Brevard County divorce decree records are official court files that prove a marriage was legally ended in Brevard County, Florida. These records are stored and managed by the Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
People search for these records for many reasons. Some need them for a name change. Others need them for remarriage, immigration, or legal proof of single status. This page explains how to search, request, and get certified copies of divorce decree records in Brevard County.
How to Search Brevard County Divorce Decree Records
Searching for divorce records in Brevard County starts with knowing where the files are kept. The Clerk of the Circuit Court holds all family court records. You can search these records online, by mail, or in person. Each method works best for different needs. Online searches work well for quick lookups. Mail requests work for certified copies. In-person visits help when you need help from staff or have complex questions.
Online Search Through the Clerk Portal
The Brevard County Clerk of Court runs an online portal for public records. The portal lets you search court cases by name or case number. Divorce cases fall under the family law section of the court system. To start a search, enter the full legal name of either spouse. You can also enter the case number if you have it. The portal shows basic case data. This data includes the filing date, judge name, and case status.
The online portal does not show full decree details. For that, you must request a copy. The portal gives you the case number and division needed for the next step. This step matters for certified copy requests.
Searching by Name
Name-based searches need the full legal name of one or both spouses. Add the filing year if you know it. This narrows the results. The clerk database holds records going back many decades. Older records may show up in a basic search. You may need to contact the clerk office for very old files that are not yet scanned.
If the name is common, results can be long. Use middle names or age ranges to narrow the list. The clerk portal sorts results by case type. Look for entries marked “Dissolution of Marriage.” That phrase means the same thing as divorce in Florida law.
Searching by Case Number
Case number searches are the fastest way to find a specific record. The case number follows a format like 05-2023-DR-012345. The first part shows the year. The middle part shows the case type. The last part shows the sequence number. You can get this number from a lawyer, a past court notice, or the clerk portal.
With a case number, you can request certified copies right away. No name match is needed. This method cuts down on errors. It also speeds up the request process at the clerk counter.
Types of Divorce Records in Brevard County
Brevard County keeps several types of divorce records. Each one serves a different purpose. Some show the full ruling. Others show only basic case data. Knowing the right record type saves time and money.
Final Divorce Decree
The final divorce decree is the main document most people need. It shows the court ruling that ended the marriage. It lists the terms of the divorce. This includes property division, custody, and support orders. The final decree is signed by the judge. It carries a court seal. A certified copy of this document works for most legal and personal needs.
Dissolution of Marriage Records
Dissolution of marriage is the legal name for divorce in Florida. The clerk office uses this term on all records. The file includes the petition, response, and final judgment. Each document adds to the full case history. The full file is open to the public. You can request copies of each document separately or the whole file at once.
Divorce Certificate
A divorce certificate is a short form. It shows basic facts only. These facts include the names of both spouses, the county, and the date the divorce was final. The state of Florida issues this through the Department of Health. Local clerk offices do not issue divorce certificates. The clerk only holds the full decree and case file.
Brevard County Clerk of Court Office Details
The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the record keeper for all Brevard County court cases. The main office sits in Titusville. Branch offices serve other parts of the county. Each office can help with record requests during business hours.
Main Office Location and Hours
The main clerk office for Brevard County is in Titusville, Florida. The physical address is 400 South Street, Titusville, Florida 32796. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Walk-in record requests are accepted during these hours. No appointment is needed for basic record lookups.
Contact Phone and Email
The main clerk office phone number is (321) 633-2171. The general inquiry email is clerks@brevardclerk.us. Call during business hours for fastest help. Email works for non-urgent record questions. For certified copy orders, the clerk office accepts phone, email, and online forms.
Branch Office Locations
Brevard County has branch clerk offices in Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Cocoa. Each branch handles record requests for cases filed in that region. Branch office hours match the main office. Branch staff can help with the same records the main office holds. You can visit any branch to start a record search or copy request.
Divorce Record Fees and Processing Times
Fee amounts and wait times depend on the record type and request method. The clerk office charges a set fee for certified copies. Search fees may apply if you do not have a case number. Processing times change based on office workload and request type.
