Sunrise City divorce decree records are official court papers that prove a marriage has legally ended in Sunrise, Florida. These records sit with the Broward County Clerk of Courts, not the City of Sunrise.
Anyone can ask for a copy if they have the right details and follow the correct steps. This page explains where these records live, how to search them, and how to get a certified copy.
What Divorce Decree Records Include
Divorce decree records hold the final ruling from a Florida judge that ends a marriage. They are signed by the judge and filed with the clerk. These papers list the names of both spouses, the case number, the date the judge signed the order, and the terms of the divorce.
Key Parts of a Divorce Decree
A divorce decree covers many parts of a settled case. Knowing what it contains helps you decide what you need before you ask for a copy. The most common items found in a Sunrise divorce decree include:
- Full legal names of both spouses before and after the divorce
- The county where the case was filed, usually Broward County
- The case number assigned by the court
- The date the judge signed the final judgment
- Decisions on property, debts, and alimony
- Custody and child support orders if children were part of the case
- The signature of the judge and the court seal
Divorce Decree vs. Divorce Certificate
People often mix up a divorce decree with a divorce certificate. Both come from official sources, but they serve very different needs. A divorce certificate is a short paper that only shows that a divorce took place. A divorce decree is a longer paper that shows the full terms set by the judge. Knowing which one you need saves time and money when you order from the clerk.
Where Sunrise Divorce Records Are Filed
Sunrise sits inside Broward County, Florida. All divorce cases filed by Sunrise residents go to the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The City of Sunrise does not store or issue these papers. The city clerk only handles city records like local laws, meeting notes, and city contracts.
Role of the Broward County Clerk of Courts
The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the main office for all divorce cases in the county. This office stores, scans, and shares divorce records with the public. The clerk also stamps and seals each certified copy that leaves the building. The clerk’s office uses a digital system called eClerk for online searches. It also has public computers at its main office for walk-in visitors who need to look up case data.
Why the City Clerk Does Not Handle These Records
The City of Sunrise has its own city clerk. That office works under Florida public records law, but it only keeps city-level records. Divorce records fall under county court files, so the city clerk cannot issue them. Anyone who calls or visits the Sunrise city clerk for a divorce decree will be sent to the Broward County Clerk of Courts. This split keeps court records separate from city records and makes sure each office does its own job.
How to Search Sunrise Divorce Records Online
The fastest way to look up a Sunrise divorce case is through the Broward County online portal. The portal lets you search by name, case number, or filing date. You do not need an account for a basic search. You can run searches from any device with internet at any time of day.
Using the Broward County Court Records Portal
The Broward County Clerk runs an online portal where the public can search civil and family court files. To start, go to the clerk’s website and click on the court records search link. From there, pick the family court category since divorce cases fall under family law. The portal will ask you to enter a name or case number to begin the search. Once you find the right case, you can see basic details like filing date, judge, and case status.
Searching by Name and Case Number
Searching by name works well when you have the full legal name of either spouse. The system looks for matches across family court files. Searching by case number gives faster and clearer results if you already know the number. You can get the case number from old court letters, prior divorce papers, or a lawyer’s notes. The table below shows what each search method needs and what you can expect.
| Search Method | Details Needed | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Name Search | Full legal name of either spouse, approximate filing year | List of matching cases with basic file data |
| Case Number Search | Exact case number from court letters or past records | Direct link to the case file and full index |
| Date Range Search | Year or month range for the filing date | Filtered list of cases filed in that window |
How to Request Certified Divorce Decree Copies
If you need a paper copy with the court seal, you must order a certified copy. The Broward County Clerk issues these copies through in-person, mail, and online channels. Each method has its own steps, fees, and timing. Pick the one that fits your schedule and your case details.
In-Person Request Steps
Walking into the clerk’s office is the fastest way to get a certified copy. The main office sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale, which is a short drive from Sunrise. Bring a valid photo ID and your case details. Fill out the request form at the public service window. Pay the fee with cash, card, or check. Most in-person requests are filled the same day if the file is on site.
Mail Request Steps
Mailing your request works if you do not live near the clerk’s office. Write a clear letter or use the clerk’s request form. Include both full legal names, the case number, and the year of filing. Add a copy of your photo ID and a check or money order for the fee. Mail the packet to the clerk’s records department. Mail requests can take a few weeks to process and return to you.
Online Request Through the Clerk Website
The clerk’s website also accepts certified copy orders online. You fill out a digital form, pay by card, and the clerk mails the certified copy to your address. This route works well for people who live outside Florida. The system shows the fee before you pay and gives you a tracking number once the order is placed.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times
The clerk charges set fees for each certified copy. The fee covers the search, the copy, and the court seal. Fees can change each year, so check the clerk’s fee page before you send your order. Payment rules also change by request method.
Standard Copy Fees
The standard fee for a certified copy of a divorce decree in Broward County is set by Florida law. The clerk charges per copy, not per page. If you need more than one copy, the fee goes up for each extra copy. Apostille and extra search fees may apply in special cases. The clerk’s website lists the current fee chart.
Accepted Payment Types
Payment rules depend on how you ask for the copy. In-person requests accept cash, debit cards, credit cards, checks, and money orders. Mail orders should use checks or money orders to avoid lost cash. Online orders work with major debit and credit cards. Below is a quick view of payment by method.
| Request Method | Accepted Payments |
|---|---|
| In-Person | Cash, debit card, credit card, check, money order |
| Check, money order | |
| Online | Debit card, credit card |
Typical Processing Timeframes
Processing time depends on the request method and the office load. In-person orders are often filled the same day. Mail orders take about two to four weeks from the day the clerk receives your packet. Online orders take about one to two weeks for the clerk to mail the copy. The Florida Department of Health adds about 60 days after a county filing before the divorce shows up in state files. This state delay matters for very recent divorces.
