St Johns County divorce decree records are official court papers that prove a marriage has legally ended in this Florida county. These records are kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and can be seen by the public.
People request these records for many reasons, such as changing a last name, settling money matters, or proving single status for a new marriage. This page explains what these records contain, how to search for them, and how to get a copy you can use for legal needs.
What Are St Johns County Divorce Decree Records
St Johns County divorce decree records are written orders from a judge that end a marriage. They are part of the county family court case files. Each record shows the names of both spouses, the case number, the date the judge signed the order, and key terms like property division, child support, or custody if those apply. These records differ from a marriage certificate, which proves two people got married.
Types of Divorce Records in Florida
Florida keeps several kinds of divorce records. The most common is the final judgment of dissolution of marriage, which is the official end of the marriage. Court files also hold petitions, financial forms, and hearing notes. Many people ask for a state-issued certificate of divorce, which is a short form from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Each type has its own use and request path.
Who Can Request These Records
Most divorce records are public under Florida law. The two people named in the case, their lawyers, and any adult can ask to see them. Some parts of a file may be sealed by a judge, such as details about children or financial account numbers. Sealed parts are not shown without a court order. Death records and adoption records linked to a divorce file may have their own access rules.
How to Search for Divorce Records
You can search for St Johns County divorce records in three main ways. The fastest way is the online court records portal. You can visit the clerk office in person or send a mail request. Each path needs certain facts about the case, so it helps to gather them before you start.
Search by Case Number
A case number is the fastest way to find a record. St Johns County case numbers for divorce start with the year and a code for the case type. If you have the full case number, type it into the online search box on the clerk court records page. The portal shows the case status, hearing dates, and a list of filed papers.
Search by Name
If you do not have a case number, you can search by name. Type the last name of one spouse, then add the first name. You can narrow your search by year of filing. The portal shows all matching cases in the county. Pick the right case from the list by checking names, dates, and the case type code for family court.
Search by Attorney or Filing Date
You can search by the lawyer name or the date the case was filed. These filters help when there are many people with the same name in the county. The filing date is on the first paper in the file, called the petition. If you know roughly when the divorce started, this filter cuts the list down fast.
Online Search Options
The St Johns County Clerk runs a free online portal for court records. It runs on a system called Benchmark, which is used by many Florida counties. The portal shows case info but does not give out full copies. To see a document image, you may need to pay a small fee per page or order a certified copy.
Online Portal Steps
To use the online portal, open the clerk website and click on Court Records. Pick the civil or family case search. Type the name or case number in the search box. Read the results to find the right case. Click on the case number to see the docket, which lists all papers filed in the case. Each paper has a date and a short label.
What the Online Portal Shows
The online portal shows the case type, the names of the parties, the judge name, the attorney of record, and a list of filings. It does not show sealed records or confidential financial forms. Some documents are marked as viewable, which means you can see a scanned image. Others are just listed but not viewable online.
Requesting a Certified Copy
A certified copy of a divorce decree is a copy that has the clerk stamp and signature. This stamp proves the copy is a true copy of the record on file. Most banks, courts, and government offices need a certified copy, not a printout from the online portal. You can order a certified copy online, by mail, or in person.
What a Certified Copy Includes
A certified copy includes a copy of the final judgment page and a clerk certification page. The certification page has the clerk seal, a signature, and a date. Some offices attach a cover sheet with the case number and party names. Each certified copy costs the same, and you can ask for more than one at the same time.
Standard Copy vs Certified Copy
A standard copy is just a paper copy of a court record. It does not have the clerk seal. A certified copy has the seal and is accepted for legal use. If you are not sure which one you need, call the clerk office before you order. For most legal matters, only a certified copy will be accepted.
Fees and Payment Methods
The St Johns County Clerk charges set fees for copies and certifications. These fees come from Florida state law, so the same fees apply across the state. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card depending on how you order. Online orders take credit card payments only.
