Putnam County divorce decree records are official court files that prove a marriage was legally ended in Putnam County, Florida. These records are kept by the Putnam County Clerk of Court.
People need these records to prove they are single, to update legal papers, or to settle money matters. This page shows how to search for, request, and get a certified copy of a divorce decree from Putnam County.
How to Search Putnam County Divorce Records
Putnam County offers several ways to look up divorce records. The Putnam County Clerk of Court keeps these files in their main office in Palatka. You can search by name, case number, or filing year. Most searches start online through the clerk’s website. You can also visit the courthouse in person for help with older files.
Online Search Through the Clerk Website
The Putnam County Clerk of Court runs a free online case search tool. This tool lets you look up divorce cases by name or case number. It works best when you know the full legal name of either spouse. The system shows basic case details, filing dates, and court actions. You do not need an account to use the basic search. Results load quickly on most devices.
To start an online search, visit the Putnam County Clerk website. Click on the court records link on the main page. Type in the last name of one spouse in the search box. Add the first name if you know it. The results will show matching cases filed in Putnam County. Click on a case to see the full docket and event list. Each result shows the case number, filing date, and judge.
Searching by Case Number
A case number search gives the fastest and most exact results. Every divorce case in Putnam County gets a unique number when it is filed. This number looks like 2023-DR-000123. The DR stands for domestic relations. If you have this number, you can skip the name search and go straight to the case file. This method avoids errors from common names.
You can find a case number on old court papers, a lawyer’s letter, or a notice from the court. If you do not have the number, contact the clerk’s office. They can look it up using a name and year. Keep the case number in a safe place for future requests. The same case number works for all future certified copy orders.
Searching by Name
A name search is the most common way to find a divorce decree. The clerk’s system sorts results by last name. You can narrow the search by adding a first name. Adding a year of filing also helps. For example, searching for “Smith John 2022” will show only cases filed in 2022. The system searches all matching cases across the county.
Names that are common can return many results. To fix this, add a middle name or initial. You can also limit the search to Putnam County only. The system will not show cases from other counties. If the divorce happened in another Florida county, you must search that county’s records. Putnam County only shows cases filed in Putnam County courts.
Ways to Request a Certified Divorce Decree
A certified copy of a divorce decree has a court seal and a clerk’s signature. Banks, courts, and government offices accept certified copies. You can request one in person, by mail, or online. Each method has its own steps and fees. All three methods give the same legal certified copy. Choose the method that fits your needs and timeline.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk Office
Going to the clerk office in person is the fastest way to get a certified copy. The Putnam County Clerk of Court is at 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bring a valid photo ID. Fill out a request form at the counter. Pay the fee and wait for the clerk to pull the file.
Most in-person requests are ready the same day. Complex cases may take longer. The clerk can search for older records on microfilm if needed. Ask for help at the public service window. The clerk staff can also check the status of a pending case. Same-day service is common for records already stored at the courthouse.
Mail-In Requests
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit the office. Send a signed letter or a completed request form to the clerk. Include the full names of both spouses, the year of divorce, and a case number if known. Add a copy of your photo ID. Include a check or money order for the fee. Make checks payable to the Putnam County Clerk of Court.
Mail the package to Putnam County Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 1018, Palatka, FL 32178-1018. The clerk will mail the certified copy back to you. Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing and return mail. Tracking your package can help prevent loss. Use a self-addressed stamped envelope for faster return. The clerk office also accepts FedEx and UPS packages.
Online Request Forms
The clerk’s website also offers an online request service. You fill out a digital form and pay by credit card. The certified copy is mailed to your address. Online requests take about 5 to 7 business days. This method is good for people who live far from Palatka. The form asks for the same details as a mail request.
Some online services charge an extra fee for card processing. The clerk’s official site has the lowest fees. Avoid third-party sites that mark up prices. Always check the URL to make sure you are on the official clerk site. The official site ends in putnamclerk.com. Other sites may not be connected to the county office.
Putnam County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Putnam County Clerk of Court is the main office for all divorce records in the county. They handle filings, certified copies, and record searches. Their staff can answer questions about fees, forms, and processing times. Use the contact details below to reach them. Phone lines are busiest in the morning. Afternoon calls often have shorter wait times.
