Martin County Divorce Decree Records are the official court papers that prove a marriage has legally ended in Martin County, Florida. These records are held by the Martin County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.
People need these records for many reasons, like changing a last name, updating bank accounts, or showing proof for a new marriage. This page explains how to find, request, and get a certified copy of these records using simple steps anyone can follow.
What Are Martin County Divorce Decree Records
These are court-issued documents that show a judge has signed a final order ending a marriage. They are different from a marriage certificate. A marriage certificate shows two people got married. A divorce decree shows a marriage has been legally dissolved under Florida law. Once a judge signs the decree, the clerk files it in the official court record system. After filing, the decree becomes a public record anyone can request, with a few limits on private details.
Basic Definition
A divorce decree in Martin County is a written court order signed by a circuit court judge. It lists the names of both spouses, the case number, the date the judge signed it, and the terms of the divorce. The terms can cover property, debts, child support, time-sharing, and other matters the court ordered. A separate document called a final judgment is often filed along with the decree, and together they form the full divorce record.
What Information Appears on a Divorce Decree
The decree lists the full legal names of both spouses as they appeared at the time of the case. It shows the case number, the division of the circuit court, and the county where the case was heard. It states the date the marriage ended. It also includes any orders about name restoration, such as a wife returning to a prior last name. Financial terms, child-related orders, and other specific instructions from the judge may appear in the final judgment attached to the decree.
Who Can Request These Records
Any adult member of the public can ask for a copy of a divorce decree in Martin County. The clerk does not limit who may view the record, but certified copies with a raised seal have rules. A certified copy with a raised seal is an official stamped copy that courts and agencies accept as proof. Either spouse named on the decree can order a certified copy. Attorneys, title companies, and other agencies can also order certified copies with proper written permission from one of the named parties.
How to Search Martin County Divorce Records
There are three main ways to search for divorce records in Martin County. You can search online using the clerk’s public portal, search by case number if you know it, or visit the clerk’s office in person. Each method has its own benefits. The online portal works well for quick checks. The case number method is the fastest. The in-person visit helps when records are older or harder to find online.
Online Search by Name
The Martin County Clerk maintains a free public records search on its website. To start, enter the last name of one spouse. Then enter the first name. Add a middle name or initial if you know it. Narrow the search by date range, such as the year or two-year window when you believe the divorce was filed. The portal will return a list of matching cases with the names, case number, filing date, and judge assigned. Click on a case to see the case summary and list of filed documents.
Case Number Search Method
If you already know the case number, type it directly into the search box on the clerk’s portal. This returns the exact case file with all linked records. The case number format in Martin County starts with a two-digit year, followed by a division code, then a sequence number. For example, 2024-DR-001234 means a domestic relations case filed in 2024. Direct case number searches are faster and reduce the chance of opening the wrong file.
In-Person Search at Clerk Office
You can visit the Martin County Clerk’s office in downtown Stuart to search records on public terminals. Staff at the front desk can help point you to the right terminal and show you how to use the search screen. Public terminals let you pull up scanned documents, including the divorce decree, for viewing only. You can also ask staff to pull older paper files from storage if the online system does not show a scanned image. A small fee may apply for clerk-assisted searches.
Request Options for Certified Divorce Decrees
Once you locate the decree, you can order a certified copy in three ways. You can walk into the clerk’s office, send a request by mail, or use the official online portal. Each route has the same result: a stamped, sealed copy of the decree accepted by courts, agencies, and employers. The choice depends on how fast you need the copy and how you prefer to pay.
Walk-In Request at the Clerk Office
Bring a valid photo ID to the clerk’s office at 312 Southeast Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994. Go to the records or family division window. Fill out a request form with the case number, full names of both spouses, and the type of record you need. Pay the fee at the counter. Most walk-in requests are filled the same day if the record is on file and no search is required. Walk-in service runs during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mail-In Request Method
To request by mail, download the clerk’s records request form or write a clear letter that includes the case number, full legal names of both spouses, and the date or year of the divorce. Include a copy of your valid photo ID. Add a check or money order for the correct amount, made payable to the Martin County Clerk of Court. Mail the package to the Records Department at 312 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994. Processing for mail requests usually takes 5 to 10 business days after the clerk receives the request.
Online Request Through Official Portal
The Martin County Clerk offers an online records request portal for certified copies. Create an account or log in as a guest. Enter the case details, then choose the document you need, such as the final judgment or decree. Pay the fee by credit or debit card. The portal will email you when the certified copy is ready for download as a digital file or for mail delivery. Digital certified copies carry the same legal weight as paper stamped copies under Florida law.
