Seminole County Divorce Records

What Are Seminole County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Seminole County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.043, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings in the state. Divorce records are created and maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Seminole County as part of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court system.

Divorce records typically consist of several components:

• The initial petition for dissolution of marriage
• Financial affidavits from both parties
• Parenting plans (if minor children are involved)
• Property settlement agreements
• The final judgment of dissolution of marriage

These records serve multiple important purposes, including:

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

The Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics also maintains divorce certificates which serve as official verification that a divorce was granted in Seminole County.

Are Seminole County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Seminole County have a complex public access status governed by both Florida's Public Records Law Chapter 119 and specific provisions in family law statutes. The accessibility of these records varies by record type and contains important exceptions.

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

• Records containing Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and certain other personal identifiers are redacted before public access is granted
• Information related to minor children is typically restricted
• Domestic violence cases may be sealed or have restricted access
• Financial affidavits and other sensitive financial documents may have limited accessibility

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

• The individuals named in the divorce record
• Their legal representatives with proper authorization
• Persons with a court order authorizing access
• Government agencies for official purposes

The Seminole County Clerk of Court maintains divorce records as part of the county's public records system, though access restrictions apply as noted above.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Seminole County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Seminole 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. Contact the Seminole County Clerk of Court directly:

Seminole County Clerk of Court
Seminole County Civil Courthouse
301 N. Park Avenue
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-4330
Seminole County Clerk of Court

2. Submit a records request in person at the courthouse during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)

3. Complete the public records request form available at the Clerk's office or through the Seminole County website

4. Provide specific information to facilitate the search:

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

5. Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies:

   • Search fees: $2.00 per name per year searched
   • Copy fees: $1.00 per page
   • Certified copies: $2.00 per document plus copy fees

For certified divorce certificates:

1. Contact 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
904-359-6900
Florida Department of Health

2. Complete the application for certified divorce certificate

3. Provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility to receive the record

4. Pay the required fee ($5.00 per certified copy)

Requesters should note that processing times vary based on the complexity of the search and current departmental workloads.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Seminole County Online?

Seminole County provides several digital resources for accessing divorce records online, though the level of detail available varies based on confidentiality restrictions and the age of the records.

To search for divorce case information online:

1. Visit the Seminole County Clerk of Court's Official Records Search portal

2. Create a free account if accessing detailed case information

3. Select "Court Records" from the search options

4. Choose "Family Law" or "Dissolution of Marriage" as the case type

5. Enter search criteria such as:

   • Party names (last name, first name)
   • Case number (if known)
   • Date range for filing

6. Review the search results, which typically include:

   • Case numbers
   • Party names
   • Filing dates
   • Case status
   • Judge assigned

For more comprehensive case file access:

1. Register for the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal

2. Follow the registration instructions for public access

3. Once approved, search for cases using the criteria mentioned above

4. Access non-confidential documents within case files

For certified divorce certificates, online options are more limited:

1. Visit the Florida Department of Health's Vital Records website

2. Complete the online application for a divorce certificate

3. Provide required identification and eligibility documentation

4. Pay the processing fee online

5. Choose delivery method (mail or expedited shipping)

Users should be aware that certain sensitive information is redacted from online records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.071, which protects confidential personal information.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Seminole County?

While obtaining certified copies of divorce records typically involves fees, there are several methods to access basic divorce record information in Seminole County at no cost:

1. Use the Seminole County Clerk of Court's public access terminals:

Seminole County Clerk of Court
Seminole County Civil Courthouse
301 N. Park Avenue
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-4330
Seminole County Clerk of Court

These terminals are available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM) and allow free searches of court records, including basic divorce case information.

2. Visit the Seminole County Law Library:

Seminole County Law Library
Seminole County Civil Courthouse
301 N. Park Avenue, Room N231
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-4323
Seminole County Law Library

The law library provides free access to public legal resources, including divorce case indexes.

3. Use the Florida Courts Public Access System to search for appellate cases related to divorces in Seminole County.

4. Check the basic case information available through the Clerk's online records search portal, which provides limited information without requiring payment.

5. Contact the Clerk's office by phone to verify if a divorce was granted on a specific date (basic verification only).

It's important to note that while basic case information may be available for free, obtaining copies of actual documents or certified records will incur fees as established by Florida law. Additionally, access to certain confidential information will be restricted regardless of payment status.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Seminole County

Divorce records in Seminole County contain comprehensive documentation of the dissolution process. The contents vary based on the complexity of the case and whether children or significant assets were involved.

