Duval County divorce decree records are official court documents that prove a marriage has legally ended in Duval County, Florida. These records are held by the Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, located at 501 W.
Adams Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202. Anyone can request a copy of these records, but the search process requires specific details like full legal names, case numbers, or filing dates. This page covers how to find, request, and get certified copies of divorce decree records in Duval County using the most direct methods available in 2026.
What Are Duval County Divorce Decree Records
Duval County divorce decree records are the final written orders issued by a judge that end a marriage. They include the case number, the names of both spouses, the date the judge signed the order, and any decisions about property, children, or support. These records are different from a marriage certificate, which proves a marriage took place. A divorce decree proves the marriage was legally dissolved. In Florida, these documents are also called a final judgment of dissolution of marriage.
What a Divorce Decree Contains
A typical Duval County final judgment divorce document includes the full legal names of both parties, the case number assigned by the court, the date the petition was filed, and the date the judge signed the final order. It may also include rulings on alimony, child custody, child support, and the division of property or debt. Each page of the certified copy is stamped with the court seal and signed by the clerk to confirm it is a true copy of the original record on file.
Who Maintains These Records
The Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the official custodian of all divorce decree records filed in Duval County. The clerk’s office stores these records in both paper and electronic format. Older divorce records from before 1990 are mainly stored in paper archives, while newer records are kept in a digital database that can be searched by name or case number. The same office also maintains other family court records, including adoption and paternity files.
How to Search for Duval County Divorce Records
There are three main ways to search for Duval County divorce records: online through the clerk’s portal, in person at the clerk’s office, or by mail. Each method works best for different situations. Online search is good for checking if a case exists. In-person visits are best for getting certified copies the same day. Mail requests work for people who do not live near Jacksonville or who need a copy sent to another state.
Online Records Search
The Duval County Clerk’s online portal lets you search for divorce case information at no cost. You can search by the full name of either spouse or by case number. The portal will show you a summary of the case, including the filing date, the case type, and the judge assigned. You can see if a final decree has been signed, but you cannot view the full document or order a certified copy through the portal. For the actual document, you must use the records request page.
In-Person Records Request
You can visit the Duval County Clerk’s office at 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202, to request a certified copy of a divorce decree. The records department is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on court holidays. Bring a valid photo ID and the case details. Staff at the front desk can help you search the index if you do not have the case number. Most in-person requests are filled the same day if the record is found.
Mail-In Records Request
To request a certified divorce decree copy by mail, send a written request to the Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court, Records Department, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Your letter must include the full legal names of both parties, the case number if known, the year the case was filed, and your contact information. Include a check or money order for the search fee and copy fee. Mail requests usually take 5 to 10 business days to process after the clerk receives your letter.
Information You Need Before You Search
Before you contact the clerk’s office, gather as much information as you can. The more details you provide, the faster your search will go. Missing details can lead to delays or extra search fees. Even a small error in a name or year can cause the clerk to return your request without filling it. The most important details are full legal names, case number, and filing year.
Full Legal Names of Both Spouses
The clerk will need the full legal name of both spouses at the time the divorce was filed. This means the names must match the petition filed with the court. Maiden names, middle names, and name changes after divorce should be included. If you do not know the middle name, include any version you have. A name like “John A. Smith” is better than “John Smith” because it reduces the chance of matching the wrong case.
Case Number and Court Division
A case number is the fastest way to find any record. Duval County family court case numbers start with the year, followed by a sequence, and a division code. For example, a 2024 divorce case might be 2024-DR-01234. If you have a case number, the clerk can pull the file in minutes. If you do not have it, the clerk can still search by name and year, but this takes longer and costs more.
Filing Date and Year
Knowing the year the divorce was filed is a big help. Duval County handles thousands of family cases each year, so a name search without a year can return too many results. If you know the exact filing date, include it. If you only know the year, say so. The clerk’s index covers all years from the court’s founding in 1968 to the present day.
Fees for Certified Divorce Decree Copies in Duval County
The Duval County Clerk’s office charges set fees for certified copies and record searches. These fees are set by Florida state law and are the same across most counties. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Online requests accept credit cards only. The clerk does not accept phone payments for mail or in-person orders.
Standard Copy and Search Fees
A certified copy of a divorce decree in Duval County costs $10.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each extra page. Most final judgments are between 5 and 20 pages. If you do not have a case number, the clerk adds a $5.00 search fee. If the search takes more than 15 minutes, an extra fee may apply per quarter hour. The clerk will tell you the full cost before processing your request.
| Service Type | Fee Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy (First Page) | $10.00 | Court seal and clerk signature included |
| Additional Pages | $1.00 each | Charged per page after the first |
| Name Search Fee | $5.00 | Applied when no case number is provided |
| Extended Search | Varies | Quarterly fee for searches over 15 minutes |
| Mail Return Shipping | Extra | Self-addressed stamped envelope required |
Accepted Payment Methods
In-person requests at the Duval County Clerk’s office can be paid with cash, personal check, money order, or credit card. Mail requests must be paid by check or money order made out to the “Clerk of the Circuit Court.” Do not send cash through the mail. Online requests through the official portal accept major credit cards. All payments are non-refundable, even if no record is found.
Processing Times and What to Expect
Processing time depends on how you submit your request and how busy the clerk’s office is. In-person requests are the fastest, often filled the same day. Mail requests take longer because of postal time and the order requests are processed. Online requests fall in the middle. Plan ahead, especially if you need the record by a certain date for court, immigration, or a name change.
