Franklin County Divorce Decree Records are official court papers that prove a marriage ended in this Florida county. The Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps these papers at the office on Market Street in Apalachicola.
People request these records for legal matters, name changes, or proof of being single. This page covers how to look up, request, and get certified copies of Franklin County divorce records.
What Are Franklin County Divorce Decree Records
Franklin County Divorce Decree Records are court orders signed by a judge that end a marriage. These records show the date the divorce became final. They also list details about property, children, and any support orders. The 14th Judicial Circuit Court handles these cases for Franklin County, Florida.
Types of Divorce Documents Available
Several types of papers fall under Franklin County divorce records. Each paper has a different purpose. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right one for your needs.
- Final Judgment of Dissolution: This is the main court order that ends the marriage.
- Decree of Divorce: The official signed paper from the judge.
- Marriage Dissolution Certificate: A short form that proves the marriage ended.
- Case File Records: All papers filed during the divorce case, like motions and financial forms.
Who Maintains These Records
The Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps all divorce records for the county. This office works under Florida state law. The clerk stores records from old cases on paper and from newer cases in computer systems. Staff at the clerk office can help you get copies or search for case details.
Florida Dissolution of Marriage Process
Florida calls a divorce a “dissolution of marriage.” The case starts when one spouse files a petition. Both sides share financial details. A judge reviews the case and signs a final judgment. After the judge signs, the clerk records the judgment. This recorded judgment is the official decree.
How to Search Franklin County Divorce Records
You can search for Franklin County divorce records in three ways. Each way needs different details. Pick the method that matches the facts you already know.
Online Search by Name
Name searches work well when you know the full legal names of both spouses. The Franklin County clerk website has a public records search tool. You enter the last name and first name. The system shows case numbers and filing dates for matches. This free search helps you check if a case exists in Franklin County.
Case Number Lookup
Case number lookups give faster results. The case number looks like a series of numbers and letters, such as 19-2022-DR-000123. If you have this number, you can find the exact file. The clerk office can give you a case number if you lost it. Bring names and the year of divorce to the office for help with case numbers.
Apalachicola Florida Divorce Records Access
Apalachicola is the county seat of Franklin County. The clerk office sits at 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320. Anyone can visit this office during business hours. Staff will help you search the public indexes. You can use the public computers at the office to look up cases without charge.
Requesting Certified Divorce Decree Copies
A certified copy has a raised seal or stamp that makes it valid for legal use. Courts, banks, and government agencies need certified copies. Regular photocopies are not accepted for legal matters. The Franklin County clerk office provides certified copies for a fee.
In-Person Requests
Going to the clerk office in person gives you the fastest service. You fill out a request form at the counter. Staff pulls the file and makes a certified copy the same day in most cases. You pay the fee and leave with your copy. Bring a photo ID to verify your identity.
Mail Request Process
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit the office. You send a letter with key details to the clerk office. The clerk sends back the certified copy by mail. Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days plus mail delivery time.
- Write a letter with the full names of both spouses.
- Include the date of divorce or the year the case was filed.
- Add a case number if you have one.
- Include a check or money order for the fee.
- Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return.
- Mail the request to the clerk office address.
Fees and Payment Methods
The fee for a certified divorce decree copy in Franklin County is $15.00. Each certified copy costs this amount. There is no search fee if you give the correct date and full names. Accepted payment methods depend on how you request the copy.
| Request Method | Accepted Payments | Cost Per Copy |
|---|---|---|
| In-Person | Cash, check, money order, card | $15.00 |
| Check, money order | $15.00 | |
| Online | Card | $15.00 plus service fee |
Processing Times
Processing time depends on the request method and office workload. In-person requests often finish the same day. Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days. Online requests through third-party services may add extra time. Florida state law requires about 60 days for new cases to be filed with state records after the clerk records them.
Franklin County Clerk of Court Information
The clerk office is the main source for Franklin County divorce records. Knowing how to reach this office saves time. The office handles records from all family court cases in the county.
Office Location and Hours
The Franklin County Clerk of Court office sits in the county courthouse. The physical address is 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320. The mailing address is P.O. Box 548, Apalachicola, Florida 32329. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on state holidays.
Contact Details
You can reach the clerk office by phone, fax, or email. Phone lines are open during office hours. Email works for basic questions but not for requesting records due to security rules.
- Phone: (850) 653-8815
- Fax: (850) 653-8157
- Email: clerk@franklincountyflorida.com
14th Judicial Circuit Coverage
Franklin County belongs to the 14th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit also covers Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties. The circuit handles all major court cases for these counties. Family court cases, including divorces, go through this circuit system.
Florida State Divorce Records Resources
Florida state agencies also help people get divorce records. These state resources work when the county office has delays or the records are old. State records cover all Florida counties, not just Franklin County.
Florida Department of Health Certificates
The Florida Department of Health issues marriage dissolution certificates for the whole state. These certificates prove a marriage ended but do not contain the full court order. People use these for basic proof of divorce. You can order them online through the Florida health portal or by mail.
Statewide Court Records Access
Florida court records are available through the state court system. The Florida Courts website has a records search tool. This tool covers cases from all 67 Florida counties. Search results show basic case data but may not include all document images.
