Broward County divorce decree records are official court files that show a marriage has legally ended in Broward County, Florida. These records are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Courts, which is the main office that stores family court files for the 17th Judicial Circuit.
People search these records for many reasons. Some need proof of divorce for a name change, a new marriage, a loan, or immigration papers. Others need a copy for legal steps in another state. Anyone can look at the basic case index online, but only certain people can get a certified copy with a raised seal. This page explains how to search, request, and get a certified copy of a Broward County divorce decree. It also explains the fees, the wait times, and the steps that help avoid delays.
What a Broward County Divorce Decree Contains
A divorce decree is the final written order from a judge that ends a marriage. It is not the same as a marriage certificate or a divorce certificate. The decree is the actual court order. It is signed by a judge and filed with the clerk.
Main Parts of a Divorce Decree
Most Broward County divorce decrees include the same basic parts. These parts help the court, the parties, and other agencies confirm the legal end of a marriage.
- Full legal names of both spouses, including any prior names
- Case number assigned by the clerk
- Filing date and final judgment date
- Names of the attorneys, if any were used
- Division of property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support orders, if awarded
- Custody, visitation, and child support orders, if children were part of the case
- Restoration of maiden or prior name, if requested
Decree vs. Final Judgment vs. Certificate
These three terms cause confusion for many people. They are not the same document, even though they relate to the same case. Knowing the difference helps you request the right paper from the clerk.
| Document | What It Is | Who Issues It |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce Decree | Full final court order with all terms | Clerk of Courts (signed by judge) |
| Final Judgment | The judge’s ruling that ends the marriage | Court (signed by judge) |
| Certificate of Dissolution | Short state-issued proof of divorce | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics |
Who Keeps Broward County Divorce Decree Records
Three main agencies play a role in storing and sharing divorce records in Florida. The clerk handles the full file, the court signs the order, and the state keeps a short version for proof purposes.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the main office for divorce decree records. The clerk files the original decree, stores it, and issues certified copies. The clerk also runs the public online case search. This office serves the entire 17th Judicial Circuit, which covers all of Broward County. You can visit the clerk at the main courthouse or use the online tools to search basic case data at no cost.
17th Judicial Circuit Court
The 17th Judicial Circuit Court is the trial court that handles all divorce cases filed in Broward County. Family court judges in this circuit hear the cases and sign the final decrees. The clerk works for the court and keeps the records on the court’s behalf. All divorce cases in Broward County are heard in this circuit, no matter which city the spouses live in.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps a state record of each divorce that is finalized in Florida. Counties send copies to the state after the local filing is done. The state then issues a Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage. This certificate is shorter than a full decree and is often used for basic proof of divorce. The state office does not have the full decree, only the basic fact of the divorce.
How to Search Broward County Divorce Records Online
The fastest way to start a search is through the clerk’s online portal. You do not need an account. You do not need to pay to view basic case data. You only pay if you want a certified copy.
Using the Clerk Online Portal
The clerk’s official website has a case search tool that lets you look up family court cases, including divorce. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date. The portal shows the case type, the judge, the division, and the hearing dates. For divorce records, you can see if a final decree has been filed.
- Go to the clerk’s official website at browardclerk.org
- Click on the Court Records or Case Search link
- Choose Family Court as the case type
- Enter the full legal name of one or both parties
- Enter the filing year, if known
- Review the results and click on the matching case
- Note the case number, judge, and final decree date
Searching by Case Number
A case number search gives the most accurate result. It is a unique number the clerk assigns when the case is filed. The format is usually a year, a court code, a case type code, and a sequence number. If you already have a case number, type it into the case number field. The system will pull up only that exact case. This is the best option if you have a divorce paper, a court notice, or an old decree with the case number listed.
Searching by Name
Name searches work well, but they can return more than one result. Common last names can show many cases. To get better results, use the full legal name of the spouse who filed. Add the first and middle name. Add the filing year. If you do not know the year, use a range. The system can return older or newer cases too, so check the dates before requesting a copy.