Same-Day and In-Person Service
If you go to the Duval County clerk’s office in person with a valid photo ID and the right case details, you can often get your certified copy the same day. The records department processes walk-in requests on a first-come, first-served basis. During busy times, like the start of the month, the wait can be longer. Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to give staff time to finish your request.
Mail Request Timelines
Mail requests to the Duval County Clerk normally take 5 to 10 business days to process after they arrive at the office. Add 3 to 5 days for return mail through USPS. If you need faster return shipping, include a prepaid overnight label from UPS or FedEx. The clerk will not pay for return postage. Always keep a copy of your request letter and check for your records.
Florida State Records and Cross-Reference Options
Sometimes the Duval County clerk does not have the full record you need, or you need a state-level certificate. Florida offers a state divorce certificate through the Florida Department of Health, which is different from a court decree. A state certificate shows that a divorce was recorded at the state level. The clerk’s office forwards final decrees to the state, but this can take 60 days or more after the judge signs the order.
When to Use State Records
State divorce certificates work for name changes, Social Security updates, and some federal needs. They do not include the case details or the judge’s decisions. If you need the full final judgment with custody or property terms, you must get the certified copy from the Duval County clerk. The state certificate costs $5.00 and is ordered through the Florida Department of Health or VitalChek.
Online Database Limitations
The Duval County online portal gives case summaries but not full documents. You will see the case type, the parties’ names, the filing date, and the status. You will not see the actual text of the final judgment. For full text access, you must request a certified copy. Some third-party websites claim to offer full Florida divorce records online, but they are not the official record and may charge extra fees for the same data you can get from the clerk.
Common Issues When Requesting Divorce Decree Records
Most record requests go smoothly, but some common issues can cause delays. These include old records not yet digitized, name changes, sealed cases, and missing case numbers. Knowing these issues ahead of time can help you avoid extra trips or mail.
Old or Archived Records
Divorce cases filed before 1990 are kept in the Duval County archives. These older paper files take longer to pull and may not be in the online index. You may need to visit the clerk’s office in person to view these files. Some very old records, from before 1970, may be stored off-site and require 2 to 3 business days to retrieve. Plan extra time for these requests.
Sealed or Confidential Cases
Some divorce cases in Duval County are sealed by court order. Sealed records cannot be viewed or copied without a court order. If you are not a party to the case, the clerk will deny your request. Even former spouses must show a legal reason to access a sealed file. If you need a sealed record for a legal case, you must file a motion with the Duval County Circuit Court to open the records.
Official Contact Details and Location
The Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the only official source for certified divorce decree records in Duval County. The main office is in the Duval County Courthouse in downtown Jacksonville. You can reach the records department by phone, mail, or in person. Always use the official contact details below to avoid third-party fees.
Office Address and Phone
The Duval County Clerk of Court records department is located at 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202. The main phone number for the clerk’s office is (904) 255-2000. The records department direct line is (904) 255-2080. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on weekends and court holidays. The office is located in the main courthouse building, Room 105.
Official Website and Email
The official website for the Duval County Clerk of Court is duvalclerk.com. This site has the online records search portal, request forms, fee schedules, and contact information. The records department can also be reached by email at records@duvalclerk.com for general questions, but you should not send personal case details through email for security reasons. Use the contact page at duvalclerk.com/contact-us for direct department contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Duval County divorce decree records. Each answer gives you a direct, clear response based on the rules and fees set by the Duval County Clerk of Court and Florida state law. If you have a specific case question, contact the clerk’s office directly using the details above.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Divorce Decree Copy?
In-person requests at the Duval County clerk’s office are often filled the same day if you have the case number. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days to process, plus return mail time. If the record is archived or off-site, add 2 to 3 extra business days. Online requests through the records portal are processed within 1 to 2 business days. Plan ahead for any deadline, especially for legal filings.
Can Anyone Get a Copy of a Divorce Decree in Duval County?
Yes, most divorce decree records in Duval County are public records under Florida law. Anyone can request a copy, whether or not they were part of the case. You only need the case details to find the record. Sealed cases are the only exception. To get a sealed record, you must be a party to the case or have a court order allowing access.
What Is the Difference Between a Divorce Decree and a Divorce Certificate?
A divorce decree is the full court order that ends the marriage and includes decisions on property, custody, and support. A divorce certificate is a shorter state document that only shows the names, the date, and the county where the divorce was granted. The decree comes from the Duval County clerk. The certificate comes from the Florida Department of Health. Most legal needs require the decree.
What If I Do Not Know the Case Number?
You can still request a copy without a case number. The clerk will run a name search using the full legal names of both spouses and the filing year. The clerk’s office charges a $5.00 search fee for this service. The more details you provide, the faster the search. If the search takes more than 15 minutes, an extra fee per quarter hour may apply.
Are Online Divorce Record Websites Official?
No. Third-party websites that show Florida divorce records are not official sources. They pull data from public records and charge a fee. The official Duval County Clerk’s online portal gives you the same data for free, and you can order a certified copy directly from the clerk. Avoid third-party sites to save money and protect your personal data.
Can I Get a Divorce Decree From Another Florida County Through Duval County?
No. Each Florida county only holds records for divorces filed in that county. If the divorce was filed in another county, you must contact that county’s clerk of court. Duval County can only help you if the case was filed in Duval County. The case number or final decree will tell you which county handled the case.
What If My Divorce Was Very Recent?
Recent divorce cases may not show up in the state system right away. The clerk forwards the final decree to the Florida Department of Health, but this can take 60 days or more. The Duval County clerk’s office will have the record as soon as the judge signs it. If you need proof of a recent divorce, contact the local clerk first before the state office.