Florida Court Fees
The base fee for a certified copy of a court record is set by Florida law. Each certified page has a per-page fee plus a certification fee. The total depends on how many pages the final decree has. Most divorce decrees are between two and ten pages, so the total is often under twenty dollars.
Accepted Payment Types
The clerk office accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and most major credit cards. Mail orders should be paid by check or money order to avoid delays. Online orders are paid by credit or debit card. Make checks payable to the St Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Do not send cash through the mail.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy (per page) | Set by state law | Most decrees are 2-10 pages |
| Certification Fee | Set by state law | Added per request |
| Online Search | Free | Basic case info only |
| Document Image View | Small per-page fee | Pay per page viewed |
| Additional Copies | Same per-page fee | Order at the same time |
Processing Time and Tracking
How long it takes to get your records depends on how you order. In-person orders at the counter are often ready the same day. Mail orders take longer because of postal time plus clerk processing. Online orders fall in between. You get a receipt or a confirmation number for any order you place.
Normal Processing Times
In-person requests are often filled when you wait if the file is in the office. Mail requests can take up to ten business days after the clerk office gets your letter. Online certified copy requests usually take one to three business days. Recent cases filed in the last sixty days may not be online yet, so plan ahead if you need a fast copy.
How to Track Your Request
Save your receipt or confirmation number. You can call the clerk office and give that number to check the status. If you ordered by mail, add a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can mail your copy back to you. Tracking numbers on mailed packages can also help you see where your order is in the mail.
Mail Request Steps
To order by mail, write a letter to the clerk office. The letter should list the full names of both spouses, the case number if you have it, the year the case was filed, and the type of record you want. Include a check or money order for the total fee. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of your copy.
Mail Request Form
Many clerk offices have a records request form on their website. You can print this form, fill it out, and mail it with your payment. Using the form lowers the chance of missing details. The form asks for the same facts as a written letter, so either method works.
Common Mail Request Errors
Mail requests are often returned because of missing details or wrong payment amounts. Double-check the case number, full legal names, and filing year before mailing. Make sure your check or money order is for the exact fee. A wrong amount can delay your order by several days when the clerk office waits for the right payment.
In-Person Request Steps
To order in person, go to the clerk office during business hours. Bring a photo ID and your case details. The records desk helps you place your order. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card. Most in-person orders are filled the same day, often within an hour for simple requests.
What to Bring
Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver license or passport. Bring any case details you have, including the case number, full legal names, and filing year. If you are asking for a record on behalf of someone else, you may need a signed letter from that person and your own ID. The clerk may ask for proof of your relationship to the case.
Service Window Hours
The records desk is open during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on federal and state holidays. Plan to arrive at least thirty minutes before closing to give staff time to process your request. Lunch hours may be busier than morning hours.
Sealed and Restricted Records
Some divorce records are sealed by a judge. Sealed records are not open to the public. A judge can seal a whole case or just certain papers in the file. Common reasons for sealing include protecting children, hiding financial account numbers, or keeping sensitive personal details private. You cannot see sealed records without a court order.
How to Ask for a Sealed Record
To see a sealed record, you must file a written request with the court. The request must explain why you need to see the record and how it relates to a current legal matter. A judge reads your request and decides whether to open the record. This process can take weeks and may need a short court hearing.
Reasons Records Get Sealed
Judges seal records to protect privacy or safety. Cases involving domestic violence often have sealed parts. Records that include social security numbers, bank details, or medical records may be partially sealed. Adoption cases linked to a divorce file are sealed by default. The clerk office can tell you which parts of a file are open and which are sealed.
Using Records for Legal Matters
People use certified divorce decrees for many legal needs. A name change on a Social Security card or driver license needs a certified copy. Remarrying also needs proof that the prior marriage ended. Banks, courts, and insurance companies often ask for a certified copy when updating account names or beneficiary forms.
Records for Name Changes
After a divorce, you can ask to return to a prior last name as part of the final decree. The Social Security Administration needs a certified copy of the decree to update your name. The Florida DMV also needs a certified copy to issue a new driver license. Most other agencies accept the same certified copy.
