Lafayette County divorce decree records are official court files that show the final ruling from a divorce case in Lafayette County, Florida. These records sit with the Clerk of Circuit Court in Mayo, Florida.
Anyone can ask for a copy for legal, personal, or public use. This page shows what these records contain, how to look them up online, how to order a certified copy, what the fees are, and how long the process takes in 2026. The clerk office is the single best source for a real, certified copy you can use with banks, courts, and other agencies.
What These Records Show and Include
A Lafayette County divorce decree is the signed order from a judge that ends a marriage. The Clerk of Circuit Court stores the signed decree along with all filings from the case. These files are public record under Florida law, and the clerk office can give copies on request. Most people need a decree to update a name, prove a legal status change, or settle later financial matters tied to the marriage.
Key Facts on a Divorce Decree
A certified copy has the clerk’s seal and a signature. It proves the document is real and is the version most banks, courts, and agencies ask for. The decree lists the full legal names of both spouses, the case number, the date the judge signed the order, the terms of the split, and any orders about children, property, debts, or support. It also shows the judge who signed it and the court division that handled the case.
Decree vs. Certificate
Many people mix up a divorce decree with a divorce certificate. They are not the same. The decree is the full court order with all the terms. The certificate is a short state file from the Florida Department of Health that only shows basic facts, like names and the date the marriage ended. The clerk office handles decrees. The state office handles certificates. Each document serves a different purpose and is kept in a different place.
How to Look Up Records Online
Florida has no single statewide search for court cases. To look up a Lafayette County divorce case, you use the Lafayette County Clerk’s own online portal. The portal is free for basic docket lookups. It works best for cases filed in recent years. Older cases may need a phone call or an in-person visit to the records division.
The Clerk’s Public Portal
The clerk office runs a public records search on its main website at lafayetteclerk.org. You can search cases by name, case number, or filing date. The portal shows the case type, party names, filing dates, and the court division. For older cases, the docket may be partial. If you only need to check that a divorce was filed or closed, the portal is the fastest way to start.
Free Public Docket Search
Public docket searches show the list of filings in a case. You can see motions, orders, and the final judgment. Names, dates, and basic case facts are free to view. To see full document images or to print a full decree, there is usually a small per-page fee paid to the clerk portal. The docket is a good first step before ordering a full certified copy.
Old or Offline Cases
Cases filed many years ago may not show up in the online portal. For these, the clerk office stores paper files in the records vault. You can call the records division to ask if a paper file is on hand. Some older cases may need an in-person visit or a mail request to view or copy. Records staff can usually pull a paper file within a few business days once a request is logged.
How to Get a Certified Copy
To get a certified copy of a Lafayette County divorce decree, you have three main options. You can visit the clerk office in person, send a mail request, or call the office for help. All three routes lead to the same official certified copy from the records division. Pick the option that fits your timeline, location, and how much detail you have on the case.
In-Person Visit
You can walk into the Lafayette County Clerk of Circuit Court at 11250 2nd Avenue, Mayo, FL 32066. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Bring a photo ID and any case details you have. Staff can pull the file and print a certified copy on the spot in most cases. Same-day service is normal when the file is already in the system.
Mail Request
You can mail a request to P.O. Box 9, Mayo, FL 32066. Include a signed written request, a copy of your photo ID, the case number or full names of both spouses, the year of filing, and a check or money order for the certified copy fee. Allow time for mail and office processing on both ends. A complete packet cuts down on back-and-forth and avoids extra fees.
Phone and Email Requests
You can call (386) 294-1331 or email info@lafayetteclerk.org to start a request. Staff can tell you what to send, how much to pay, and the current turnaround. Email is good for questions and for sending scanned IDs. Final certified copies still need to be mailed or picked up. A phone call before you mail anything can save a wasted trip or a missing piece in your packet.
Fees, Payment, and Timing
The clerk office sets fees for certified copies, searches, and extra services. Most fees are set by Florida statute. The current costs for Lafayette County are listed below. Always confirm the latest fee with the office before sending payment. Fees can change each year, and extra services can add small charges.
Certified Copy Cost
A certified copy of a divorce decree costs $15 each in Lafayette County. This fee covers the clerk’s seal, signature, and one certified page set. If you need extra certified copies of the same decree, each one is $15. Plain copies without the seal are cheaper but cannot be used for most legal needs. The certified seal is what makes the copy official.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a divorce decree | $15 per copy |
| Clerk search fee (no case number) | $5 per name search |
| Plain (non-certified) copy per page | $1 per page |
| State certificate of dissolution | $5 from Vital Statistics |
| Additional certified page set | $15 per set |
Search and Extra Fees
If you do not know the case number, the clerk office charges a $5 search fee per name. This fee covers the staff time to look up the file. If you already have the case number, no search fee applies. Extra services like faxing, rush handling, or multiple certified sets may add small fees as listed on the clerk fee page. Always ask for a full cost estimate before you send payment.
How Long It Takes
Mail requests usually take 7 to 14 business days, depending on mail time and office load. In-person requests can often be finished the same day if the file is already in the system. Florida also sends a copy of the final decree to the state, and state filing can take up to 60 days after the county recording. Recent cases are easier to confirm at the local clerk first. Older cases may need a manual pull from the records vault.
Lafayette County Clerk Contact
The Lafayette County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller keeps the official divorce decree files. The office is the single best source for a certified copy. Below are the office details for in-person, phone, and mail use. Each route works for a different kind of request, so pick the one that matches your timeline and paperwork.
