St Lucie County divorce decree records are public court files that show the final ruling in a marriage dissolution case. These records include the judge’s signed order, the case number, the names of both spouses, the date the divorce was granted, and any terms about property, children, or support.
People search for these records to confirm a divorce, update their name, settle legal matters, or handle new court cases. The St Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps all divorce records filed in the county.
What Divorce Decree Records Contain
A divorce decree record is more than a simple piece of paper. It is the official court order that ends a marriage. The record shows the full legal names of both parties, the case number, the judge’s name, and the date the court signed the final order. Many decrees list terms about child custody, child support, alimony, and how property gets divided.
People need these records for many reasons. Some need to show proof of divorce to a bank, an employer, or a new spouse. Others need the record to change their last name on a Social Security card or a driver’s license. Lawyers search for these records when working on new family law cases.
Key Parts of a Divorce Decree
Each decree in St Lucie County has the same main parts. Knowing these parts helps a person read and use the record with ease.
- Case number and division name
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Date the marriage ended
- Terms about children, property, and money
- Judge’s signature and court seal
Who Can Request St Lucie County Divorce Records
Florida law makes most divorce records open to the public. Anyone can search the court index to see if a case exists. The clerk office lets any person request a copy of a divorce decree.
Some records have limits. The court may seal parts of a file to protect a child or to hide private financial data. When this happens, only the people named in the case, their lawyers, or a court order can see the full file. Sealed records are rare and need a judge’s approval to view.
Public Access Rules in Florida
Florida public records law gives citizens the right to see most court files. This law is called the Florida Public Records Act. The St Lucie County Clerk follows this law for all divorce cases. Records stay open after the case ends unless a judge orders them sealed.
Basic case data such as names, dates, and the case number stay open. Financial papers, medical records, and children’s details may be sealed by the judge. A person who wants sealed records must file a written request with the court.
St Lucie County Clerk of Court Divorce Records
The St Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the main office for divorce records. This office runs the county’s court system and keeps all files for cases filed in St Lucie County. The clerk’s office is part of the Florida state court system and follows all state rules for record keeping.
People can visit the clerk’s office in person, send a mail request, or use the online portal. The online portal works well for simple lookups. Certified copies need a written request and a payment.
Clerk Office Location and Contact
The main St Lucie County Clerk office sits in Fort Pierce, Florida. The office handles all family court cases, including divorce filings, name changes, and child support orders.
Official address: 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. The office phone number is 772-462-6900. The main fax line is 772-462-6901. People can email the clerk through the official website contact form. The office runs a satellite location at the St Lucie West campus for west county residents.
Office Hours and Visit Planning
The clerk’s office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. People who visit in person should bring a valid photo ID and have their case details ready.
Wait times grow longer on Mondays, Tuesdays, and the days after holidays. A person who needs a same-day record should try to arrive before 10:00 a.m. The clerk’s office offers a drop box for mail-in requests and payments.
Services Offered by the Clerk
The St Lucie County Clerk provides many services to the public. These services cover the full family law process from filing to final records.
- Online case search by name and date
- Certified copy requests in person and by mail
- Court payment processing
- Public access computers for record search
- Family court file access for viewing
Search Methods for St Lucie County Divorce Records
There are three main ways to search for divorce records in St Lucie County. Each method works best for a different kind of search. A person who knows the case number can use the online portal right away. A person who only knows the names can still search but may need more time.
Mail-in requests work for people who live far away or who need a certified copy. The clerk’s office helps walk-in visitors who need help with their search.
Online Portal Search by Name
The St Lucie County Clerk runs an online portal called the Official Records Search. This portal lets a person look up cases by last name, first name, and filing date range. The search results show the case number, the parties’ names, and the case type.
A name search may show many results. A person who sees a list of similar names should narrow the search with a birth year or a middle name. The portal lets a person search by date range. This helps when the exact filing date is known.
Case Number Lookup
A case number lookup is the fastest way to get a record. The case number is a unique code the court gives each filing. The number starts with the year, then a court code, then a sequence. For example, a 2023 family case may look like 2023-DR-001234.
A person who has the case number can use the online portal to see the full docket. The docket shows every paper filed in the case, the hearing dates, and the final order. This view is free to the public.
Mail-In Record Requests
Mail-in requests work for people who cannot visit the office. The clerk accepts mailed requests for both regular and certified copies. A mail request must include a written letter, the case details, a copy of a photo ID, and a check or money order for the fee.