Fees and Payment Methods
The clerk charges set fees for certified copies and related services. Knowing the exact cost ahead of time helps you avoid repeat trips or short payments. Florida law caps certain clerk fees, so the prices below are standard across most Florida counties for similar services. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards for in-person and online payments. Mail requests only accept checks or money orders.
Standard Certified Copy Fee
The fee for a certified copy of a divorce decree in Martin County is $15.00 per copy. This fee covers the clerk’s certification, the raised seal, and any required attachments. If you need multiple certified copies of the same document, you pay $15.00 for each copy. A certified copy looks just like the original court record but carries an official stamp and signature that proves it is a true copy of the record on file.
Search Fee and Extra Copy Costs
If the clerk must perform a search to locate your record, a $2.00 search fee applies. This fee covers staff time for cases where the case number is not provided. Additional pages of the same case cost a small per-page fee, which is currently $1.00 per page after the first page. Expedited service, when available, costs an extra $10.00 on top of the standard fees. Always check the clerk’s website for the latest fee schedule before sending payment.
Accepted Payment Types
For walk-in requests, the clerk accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. For mail-in requests, only personal checks and money orders are accepted. Make checks payable to the Martin County Clerk of Court. For online requests, the portal processes Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. A small convenience fee may apply to credit and debit card transactions on the online portal.
| Service Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Divorce Decree Copy | $15.00 per copy | Includes raised seal |
| Clerk Search Fee | $2.00 | Charged if no case number given |
| Extra Pages (after page 1) | $1.00 each | Applies to attached documents |
| Expedited Service | $10.00 extra | When available |
| Online Card Convenience Fee | Varies | Charged by payment processor |
Processing Times and What to Expect
How fast you receive your copy depends on the request method and the clerk’s workload. Walk-in requests are often filled the same day. Mail and online requests take longer because of handling, payment, and processing time. Always plan ahead and submit your request as early as possible to avoid delays.
Standard Processing Window
Walk-in requests at the counter are usually ready within 30 minutes to 1 hour if the record is already scanned into the system. Mail-in requests take 5 to 10 business days from the date the clerk receives your letter. Online requests through the portal are processed within 2 to 5 business days for digital downloads. If your record is in older paper storage, expect an extra delay of 3 to 5 business days while staff pull the file.
Same-Day and Expedited Options
Same-day service is the norm for walk-in requests during business hours. If you need a paper certified copy mailed to you, you can pay the expedited fee for faster shipping. The clerk does not guarantee overnight delivery, but the expedited option shortens the queue inside the office. For digital certified copies, the turnaround is often within 24 hours if the case is already scanned and no manual review is needed.
Florida State Filing Delay
Florida has a statewide system for tracking dissolutions. The clerk forwards a report to the Florida Department of Health after the final judgment is recorded. This step can take up to 60 days. If you are ordering a statewide dissolution certificate from the Florida Department of Health instead of a clerk certified copy, plan for this longer wait. The clerk’s certified copy, by contrast, is ready as soon as the judge signs and the clerk files the order.
Required Documents and Identification
To order a certified copy, you must show who you are and link your request to the right case. The clerk follows Florida public records law and identity check rules. Having the right documents ready helps your request move quickly without hold-ups or rejections.
Valid Photo ID Requirements
The clerk accepts a state-issued driver’s license, a state identification card, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. The ID must show your full legal name and be current or recently expired. A photocopy of the ID must be included with mail-in requests. If your name has changed, you may also need to provide a court order or marriage certificate that links your current name to the name on the case file.
Completed Request Form Details
The clerk’s request form asks for the case number, full legal names of both spouses, the type of record you need, the number of copies, and your contact information. Fill in every blank. Missing details slow the search process. If you do not know the case number, list the year of the divorce, the city where the spouse lived, and any other detail that narrows the search, such as the judge’s name or the attorney of record.
Authorization for Third-Party Requests
If you are not one of the named spouses, you must provide written authorization. The signed letter from one of the spouses must include the case number, the names of the parties, and a statement allowing the clerk to release the certified copy to you. Include a copy of the signer’s photo ID and your own photo ID. Attorneys representing a party can submit a signed request on firm letterhead along with a copy of their bar number.
Common Reasons to Order a Certified Copy
People order certified copies for many legal, financial, and personal reasons. A regular photocopy is often not accepted by government agencies. A certified copy carries the clerk’s raised seal and signature, which proves the record is real. Below are the most common reasons people request a certified copy of a Martin County divorce decree.
Name Change After Divorce
Many women choose to return to a prior last name after a divorce. The Social Security Administration, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, banks, and passport offices all require a certified copy of the divorce decree to update records. The decree must show the judge’s order that allows the name change. Without the certified copy, these agencies will not process the name change request.
