Flagler County Public Records /Flagler County Divorce Records

Flagler County Divorce Records

What Are Flagler County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Flagler 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 throughout the state. Divorce records, officially termed "dissolution of marriage" records in Florida, constitute a comprehensive collection of all documents filed during divorce proceedings.

The Flagler County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains these records as part of their statutory responsibility to preserve court documents. Divorce records typically include:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Financial affidavits from both parties
Parenting plans (when minor children are involved)
Property settlement agreements
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage

These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

Under Florida law, divorce records are categorized as both vital records and court records, with different agencies responsible for maintaining various components of these documents.

Are Flagler County Divorce Records Public?

Flagler County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally public records pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119, which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, certain components may be restricted or redacted.

The public accessibility of divorce records is subject to the following conditions:

Court files containing divorce proceedings are accessible to the public through the Flagler County Clerk of Circuit Court, with certain exceptions.
Certified divorce certificates are maintained by the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics and have restricted access limited to:
- The individuals named in the record
- Their legal representatives
- Persons with a court order
- Agencies authorized by statute

Information that is typically redacted or restricted from public divorce records includes:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Names and information of minor children
Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
Medical and mental health information

The Florida Supreme Court has established that while divorce records are presumptively open to public inspection, judges may seal specific portions or entire records if there is a compelling interest that outweighs the public's right to access, as determined in Barron v. Florida Freedom Newspapers, Inc., 531 So.2d 113 (1988).

How To Find a Divorce Record In Flagler County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Flagler County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary custodian of divorce court records is:

Flagler County Clerk of Circuit Court
1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building #1
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4400
Flagler County Clerk of Court

To obtain divorce records, individuals may follow these procedures:

In-person requests: Visit the Clerk's office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM). Bring government-issued photo identification and any relevant case information.
Written requests: Submit a completed records request form to the Clerk's office by mail. Include:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's contact information
- Copy of requester's identification
- Applicable fees
For certified divorce certificates (not the complete court file), contact:

Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231
(904) 359-6900
Florida Department of Health

The Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains divorce certificates from June 6, 1927, to the present. Requesters must provide:

Both parties' full names
Date of divorce
County where divorce was granted
Relationship to persons named in the record
Purpose for which the record is needed
Payment of statutory fees

Current fees for divorce record searches are:

Court records search: $2.00 per name per year searched
Copies of court documents: $1.00 per page
Certified copies: $2.00 per document plus copying fees
Certified divorce certificate from Vital Statistics: $5.00

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Flagler County Online?

Flagler County provides digital access to certain divorce records through online platforms. The electronic availability of these records enhances public accessibility while maintaining statutory protections for sensitive information.

To search for divorce records online, individuals may utilize the following resources:

Flagler County Clerk's Online Records Search:
- Navigate to the Flagler County Clerk of Court website
- Select "Court Records" from the search options
- Choose "Family Law" or "Dissolution of Marriage" as the case type
- Enter search criteria (names of parties, case number, or date range)
- Review the list of matching cases
- Access publicly available documents (note that some documents may require in-person viewing)
Florida Department of Health VitalChek Service:
- For certified divorce certificates only
- Visit the Florida Department of Health website
- Select the VitalChek online ordering option
- Provide required identification and relationship information
- Pay applicable fees ($5.00 per certificate plus processing fees)
- Choose delivery method (standard mail, expedited shipping)
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal:
- Primarily for attorneys and registered users
- Provides access to documents in cases where the user is a party
- Requires registration and verification
- Available through the Florida Courts website

When searching online, users should note:

Not all documents within a divorce case file may be available electronically
Certain sensitive documents may be accessible only at the courthouse
Online records typically do not date back before the early 2000s
User fees may apply for certain searches or document retrievals

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Flagler County?

Flagler County residents and interested parties may access certain divorce records without payment, though some limitations apply. Free access options primarily involve public terminal use and basic online searches.

The following methods provide free or low-cost access to divorce records:

Public Access Terminals:
- Located at the Flagler County Courthouse
- Available during regular business hours
- Provide free viewing of non-confidential court records
- Printing fees may apply ($1.00 per page)
Flagler County Law Library:
Flagler County Law Library
1769 E. Moody Boulevard
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4376
- Offers public computers for legal research
- Provides access to court dockets and basic case information
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can assist with navigating resources
- Available during courthouse hours
Basic Online Case Search:
- The Flagler County Clerk of Court website offers free basic case searches
- Provides case numbers, party names, and general case status
- Document viewing may require fees or in-person visits
Public Libraries:
- Flagler County Public Libraries offer internet access
- Patrons can use library computers to access the Clerk's public records search
- Library staff may provide general assistance with navigating websites

While basic record searches may be free, fees typically apply for:

Copies of documents ($1.00 per page)
Certified copies ($2.00 certification fee plus copy costs)
Research assistance from clerk staff ($2.00 per name per year searched)
Expedited processing

Individuals seeking extensive records or requiring certified copies should anticipate some costs. However, pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain individuals may qualify for fee waivers based on financial hardship.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Flagler County

Divorce records in Flagler County comprise comprehensive documentation of the entire dissolution process. These records contain multiple document types that collectively detail the legal termination of marriage.