Mail requests take longer to process. A person should expect at least 10 business days for the clerk to send back the record. Mail requests sent from outside Florida should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a return address label.
Certified Divorce Decree Copy Requests
A certified divorce decree is a copy the clerk stamps with the court seal and signs. This kind of copy proves the record is real. Banks, courts, and government offices need a certified copy for legal updates. A regular printout from the online portal is not enough for most legal matters.
The St Lucie County Clerk charges a fee for each certified copy. The fee covers the cost of the seal, the staff time, and the paper. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most major credit cards.
Certified Copy Fees and Payment
The fee for a certified divorce decree copy in St Lucie County is $10.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each extra page. The clerk charges a $2.00 service fee for all mail-in certified requests. The total cost depends on the length of the decree.
Payment methods include cash for in-person visits, checks and money orders for mail requests, and credit cards through the online portal. A person who pays by check should make the check out to “Clerk of the Circuit Court.” The clerk does not accept post-dated checks.
Required Data for the Request
The clerk’s office needs certain details to get a record. Missing details can delay the request or lead to a wrong file. A complete request has all of the items below.
- Full legal name of each spouse at the time of divorce
- Date the divorce was granted, or the filing year
- Case number, if known
- Current mailing address and phone number
- Copy of a valid photo ID
Processing Timeline for Certified Copies
Most certified copy requests take 5 to 10 business days to process. The time depends on the office workload and the quality of the request. A clean request with all needed details gets faster service.
A person who needs a same-day certified copy can visit the clerk’s office in person. The office can print the decree on the spot. The same-day option works during normal office hours and only for records stored on-site.
Florida Divorce Case Number Lookup
The Florida divorce case number lookup system helps people get case data without visiting the clerk. The system covers all 67 Florida counties. A person can search the statewide portal by name or by case number.
The statewide system works best for older cases that have moved to state archives. Records less than 10 years old stay with the local clerk in most cases.
Where to Get a Case Number
The case number appears on every paper filed in the case. The first page of the divorce petition has the number at the top. A person who has a copy of any paper from the case can see the number there.
Other places to look for the case number include old court emails, lawyer letters, and bank records from the time of the divorce. The clerk’s office can help a person get the number with a name search.
Statewide Court Records Search
The Florida Courts system runs a statewide portal at the official Florida Courts website. This portal lets a person search cases across all counties. The search shows basic data such as case type, filing date, and case status.
The statewide portal does not have full document images. A person who needs the full decree must use the local clerk’s office in the county where the case was filed.
When Case Number Is Missing
A missing case number is a common issue. The clerk’s office can run a name search to get the right number. The name search needs the full legal name and the filing year. The clerk charges no fee for a name search.
A person who has changed their name since the divorce should search under the name used at the time of the case. The clerk cannot link a name change to a divorce record without a court order.
Florida Divorce Decree Documents and Forms
The Florida divorce decree request form is a simple paper that tells the clerk what records to look for. The form covers basic data such as case number, names, and the type of record. The form has a section for the requester’s contact data.
The clerk’s website has a fillable version of the form. A person can write a letter that has the same data. The form is not required for an in-person visit, but it speeds up the process.
Florida Divorce Decree Request Form Details
The form has four main parts. The first part asks for the case details. The second part asks for the requester’s contact data. The third part lists the records being ordered. The fourth part has the signature and date.
A person who fills out the form online can print it or save it as a PDF. The printed form should be sent by mail with a check and a copy of a photo ID. A person who visits the office can fill out the form at the counter.
Supporting Documents Needed
The clerk’s office asks for a few supporting papers with each request. These papers help the clerk confirm the requester’s identity and the record location.
- Photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement
- Case number, if known
- Payment for the certified copy fee
Identity Verification Requirements
Florida law requires the clerk to confirm the identity of each record requester. The check protects private data from wrong release. A photo ID is the most common way to confirm identity.
Mail-in requests need a copy of the photo ID. The clerk may call the requester to confirm a large or sensitive request. A person who cannot show a photo ID can file a written request with the court for an exception.
Electronic Divorce Records Access in Florida
Electronic divorce records give people a faster way to look up case data. The St Lucie County Clerk runs an online portal that shows docket data, hearing dates, and party names. The portal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The portal does not show full document images for every case. Some older cases have only paper files. A person who needs the full decree must request a copy from the clerk.
