Kissimmee City divorce decree records are court files that prove a marriage was legally ended in Osceola County. These records are kept by the Osceola County Clerk of Court because Kissimmee sits inside the county.
A decree shows the judge’s final decision, division of property, custody terms, and the date the divorce became final. People search for these records to confirm a divorce, fix a name, update taxes, or support a court case. This page covers how to find Kissimmee divorce decree records, how to get a certified copy, what they cost, and what to do if a file is missing or sealed.
What a Kissimmee Divorce Decree Contains
A divorce decree is a written order from a judge that ends a marriage. In Kissimmee, the decree is filed with the Osceola County Clerk of Court and stored as a public court record. The decree is different from a marriage certificate, which is issued at the time of marriage. Knowing what the file includes helps people decide which document they actually need before placing a request.
Core Details Listed in a Kissimmee Decree
A standard Kissimmee divorce decree includes the full legal names of both spouses, the case number, the division where the case was heard, and the date the judge signed the final judgment. It also lists terms for property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support if those issues were part of the case. The clerk stamps and seals the document after the judge signs it. A stamped decree carries the same legal weight as the original filed copy.
How a Decree Differs from a Divorce Certificate
A decree is a court order. A divorce certificate is a shorter summary issued by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. The certificate shows only basic facts like the names of the spouses and the date the divorce was recorded. Most legal actions, such as a name change or a property transfer, require a certified copy of the decree, not the certificate. People often need both documents for different reasons.
Where Kissimmee Divorce Records Are Filed
Divorce records for Kissimmee residents are filed at the county level, not the city level. The city of Kissimmee does not keep court records. The Osceola County Clerk of Court maintains all divorce files for the county, which includes Kissimmee. The Florida Department of Health also keeps a statewide record of dissolution of marriage certificates.
Role of the Osceola County Clerk of Court
The Osceola County Clerk of Court stores the original case file, the final decree, and all supporting paperwork for every divorce filed in the county. The clerk also issues certified copies of the decree and provides public access to case index data. The clerk’s office is the primary source for a Kissimmee divorce decree record, whether the case was filed years ago or just closed.
Kissimmee City Clerk Office Scope
The Kissimmee City Clerk handles city records such as meeting minutes, ordinances, and city contracts. The city clerk does not hold divorce decrees or court files. People who contact the city clerk for a divorce record are redirected to the Osceola County Clerk of Court. The city clerk can be reached at cityclerk@kissimmee.gov or (407) 518-2310 for general city records questions.
How to Search Kissimmee Divorce Records Online
The fastest way to start a search is through the Osceola County Court Records portal. The portal lets the public look up case data, party names, and filing dates. Online searches work best when the user has at least one piece of information, such as a name, a case number, or a filing year. Records may also be searched through the Florida statewide system for older cases.
Using the Osceola County Court Records Portal
The Osceola County Clerk runs a public search tool on its website. Users can enter a name in the party search field and select the case type as “Dissolution of Marriage” or “Family.” The portal returns case numbers, filing dates, judge names, and case status. The search result shows basic index data, not the full document. To view or print the full decree, a certified copy request must be placed.
Searching by Case Number
A case number search is the most direct method. Each Kissimmee divorce filed in Osceola County has a unique case number that starts with a division code, followed by a year and sequence number. Entering the full case number in the portal brings up the case file on the first try. People who have a case number from a past notice or court paper can skip the name search and go straight to the record.
Searching by Name
A name search works for people who do not know the case number. The search tool requires the last name and at least the first initial. Adding a middle name or a date of birth narrows the results. Common last names may return several results, so extra details like a filing year or a spouse’s name help the clerk pull the right file faster.
Florida Statewide Divorce Records Access
For cases that are older or not showing up in the county portal, the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics holds statewide dissolution of marriage certificates from June 6, 1927, to the present. The statewide system works best for people who only need proof that a divorce occurred and not the full decree. Orders can be placed through the Florida health portal or through VitalChek.