Records for Remarriage
If you plan to remarry, you must show that your prior marriage ended. A certified copy of the divorce decree is one way to do this. Some states accept a state-issued certificate of divorce. The marriage license office in the new state tells you which document they need before you apply.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make the same errors when they ask for divorce records. The most common is paying for a standard copy when a certified copy is needed. Another is asking for records from the wrong county. Florida cases are filed in the county where the divorce was finalized, not where the spouses live now. Always confirm the county before you order.
Wrong County Errors
If the divorce was filed in another Florida county, the St Johns County Clerk does not have the file. You would need to contact the clerk in the county where the case was filed. The Florida Department of Health can help you find the right county when you only know the spouse names and the year of the divorce.
Missing Information Delays
Requests with missing details take longer. Always include both full legal names, the year of filing, and the case number if you have it. The clerk office may return your request if key facts are missing, costing you more time. A complete request is filled faster and with fewer back-and-forth calls.
Florida State Divorce Certificate
Florida offers a state-issued certificate of divorce. This is a short form from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. It shows the names of the spouses, the date of divorce, and the county where it was filed. The state certificate is different from the court decree. The court decree has the full terms of the divorce, while the state certificate has only basic facts.
When to Use the State Certificate
Use the state certificate for simple proof of divorce, such as name changes or status checks. Use the certified court decree for legal matters that need the full terms, such as enforcing property orders or updating child support. Many agencies accept either one, but some only accept the court decree. Call ahead to ask which one is needed.
Where to Order the State Certificate
The state certificate can be ordered from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. You can order online through their official portal, by mail, or in person at one of their offices. Fees and processing times for the state certificate differ from clerk office fees. The state certificate does not replace a court decree for most legal filings.
Helpful Research Resources
Several state and local resources can help with your search. The Florida Courts website lists all clerk offices in the state. The Florida Department of Health has vital records forms. Legal aid groups in Northeast Florida can help with family law questions. The St Johns County Law Library has free access to legal forms and staff who can help you find records.
Florida Court Self-Help
The Florida Courts self-help center has free forms and fact sheets for family law cases. The self-help center cannot give legal advice, but it can show you which forms to use and how to file them. Many local law libraries have these forms in printed form. The St Johns County Law Library is open to the public during business hours.
St Johns County Law Library
The St Johns County Law Library is open to the public and has free access to legal databases, court forms, and reference books. Library staff can help you find the right form but cannot give legal advice. The library is located in the county courthouse complex. Hours match the clerk office hours.
Florida Statutes for Divorce Records
Florida law controls who can see and copy divorce records. The main laws are in Florida Statutes Chapter 119, which deals with public records, and Chapter 382, which covers vital statistics. These laws say which records are public, which can be sealed, and who can order certified copies. The clerk office follows these laws when releasing records.
Public Records Law (Chapter 119)
Florida public records law makes most court records open to the public. Divorce records are part of this rule. Anyone can ask to see them, with some limits. The clerk office applies the law the same way for every request. They cannot pick and choose which records to release based on who is asking.
Vital Statistics Law (Chapter 382)
The vital statistics law covers birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. The Florida Department of Health runs this program. The state certificate of divorce comes from this office. Fees and processing times for state certificates are set by this law, and they differ from clerk office rules.
Office Location and Contact
The St Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the official keeper of court records for the county. The main office is in St Augustine. The clerk office handles filings, record requests, and certified copy orders. Office hours and contact details are listed below. Call ahead before you visit to confirm hours and any service changes.
Official Website: https://www.stjohnsclerk.com
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Main Office Address: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St Augustine, FL 32084
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100, St Augustine, FL 32085
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Record Request Line: (904) 819-3600
Email: Available through the official contact form on the clerk website
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about St Johns County divorce decree records. These questions cover search methods, certified copy requests, fees, and other topics people often ask. Each answer gives clear steps and direct facts based on current Florida law and clerk office policy. If you do not see your question here, call the clerk office for help during normal business hours. The staff can answer questions about specific cases and help you with the right request form for your needs.