A complete divorce case file typically includes:

1. Initial Pleadings:

   • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
   • Answer and/or Counter-Petition
   • Summons and proof of service
   • Financial affidavits from both parties

2. Temporary Orders:

   • Temporary support orders
   • Temporary custody arrangements
   • Orders for protection (if applicable)
   • Orders preserving assets during proceedings

3. Discovery Documents:

   • Interrogatories and responses
   • Requests for production of documents
   • Depositions
   • Expert witness reports

4. Settlement Documents:

   • Marital Settlement Agreement
   • Parenting Plan (if children involved)
   • Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
   • Equitable distribution schedules

5. Final Judgment:

   • Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
   • Findings of fact and conclusions of law
   • Orders regarding property division
   • Orders regarding alimony
   • Orders regarding child custody and support

6. Post-Judgment Filings:

   • Motions for modification
   • Contempt proceedings
   • Appeals documentation

The certified divorce certificate issued by the Florida Department of Health contains more limited information:

• Names of both parties
• Date of divorce
• County where divorce was granted
• Case number
• Date of marriage (in some cases)

Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.13, records involving minor children contain additional documentation related to custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and support calculations.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Seminole County?

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

For a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage:

1. Contact the Seminole County Clerk of Court:

Seminole County Clerk of Court
Seminole County Civil Courthouse
301 N. Park Avenue
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-4330
Seminole County Clerk of Court

2. Provide the following information:

   • Full names of both parties as they appear on the divorce decree
   • Approximate date of divorce
   • Case number (if known)

3. Pay the required fee:

   • $1.00 per page for copies
   • $2.00 additional for certification
   • Payment methods include cash, credit card, or money order

For an official Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage:

1. Contact 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
904-359-6900
Florida Department of Health

2. Complete the Application for Florida Dissolution of Marriage Certificate

3. Provide proper identification:

   • Government-issued photo ID
   • Proof of relationship to individuals named in the record (if not a party to the divorce)

4. Submit the required fee of $5.00 per certificate

5. Choose delivery method:

   • Standard mail (included in fee)
   • Expedited delivery (additional fee)
   • In-person pickup at Jacksonville office

For international use, apostille or authentication may be required:

1. First obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree from the Clerk of Court

2. Submit the certified copy to 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

3. Pay the required fee ($10.00 per document)

4. Allow 2-3 weeks for processing

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Seminole County?

While divorce proceedings in Seminole County are generally part of the public record, Florida law provides several mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality in certain circumstances. The extent of confidentiality varies based on specific case factors and legal provisions.

Under Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain information in divorce records may be automatically confidential:

1. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers
2. Information related to victims of abuse, abandonment, or neglect
3. Medical, mental health, or substance abuse records
4. Information that could reveal the identity of a confidential informant
5. Family law financial affidavits and related financial information

Additionally, parties may petition the court for confidentiality through:

1. Motion to Seal Records:

   • Must demonstrate good cause
   • Requires judicial approval
   • May be granted for entire case or specific documents

2. Confidential Filing:

   • Available for certain sensitive documents
   • Requires proper designation at time of filing
   • Access restricted to parties and authorized court personnel

3. Name Change in Public Records:

   • Available in cases involving domestic violence
   • Requires court order
   • Provides pseudonyms in public-facing documents

In cases involving domestic violence, Florida Statutes § 741.30 provides additional confidentiality protections, including:

• Address confidentiality programs
• Restricted access to victim information
• Sealed records in certain circumstances

Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel to determine the appropriate mechanism based on their specific circumstances. The court balances the public's right to access with legitimate privacy concerns on a case-by-case basis.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Seminole County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Seminole County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseloads, and procedural requirements.

For uncontested divorces (simplified dissolution):

• Minimum waiting period: 20 days after filing
• Typical timeframe: 4-6 weeks from filing to finalization
• Requirements: Complete agreement on all issues, no minor children, no alimony claims

For contested divorces with minimal disputes:

• Typical timeframe: 3-6 months
• Key factors affecting timeline:
  • Discovery completion
  • Mandatory mediation scheduling
  • Court calendar availability

For highly contested divorces:

• Typical timeframe: 6-18 months or longer
• Contributing factors to longer timelines:
  • Complex asset division
  • Business valuation requirements
  • Child custody evaluations
  • Expert witness testimony
  • Multiple motion hearings

According to the Florida Courts Statistics, the average time to disposition for contested family law cases in the 18th Judicial Circuit (which includes Seminole County) is approximately 273 days from filing to final judgment.

Mandatory procedural elements that affect timing include:

• 20-day waiting period after filing before final hearing
• 45-day financial disclosure deadline
• Mediation requirement before final hearing
• Parenting class requirement for cases involving minor children

Parties can expedite the process by:

• Filing complete and accurate paperwork initially
• Promptly responding to discovery requests
• Utilizing collaborative divorce processes
• Reaching settlement agreements through mediation
• Being flexible with hearing dates

The COVID-19 pandemic has created some additional delays in processing times, though the courts have implemented remote hearing options to mitigate these effects.

How Long Does Seminole County Keep Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Seminole County are subject to retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services under Florida Statutes § 257.36. These schedules determine how long different types of records must be maintained.