How to Request Certified Divorce Decree Copies
A certified copy of a Kissimmee divorce decree is a stamped and signed duplicate of the original court order. The Osceola County Clerk of Court issues certified copies to the public. Three common request routes exist: in person at the courthouse, by mail, and online. Each route has the same fee per copy, but turnaround times differ.
In-Person Requests at the Osceola County Courthouse
Walk-in requests are handled at the clerk’s office located at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for court holidays. Bring a valid photo ID, the case number or full names of both spouses, and payment for the certified copy fee. Same-day service is common for records that are already on file.
Mail-In Requests
Mail requests are sent to the Osceola County Clerk of Court, 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741. The request must include a signed written request, a copy of a valid photo ID, the case number or full names, and a check or money order for the certified copy fee. The clerk mails the certified copy back by regular mail unless the requester includes a prepaid return envelope.
Online Certified Copy Orders
The Osceola County Clerk’s website accepts online certified copy orders through a secure payment portal. Users enter the case number or party name, pay the fee by credit or debit card, and select whether to pick up the copy in person or have it mailed. Online orders are useful for people who live outside the Kissimmee area and do not want to visit the courthouse or mail a request.
Costs, Fees, and Payment Methods
The Osceola County Clerk charges a set fee per certified copy of a divorce decree. Additional fees may apply for extra copies, expedited service, or special handling. Knowing the fee schedule ahead of time helps avoid delays caused by short payments or unpaid orders.
Standard Certified Copy Fees
The standard fee for one certified copy of a Kissimmee divorce decree is set by Florida statute. The fee is the same whether the request is made in person, by mail, or online. Each additional copy of the same decree is charged at a lower per-copy rate. A complete fee schedule is posted on the Osceola County Clerk’s website under the records or family division page.
Payment Methods and Extra Charges
In-person payments can be made by cash, check, money order, or card. Mail-in orders must be paid by check or money order, made out to the Osceola County Clerk of Court. Online orders are paid by credit or debit card through the clerk’s secure portal. A small service fee may be added to online card payments. Expedited processing, when available, carries an extra charge.
| Request Type | Standard Fee | Payment Options | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified copy in person | Per Florida statute | Cash, check, money order, card | Same day in most cases |
| Certified copy by mail | Per Florida statute | Check, money order | 5 to 10 business days |
| Certified copy online | Per Florida statute + service fee | Credit or debit card | 3 to 7 business days |
| Additional copy of same decree | Lower per-copy rate | Same as above | Same as above |
Processing Time and Status Tracking
How fast a request is processed depends on the request route, the office workload, and whether the case file is already scanned. Recent records are usually faster because the clerk’s office pulls the digital file right away. Older paper files may take longer because staff need to retrieve them from storage.
Standard Turnaround Times
In-person requests for records that are already in the digital system are often completed the same day. Mail and online requests take longer because of payment processing, mail delivery, and staff workload. Florida law notes a delay of about 60 days for state filing after county recording, so very recent divorces may not yet appear in the statewide system. Local clerk records are updated faster than the state system.
How to Check Order Status
Order status can be checked by calling the Osceola County Clerk’s office at (407) 742-3500 during business hours. The caller should have the order receipt number, the case number, and the name on the order ready. Online orders often include a tracking page that shows the current status, from payment received to copy mailed or ready for pickup.
What to Do If Records Are Missing or Sealed
Some Kissimmee divorce records are hard to find because of old paper files, name changes, or court orders that sealed the case. A sealed record is not open to the public. People who cannot find a record through the regular search should check spelling, filing year, and case number before assuming the file is sealed.
Common Reasons Records Are Hard to Find
Records may be missing because of a name spelling error at the time of filing, a divorce filed in another county, or a case that has not yet been indexed in the online portal. Some old paper files have not been scanned into the digital system. Calling the clerk’s office with full names, a year range, and any known details helps staff locate the right file.
How to Request Access to Sealed Records
Sealed divorce records can only be opened by a court order. A person who needs access to a sealed file must file a written motion with the court that issued the original order. The motion must state the reason for the request. A judge reviews the motion and decides whether to open the file. The clerk’s office can provide the form and filing fee for the motion.
