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Duval County Divorce Records

What Are Duval County Divorce Records?

Duval County divorce records are official legal documents that provide information about divorce proceedings that have taken place within Duval County, Florida. These records are maintained by the Duval County Clerk of Courts and document the legal dissolution of marriages. They contain important information about the parties involved, the grounds for divorce, and any court decisions regarding property division, child custody, alimony, and other relevant matters.

Divorce records are part of the county's official public records and serve as legal proof that a marriage has been legally terminated. These documents are essential for individuals who need to verify their marital status for various purposes, such as remarriage, name changes, or financial matters.

Are Duval County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, divorce records in Duval County are generally considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law. This means that most divorce case information is accessible to anyone who requests it. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted or restricted from public view to protect privacy.

The Duval County Clerk of Courts maintains these records and makes non-confidential divorce records available through their online Court Records Online Electronic system (CORE) as well as in person at the courthouse. While the basic case information is typically public, certain documents or information within the case file may be confidential based on Florida law.

Information that might be restricted includes:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Financial account numbers
  • Information about minor children
  • Certain domestic violence-related information
  • Other sensitive personal data protected by Florida statutes

How To Find a Divorce Record In Duval County in 2025

To find a divorce record in Duval County in 2025, you have several options:

  1. Visit the Duval County Courthouse in person: Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202

    You can request divorce records at the Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours.

  2. Use the online CORE system: The Clerk's Court Records Online Electronic system allows registered users to search for and view non-confidential court records, including divorce cases.

  3. Submit a written request: You can mail a written request to the Clerk of Courts office with the necessary information about the divorce case you're seeking.

  4. Contact the Official Records Department: Duval County Clerk of Courts, Official Records Department, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202

    This department maintains all recorded documents in Duval County.

When searching for divorce records, it's helpful to have the following information:

  • Full names of both parties involved in the divorce
  • Approximate date of the divorce filing or finalization
  • Case number (if known)

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Duval County Online?

Looking up divorce records online in Duval County is a straightforward process:

  1. Register for the CORE system: Visit the Duval County Clerk of Courts website and complete the registration process for the Court Records Online Electronic system.

  2. Submit the required registration agreement: You'll need to complete and submit the Registration Agreement to View Records Online form.

  3. Create your account: Once your registration is approved, you can create your account credentials.

  4. Search for records: After logging in, you can search for divorce records using names, case numbers, or other identifying information.

  5. View and download available documents: Non-confidential documents can be viewed online and downloaded as needed.

The online system provides access to court records 24/7, making it convenient to search for divorce records without visiting the courthouse. However, some documents may only be available for viewing in person due to confidentiality restrictions.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Duval County?

There are several ways to find divorce records in Duval County for free:

  1. Use the public access terminals at the courthouse: Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202

    The Clerk's office provides public access computers where you can search court records at no cost.

  2. Register for basic CORE access: The basic level of access to the Court Records Online Electronic system is free and allows you to view certain case information.

  3. Visit the Official Records Department: You can view official records in person without paying a fee, though copies will incur charges.

  4. Public library resources: Some public libraries in Duval County may offer access to public records databases.

While searching for records is generally free, please note that obtaining copies of documents typically involves fees:

  • Regular copies: $1.00 per page
  • Certified copies: $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page
  • Electronic certified copies may have different fee structures

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Duval County

Divorce records in Duval County typically include several types of documents and information:

  1. Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The initial filing that starts the divorce process, stating the grounds for divorce.

  2. Financial Affidavits: Statements disclosing each spouse's financial information, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.

  3. Marital Settlement Agreement: If applicable, this document outlines how the couple has agreed to divide property, handle support, and address other issues.

  4. Parenting Plan: For divorces involving minor children, this details custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and parental responsibilities.

  5. Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage: The court's final order that legally terminates the marriage and addresses all relevant issues.

  6. Child Support Guidelines Worksheet: Calculations used to determine child support obligations.

  7. Court Orders: Any additional orders issued by the court during the divorce proceedings.

  8. Name Change Information: If either party requested a name change as part of the divorce.

The level of detail in these records can vary depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether the case involved children or significant assets.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Duval County?

To obtain proof of divorce in Duval County, you have several options:

  1. Request a certified copy of the Final Judgment: A certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage serves as official proof of divorce. You can request this in person, by mail, or online through the Clerk's office. Duval County Clerk of Courts, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202

  2. Order an electronic certified copy: The Duval County Clerk of Courts offers electronic certified copies of official records, which can be ordered through their website.

  3. Request a Certificate of Divorce: You can also obtain a Certificate of Divorce from 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

When requesting proof of divorce, you'll need to provide:

  • Names of both parties in the divorce
  • Date of the divorce (at least the year)
  • Case number (if known)
  • Your relationship to the case
  • Valid identification

Fees for certified copies typically range from $2-$15 depending on the type of document and number of pages.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Duval County?