A complete divorce record typically includes:

Initial Filings:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons and proof of service
- Answer and/or counter-petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Notice of related cases
Temporary Orders and Motions:
- Motions for temporary support or custody
- Orders on temporary matters
- Motions for mediation or case management
- Discovery requests and responses
Agreements and Settlements:
- Marital Settlement Agreement
- Parenting Plan (if children are involved)
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
- Mediation agreements or reports
Final Documentation:
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
- Income Deduction Orders (if applicable)
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (for division of retirement accounts)
- Name change orders (if requested)
Post-Judgment Filings (if applicable):
- Motions to modify support or parenting plans
- Contempt proceedings
- Appeals documentation

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

Names of both parties
Date of divorce
County where divorce was granted
Case number
Date filed

Pursuant to Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285, certain financial disclosures are mandatory in divorce proceedings, though these may have restricted public access.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Flagler County?

Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Flagler County have several options for obtaining official documentation. The type of proof needed often depends on the purpose for which it will be used.

To obtain official proof of divorce, follow these procedures:

Certified Copy of Final Judgment:
- Visit the Flagler County Clerk of Circuit Court in person
- Provide the case number or names and approximate date of divorce
- Pay the certification fee ($2.00) plus copy costs ($1.00 per page)
- This document provides comprehensive proof of divorce terms
Certified Divorce Certificate:
- Contact the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics
- Submit a completed application with required identification
- Pay the certificate fee ($5.00)
- This document serves as concise proof of divorce status
- Order online through the Florida Department of Health website
Certificate of Disposition:
- Available from the Clerk of Court
- Confirms the final outcome of the case
- Includes case number, parties' names, and disposition date
- Costs approximately $3.00

For international use, documents may require additional authentication:

Apostille certification through the Florida Department of State for countries party to the Hague Convention
Authentication certificates for non-Hague countries

Acceptable forms of identification when requesting records include:

Valid driver's license
State-issued identification card
Passport
Military ID

Authorized representatives must provide:

Written authorization from a party to the divorce
Attorney bar number (for legal representatives)
Court order authorizing access (if applicable)

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Flagler County?

While Florida maintains a strong public records tradition under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, certain aspects of divorce proceedings in Flagler County may be kept confidential under specific circumstances. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by both statutory provisions and court rules.

Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:

Statutory Exemptions:
- Records containing Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and other financial information are automatically redacted pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.0714
- Information identifying victims of domestic violence may be protected under Florida Statutes § 741.465
- Records pertaining to minor children have heightened protection
Sealing by Court Order:
- Parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of divorce records
- The court applies a balancing test weighing privacy interests against public access rights
- The moving party must demonstrate that:
  - Confidentiality is necessary to protect legitimate interests
  - No less restrictive measures are available
  - The requested sealing is no broader than necessary
Confidential Filing Designations:
- Certain documents may be filed as "confidential" if they meet criteria under Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420
- These include psychological evaluations, substance abuse treatment records, and certain financial information
Address Confidentiality Program:
- Victims of domestic violence may participate in the Address Confidentiality Program
- This program provides an alternate address for public records
- Administered by the Florida Attorney General's Office

Parties seeking confidentiality must file appropriate motions with the court. Blanket requests to seal entire divorce files are rarely granted, as courts typically require specific justification for each document to be sealed.

The Florida Supreme Court has established that divorce records are presumptively open to public inspection, with the burden on the party seeking confidentiality to overcome this presumption.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Flagler County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Flagler County varies significantly based on multiple factors. Florida law establishes minimum timeframes, but actual case completion depends on case complexity and court caseloads.

Key factors affecting divorce timeframes include:

Type of Divorce:
- Simplified Dissolution: 30 days minimum (fastest option)
- Uncontested Divorce: 4-6 weeks minimum
- Contested Divorce: 3 months to over a year
Statutory Waiting Periods:
- 20-day mandatory waiting period after filing before final hearing can be scheduled
- Residency requirement of 6 months before filing is permitted
Case Complexity Factors:
- Child custody and parenting time disputes
- High-value or complex asset division
- Business valuation requirements
- Alimony determinations
- Retirement account divisions
Court Scheduling:
- Current Flagler County Family Court docket availability
- Judge assignment and individual calendar management
- Required mediation scheduling

According to the Florida Courts performance metrics, the average time to disposition for dissolution of marriage cases in Florida's Seventh Judicial Circuit (which includes Flagler County) is:

Uncontested cases: Approximately 90 days
Contested cases without property: 5-7 months
Contested cases with property/children: 8-12 months

Procedural requirements that affect timing include:

Mandatory financial disclosure under Family Law Rule 12.285
Parenting course completion for cases involving minor children
Mediation attendance before final hearing in most cases
Discovery processes in contested matters

Parties seeking expedited proceedings should consider:

Filing for simplified dissolution if eligible
Reaching comprehensive settlement agreements before filing
Utilizing collaborative divorce processes
Ensuring prompt compliance with all disclosure requirements

How Long Does Flagler County Keep Divorce Records?