Office Location and Hours
The clerk office is in the Putnam County Historic Courthouse. The street address is 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1018, Palatka, FL 32178-1018. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on county holidays. Parking is available near the courthouse for visitors.
View Putnam County Clerk of Court on Google Maps
Phone and Email Contact
The main phone number is (386) 326-7100. The email is clerk@putnam-fl.com. Phone support is best for quick questions. Email works for record questions that do not need a certified copy. Allow 1 to 2 business days for email replies. The clerk office also has separate numbers for recording, jury duty, and traffic cases.
Website: putnamclerk.com. The site has search tools, forms, and fee schedules. The contact page lists all phone numbers for each department. You can also find holiday closure dates on the site. The website works on phones, tablets, and computers.
Fees and Processing Times for Divorce Records
Fees and wait times depend on how you request the record. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. The clerk’s office sets the fees by Florida law. Below are the common fees and wait times for Putnam County. Prices and times may change, so check the clerk site for current rates before sending payment.
Certified Copy Fees
A certified copy of a Putnam County divorce decree costs $7.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each extra page. Most divorce decrees are 2 to 5 pages long. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Credit card payments may have a small service fee. The fee is set by Florida statute and is the same across most counties.
A plain copy without a seal costs $1.00 per page. Plain copies are good for personal records but cannot be used for legal actions. Always order a certified copy if the record will be used in court, for a name change, or for a loan. The clerk can advise which type of copy you need for your specific situation.
Standard Processing Times
In-person requests are often ready in 30 minutes to 2 hours. Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days after the clerk receives them. Online requests take 5 to 7 business days. These times do not include return mail. Add 3 to 5 days for USPS delivery to your home. Holidays can add extra days to processing and mail delivery.
Expedited Service Options
Putnam County does not offer a formal rush service for divorce records. In-person visits are the quickest option. If you need a record fast, go to the office with all your details. Same-day service is common for records that are already on file. Older records stored off-site may take 24 to 48 hours to retrieve.
You can pay for faster return mail. Priority Mail or overnight delivery from USPS, FedEx, or UPS can cut return time to 1 to 2 days. Include a prepaid return envelope with your mail request. The clerk will use the envelope you provide for the return mailing.
Florida Statewide Divorce Records Access
Florida keeps divorce records at both the county and state level. Putnam County files are local. The Florida Department of Health keeps statewide divorce indexes. You can use state records to check if a divorce was filed in Florida, even if you do not know the county. State records help you find the right county before requesting a copy.
Florida Department of Health Certificates
The Florida Department of Health issues certificates of divorce. These certificates are different from a certified copy of the decree. A certificate shows basic facts like names, date of divorce, and county. It costs $7.00 plus a service fee. You can order it online through VitalChek or by mail. Certificates are accepted for most basic proof of divorce needs.
A certificate is not the same as a certified copy of the decree. Some agencies require the full decree, not just a certificate. Banks and courts often want the full decree with all terms. Check with the agency first to know which type of document they accept. The certificate has a state seal, while the decree has a county court seal.
Statewide Online Portals
The Florida Courts website has a statewide search tool. It covers all 67 counties, including Putnam. The tool is free to use. It shows basic case data, not full document images. For full copies, you still need to contact the county clerk. The statewide portal helps when you do not know the filing county. It also works as a backup if the county site is down.
The statewide portal shows case number, filing date, and party names. It does not show sealed records. You can use the search to find the county where the divorce was filed. Then contact that county clerk for certified copies. Putnam County records from 1970 to today are in the statewide system.
Common Reasons People Request a Divorce Decree
People need certified copies of divorce decrees for many reasons. Banks and lenders often ask for them during loan applications. The Social Security Administration requires a decree to change a name. Insurance companies may need proof of divorce to update policies. Employers sometimes ask for decrees for benefit changes. Most requests are for legal or financial reasons.
Court orders for child support or alimony may also need a certified copy. People getting remarried often need a decree to prove they are legally free to marry. Immigration offices ask for decrees during green card or citizenship applications. Adoption agencies require decrees when a stepparent adopts a spouse’s child. Each agency has its own rules for the type of copy they accept.
Required Information for a Record Request
The clerk needs certain details to find the right file. Missing details can lead to delays or wrong records. Always gather this information before you submit a request. Good details make the search faster and more accurate. The clerk can refuse a request that does not have enough details to find the right file.
