name, type the last name first, then the first name. Use the full legal name if you know it. Wildcard searches work for partial names. The portal shows matching cases with the case number, filing date, and case type.
Searching by Case Number
If you have a case number, type it into the case number search box. The format usually shows the year, court code, and sequence number. A case number search gives you the exact case file you need. This is the fastest way to find a specific divorce case.
Using Statewide Florida Records Search
The Florida courts website also offers a statewide search tool. This tool covers all counties including Flagler. Use it when the local search does not show results or when you need to check other counties. Each county has its own filing system, so results may vary.
How to Request a Certified Divorce Decree Copy
A certified divorce decree copy has the court seal and clerk signature. Banks, insurance companies, and other agencies often need this type of copy. You can request a certified copy in person, by mail, or online through the clerk office.
In-Person Request Process
Visit the Flagler County clerk office during business hours. Bring a photo ID and the case details. Fill out the records request form at the front desk. Pay the fee and wait for staff to pull the file. Same-day service is often available for older records.
Mail-In Request Process
Send a written request to the clerk mailing address. Include the full names of both spouses, the case number, the year of filing, and your contact information. Add a check or money order for the fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. Mail requests take longer to process than in-person visits.
Online Request Through Official Portal
The clerk website has an online request form for certified copies. Enter the case details, pay the fee by credit card, and submit. The clerk mails the certified copy to your address. Online requests speed up payment processing and reduce mailing time.
Required Documents and Information
Have these items ready before you make your request to avoid delays.
- Full legal name of both parties on the divorce
- Case number if you have it
- Year the divorce was filed
- Your photo ID for in-person requests
- Payment for certified copy fees
- Self-addressed envelope for mail returns
Flagler County Clerk of Court Office Details
The Flagler County Clerk of Court and Comptroller keeps all divorce records filed in the county. The office serves the circuit and county courts. Staff help with record searches, certified copies, and court filings.
Physical Address and Mailing Address
The main office sits on East Moody Boulevard in Bunnell, Florida. The building has a public counter for walk-in requests. The mailing address differs from the physical address for official court mail.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical Address | 1769 East Moody Blvd, Bunnell, FL 32110 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 9015, Bunnell, FL 32110 |
| Phone Number | (386) 313-4000 |
| Email Address | clerkofthecourt@flaglerclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | https://flaglerclerk.com |
Office Hours and Phone Contact
The clerk office opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The office is closed on weekends and federal holidays. Phone lines are open during the same hours. Call (386) 313-4000 to check on request status or ask about records.
Fees for Certified Copies
The fee for a certified copy of a divorce decree in Flagler County is ten dollars per copy. Additional fees may apply for expedited service or special handling. Online payments include a small processing fee from the credit card company. Mail requests should include a check or money order for the exact amount.
Processing Time and What to Expect
Processing time depends on how you submit your request and how busy the office is. Recent cases take longer because the clerk needs to file the judgment with the state. Older cases from past years are often ready faster.
Standard Processing Times
In-person requests for older records can be done the same day. Mail requests take seven to ten business days to process. Online requests take about three to five business days. Florida state law requires a 60-day waiting period after the judge signs the final judgment before it gets filed with the state vital records office.
Factors That May Delay Your Request
Some requests take longer than the standard time. Missing case details slow down the search. Recent filings need more time to reach the state system. High office volume during peak periods adds extra days. Records stored off-site need a retrieval step before staff can copy them.
How to Check Request Status
Call the clerk office at (386) 313-4000 with your request reference number. Staff can check the queue and tell you where your request stands. Online request users get email updates as the order moves through each step. Keep your payment receipt or confirmation number for all status checks.
Common Reasons People Request Divorce Decree Records
People need divorce records for many legal and personal reasons. Most requests fall into a few common categories based on what the requester plans to do with the document.
Legal Name Changes After Divorce
Many people change back to a former name after divorce. The Social Security Administration, DMV, banks, and other agencies need a certified copy of the decree to update records. The decree proves the court approved the name change as part of the final judgment.
Remarriage and Proof of Divorce
Florida law requires proof that a prior marriage ended before a new marriage can take place. A certified divorce decree serves as that proof. Marriage license offices in other states also need this document when one partner was divorced in Florida.
Property Division and Financial Matters
Property transfers, retirement account changes, and tax filings often need a divorce decree. Banks may ask for it to remove a former spouse from a joint account. Insurance companies need it to update beneficiary information. The decree shows who owns what after the divorce.
Immigration and International Use
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services asks for divorce decrees in some family-based cases. Foreign consulates also need certified copies for visa and residency applications outside the U.S. The decree may need an apostille for use in countries that follow that process.
Flagler County Divorce Court Documents and Filings
Each divorce case in Flagler County generates a complete file of court papers. These papers stay in the clerk system and become part of the public record. Anyone can look at the basic case index, but certified copies need a formal request.
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
The petition is the first paper filed to start a divorce. It shows who is asking for the divorce and why. The petition lists the names, addresses, and marriage date of both spouses. It also lists any children from the marriage and what the filing spouse wants the court to decide.
Final Judgment of Divorce
The final judgment is the document that legally ends the marriage. A judge signs it after reviewing the case. The judgment lists all the court orders about property, debts, children, and support. This is the main document most people need when they request a divorce record.