For court records related to divorce proceedings:

• Final Judgments of Dissolution of Marriage: Permanent retention

  • These records are never destroyed and remain available indefinitely
  • Maintained in the Clerk of Court's official records

• Case files and supporting documentation: Permanent retention

  • All pleadings, orders, and exhibits are permanently maintained
  • May be transferred to different storage media (microfilm, digital) after a period of time

• Financial affidavits and financial discovery: Minimum 10-year retention

  • May be purged from public access after this period
  • Parties can request earlier sealing of financial information

For administrative records related to divorce:

• Docket entries and case indexes: Permanent retention

  • Basic case information remains searchable indefinitely
  • Provides verification of case existence and outcome

• Recordings of hearings: Minimum 10-year retention

  • Audio/video recordings may be destroyed after this period
  • Written transcripts, if created, are retained permanently

For vital records maintained by the Florida Department of Health:

• Divorce certificates: Permanent retention
  • Maintained by the Bureau of Vital Statistics indefinitely
  • Available for certified copies regardless of age

It's important to note that while records may be maintained permanently, the accessibility of older records may vary:

• Records from 1990 to present: Generally available electronically
• Records from 1950 to 1989: May require retrieval from microfilm or physical archives
• Records prior to 1950: May have limited availability or require specialized research

Individuals seeking older divorce records should contact the Seminole County Clerk of Court directly for assistance with historical record retrieval.

How To Get a Divorce In Seminole County

Obtaining a divorce (legally termed "dissolution of marriage") in Seminole County involves several procedural steps established by Florida law. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

For a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (uncontested):

1. Verify eligibility requirements:

   • At least one spouse has been a Florida resident for six months
   • Both spouses agree the marriage is irretrievably broken
   • No minor or dependent children
   • No pregnancy
   • No alimony claims
   • Agreement on property division

2. Obtain and complete required forms:

   • Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
   • Financial Affidavits
   • Marital Settlement Agreement
   • Final Judgment form

3. File documents with the Clerk of Court:

Seminole County Clerk of Court
Seminole County Civil Courthouse
301 N. Park Avenue
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-4330
Seminole County Clerk of Court

4. Pay the filing fee (approximately $408)

5. Attend the final hearing together

For a Regular Dissolution of Marriage:

1. File a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Clerk of Court

2. Serve the petition on the other spouse through:

   • Process server
   • Sheriff's office
   • Certified mail (if the spouse will accept service)
   • Publication (if spouse cannot be located)

3. File mandatory financial disclosure forms within 45 days

4. Respond to any counter-petitions or motions

5. Attend mediation (mandatory in Seminole County before a final hearing)

6. If children are involved:

   • Complete a parenting class (required by Florida Statutes § 61.21)
   • Develop a parenting plan
   • Calculate child support using Florida guidelines

7. Attend temporary hearings if needed for:

   • Temporary support
   • Temporary custody arrangements
   • Exclusive use of marital home

8. Negotiate settlement or prepare for trial

9. Attend final hearing or trial

10. Submit proposed Final Judgment for court approval

Legal assistance options include:

• Private attorneys
• Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association (serves Seminole County residents)
• Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
• Self-help resources at the Seminole County Law Library

How To Get Divorce Papers In Seminole County

Individuals seeking divorce papers in Seminole County have several options for obtaining the necessary forms and documentation to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings.

For self-represented litigants:

1. Visit the Seminole County Courthouse Self-Help Center:

Seminole County Self-Help Center
Seminole County Civil Courthouse
301 N. Park Avenue, Room N-206
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-4299
Seminole County Clerk of Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Services: Form packets, procedural information, notary services Fees: $30 administrative fee plus form costs

2. Download forms from the Florida Courts website:

   • Visit the Florida Courts Family Law Forms page
   • Select the appropriate forms based on your circumstances
   • Forms are available in fillable PDF format
   • Instructions are included with each form packet

3. Access forms through the Seminole County Law Library:

Seminole County Law Library
Seminole County Civil Courthouse
301 N. Park Avenue, Room N231
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-4323
Seminole County Law Library

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Services: Form packets, legal research assistance, reference materials

4. Purchase form packets directly from the Clerk of Court:

   • Simplified Dissolution of Marriage packet: $20.00
   • Regular Dissolution of Marriage packet: $20.00
   • Response to Dissolution packet: $20.00
   • Modification packets: $15.00

5. Obtain forms through legal aid organizations:

   • Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
   • Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association

Required forms typically include:

For Petitioner (person filing for divorce):

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
• Notice of Social Security Number
• Financial Affidavit
• Notice of Related Cases
• Summons
• Marital Settlement Agreement (if agreed)

For Respondent (person responding to divorce filing):

• Answer to Petition
• Counter-Petition (if applicable)
• Financial Affidavit
• Notice of Social Security Number

Additional forms for cases involving children:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Affidavit
• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
• Parenting Plan

Lookup Divorce Records in Seminole County

Public Records Request | Seminole County

Divorce | Florida Department of Health

Florida Courts

Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Courts