Hendry County Divorce Decree Records are the official court papers that prove a marriage ended in Hendry County, Florida. These records sit at the Clerk of the Circuit Court in LaBelle.
They are public under Florida law. Anyone can ask for a copy, but only a certified copy works for legal tasks like name changes or remarriage. The Clerk keeps the original. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics also keeps a copy from June 6, 1927 forward. The next sections show how to search, request, and use these records the right way.
How Hendry County Divorce Decree Records Work
Divorce decree records are court orders. A judge signs them at the end of a divorce case. They list the names of both spouses, the case number, the date, and the terms of the final judgment. These terms can cover property, children, support, and name changes. The clerk files the signed order in the official court file. From that point, the record becomes part of the public court record for Hendry County.
What These Records Include
A Hendry County divorce decree record holds key facts about the case. It shows the full legal names of both parties. It shows the case number and the division where the case was heard. It lists the final date the judge signed the order. It also lists the terms set by the court. These terms may cover child custody, child support, alimony, property division, and any name change granted as part of the final judgment. If you need any of these facts for legal or personal use, the decree is the right document to ask for.
Who Files Divorce Decrees in Hendry County
The Hendry County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller files every divorce decree. The clerk receives the signed order from the judge. Then the clerk records it in the official court index. The clerk also sends a copy to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics for state tracking. This two-step process means your decree sits in two places. The county holds the full court file. The state holds a summary certificate. Both are public, but only the county copy is the original signed order.
Where to Search Hendry County Divorce Decree Records
You have three ways to search for a Hendry County divorce decree. You can use the online portal, visit the clerk office in person, or send a mail request. Each path works best for a different need. The online portal is fast for simple lookups. The in-person visit helps when details are missing. Mail requests work for people who live outside the area. The next subtopics cover each path in full.
Hendry County Clerk of Court Online Portal
The clerk runs a public records search on its website. You can search by name, case number, or filing date. The search returns docket entries, party names, and hearing dates. It does not always show the full decree text. To see the full text, you usually need to order a copy. Start at the clerk homepage and follow the Records Search link. Use a full legal name for the best results. If you have a case number, type that in the search box first. It gives the fastest match. A screenshot of the Hendry County Clerk homepage is shown below to help you locate the search tool.
In Person Visits at the Clerk Office
You can visit the clerk office during business hours. The office is in the Hendry County Courthouse in LaBelle. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk staff can pull the case file for you. They can also issue a certified copy on the spot if the record is in their system. Same-day service is common for older cases. For recent cases, the file may still be with the judge. In that case, the clerk will tell you when it will be ready. The records counter opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Mail and Phone Requests
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit in person. Send a written request to the clerk office. Include the full names of both parties, the year of divorce, and a check or money order for the fee. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can mail your copy back. Phone requests are useful for status checks. You can call (863) 675-5262 to ask about a case or confirm if a record is on file. Phone staff can answer basic questions but cannot issue a copy over the phone.
Fees, Forms, and Certified Copies
The clerk charges set fees for each type of request. The fees are set by Florida law. The clerk office must follow the same fee schedule as every other Florida county. A standard certified copy costs $15.00. A case search fee of $1.00 applies if you do not know the case number. Extra copies cost the same $15.00 each. Payment can be cash, check, money order, or credit card. Mail requests should use check or money order. The next subtopics cover the forms, ID rules, and how to fill out the request.
Standard Fees for Certified Copies
The fee table below shows what the clerk charges for common record requests. Use this table to plan your payment before you submit.
| Service Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree | $15.00 | One copy per fee |
| Additional certified copy | $15.00 | Same fee per extra copy |
| Case search fee | $1.00 | Charged if case number is missing |
| Search fee per year | $1.00 | Added for each year searched without result |
| Returned check fee | $25.00 | Charged if payment does not clear |
Required Identification for Requests
The clerk must check your ID before releasing a certified copy. Bring one valid photo ID from the list below. The ID must be current and show your full legal name.
- Florida driver license or state ID card
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID card
- Federal or state government employee ID
Mail requesters must send a photocopy of the same ID. Do not send original IDs by mail. The clerk keeps the copy on file with your request.
How to Fill Out the Request Form
The clerk website has a Records Request form you can download. The form asks for your name, address, phone, and email. It also asks for the names of both parties in the divorce. Add the year of divorce if you know it. Add the case number if you have it. Sign and date the form. Mail it with your payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. A screenshot of the records page is shown below to help you find the form.
Processing Time and Record Availability
How fast you get your copy depends on how you ask. In-person visits are the fastest. Mail requests take longer. Online orders also take time because the clerk must process them by hand. The next subtopics cover typical wait times and what causes delays.
Same-Day and Walk-In Turnaround
Walk-in requests at the clerk counter are often ready the same day. Most older case files are already scanned and indexed. The clerk can print a certified copy in minutes. For cases filed in the last 60 days, the file may still be with the judge. In that case, the clerk will tell you when to come back. A photo of the contact page is shown below to help you plan your visit.
State Filing Delay and Its Impact
Florida law gives the clerk about 60 days to send a copy to the state. This delay means the state certificate is not always ready at the same time as the county decree. If you need a state certificate, wait at least 60 days after the judge signs the order. For a county certified copy, the file is ready as soon as the judge signs it. The county file is the only version with the judge’s full signature and seal.
Legal Use of Hendry County Divorce Decree Records
A certified divorce decree is a legal proof of divorce. Many agencies ask for it before they update your records. The next subtopics show common uses and which form you need for each one.