Certified Copy Fees
The clerk office charges $15.00 for each certified copy of a divorce decree. This fee is set by Florida law. The fee covers the copy, the court seal, and clerk certification. Extra copies of the same document cost the same amount. Non-certified copies cost less. Plain copies work for personal use. Certified copies work for legal filings.
Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit card. Online orders use credit or debit cards. Mail orders use checks or money orders. Make checks payable to the Brevard County Clerk of Court.
Standard Processing Times
Mail requests take up to 10 business days to process. In-person requests are often done the same day. Online requests take 3 to 5 business days. Processing times grow longer during peak months. The clerk office posts current wait times on its website. You can also call to ask about your specific request.
Recent cases may have a delay before they show up in the system. Florida law requires a 60-day wait for state filing after the local clerk records the decree. For new divorces, contact the clerk office directly to check if your case is on file.
Rush and Expedited Services
The clerk office does not always offer a formal rush service. Some offices handle urgent requests in person. You can ask the clerk staff about same-day service for certified copies. Walk-in requests at the counter are often done within 30 minutes. Complex file requests may take longer even in person.
For state certificate orders, VitalChek offers rush shipping. The rush fee is extra. Order through the state portal for faster delivery of short-form certificates.
How to Get a Certified Divorce Decree Copy
A certified copy of a divorce decree has a court seal and clerk signature. This copy proves the document is real. Banks, courts, and government agencies accept certified copies. Plain copies do not work for legal filings. Follow the steps below to get a certified copy from Brevard County.
Required Documents and Identification
You must show valid photo ID to get a certified copy in person. Accepted IDs include a driver license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Mail requests must include a photocopy of your ID. The clerk office uses ID to protect personal data in the file.
You also need basic case details. These include the full names of both spouses. The filing year helps narrow the search. A case number speeds up the process. The clerk office may ask for extra details if your case is hard to find.
Request Process Step by Step
Start by gathering the case details you have. Then choose your request method. Online orders use the clerk portal. Mail orders use the request form from the clerk website. In-person orders happen at any clerk counter. Pay the certified copy fee at the time of the request.
Wait for processing based on your request method. Track your mail request with the return receipt you sent. Online orders send status updates by email. In-person orders give you the copy the same day in most cases.
Common Issues and Solutions
Name mismatches are a common issue. If the name on the decree does not match your ID, the clerk may refuse the copy. Bring court records that show your name change, if any. A marriage certificate or prior court order can solve this problem.
Another common issue is missing case data. If you do not know the case number or filing year, the clerk staff can help. They search the system by name. The search may take extra time. Be ready to provide extra details like date of birth or last known address.
Florida Statewide Divorce Record Search
Statewide search options exist for Florida divorce records. These options work when local searches do not find the file. The state Department of Health holds short-form certificates. Local clerk offices hold the full case files. Each source has its own search process and fee structure.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics keeps divorce certificates from 1927 to the present. You can order these certificates by mail, online, or in person. The state office charges its own fees. State certificates prove the divorce happened. They do not include the full decree terms.
State records are a backup when local files are lost or hard to find. They also work for people who live far from Brevard County. You can order from any state using the same online portal.
VitalChek Online Ordering
VitalChek is the official partner for Florida vital records. The site lets you order divorce certificates online. You fill out a form, pay the fee, and choose shipping. Rush shipping is available for an extra fee. Most orders arrive in 5 to 10 business days by standard mail.
VitalChek orders work for short-form certificates only. For the full decree, you must contact the Brevard County clerk office directly. The state office does not hold full decree files.
When to Use State vs. County Records
Use county records for full decree details, court orders, and case files. Use state records for short-form proof of divorce. Many legal filings accept either form. Some filings need the full decree. Check with the agency that needs the document before you order.
For local needs, the Brevard County clerk office is the best source. The office has the full case history. The state office only has the short form. For most users, the county office is the right starting point.
Legal Uses of Brevard County Divorce Decrees
Certified divorce decrees serve many legal and personal purposes. Banks, courts, and government agencies often ask for them. Knowing the right use for each document type helps you order the correct copy.
Name Change After Divorce
Many people change their name back after a divorce. The final decree often includes the name change order. You need a certified copy to update your Social Security card, driver license, and passport. The Social Security Administration accepts a certified decree copy. The Florida DMV also accepts it for a new license.