Official Online Portals
The main official portal is the St Lucie County Clerk of Court website. The site has a search tool that works for most family cases. The search tool takes a name, a date, or a case number.
The Florida Courts website is another official source. This statewide portal works for cases across Florida. The portal shows basic data for free. Full document access needs a small fee in some counties.
Third-Party Vendor Services
Some online services act as third-party vendors for court records. These services charge a fee for each search. The services may offer faster results or extra data such as address history.
A person who uses a third-party service should know the clerk’s office does not back the service. The clerk cannot help with billing issues from a third-party vendor. The clerk cannot refund fees paid to a vendor.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Online access to court records raises privacy concerns. The clerk’s office takes steps to seal private data such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and children’s details. A person who uses a third-party service should check the privacy policy before sharing personal data.
The clerk’s office does not sell public data. Florida law lets people ask for their private data to be removed from online court portals. A person who wants this removal must file a written request with the clerk.
Common Issues and Solutions
People who search for divorce records often run into the same issues. The clerk’s office has solutions for each one. Knowing these common issues can save time and reduce stress.
Record Not Found
A record may not show up for a few reasons. The case may have been filed under a different name. The case may be sealed by a judge. The case may sit in a different county. The clerk can run a deeper search to get the right file.
A person whose search comes back empty should call the clerk’s office. The clerk can check older indexes, paper files, and state archives. The clerk may need a middle name or a maiden name to get the right file.
Old Records and Archive Access
Records older than 10 years may have moved to a state archive. The State of Florida runs the Records Management Center for older court files. A person who needs an old decree should contact the archive first.
Archive requests take longer to process. A person should expect 4 to 6 weeks for an archive request. The archive charges a fee for copies. The fee is set by state law.
Name Change Complications
Name changes can make a search harder. A woman who changed her name after the divorce may need to search under her maiden name. A man who changed his name may need to search under his old legal name.
The clerk’s office can help a person work through a name change issue. The clerk may need a copy of the name change order to link the names. A name change search is free of charge.
St Lucie County Court Divorce Case Records Office Details
The St Lucie County Clerk of Court office is the main source for divorce decree records in the county. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and on state holidays.
Office address: 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. Main phone: 772-462-6900. Main fax: 772-462-6901. Official website: https://stlucieclerk.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Records
Many people have questions about how to get a divorce decree in St Lucie County. These questions cover cost, timing, name changes, and certified copies. The answers below come from the clerk’s office and Florida state law. Each answer gives the basic facts a person needs to make a request and avoid delays.
How Long to Get a Certified Divorce Decree?
A certified copy request in St Lucie County takes 5 to 10 business days to process when sent by mail. The clerk’s office staff checks each request for accuracy, looks up the case, pulls the file, and prepares the certified copy. An in-person request at the clerk’s office can be filled on the spot in most cases. The office can prepare the decree during the visit. The processing time grows longer during busy periods such as the start of the month, the days after holidays, and during year-end closing. A person who needs a faster copy should visit the office in person before noon. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The clerk’s office closes on weekends and state holidays. A person who lives outside Florida can mail the request with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests from other countries take longer because of postal service times. The clerk cannot speed up a mail request. A person with a tight deadline should use a private courier or visit in person. A person who needs a quick copy for a name change can ask for a rush service. The rush fee is set by the clerk and is posted on the official website.
What if I do not know the case number for my divorce?
The St Lucie County Clerk can run a name search to get a missing case number. The search needs the full legal names of both spouses and the year the divorce was filed. The search is free of charge and takes only a few minutes. A person who has a maiden name or a name change should mention it to the clerk before the search. The clerk can search old indexes, paper files, and state archives when the online portal does not show a match. A name change can make the search harder because the clerk uses the name from the time of the filing. The clerk may need a copy of the name change order to link the names. A person who cannot get the record should also check nearby counties. A divorce filed in Martin County or Indian River County may show up only in those counties. The Florida Courts statewide portal can help locate a case across counties when the local search fails. A lawyer can also help with the search if the record stays missing. The lawyer can file a court motion to open sealed records when needed. The motion takes 30 to 90 days in most cases. The person should keep records of all search attempts for future use.
Can I See a Divorce Decree From Another County?