Flagler County maintains divorce records according to retention schedules established by Florida law and administrative rules. These schedules vary based on record type and format, ensuring historical preservation while managing storage resources.

The retention periods for divorce records are as follows:

Court Case Files:
- Permanent retention for final judgments of dissolution
- Supporting court documents: minimum 10 years after case closure
- Electronic records: permanent retention in most cases
- Microfilmed records: permanent retention
Divorce Certificates:
- Maintained permanently by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics
- Available from June 6, 1927, to present
- Preserved in both physical and electronic formats
Docket and Index Records:
- Permanent retention as required by Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.430
- Provides perpetual access to case identification information
Financial Records Related to Divorce:
- Support payment records: retained 5 years after last activity
- Court fee payments: retained 5 years after audit

The Clerk of Circuit Court implements these retention schedules pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.30, which governs records management responsibilities.

For historical research purposes:

Records prior to computerization (generally pre-1990s) may be stored in alternative formats
Older records may require additional processing time to retrieve
Some historical records may have been transferred to the State Archives

Individuals seeking older divorce records should contact:

Flagler County Clerk of Circuit Court, Archives Division
1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building #1
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4400
Flagler County Clerk of Court

How To Get a Divorce In Flagler County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Flagler County must follow specific procedures established by Florida law. The dissolution process varies based on case circumstances and the level of agreement between parties.

The primary methods for obtaining a divorce in Flagler County are:

Simplified Dissolution of Marriage:
- Available to couples with no minor children, no pregnancy, and agreement on property division
- Both parties must attend the final hearing
- Requires filing Form 12.901(a) and other supporting documents
- No formal discovery process required
- Fastest and least expensive option
Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage:
- For couples who agree on all issues but don't qualify for simplified dissolution
- Requires filing Petition for Dissolution (Form 12.901(b))
- Marital Settlement Agreement must be filed
- Parenting Plan required if minor children are involved
- Only petitioner must attend final hearing
Contested Dissolution of Marriage:
- For couples who disagree on one or more significant issues
- Begins with filing Petition for Dissolution (Form 12.901(b))
- Requires financial affidavits and mandatory disclosure
- May involve temporary relief hearings
- Mandatory mediation in most cases
- Trial if settlement not reached

All divorce cases must be filed with:

Flagler County Clerk of Circuit Court, Family Division
1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building #1
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4400
Flagler County Clerk of Court

Filing fees (subject to change):

Simplified Dissolution: $408.00
Regular Dissolution: $408.00
Counter-Petition: $395.00
Fee waivers available for qualifying individuals

Additional requirements:

At least one party must be a Florida resident for six months before filing
Proof of residency required (driver's license, voter registration, or affidavit)
Parenting course completion required for cases with minor children
Financial affidavits mandatory in all cases except simplified dissolution

Self-represented litigants may obtain assistance from:

Flagler County Family Court Self-Help Center
1769 E. Moody Boulevard
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4550
Legal Aid / Self-Help Information

How To Get Divorce Papers In Flagler County

Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Flagler County must obtain and properly complete the required legal forms. Multiple resources exist to access these documents.

Divorce papers may be obtained through the following methods:

Flagler County Clerk of Circuit Court:
- Visit the Family Law Division in person
- Request specific forms based on case type
- Staff can provide forms but cannot offer legal advice
- Modest fees apply for form packets ($5-20 depending on complexity)
Flagler County Family Court Self-Help Center:
- Located at the courthouse
- Provides form packets with instructions
- Limited procedural assistance available
- Fees for packets and services
Florida Courts Website:
- Visit the Florida Courts website
- Navigate to the Family Law Forms section
- Download fillable PDF forms at no cost
- Instructions included with official forms
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms:
- Comprehensive collection of required documents
- Updated regularly to reflect current law
- Available online at no cost
- Includes detailed instructions

Essential forms for divorce proceedings include:

For Simplified Dissolution:
- Petition for Simplified Dissolution (Form 12.901(a))
- Financial Affidavit (Form 12.902(b) or 12.902(c))
- Notice of Social Security Number (Form 12.902(j))
- Marital Settlement Agreement (Form 12.902(f)(3))
For Regular Dissolution:
- Petition for Dissolution (Form 12.901(b))
- Summons (Form 12.910(a))
- Financial Affidavit (Form 12.902(b) or 12.902(c))
- Notice of Social Security Number (Form 12.902(j))
- Marital Settlement Agreement (if agreed, Form 12.902(f)(1))
- Parenting Plan (if children involved, Form 12.995(a))
For Respondents:
- Answer to Petition (Form 12.903(a))
- Counter-Petition (optional, Form 12.903(c))
- Financial Affidavit (Form 12.902(b) or 12.902(c))

Legal assistance resources include:

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
128 Orange Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 255-6573
Legal Aid / Self-Help Information

Flagler County Law Library
1769 E. Moody Boulevard
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4376

Lookup Divorce Records in Flagler County

Flagler County Clerk of Court

Florida Department of Health

Florida Courts

Legal Aid / Self-Help Information