Hialeah City divorce decree records are official court files that prove a marriage has ended in Miami-Dade County. These records are kept by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts, which serves all of Hialeah through the 11th Judicial Circuit Court.
Anyone can request a copy of a divorce decree by using a case number, the full names of both spouses, and the year the case closed. This page explains how to search, request, and get certified copies of divorce decree records tied to Hialeah cases, using the correct local offices, state agencies, and online tools available in 2026.
What Hialeah City Divorce Decree Records Include
A divorce decree is the final order a judge signs to end a marriage. The decree lists the names of both spouses, the date the marriage ended, the case number, and any terms the judge ordered. These terms can cover property, child support, custody, and alimony. Hialeah City divorce decree records also include the judge who signed the order and the court division where the case was heard. Most Hialeah divorce cases are filed in the Family Court section of the 11th Judicial Circuit.
Personal Details Found in a Hialeah Divorce Decree
The decree shows the full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing. It also shows the date the court granted the divorce. This date matters for legal, tax, and personal record updates. The case number links the decree to the full court file, which includes the petition, response, and supporting documents.
Court and Case Information in the Decree
Each decree shows the court location, the judge who signed it, and the clerk office that filed it. For Hialeah, this is the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center in Miami, which is part of the 11th Judicial Circuit. The case number often starts with a year and division code, which helps the clerk locate the file faster.
Where Divorce Decrees Are Filed for Hialeah Cases
Hialeah does not have a separate divorce court. All divorce cases from Hialeah are filed with the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts. This clerk office serves as the official record holder for the entire county. The court system that hears these cases is the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida, which covers Miami-Dade County.
Role of the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts is the official custodian of court records in Florida. This means the clerk stores and provides access to divorce decrees filed in Miami-Dade. The clerk office accepts in-person, mail, and online requests for decree copies. The clerk also runs the online case search system used by the public.
Family Court at the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center
The Family Court handles all divorce cases for Miami-Dade County, including Hialeah. The main Family Court office is at 175 NW 1st Avenue, 14th Floor, Miami, FL 33128. Final judgments and divorce decrees can be purchased at this location. Copies can also be requested at any district branch of the clerk office.
How to Search Hialeah Divorce Records Online
The fastest way to search for a Hialeah divorce record is through the Miami-Dade County Clerk online portal. The portal allows free name searches and case number lookups. The search shows case status, hearing dates, and a list of filed documents. The state also offers an e-filing portal for official court filings.
Using the Miami-Dade Clerk Online Case Search
The clerk’s online system lets you search by party name, case number, or citation. For best results, type the full legal name of either spouse. Narrow the search by year when possible. The search results show the case number, division, judge, and current status. Clicking a case shows the full docket and any available document images.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal for Hialeah Cases
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, also called myflcourtaccess.com, is used for new filings and case tracking. Hialeah residents use this portal to file new divorce petitions and to check the status of pending cases. The portal requires a user account and a valid email. Filing fees are paid by credit card or electronic check at the time of submission.
How to Get a Certified Copy of a Hialeah Divorce Decree
A certified copy of a divorce decree carries a raised or stamped seal from the clerk office. This seal proves the copy is real and can be used for legal matters. Certified copies are often required for name changes, remarriage, immigration, and bank or loan updates. Uncertified copies can be used for personal review but not for legal filings.
Requesting a Certified Copy by Mail
Mail requests work well when you cannot visit the clerk office in person. The request must include the full names of both spouses, the case number if known, the year of the divorce, and a signed request form. Payment must be included by check or money order. The clerk office will return the certified copy by mail after the request is processed.
Requesting a Certified Copy in Person
In-person visits to the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center are often the fastest option. Staff at the Family Court window on the 14th floor can search the system, confirm the case file, and issue a certified copy the same day in many cases. Bring a photo ID and the details listed above to speed up the search.
Ordering a Certified Copy Online
The Miami-Dade Clerk online system also accepts certified copy orders for a fee. You enter the case details, pay the fee by card, and the clerk mails the certified copy to your address. Online orders are useful for people who live outside the Miami area or who cannot visit the office during business hours.
Hialeah Divorce Decree Fees and Payment Options
Fees for divorce decree copies in Miami-Dade County follow Florida Statute 28.24. The standard fee for a certified copy is set by state law and is the same across all Florida counties. The clerk office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards for in-person and online payments.
Standard Certified Copy Fee
The standard fee for each certified copy of a divorce decree is set by Florida Statute 28.24. This fee covers the search, copy, and clerk certification. Additional copies of the same decree in one request may be billed at a lower per-page rate under the same statute.
New Divorce Filing Fees for Hialeah Residents
New divorce filings for Hialeah cases are paid to the Miami-Dade Clerk. The filing fee for a dissolution of marriage petition runs roughly $408 to $410, which covers the filing fee and related service charges. This fee is separate from any attorney or service-of-process fees.