How long does a divorce take to show up online?
Most cases show up in the online portal within a few business days after the judge signs the final order. Some recent filings may take up to sixty days to move from the county clerk to the state level. The clerk office in St Johns County uploads new filings on a regular schedule, but processing time can vary based on office workload and the number of cases filed in a given week. For the fastest status check, call the clerk office with the case number and filing date. Staff can check the docket and tell you what step the case is at. If the case is brand new, the judge may not have signed the final order yet, which is why the record may not be on the portal. Once the clerk office receives the signed order, it takes a few business days to scan and upload the documents to the online system.
Can I get a decree without the case number?
Yes. You can search by the full legal names of both spouses and the year of filing. The online portal shows all matching cases. You can call the clerk office and ask staff to look up the case number for you. The clerk needs enough detail to find the right case, so be ready to share names, dates, and any other facts you know. If you have a general idea of the year, the staff can narrow the search. You can also provide the lawyer name, the judge name, or the exact filing date if you know any of those facts. Staff will not release details over the phone without verifying your identity and your right to see the record. In-person visits are faster for case lookups, since staff can pull the file drawer right away.
Is a Florida divorce decree public record?
Most divorce records in Florida are public. The clerk office makes them available for search and copy requests. Some parts of a case file may be sealed by a judge. Sealed records need a court order before they can be opened. Public access rules come from Florida law, and the clerk office follows those rules when releasing records. Florida law treats divorce records the same as other court records, with a few narrow exceptions for safety, privacy, and minor children. If you are not sure whether a record is sealed, you can call the clerk office and ask. Staff can check the file index and tell you which parts are open and which need a court order. Be aware that even public records may have sensitive details redacted, such as social security numbers or bank account numbers.
What is the difference between decree and certificate?
A divorce decree is the full court order that ends the marriage and lists all terms. A divorce certificate is a short state form with only basic facts such as names and the date of divorce. The decree comes from the clerk of court. The certificate comes from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Each one has a different use, so check which one you need before you order. The court decree is needed for legal filings that involve the terms of the divorce, such as property division, child support, or spousal support enforcement. The state certificate is used for simple status checks, such as proving you are free to remarry or updating a name with the Social Security Administration. The two documents cost different amounts and have different processing times, so plan your order based on which one fits your need.
Can someone else pick up my certified copy?
Yes, with a signed letter of authorization. The letter must include your name, the case details, and a statement that you allow the named person to pick up the copy. The person picking up the order must bring a photo ID. Some offices ask for a copy of your own ID. Call the clerk office to confirm what they need before you send someone else. The authorization letter should be signed and dated by you. It should also include the full name of the person you are sending, their relationship to you, and the exact records you want them to pick up. Some offices have a specific form for this purpose, which you can download from the clerk website. The authorized person may need to sign a release form at the counter when they pick up the records.
Are older divorce records available?
Most older divorce records are still on file. Paper files from before 1990 may be stored off-site and take longer to pull. The clerk office can order these older files for you, often for an extra search fee. Some very old files may have been moved to a state archive. The clerk can tell you where the file is and how long the search will take. For records from the 1950s or earlier, the State Archives of Florida may have the original files. You may need to visit the archives in person or hire a researcher to look up the record. The clerk office can point you to the right archive. If you need an older record for a legal matter, give yourself plenty of time, since the search can take several weeks.
What if my name changed after the divorce?
If you changed your name after the divorce, the record shows both your married and prior names. You can search under either name. Bring a copy of the final decree when you request other records that use your new name, as some agencies ask for proof of the name change. The certified copy of the decree serves as that proof. The Social Security Administration, the DMV, and most banks accept a certified divorce decree as proof of a legal name change. The decree should include a specific paragraph that allows you to return to a prior name. If the paragraph is missing, you may need to ask the court for an amended order. The clerk office can help you file a motion to amend the decree if your name change was not included in the original order.