Common Request Scenarios
People request divorce records for many reasons. Each reason may need a different type of record. Here are the most common situations that lead to record requests.
Legal Name Changes
After a divorce, many people change back to their maiden name. Banks, the Social Security Administration, and the DMV need proof of the name change. A certified copy of the divorce decree works for these agencies. The decree should mention the name change in the text.
Property and Asset Matters
Property divisions from a divorce can lead to later legal questions. Banks may need the decree to release property. Insurance companies may need it to update policies. Real estate offices often ask for a certified copy when one spouse sells a shared property.
Remarriage Documentation
People who remarry must show proof that the first marriage ended. A marriage license office will ask for a divorce decree. This proof is a basic legal step before a new marriage license can be issued. Most states accept Florida divorce decrees for this purpose.
Online Public Records Search
The Franklin County clerk website offers a free public records search. This tool shows basic case data for divorce and other cases. You can search by name, case number, or filing date. The tool does not show full document images, but it confirms the case exists.
Third-Party Search Services
Many private companies offer Florida divorce record searches. These services pull data from public sources. They charge a fee for the search. Some services offer faster results or document copies. Be careful to pick a service that uses official data sources.
Court Docket Records
Court docket records show all events in a divorce case. These records list hearings, motions, and orders. Dockets are public records in Florida. You can view dockets at the clerk office or through the online search tool. Full docket copies may need a separate request.
Privacy and Access Rules
Florida law protects some details in divorce records. Sensitive data like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are removed from public records. Children involved in the case have protected information. Most other case details remain public under Florida public records law.
Who Can Request Records
Anyone can request basic case data in Florida. The state has strong public records laws. Certified copies of the full decree may have some limits. The parties to the case, their lawyers, and government agencies can get full certified copies easily.
Sealed Records
A judge can seal a divorce case in special situations. Sealed cases are not public. The clerk office cannot give out records from a sealed case without a court order. Common reasons for sealing include domestic violence or sensitive financial data.
Tips for Faster Service
Good preparation speeds up the record request process. These tips help you get your records without delays.
Double-Check Names
Make sure you have the full legal names of both spouses. Middle names help narrow the search. Maiden names matter for women who changed their name. Wrong or partial names slow down the search and may lead to extra fees.
Bring Proper ID
Photo ID is needed for in-person requests. A driver license, state ID, or passport works. This step protects private data and confirms you have a right to the records. For mail requests, include a copy of your photo ID.
Call Before You Visit
Call the clerk office before driving to Apalachicola. Staff can confirm the file is there and pull it ahead of time. This step saves you a long trip if the records are at another location or have been archived.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many request problems come from simple errors. Avoiding these mistakes saves time and money.
Missing Payment
Requests without proper payment get sent back. Include the exact fee in the form of a check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail. Make checks payable to the Clerk of Court.
Wrong County
Make sure the divorce case was filed in Franklin County. Some people live in Franklin County but filed in another county. The clerk office can only help with cases filed in their county.
Incomplete Information
Vague requests lead to delays. Always give the full names, year of divorce, and case number if you have it. The more details you provide, the faster the clerk staff can find the file.
Frequently Asked Questions
People ask many questions about Franklin County divorce records. Here are answers to the most common questions. These answers cover search methods, fees, and document types.
How Do I Get a Copy of My Divorce Decree in Franklin County?
You can get a copy by visiting the clerk office in person, sending a mail request, or using the online portal. The office at 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320 handles all requests. The fee is $15.00 per certified copy. Bring photo ID for in-person visits or include it with mail requests.
Are Franklin County Divorce Records Public?
Yes, most Franklin County divorce records are public under Florida law. Basic case data is free to search. Certified copies cost $15.00 each. Some cases may be sealed by a court order, which makes them private. Sealed cases need a court order to open.
How Long Does a Mail Request Take?
Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days to process at the clerk office. Add mail delivery time for both directions. Total time from mailing to receiving the copy is often 2 to 3 weeks. Online requests through the state portal may be faster for basic records.
Can I Search Divorce Records by Name for Free?
Yes, the Franklin County clerk website has a free public records search. You can search by name to see if a case exists. The search shows case numbers and filing dates. Full document copies still require a fee.
What Is the Difference Between a Divorce Certificate and a Divorce Decree?
A divorce certificate is a short state-issued paper that proves the marriage ended. A divorce decree is the full court order with all the case details. Banks and courts usually need the decree. Most other agencies accept the certificate for basic proof.
How Do I Get a Divorce Decree From Another Florida County?
Each Florida county clerk office handles its own records. You must contact the clerk office in the county where the divorce was filed. The Florida Department of Health can also issue statewide certificates for any Florida divorce.
What If I Lost My Case Number?
You can still request records without a case number. Bring the full names of both spouses and the year of divorce to the clerk office. Staff can search by name to find the case number and pull the file. Mail requests should include as much detail as possible to help the search.
Office address: 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320. Mailing address: P.O. Box 548, Apalachicola, Florida 32329. Phone: (850) 653-8815. Fax: (850) 653-8157. Email: clerk@franklincountyflorida.com. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Website: https://www.franklincountyflorida.com