Legal and Financial Updates
Updating a will, a life insurance policy, a retirement account, or a property deed often requires a certified copy of the final divorce judgment. Lenders may ask for a certified copy before refinancing a home. Financial planners ask for a certified copy to confirm the terms of any property or retirement division in the decree. The certified copy is the legal proof that the court approved the terms.
Remarriage Documentation
If you plan to remarry, the Florida marriage license office will ask for proof that any prior marriage has ended. A certified divorce decree is the standard proof. The clerk’s office may also require you to sign a sworn statement that all prior marriages have been legally dissolved. Some counties also ask for a certified copy if the marriage ended outside Florida, but for a Martin County divorce, a local certified copy is the fastest option.
Martin County Clerk Office Contact Details
Use the contact details below to reach the Martin County Clerk of Court for help with divorce decree records. The office is in the Martin County Courthouse in downtown Stuart, Florida. Public parking is available on-site and on nearby streets. The clerk’s website is the best starting point for forms, fee schedules, and online request access.
Martin County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
312 Southeast Ocean Boulevard
Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 288-5576
Website: https://www.martinclerk.com
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed on official Florida court holidays.
Florida State and Legal Resources
For statewide searches, the Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics handles dissolution certificates. These certificates are shorter than the full court decree and may be used for simple proof-of-divorce needs. The Florida Courts website also offers a statewide court directory and links to each clerk’s online records portal. For legal research, the Florida Statutes Section 382 and Section 119 cover vital records and public records access rules.
Florida Department of Health – Divorce Certificates
https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/divorce-certificates/
Florida Statutes – Chapter 382 (Vital Statistics)
https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0382/0382.html
Florida Statutes – Chapter 119 (Public Records)
https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119.html
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most common questions people ask about Martin County Divorce Decree Records. Each answer gives a clear, simple explanation with the facts you need to move forward with your request. The answers cover search options, fees, identification, and what to do if the record is missing or old.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Copy?
A walk-in request at the Martin County Clerk’s office is often filled the same day within an hour if the record is already in the digital system. Mail-in requests take 5 to 10 business days from the day the clerk receives your letter. Online portal requests for digital certified copies usually take 2 to 5 business days. Older paper files that need to be pulled from storage may add 3 to 5 business days to any of these methods. The clerk does not process requests on weekends or court holidays, so always plan for a few extra days if you need the copy by a specific date.
Can I Get a Divorce Decree If I Do Not Know the Case Number?
Yes. The clerk’s public search portal lets you look up cases by name. Enter the last name and first name of one spouse, then narrow the results by year range. If you do not know the year, search a five-year window at a time. If the online search does not return a match, the clerk’s office can perform a manual search for a $2.00 search fee. Bring a valid photo ID and any details you have, such as the approximate year, the city of residence, or the attorney’s name.
What If the Divorce Happened Many Years Ago?
Older divorces are still on file, but they may be in paper storage rather than the digital system. The clerk’s office keeps records for all divorces filed in Martin County. For very old cases, the clerk may need extra time to pull the paper file from the records vault. There is no cutoff date for requesting a certified copy. You can request a copy of a divorce from any year as long as the record still exists under the clerk’s retention schedule.
Is a Photocopy Enough Instead of a Certified Copy?
For personal use, a photocopy may be enough. For legal, financial, or government use, a photocopy is usually not accepted. Agencies require a certified copy with the clerk’s raised seal and signature. A certified copy proves the document is a true copy of the official record. The cost is $15.00 per certified copy, which is the standard fee for most Florida counties. Always check with the agency that needs the document to confirm they accept a photocopy before skipping the certified version.
Can Someone Else Pick Up My Certified Copy?
Yes, but the clerk requires written authorization. The named spouse must sign a letter that includes the case number, the names of the parties, and a clear statement allowing the third party to collect the certified copy. The third party must bring their own photo ID and a copy of the signer’s photo ID. Attorneys on a case can also request copies by submitting a signed request on firm letterhead with their Florida bar number.
Are Divorce Records Free to View Online?
Yes, the Martin County Clerk’s public portal lets you view case summaries and document images for free. You can see the names, case number, filing date, judge, and a scanned copy of the decree without paying a fee. The fee only applies when you ask for a certified copy with a raised seal. Free online viewing is helpful when you need to confirm a date or check the case status, but it does not give you the legal proof most agencies need.
What If the Clerk Cannot Find My Record?
If the clerk cannot find a record using the details you provided, the search fee of $2.00 still applies. The clerk may ask you to check the spelling of names, confirm the year, or verify the county where the divorce was filed. If the divorce was filed in another Florida county, you must contact that county’s clerk. If the divorce was filed in another state, you need to contact the vital records office in that state. The Martin County Clerk cannot issue records for cases filed outside the county.