Common Uses for Kissimmee Divorce Decree Records
People request Kissimmee divorce decree records for legal, personal, and financial reasons. A certified copy is required for most legal actions, while a simple printout from the online portal works for personal reference. Knowing the right document for the job saves time and money.
Legal and Court Use
Attorneys and courts often need a certified copy of the decree to file related motions, such as a custody modification or an enforcement action. Insurance disputes, prenuptial agreement updates, and family court filings also require certified copies. The certified stamp and the clerk’s seal prove that the document is a true copy of the court order.
Name Change and Personal Records
After a divorce, a person who changes their last name needs the decree to update a Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, bank account, and other records. The Social Security Administration and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles require a certified copy before processing a name change. The decree serves as the legal proof that the marriage has ended.
Financial and Tax Purposes
Financial institutions, lenders, and the Internal Revenue Service may ask for a divorce decree when a person applies for a loan, files taxes as single, or updates a beneficiary. The decree shows the date the divorce became final, which is the key date for tax filing status. Lenders also use the decree to confirm the terms of any property or support order.
Official Contact and Location
All Kissimmee divorce decree records are filed and issued by the Osceola County Clerk of Court. The main office is located in the Osceola County Courthouse in Kissimmee. The clerk’s office handles in-person, mail, and online requests for certified copies and case data.
Osceola County Clerk of Court
2 Courthouse Square
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: (407) 742-3500
Website: osceolaclerk.com
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics: floridahealth.gov/certificates
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Kissimmee City divorce decree records. Each answer below explains the process, fees, and steps in plain language. People who still have questions after reading this section can contact the Osceola County Clerk of Court directly for case-specific help. The clerk’s office handles all requests for Kissimmee divorce decree records, certified copies, and case index data.
Are Kissimmee divorce records public?
Kissimmee divorce records are public under Florida law, with a few limits. The Osceola County Clerk of Court allows anyone to search the case index and view basic case data online. A sealed case is not open to the public and can only be accessed by a court order. Some sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers and minor children’s details, is removed from online index records to protect privacy. A certified copy of the full decree is available to the public for a fee.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
The turnaround time depends on the request route. In-person requests for records already in the digital system are often completed the same day. Mail requests take about 5 to 10 business days, plus return mail time. Online requests take about 3 to 7 business days. Older paper records may take longer because staff need to pull them from storage. Florida law allows up to 60 days for statewide filing after county recording.
Can I get a Kissimmee divorce decree online?
Yes. The Osceola County Clerk of Court accepts online orders for certified copies of Kissimmee divorce decrees. Users enter the case number or party name, pay the fee, and choose pickup or mail delivery. Online searches for index data are free. A certified copy requires payment and a photo ID. The Florida Department of Health also offers statewide certificate orders through its online portal and VitalChek.
What is the difference between a decree and a certificate?
A divorce decree is the full court order that ends the marriage and lists all terms. A divorce certificate is a short summary issued by the Florida Department of Health that shows basic facts such as the names of the spouses and the date the divorce was recorded. A decree is needed for legal actions, name changes, and property transfers. A certificate is often used for personal reference and some government filings.
What if I do not know the case number?
A case number is not required to search Kissimmee divorce records. The Osceola County Clerk’s online portal allows searches by full name, filing year, and case type. Adding a middle name, date of birth, or spouse’s name helps narrow the results. If the online search returns no results, the clerk’s office can search the paper index in person or by phone during business hours.
Can a divorce record be sealed in Kissimmee?
Yes. A judge can order a Kissimmee divorce record sealed if the case involves sensitive financial, personal, or safety matters. A sealed record is removed from the public index. A person who needs access to a sealed record must file a written motion with the court that issued the original order. The judge reviews the motion and decides whether to open the file. The clerk’s office can provide the motion form and the filing fee.
Do I need a lawyer to get a Kissimmee divorce decree?
No lawyer is needed to request a Kissimmee divorce decree. The Osceola County Clerk of Court issues certified copies to any member of the public who can provide the required details and payment. A lawyer is helpful only when a person needs to challenge a sealed record, file a motion related to the original case, or take legal action based on the decree. For simple copy requests, the clerk’s office handles everything directly.