If the decree does not list the name change, you may need a separate court order. The clerk office can help you find past orders in the same case file.
Property and Financial Matters
Property division terms appear in the final decree. Banks and lenders may ask for a copy before issuing new credit. The decree shows who owns what after the divorce. It also lists any financial support orders. Certified copies work for these financial uses.
For retirement accounts and pensions, the decree is often required. Plan administrators ask for a certified copy to split assets. Keep a certified copy in a safe place for future financial moves.
Remarriage Documentation
Before you can remarry, you must show proof of divorce. The marriage license office asks for a certified copy of the final decree. Some offices accept a state certificate. Others want the full decree. Call the marriage license office in your county to confirm what they accept.
If your divorce happened outside Brevard County, you still need a certified copy from the county where it was filed. Each state has its own rules. Florida accepts out-of-state decrees for remarriage in most cases.
Contact Information for Brevard County Clerk of Court
The Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the main contact for all divorce record requests. Use the details below to reach the office by phone, email, mail, or in person. The main office handles all record types filed in Brevard County.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Office Phone | (321) 633-2171 |
| General Inquiry Email | clerks@brevardclerk.us |
| Physical Address | 400 South Street, Titusville, Florida 32796 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 219, Titusville, FL 32781-0219 |
| Office Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Official Website | brevardclerk.us |
| Certified Copy Fee | $15.00 per copy |
Frequently Asked Questions About Brevard County Divorce Decree Records
Many people have questions about divorce records in Brevard County. The questions below cover the most common issues. Each answer gives clear steps and facts. Use these answers to plan your record request and avoid common mistakes.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Divorce Decree in Brevard County?
Standard mail requests take up to 10 business days. In-person requests are often done the same day, often within 30 minutes for simple cases. Online requests through the clerk portal take 3 to 5 business days. Rush service is not always available. For urgent needs, visit the clerk office in person. The clerk office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Plan ahead for mail requests to avoid delays. Processing times grow longer during high-volume months. The clerk office posts current wait times on its website.
Can I Search Brevard County Divorce Records for Free?
Yes, the clerk portal offers free basic case searches. You can look up case numbers, filing dates, and judge names at no cost. The free search does not show full decree details. For full text or certified copies, you must pay the certified copy fee. The fee is $15.00 per copy. Free searches work well for case number lookups and basic verification. They do not replace the need for a certified copy for legal use.
What Is the Difference Between a Divorce Decree and a Divorce Certificate?
A divorce decree is the full court order that ends the marriage. It lists all terms, including custody, support, and property division. A divorce certificate is a short form that shows basic facts. The certificate shows only the names, county, and final date. The decree comes from the local clerk office. The certificate comes from the state health office. Each serves a different purpose. Check with the agency that needs the document before you order.
Are Old Divorce Records Available in Brevard County?
Yes, the clerk office holds historical divorce records going back many decades. Old records may be on microfilm or in paper files. Some older records are now scanned into the online system. Records not yet scanned may take extra time to find. The clerk staff can search the archives for you. Bring as many details as you can, such as the full name and year. This helps the staff find the right file faster.
Can Someone Else Get a Certified Copy of My Divorce Decree?
Yes, anyone can request a certified copy of a divorce decree in Florida. Divorce records are public court files. You do not need to be a party to the case. You must show valid photo ID when you request the copy. The clerk office follows Florida public records law for all requests. Some personal details may be redacted in older files. Certified copies go to any eligible requester.
What If I Lost My Divorce Decree?
You can order a new certified copy from the Brevard County Clerk of Court. The clerk office keeps the original file on record. You can request a copy in person, by mail, or online. The fee is $15.00 per certified copy. The new copy has the same legal weight as the original. Keep the new copy in a safe place to avoid future replacement orders.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Get a Divorce Record in Brevard County?
No, you do not need a lawyer to get a divorce record. The clerk office serves the public directly. You can place a record request on your own. A lawyer helps only for complex legal filings or sealed records. For most certified copy requests, you can handle the process yourself. The clerk staff can answer basic questions about the request process.