How to Request a Certified Copy of a Divorce Decree
A certified copy has a raised or stamped seal from the clerk. This is the only version that most agencies and courts will accept as proof. The clerk offers three main ways to order a certified copy: in person, by mail, and online.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk’s Office
Going in person is often the fastest way to get a certified copy. You can fill out the request form at the office and pay with cash, check, money order, or card. In-person requests are often processed the same day if the case is closed and the decree is on file. Bring a valid photo ID with you. The clerk will ask for the full names of both parties, the case number, and the year of the divorce.
Mail-In Requests
Mail requests are a good option if you do not live near the courthouse. You write a request letter, include a copy of your ID, include the case details, and include payment. Mail requests take longer because of mail time and processing. Plan for at least two to four weeks from the time you mail the request. Use certified mail with tracking so you can confirm delivery.
Online Certified Copy Orders
The clerk’s website lets you order a certified copy online for an extra fee. The system lets you pay by card. The clerk will mail the certified copy to your address. This option is good for people who do not want to travel and do not mind a small extra fee. Processing times are listed on the website and can change based on office workload.
Fees, Processing Times, and Required Documents
Knowing the fees and what to bring saves time and avoids extra trips. Most requests for a certified copy of a Broward County divorce decree cost the same amount, no matter how you order.
Cost of a Certified Divorce Decree Copy
Each certified copy of a divorce decree from the Broward County Clerk of Courts costs a set fee. This fee is set by Florida law and is the same across most counties. Additional copies in the same request often cost less per copy. There may also be a small service fee for online orders.
| Request Type | Standard Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy | $15 per copy | Raised or stamped clerk seal |
| Additional Copy Same Case | Lower fee per copy | Listed on clerk fee schedule |
| Online Service Fee | Varies by platform | Added at checkout |
| Expedited Processing | Extra fee may apply | Ask the clerk for current rate |
Processing and Wait Times
Processing times change based on how busy the office is and how complete your request is. In-person requests at the counter are often done the same day. Mail requests take longer because of the mail itself. State filing of the divorce report can add another 60 days before the divorce shows up in statewide searches, based on Florida research notes. Recent cases are usually easier to confirm through the local clerk before using statewide searches.
Documents You Need to Bring or Send
The clerk needs to know who you are and what case you are asking about. Bring or send the right items to avoid delays. A complete request is processed faster than a partial one.
- Valid photo ID (driver license, state ID, passport)
- Full legal name of both spouses before and after divorce, if changed
- Case number, if known
- Year the divorce was filed
- Payment in the accepted form
- A signed request form or letter, if ordering by mail
What to Do If You Cannot Find the Record
Sometimes a search returns no results. This does not always mean the divorce did not happen. It can mean a name was different, a date was off, or the record is in a different system.
Common Search Errors
Many no-result searches are caused by small errors. A name was spelled wrong, a year was off by one, or the wrong case type was chosen. Try different spellings. Try the spouse’s full maiden name. Try a wider year range. Switch the case type from Family to Domestic Relations. The system indexes records in a set way, and small changes can show hidden cases.
Name Change and Spelling Issues
If one spouse changed their name during the marriage or after, the court file may show the earlier name. Search under the legal name at the time of divorce. Do not use nicknames or shortened versions. If you do not know the exact spelling, ask family members or check old documents. Court indexes are sensitive to small differences in spelling.
Older Records and Archives
Very old divorce cases may be in the archives rather than the active system. Cases from decades ago were often filed on paper, not on the current digital system. The clerk can help locate older cases, but these searches may take more time. Some older records may have been moved to a state archive for long-term storage. Ask the clerk if the case is in the active system or the archive system.
Florida State Records and Cross-Reference Options
If the local search does not return a result, the state may have a record. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps a basic record of each divorce that takes place in the state. Counties forward the divorce report to the state after the local filing is complete. This statewide record can confirm a divorce for basic proof needs.
When to Use the State Certificate
The state Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage is a short document that shows a divorce took place. It lists the names of both spouses, the county where the divorce was granted, and the date. It does not include the full terms of the decree. Many federal agencies, banks, and insurance companies accept the state certificate for basic proof. The full decree is needed when the terms of the divorce matter, such as for custody, support, or property claims.