Marital Settlement Agreements
Many divorces include a marital settlement agreement. This paper spells out how the couple plans to divide assets, debts, and parental duties. The court reviews the agreement and folds it into the final judgment. Couples who agree on all terms can file this without a trial.
Other Related Court Filings
Divorce cases often include other papers that add to the file. Motions, responses, and counter-petitions may show up depending on the case. Orders on child support, custody, and visitation come up when minor children are part of the case. Post-judgment motions can change the terms after the divorce is final.
Florida State Laws and Divorce Records Access
Florida state laws control who can see court records and how people can get copies. These laws apply to all counties including Flagler. The clerk office follows these rules for every records request.
Public Records Laws in Florida
Florida has strong public records laws under Florida Statute Chapter 119. Most court records are open to the public. This law lets people see what the courts do and how they decide cases. Divorce case indexes and basic information are part of the public record.
Privacy Protections for Divorce Records
Some parts of divorce records get extra privacy protection. Financial account numbers, social security numbers, and minor children’s details may be removed from public copies. The clerk redacts this information before giving copies to people who are not part of the case.
Sealed and Restricted Records
A judge can order a divorce file sealed for safety or privacy reasons. Sealed records are not open to the public. Only people named in the court order can see them. People who want to open a sealed file must file a motion and show a good reason to the court.
Tips for a Successful Records Search
Good preparation makes the records search faster and easier. The more you know about the case before you start, the better your results will be. These tips help you find the records you need with less hassle.
Prepare Your Information Before Searching
Gather the full legal names of both spouses. Know the year the divorce was filed if possible. Look for any old paperwork that has the case number. Write down your questions before you call the clerk. Bring a photo ID for in-person visits.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Many search problems come from small errors. Spelling mistakes in names can hide the right case. Using a nickname instead of the legal name causes missed records. Forgetting to add the filing year makes the search take longer. Double-check all details before you submit.
What to Do If You Cannot Find the Record
If the online search does not show the case, try other search methods. Check if the divorce was filed in a different county. Ask family members if they have a copy of the decree. Contact the Florida Department of Health for a divorce certificate. Visit the clerk office in person for hands-on help.
Flagler County Family Court Division
Divorce cases in Flagler County go through the family court division. This division handles cases that involve family matters. The same court also handles child support, adoption, and domestic violence cases.
Family Court Case Types
The family court division handles several types of cases. Dissolution of marriage is the legal name for divorce in Florida. Other family cases include paternity, adoption, child custody, and child support. Some cases also include domestic violence or repeat violence issues.
Court Locations and Contact
Family court hearings take place at the Flagler County courthouse. The courthouse sits at the same address as the clerk office on East Moody Boulevard. Court hearings are open to the public unless the judge orders them closed. Contact the clerk office for hearing dates and case information.
Map and Directions to Flagler County Clerk of Court
The Flagler County Clerk of Court office is located at 1769 East Moody Blvd, Bunnell, FL 32110. Visitors can use the map below to find the office. The building is in central Bunnell, with public parking available on site.
FAQ About Flagler County Divorce Decree Records
Many people have similar questions about Flagler County divorce decree records. The FAQ below answers the most common questions. Each answer gives you real, current facts about how the records process works in Flagler County.
How much does a certified divorce decree cost in Flagler County?
A certified copy of a divorce decree costs ten dollars in Flagler County. This fee is set by Florida law and applies to all counties. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Online credit card payments add a small processing fee. Each certified copy costs ten dollars, so order more copies if you need them for different agencies.
How long does it take to get a divorce decree in Flagler County?
Processing time depends on the request method and case age. In-person requests for older cases can be done the same day. Mail requests take seven to ten business days. Online requests take three to five business days. Florida has a 60-day state filing delay after the judge signs the final judgment, so very recent cases take longer.
Can I look up a divorce case online for free in Flagler County?
Yes, the Flagler County clerk website has a free public records search. You can look up cases by name, case number, or date range. The search shows basic case details like filing date, case type, and party names. Certified copies need a separate request with payment. The Florida courts website also has a free statewide search tool.
What is the difference between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate in Florida?
A divorce decree is the full court order with all case terms, signed by a judge. A divorce certificate is a short form that only shows basic facts. The clerk of court issues the decree. The Florida Department of Health issues the certificate through VitalChek. Most legal needs require the decree, but some personal uses only need the certificate.
Can I get a divorce decree from another state for a Florida case?
If the divorce was filed in Flagler County, Florida, you need to request the records from the Flagler County clerk. Other states cannot give you Florida court records. The case is stored in the county where the judge signed the final judgment. Out-of-state requests go through the mail or online portal of the Flagler County clerk office.
What if I do not know the case number for a Flagler County divorce?
You can still search for the record without the case number. Use the full legal names of both spouses in the online search tool. Add the year of filing if you know it. Wildcard searches help with partial names. Visit the clerk office in person if the online search does not work. Staff can help you find the right case file.
Are divorce records public in Flagler County, Florida?
Yes, most divorce records are public in Florida under the state’s public records law. Basic case information and the final judgment are open to the public. Some details get redacted, like social security numbers and minor children’s names. A judge can order a file sealed for special cases, which removes it from public access.