- Full legal name of both spouses at the time of divorce
- Year the divorce was filed or finalized
- Case number (if known)
- Putnam County case type (DR for domestic relations)
- Court division (Circuit Civil handles divorces)
- Date of marriage (if known)
- Date of separation (if known)
If you do not have a case number, the clerk can search by name and year. A small search fee may apply. Check the clerk’s fee schedule for current charges. Some requests may be denied if the file is sealed by court order. Sealed cases need a special court order to open. Sealing happens in cases involving abuse, safety, or sensitive personal matters.
Florida Divorce Laws and Public Access
Florida divorce records are public under state law. The Florida Public Records Act gives citizens the right to see most court files. This includes divorce decrees. Some cases may be sealed for safety, child protection, or personal privacy reasons. Sealed records are not open to the public. The clerk office follows state law for all public records requests.
Florida Statute 382.025 covers divorce certificates. Chapter 38 covers court records and clerk duties. The clerk must follow these rules when handling requests. Putnam County follows the same state laws as all other Florida counties. Records older than 75 years may be sent to the state archive. The state archive keeps older records for historical and research use.
Important Notes for Putnam County Record Searches
Some details can affect your search. Here are key points to remember when looking for divorce records in Putnam County. These tips help avoid delays and wrong records. Follow them to get your records on the first try.
- Use the full legal name from the time of divorce, not a current name
- Putnam County only has records for divorces filed in Putnam County
- Older records before 1970 may be on microfilm and take longer to copy
- Online indexes may not show every detail for sealed or restricted cases
- Phone requests are not accepted for certified copies due to identity rules
- Putnam County does not hold divorce records from other Florida counties
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about Putnam County divorce decree records. These cover searches, certified copies, and access rules. Each answer gives clear facts based on Florida law and Putnam County clerk practices. These questions reflect the most common requests the clerk office receives each month.
How do I find a divorce decree in Putnam County?
Start with the Putnam County Clerk of Court online case search. Use the full legal name of either spouse and the year of divorce. If you know the case number, use that for faster results. The online tool shows basic case data for free. For a certified copy, you must request one from the clerk. The search works for cases filed in Putnam County from 1970 to today.
Can I get a divorce decree online in Putnam County?
You can search for case data online, but certified copies are mailed to you. The clerk’s website has an online request form. You pay by credit card and the copy is sent by mail. Plain copies of some documents may be available as PDF downloads. Certified copies always have a wet ink seal and clerk signature. The mailed certified copy is the only legal version accepted by agencies.
How much does a certified divorce decree cost?
The fee is $7.00 for the first page and $1.00 per extra page. Most decrees are 2 to 5 pages. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card. Online credit card payments have a small service fee. The fee is set by Florida law and applies to all county clerks. The total cost for a typical decree is between $8.00 and $12.00.
How long does it take to get a divorce decree?
In-person requests are often ready the same day. Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days plus return mail time. Online requests take 5 to 7 business days. Processing times can be longer for older records or high-volume periods. Plan ahead if you have a deadline. Expedited mail can cut return time to 1 to 2 days after processing.
What if I do not know the case number?
You can search by name and year on the clerk’s website. The clerk can also look up the case number for you. Bring or send full names and a year range. There may be a small search fee for clerk-assisted lookups. A name search can return several results if the name is common. Adding a first name and middle initial helps narrow the results.
Are Putnam County divorce records public?
Yes, most divorce records in Putnam County are public under Florida law. Anyone can search and view basic case data. Certified copies can be requested by any adult. Sealed records are not public. Sealed cases involve sensitive issues like domestic abuse or child safety. A court order is needed to open sealed records for review.
Can I get a divorce decree from another county?
No. Putnam County only has records for divorces filed in Putnam County. For other counties, contact that county’s clerk of court. The Florida Department of Health has statewide indexes. You can use their search to find which county filed the divorce. Each county has its own fees and rules. The statewide index helps you locate the right county before placing an order.
Official Contact and Location
Putnam County Clerk of Court and Comptroller. Physical Address: Putnam County Historic Courthouse, 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1018, Palatka, FL 32178-1018. Phone: (386) 326-7100. Email: clerk@putnam-fl.com. Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Website: putnamclerk.com.