How to Order a State Certificate
You can order a state certificate through the Florida Department of Health website or through an approved vendor like VitalChek. You will need the full legal names of both spouses, the date or year of divorce, and the county where it was granted. Pay the listed fee and provide a valid ID. The certificate is mailed to your address. Processing time is usually a few weeks, depending on the method you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common issues people face when searching for Broward County divorce decree records. Each answer gives a clear, direct response based on Florida law and clerk office practices. If your question is not here, contact the clerk’s office directly for help with your specific case.
Can anyone get a copy of a Broward County divorce decree?
Yes, anyone can view the basic case index online at no cost through the Broward County Clerk of Courts website. This includes the names of the parties, the case number, the judge, and the filing dates. Certified copies with the clerk’s seal are public for divorce cases that have been finalized. Florida law makes divorce records public once the case is closed. Some parts of a divorce file, such as sealed financial records or certain personal details, may be restricted. You do not have to be a party to the case to request a certified copy, but you do need to follow the clerk’s request process. Be ready to show a valid photo ID and pay the listed fee.
How long does it take to get a certified divorce decree from Broward County?
The time depends on how you order. In-person requests at the clerk’s counter are often processed the same day if the decree is on file and the case is closed. Mail requests take longer because of the mail itself and office processing time. Plan for two to four weeks for mail requests under normal conditions. Online orders through the clerk’s site take a few business days for processing, plus mail time. State-level records can take up to 60 days after the local filing before they appear in statewide searches, based on Florida research notes. If you need the decree quickly, go in person with all the case details ready.
What is the difference between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate in Florida?
A divorce decree is the full final court order that ends the marriage. It lists the terms of the divorce, including property, support, custody, and name changes. It is signed by a judge and filed with the clerk. A divorce certificate, also called a Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage, is a short state-issued document that shows the basic fact that a divorce took place. It lists the names of the spouses, the county, and the date. The full decree is needed for legal steps that depend on the terms of the divorce. The certificate is enough for basic proof of divorce for most federal and state agencies.
Can I search for a Broward County divorce by name only?
Yes. The clerk’s online portal lets you search by party name. You do not need a case number. To get the best results, use the full legal name of one or both spouses. Add the filing year if you know it. If you do not know the year, leave the date blank and review all results. Common last names can return many cases, so check the details on each result. The case page will show the filing date, the case type, and the judge. This helps confirm you have the right case before you order a certified copy.
What if the divorce was filed years ago and does not show up online?
Older divorce cases may be in the clerk’s archive system, not the current online system. The clerk can still help you locate these records, but the search may take more time. Start with a name search and a wide year range. If nothing appears, contact the clerk’s office by phone or in person. Staff can check older indexes and microfilm records. Some very old cases may have been moved to a state archive. Bring or send any old documents you have, such as a prior decree or a court notice, to help staff locate the file faster.
Is there a fee to view Broward County divorce records online?
No. Viewing basic case data online through the clerk’s portal is free. You can search by name, case number, or filing date without paying. The fee only applies when you order a certified copy with the clerk’s seal. Each certified copy of a divorce decree costs a set fee, which is listed on the clerk’s fee schedule. Extra copies in the same request often cost less per copy. There may also be a small service fee for online orders through third-party platforms. Always check the official clerk website for current fees before you place an order.
Do I need a lawyer to get a certified copy of a divorce decree?
No. You do not need a lawyer to request a certified copy of a divorce decree. The clerk’s office handles these requests directly. You can order a copy in person, by mail, or online. A lawyer is only needed if you have a legal question about the terms of the decree or if you are involved in a new case that depends on the decree. For example, if you are changing a child support order, a lawyer can help. For a simple copy request, follow the clerk’s steps and bring the right documents and payment.
Office Details for Broward County Clerk of Courts
Below is the contact data for the main Broward County Clerk of Courts office that handles divorce decree records. The office is open during normal business hours and is closed on court holidays. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit, especially around holidays. The clerk also has satellite locations, but the main office handles all family court records.
Official Website: https://www.browardclerk.org
Phone: (954) 831-4000
Main Office Address: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Visiting Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Eastern Time). Closed on court holidays.