While most divorce records in Duval County are public, there are certain circumstances under which divorce proceedings or specific documents can be kept confidential:

  1. Sealing records: In exceptional cases, a judge may order divorce records to be sealed if there is a compelling reason, such as:

    • Protection of minor children
    • Prevention of fraud or exploitation
    • Protection of trade secrets or confidential business information
    • Safety concerns in cases involving domestic violence

  2. Automatic confidentiality: Certain information is automatically confidential under Florida law, including:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Bank account numbers
    • Children's birth dates
    • Names of minors in certain cases
    • Victim information in domestic violence cases

  3. Simplified dissolution of marriage: While not completely confidential, this streamlined process typically generates fewer public records.

To request confidentiality for divorce records, you must file a motion with the court explaining why the records should be sealed. The judge will determine whether your case meets the legal standards for confidentiality.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Duval County?

The duration of a divorce in Duval County varies depending on several factors:

  1. Uncontested divorces:

    • Simplified Dissolution: As little as 30 days from filing to finalization
    • Regular uncontested divorce: Typically 4-6 weeks

  2. Contested divorces:

    • Without complex issues: 3-6 months
    • With complex property division or custody disputes: 6-12 months
    • Highly contentious cases: 1-2 years or longer

  3. Factors affecting timeline:

    • Court backlog and scheduling
    • Mandatory 20-day waiting period after filing
    • Whether mediation is required
    • Complexity of assets and debts to divide
    • Child custody and support issues
    • Cooperation level between spouses
    • Attorney availability and strategy

Florida requires a 20-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized, even in the most straightforward cases. Additionally, if children are involved, parents may be required to complete a parenting course, which can add time to the process.

How Long Does Duval County Keep Divorce Records?

Duval County maintains divorce records permanently. As official court records and vital statistics, divorce records are preserved indefinitely and do not expire. This permanent retention policy ensures that individuals can access proof of their divorce status regardless of when the divorce occurred.

The methods of storage and accessibility may change over time:

  • Recent records (typically post-2000) are often available electronically
  • Older records may be archived in microfilm or paper format
  • Very old records might require special requests to access

While the records are kept permanently, the ease of accessing older records may vary. Records from recent decades are typically easier to locate and obtain than those from many decades ago. However, the Duval County Clerk of Courts maintains a comprehensive archival system to preserve these important legal documents.

How To Get a Divorce In Duval County

To get a divorce in Duval County, follow these steps:

  1. Determine eligibility:

    • Either you or your spouse must have been a Florida resident for at least 6 months
    • You must file in the county where either spouse resides

  2. Choose the type of dissolution:

    • Simplified Dissolution (if you qualify)
    • Regular Dissolution (contested or uncontested)

  3. Obtain and complete the necessary forms:

    • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
    • Financial Affidavit
    • Marital Settlement Agreement (if uncontested)
    • Parenting Plan (if children are involved)
    • Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if applicable)

  4. File the paperwork with the Clerk of Courts: Duval County Courthouse, Family Law Division, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202

    Pay the filing fee (approximately $408, though fee waivers are available for those who qualify)

  5. Serve your spouse:

    • Have the Sheriff's Office or a process server deliver the papers to your spouse
    • Your spouse has 20 days to respond

  6. Complete mandatory requirements:

    • Parenting course (if children are involved)
    • Financial disclosure
    • Mediation (may be required in contested cases)

  7. Attend hearings:

    • Final hearing for uncontested cases
    • Multiple hearings for contested issues

  8. Obtain the Final Judgment: Once all issues are resolved, the judge will sign the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, legally ending your marriage.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Duval County

There are several ways to obtain divorce papers in Duval County:

  1. Download forms online: The Florida Courts website (www.flcourts.org) provides standardized family law forms, including divorce petitions and related documents.

  2. Visit the Clerk's office: Duval County Courthouse, Family Law Division, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202

    The Clerk of Courts office provides divorce packets with all necessary forms.

  3. Use the Family Law Self-Help Center: Duval County Courthouse, Family Law Self-Help Center, 501 W. Adams Street, Room 2474, Jacksonville, FL 32202

    This center provides assistance with completing forms (fees may apply).

  4. Consult with an attorney: A family law attorney can prepare and file all necessary paperwork on your behalf.

  5. Legal aid organizations: Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, 126 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202

    Low-income individuals may qualify for assistance with divorce paperwork.

The basic divorce packet typically includes:

  • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
  • Notice of Social Security Number form
  • Financial Affidavit
  • Notice of Related Cases form
  • Summons
  • Process Service Memorandum
  • Various acknowledgment and disclosure forms

Lookup Divorce Records in Duval County

For convenient access to Duval County divorce records, you can use the following resources:

These resources provide various options for searching, viewing, and obtaining copies of divorce records in Duval County, whether you're an individual researching a personal record or an organization requiring access to multiple records.

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