Name Changes After Divorce
If the judge granted a name change in the final decree, you can use the certified copy to update your ID. Take the certified decree to the Social Security office first. Then take it to the Florida DMV. Then take it to the passport office if you need a new passport. Each agency will keep a copy of the decree. You may want to order two or three certified copies at the same time so you do not have to come back later.
Property and Financial Updates
After a divorce, you may need to remove your name from a mortgage, a deed, or a bank account. Banks and lenders often ask for a certified decree. The decree shows who owns the property now. It also shows who is responsible for each debt. A certified copy is the only version banks will accept. An online printout or a plain photocopy is not enough for most financial updates.
Remarriage Proof
Before you can remarry, you must show proof that your prior marriage ended. A certified divorce decree is the standard proof. The marriage license office will ask for the certified copy at the time you apply. Order the decree well before your wedding date so you have it ready. If you lost your copy, you can order a new one from the clerk office. The cost is the same $15.00 per certified copy.
Florida Vital Statistics and Statewide Options
Florida also offers state-level divorce records. These come from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. They cover the same cases but serve different needs. The next subtopics show when to use the state office and when to stay with the county clerk.
State Certificate vs. County Decree
The county decree is the full court order. It has the judge’s signature, the court seal, and all the terms of the judgment. The state certificate is a short summary. It shows the names of the parties, the date of divorce, and the county where it was granted. The state certificate is enough for some personal uses. It is not enough for legal tasks that need the full terms. Always check with the agency asking for the record so you know which version they need.
When to Use the State Office
Use the state Bureau of Vital Statistics if you live outside Florida and need proof of divorce. The state office can mail a certificate to any U.S. address. The fee is set by Florida law and is lower than the county fee for a state certificate. Use the county clerk if you need the full decree text, the judge’s signature, or the court seal. The county copy is the only way to get those.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Some requests hit snags. The case number may be missing. The name on file may differ from what you have. The file may be in storage. The next subtopics show how to handle each problem.
Missing or Unindexed Records
Older cases may not be in the online index. If your search returns no result, the clerk can run a manual search. The manual search fee is $1.00 per year searched. Bring as much detail as you can. The more details you give, the faster the search. If the case is very old, the file may be in off-site storage. The clerk will order it for you. Off-site files take a few extra days to arrive.
Name Mismatches and Spelling Issues
Names on old records may be spelled in older ways. A maiden name may show on one record and a married name on another. If you see a mismatch, tell the clerk staff. They can check both names in the index. They can also pull the actual file to confirm. A small spelling change should not block your request. Bring any other proof of identity you have, like a birth certificate or a prior ID.
Hendry County Clerk of Court Contact Details
Use the details below to reach the Hendry County Clerk of Court. The office is the official source for all Hendry County divorce decree records.
Official website: https://hendryclerk.com
Phone: (863) 675-5262
Email: hendryclerk@hendryclerk.com
Mailing address: P.O. Box 2340, LaBelle, FL 33975
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Records search page: https://hendryclerk.com/Records
Contact page: https://hendryclerk.com/contact-us
Frequently Asked Questions About Hendry County Divorce Decree Records
This FAQ section covers the most common questions people ask about Hendry County divorce decree records. Each answer is direct and based on Florida law and the clerk office rules. If you do not see your question here, call the clerk office during business hours for personal help. The staff can answer specific questions about your case and tell you what to bring for your request.
How do I get a certified copy of a Hendry County divorce decree?
You can get a certified copy in person, by mail, or online. Visit the clerk office in LaBelle with a photo ID. Mail a written request with payment, ID copy, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Or use the clerk website to order online. The fee is $15.00 per certified copy. The clerk will mail the copy to you. Most mail requests are processed within one to two weeks.
Are Hendry County divorce decree records public?
Yes. Florida law makes court records public. Anyone can search the index and order a copy. Some cases may be sealed by a judge. Sealed cases are not open to the public. If your case is sealed, the clerk cannot release the record without a court order. Most divorce cases are open and public. You do not need to be a party to the case to request a copy.
What is the difference between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate?
A divorce decree is the full court order. It has the judge’s signature, the court seal, and all the terms of the final judgment. A divorce certificate is a short summary from the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. It shows the names of the parties, the date of divorce, and the county. The decree is needed for legal tasks. The certificate is enough for basic proof of divorce.
How long does it take to get a divorce decree from Hendry County?
Walk-in requests are often ready the same day. Mail requests take one to two weeks. Online orders take one to two weeks. New cases may take longer because the file may still be with the judge. The state certificate takes at least 60 days after the judge signs the order. Plan ahead if you have a deadline like a wedding date or a court hearing.
Can I search Hendry County divorce records for free?
Yes. The clerk online portal lets you search the index for free. The search shows party names, case numbers, and docket entries. The free search does not include the full decree text. To see the full text, you must order a certified copy for $15.00. The free search is a good first step before you pay for a copy.
What if I do not know the case number?
You can still request a copy without a case number. The clerk will run a search for you. The search fee is $1.00 per year searched. Add the full legal names of both parties and the year of divorce if you know it. The more details you give, the faster the search. If the clerk cannot find the case, the search fee is still charged for the time spent.
Can I get a divorce decree from another Florida county through the Hendry County clerk?
No. Each Florida county keeps its own court records. You must contact the clerk office in the county where the divorce was granted. If the divorce happened in Miami-Dade, you must contact the Miami-Dade clerk. If you do not know the county, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics can help you find the right county based on the date of divorce.