Accepted Payment Methods at the Clerk Office
The clerk office accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and major credit cards. Online requests through the clerk portal accept credit and debit cards only. Mail requests should include a check or money order made out to the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts.
| Service Type | Office | Fee Basis | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified divorce decree copy | Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts | Florida Statute 28.24 | Cash, check, money order, card |
| New divorce filing fee | Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts | Approx. $408–$410 | Card, check, money order |
| Online certified copy order | Clerk online portal | Same as in-person fee | Credit or debit card |
| State vital record certificate | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics | Set by DOH fee schedule | Card, check, money order |
Processing Time for Hialeah Divorce Decree Requests
Processing time depends on how the request is sent, how complete the case details are, and the current office load. In-person requests are often finished the same day if the case file is already in the system. Mail and online requests take longer because of postal time and queue volume.
Same-Day and In-Person Turnaround
When you visit the clerk office with complete case details, the staff can often pull the file and issue a certified copy within minutes. If the file is stored offsite, staff can usually retrieve it the same business day. Arrive early in the day to avoid long wait times at the Family Court window.
Mail and Online Request Turnaround
Mail requests to the Miami-Dade Clerk typically take several business days after the office receives the letter. Online orders through the clerk portal are processed in the order received and mailed out after payment clears. Tracking is not always available for standard mail returns.
State Filing Delay for New Hialeah Cases
After a Hialeah divorce is granted by the court, the clerk records the decree in the county system. A copy is then sent to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, where a state-level record is created. This state filing process can take about 60 days after the county recording. Recent cases are often easier to confirm directly with the clerk before the state file is ready.
Common Reasons People Request Hialeah Divorce Decrees
People request Hialeah divorce decree records for many legal and personal reasons. The most common reason is to prove a divorce has been finalized for another court or agency. Certified copies are accepted by most government offices, banks, and insurance companies as proof of a name change or marital status update.
Name Change and Government ID Updates
After a divorce, many people change their last name back to a previous name or to a new name. The Social Security Administration, DMV, and passport office all require a certified copy of the divorce decree to process a name change. The decree must show the legal name at the time of the order.
Remarriage and Family Law Matters
Couples who plan to remarry often need a certified decree to show they are legally free to marry. Family law attorneys also request decrees when handling custody, support, or property matters that reference the original divorce order.
Financial, Tax, and Immigration Filings
Banks, lenders, and employers may ask for a certified copy when updating account or tax records after a divorce. Immigration offices require certified decrees for spousal visa cases, green card renewals, and citizenship filings. The clerk seal on the certified copy confirms the document is authentic.
Contact Details for Hialeah Divorce Record Requests
The main offices that handle Hialeah divorce decree records are listed below. Always contact the clerk office first for case searches, certified copies, and filing questions. The City of Hialeah does not hold divorce records, but its clerk office can redirect residents to the correct county office.
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts (Court Records): (305) 275-1155
Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center, Family Court: 175 NW 1st Avenue, 14th Floor, Miami, FL 33128
Court Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
City of Hialeah Clerk Office (city records only): cityclerk@hialeahfl.gov
Official Websites: https://www.jud11.flcourts.org/Contact-Us-for-Court-Records | https://www2.miamidadeclerk.gov
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics (state-level certificates): https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal: https://www.myflcourtaccess.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Hialeah Divorce Decree Records
These questions cover the most common issues Hialeah residents face when searching for divorce decree records. Each answer is based on the official clerk, court, and state sources listed on this page. If your question is not covered here, call the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts at (305) 275-1155 for direct help.
Can I search Hialeah divorce records for free online?
Yes. The Miami-Dade County Clerk online portal allows free name and case number searches. You can view case status, party names, hearing dates, and the docket entry list at no cost. Certified copies and detailed document images require a fee paid to the clerk office.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a Hialeah divorce decree?
In-person requests at the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center Family Court window are often completed the same day if the case file is on site. Mail and online requests usually take several business days to process, plus mail delivery time. Recent cases may need extra time if the state filing has not yet finished.
What is the difference between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate?
A divorce decree is the full court order signed by the judge. It lists the terms of the divorce, including custody, support, and property orders. A divorce certificate is a shorter state-issued record that only confirms the divorce took place. The decree is used for legal actions; the certificate is often used for personal record updates.
Can I get a Hialeah divorce decree if I do not know the case number?
Yes. You can search the clerk online portal by the full name of either spouse. Adding the year of the divorce and the city of residence helps narrow the results. The clerk office staff can also run a manual name search if you visit in person or send a mail request with full details.
Does the City of Hialeah hold divorce decree records?
No. The City of Hialeah only holds city records, such as permits and local public documents. Divorce decrees are court records held by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts. The Hialeah City Clerk office can redirect your request to the correct county office if you contact them first.
Are Hialeah divorce decree records public in Florida?
Yes. Florida law treats divorce records as public court records. Most case details can be viewed by anyone through the clerk online portal. Some sensitive information, such as minor children’s details or financial account numbers, may be sealed by court order. Sealed records require a court order to access.
Can I get a divorce decree from another Florida county if I lived in Hialeah?
If the divorce was filed in another Florida county, you must contact that county’s Clerk of Courts. Hialeah is part of Miami-Dade County, so any Hialeah-based divorce is filed there. Divorces filed in other counties cannot be released by the Miami-Dade Clerk office.