The St Lucie County Clerk only keeps records for cases filed in St Lucie County. A divorce filed in another county sits on file with that county’s clerk. A person who needs a certified copy from another county must contact that county’s clerk directly. The Florida Courts statewide portal can help locate a case across counties. The portal shows basic case data for free but does not have full document images. The State of Florida Records Management Center also holds older records from across the state. The archive serves records that are more than 10 years old in most cases. A person who needs an old record from another county should contact the archive first. The archive charges a fee for copies that matches the local clerk’s fee schedule. The processing time at the archive is 4 to 6 weeks. A person with a tight deadline should contact the local county clerk for a faster copy. Each county in Florida has its own clerk office with its own rules. A person who plans to visit another county clerk should call ahead for hours, fees, and accepted payment methods. The statewide portal can also link to the right county clerk office for the request.
How Much Does a Certified Divorce Decree Cost?
The fee for a certified copy in St Lucie County is $10.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each extra page. A mail request also has a $2.00 service fee. The total cost depends on the length of the decree. A person who pays by credit card through the online portal may see a small vendor fee added by the payment processor. Cash, checks, and money orders are accepted for in-person and mail requests. The clerk does not accept post-dated checks. A person who orders multiple copies of the same decree pays the fee for each copy. The clerk cannot refund the fee for a wrong order. A person should double-check the case details before paying. The clerk also charges a search fee when a person asks for a name search without a case number. The search fee is $5.00 per name. A person who cannot pay the fee can ask the court for a fee waiver. The waiver form is on the clerk’s website. The judge reviews each waiver request and decides based on income. A person with a low income may get the fee waived for the certified copy and the search. Fee waivers take 5 to 7 business days to process. The clerk mails the result to the requester. A person who gets a waiver should keep a copy of the order for future requests.
Can I Get a Divorce Decree Online?
Yes, for some records. The St Lucie County Clerk portal shows docket data and party names for free. A person who needs the full decree image can order a copy through the portal for an extra fee. The clerk mails the certified copy to the requester. A person who needs the copy the same day must visit the clerk’s office in person. The online portal works on most devices with a web browser. The portal does not need a special app. A person who has trouble with the portal should call the clerk’s office for help. The clerk can walk a person through the search step by step over the phone. The online portal does not have full document images for older cases. A person who needs an old decree must request a paper copy from the clerk. The paper copy can be mailed or picked up in person. A person who lives outside the United States can still use the online portal. The portal accepts international credit cards. The clerk mails the certified copy through regular postal service. International mail takes longer than domestic mail. A person who needs a faster international delivery can pay for express courier service. The courier fee is set by the delivery company and not the clerk’s office. The portal keeps a record of each order for 90 days. A person can check the order status during that time using the order number.
Are divorce records public in Florida?
Yes, most divorce records are public under Florida law. The Florida Public Records Act gives citizens the right to see court files. A judge can seal parts of a file to protect a child or private financial data. Sealed records are rare and need a court order to open. The basic case data such as names, dates, and case type stay open for all court cases. The clerk’s office cannot seal a public record without a judge’s order. A person who wants a record sealed must file a written motion with the court. The motion should explain the reason for sealing. Common reasons include protecting a child, hiding a business secret, or keeping medical data private. The judge reviews each motion on a case-by-case basis. A person who wants to see a sealed record must file a counter motion. The counter motion should explain why the person needs the record. The judge weighs the need for privacy against the public right to know. Sealed records make up less than 5 percent of all divorce cases in Florida. Most divorce files stay open after the case ends. A person who searches public records should know the clerk’s office only handles current cases. Old cases may sit at the state archive or with a private records center.
What if my divorce record is sealed in St Lucie County?
A person who needs a sealed record must file a written motion with the court. The motion should explain why the person needs the record. A judge reviews the motion and decides whether to open the file. The process takes 30 to 90 days in most cases. A lawyer can help a person file the motion and present the case to the judge. The motion must include the case number, the names of both parties, and the specific records being requested. A person who files a motion without a lawyer should use the court’s standard form. The form is on the clerk’s website. The court charges a filing fee for the motion. The fee is set by Florida state law. A person with a low income can ask for a fee waiver. The judge reviews the waiver request and the motion at the same time. A person who cannot wait for the court process can ask the clerk for a redacted copy. The redacted copy shows basic case data with private details removed. The redacted copy costs the same as a regular certified copy. A lawyer can also help a person decide whether to file a motion or request a redacted copy. The clerk’s office can answer basic questions about the process. The clerk cannot give legal advice or help write a motion. A person who needs legal advice should talk to a licensed lawyer in Florida.