Office Location and Hours
The clerk office sits at 11250 2nd Avenue, Mayo, FL 32066. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Records staff are on hand during these hours to help with searches, copy requests, and payment. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing if you need a same-day certified copy.
Phone, Email, and Mailing
You can reach the office by phone at (386) 294-1331. The general email is info@lafayetteclerk.org. For mail requests, send your packet to P.O. Box 9, Mayo, FL 32066. The same phone line can give you a status update on an open request if you have your name and filing year ready. Email is best for sending scanned IDs and written questions that do not need a same-day answer.
Florida State and Legal Standards
Lafayette County follows Florida state law for court records and divorce files. State rules control who can see the files, how copies are issued, and how the state tracks each case. Knowing these rules helps you plan your request and avoid delays. State standards also protect your privacy in cases that judges decide to seal.
Florida Vital Statistics
The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, keeps a statewide file of marriage and divorce certificates. A certificate is a short record that shows basic facts. The state charges $5 for each certificate copy. You can order through the state office or through VitalChek, the state’s official vendor. The state certificate is separate from the county decree and serves a different purpose.
Public Access Law in Florida
Florida law makes most court records public under Florida Statute Chapter 119. Divorce decrees are public unless a judge has sealed them. The clerk office follows state rules for who can view a file, what ID is needed, and what fees apply. Florida has no single statewide court search, so each county clerk runs its own portal. Sealed records can only be opened with a new court order.
Common Issues and Quick Tips
Most requests go smoothly when the right details are ready. A few common issues can slow things down. The tips below cover what to watch for and how to fix it when a record is hard to get. A small amount of prep saves time, money, and repeat trips to the clerk office.
Common Request Mistakes
Many requests stall because of small errors. Common issues include missing the case number, no photo ID copy, no payment, or wrong year of filing. Always include both spouses’ full legal names, the year of filing, the county of filing, and a way for staff to reach you. A complete packet avoids repeat trips and extra fees. Double-check spelling of all names before you seal the envelope.
What to Do If Records Are Missing
If the clerk office cannot locate a record, first check the spelling of names and the year. Older cases may sit in paper storage and need a manual pull. If the case was filed in a different county, contact that county’s clerk. If the file was sealed by a court order, you may need a lawyer to ask the court to unseal it. A small search fee may still apply even when no record is on file.
Sealing a Divorce Record
A divorce record can be sealed only by a judge. You cannot seal it at the clerk’s office by request. To seal a record, you must file a motion with the court that handled the case. The judge will review the motion and decide. Sealing is rare and only granted for clear legal reasons, such as safety or privacy. The clerk office can tell you the right form numbers and filing fee for a motion to seal.
FAQ About Lafayette County Divorce Records
These answers cover the most common questions about divorce decree records in Lafayette County. Each one is based on current state law, clerk office rules, and standard request practice in 2026. For case-specific advice, contact the Lafayette County Clerk of Circuit Court directly or talk to a licensed Florida family law attorney. The FAQ below is for general knowledge and should not replace legal counsel.
Are divorce records public in Lafayette County?
Yes. Divorce records in Lafayette County are public under Florida Statute Chapter 119. Most case files, including the final decree, can be viewed or copied on request. Some parts of a file may be sealed by a judge for privacy or safety. If a record is sealed, the clerk office cannot release it without a court order. The public can view docket entries online for free through the clerk portal. Certified copies still require a small fee and a valid ID.
How much does a certified copy cost?
A certified copy of a divorce decree in Lafayette County costs $15 per copy. The fee covers the clerk’s seal, signature, and a one-page set. If you need two certified copies of the same decree, the total is $30. The clerk search fee of $5 only applies if you cannot provide the case number. State certificates from Vital Statistics cost $5 each and are separate from the clerk fee. All fees are set by Florida law.
How long does it take to get a copy?
In-person requests can often be finished the same day. Mail requests usually take 7 to 14 business days, based on mail time and office load. The clerk office also sends a copy of the final decree to the state, and that state filing can take up to 60 days after the county recording. For urgent proof of divorce, in-person visits are the fastest route. Rush handling may be available for an extra fee.
Can I get a copy online?
You can view docket entries and case facts online through the clerk portal. Full certified copies of the decree are not available for direct download. To get a certified copy, you must request it in person, by mail, or by phone and pick it up or have it mailed. The state offers certificate ordering online through the Florida Department of Health and VitalChek. Online ordering cuts the mail time but still requires a payment.
What if I do not know the case number?
You can still request a copy without a case number. The clerk office will run a name search for a $5 fee. Provide both spouses’ full legal names, the year of filing, and the county of filing. The office will use these details to locate the case. If the search returns no match, the fee is still charged for the staff time. A wider year range can help when the exact year is unclear.
Is the certificate the same as the decree?
No. A decree is the full court order with all the terms of the divorce. A certificate is a short state file with only basic facts, like names and the date the marriage ended. Banks, courts, and most agencies ask for the certified decree. The certificate is mainly for personal records. The clerk office gives decrees. The state gives certificates. Each one proves a different level of detail.
Can I seal a divorce record in Lafayette County?
Only a judge can seal a divorce record. You cannot ask the clerk office to seal a file. To start, file a motion with the court that handled the case. The judge will review the motion and decide. Sealing is granted only for clear legal reasons, such as safety, identity theft risk, or the privacy of a minor. The clerk office can explain the form numbers and filing fee for a motion to seal. A sealed record can be opened later by a new court order.