Information Needed for a Successful Search
Good details make the search faster. Bad or missing details slow things down and can lead to wrong matches. Before you contact the clerk, gather as much data as you can about the case. This step saves time and cuts down on repeat trips or calls.
Required Personal Details
You will need the full legal names of both spouses at the time of the divorce. The name on the marriage license may differ from the name used during the case. You will also need the approximate year the divorce was filed. The clerk uses these details to run the search and pull the right file.
Helpful Case Identifiers
A case number is the strongest piece of data you can have. The clerk can pull a file in seconds with a case number. Other helpful data includes the judge’s name, the attorney’s bar number, and the filing date. Old court letters, emails from a lawyer, or prior divorce papers often hold these details. Bring or send copies of these papers with your request if you have them.
Common Reasons People Request These Records
People ask for divorce decree copies for many reasons. Some need them for legal steps. Others need them for personal or financial tasks. Knowing the reason can shape which copy you order and how many you need.
Legal and Court Use
Courts, lawyers, and government agencies often need a certified copy. A name change on a Social Security card, a driver’s license update, or a new marriage license all need a certified copy. Immigration cases and federal background checks also need stamped copies. The court seal proves the copy is real, and most agencies will not accept a regular printout.
Personal and Administrative Use
People also order copies for personal use. Remarriage, updating bank records, settling old joint accounts, and closing shared financial accounts all use a divorce decree. Family members may also need a copy to handle estate matters for a parent who passed away. In these cases, a regular copy from the online portal may be enough for personal use.
Sunrise and Broward County Clerk Contact Details
The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the main office for all divorce records in Sunrise. The office has a public counter, a phone line, and an email contact for records help. Office hours and holiday closures are listed on the clerk’s website. The main office sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale, which is about 12 miles from Sunrise.
Address, Phone, and Email
The main Broward County Clerk of Courts office sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The main phone line for records help is (954) 831-6565. The clerk also accepts email questions through the contact form on its website. For fast help, call during early morning hours when phone lines are less busy.
Office Hours and Visit Tips
The clerk’s public counter is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Visitors should bring a photo ID and all case details. Parking is available near the building, but the lot fills up fast during lunch hours. Arrive before 10:00 a.m. for the shortest wait times.
Other Helpful Resources for Sunrise Divorce Records
State and federal sources can also help with divorce record needs. These sources work well when the local clerk file is missing or when you need a different type of proof. Each source has its own rules and fees.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health keeps a statewide index of divorces. You can order a Florida divorce certificate through the state’s vital records office or through VitalChek. This certificate works for most personal needs but does not replace a full decree for court use. State records can take longer to reach you than county records.
Florida Court Clerk Directory
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website lists all county clerks in the state. The directory helps you find the right office if you are not sure which county handled a case. The site also has statewide search tools for some case types. This site works as a backup if the Broward portal is down.
Tips to Speed Up Your Sunrise Divorce Record Search
Small steps can cut a lot of time off your search. Start with the strongest data you have, like a case number. If you do not have a case number, use full legal names and a year range. Call the clerk before you visit to confirm what you need to bring. Keep copies of all requests and payments. These habits make future requests faster and smoother.
Avoiding Common Request Mistakes
Many requests get sent back for simple errors. Missing signatures, wrong fees, and unclear name spellings are the top reasons. Always double-check the spelling of both names. Sign every form the clerk asks for. Use the exact fee amount to avoid cash change issues at the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common asks from Sunrise residents who need divorce decree records. Each answer gives clear steps and points to the right office. If your case is unique, contact the Broward County Clerk for personal help.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Copy in Sunrise?
In-person requests at the Broward County Clerk are often filled the same day. Mail requests take two to four weeks. Online orders take one to two weeks. Very recent divorces may take longer because of the 60-day state filing delay. If your case was finalized less than 60 days ago, the clerk may ask you to wait until the state file is updated.
Can I Search Sunrise Divorce Records for Free?
Yes, you can run a free name search on the Broward County online portal. The search shows basic case data like filing date, judge, and case status. Viewing the file index is free, but downloading or printing the full decree costs a fee. Certified copies always carry a fee, no matter the source.
What If I Do Not Know the Case Number?
You can still search by the full legal name of either spouse. Add the approximate year of the divorce to narrow the results. If the name is common, add a middle name or a date of birth. The clerk can also run a manual search at the front counter for a small extra fee.
Are Sunrise Divorce Records Open to the Public?
Yes, Florida divorce records are public under state law. The public can see the case index, the file number, and the basic terms. Sealed records and records removed for privacy can be closed by a judge’s order. Most divorce decrees from Sunrise are open and easy to view through the clerk.
Can I Get a Divorce Decree From Another State for a Sunrise Resident?
If the divorce was filed in another state, you must contact that state’s vital records office. The Broward County Clerk only has records filed in Broward County. For a Florida divorce, the Florida Department of Health can confirm state-level data. Out-of-state records need that state’s own process.
Does the City of Sunrise Store Any Divorce Records?
No, the City of Sunrise does not store or issue divorce records. The city clerk only keeps city-level records like local laws, meeting notes, and city contracts. All divorce cases for Sunrise residents go to the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The city clerk can point you to the right county office if you ask.
What Documents Do I Need to Order a Certified Copy?
You need a valid photo ID, the full legal names of both spouses, and the case number if you have one. A check, money order, or card for the fee is also needed. If you are not the spouse on the case, you may need extra proof of your right to access the file. The clerk will tell you what proof they need at the counter.