Davie city dissolution of marriage records are court files kept by the Broward County Clerk of Court, not by the city of Davie itself. Anyone in Davie who needs a divorce record, a final judgment, or a certified copy must work with the county clerk.
The clerk stores these files, indexes them, and sells copies to the public. This page shows the full path for Davie residents, from where to look online to how to order certified copies by mail or in person.
Where Davie Residents File Dissolution Cases
Every dissolution of marriage case in Davie starts in the Broward County circuit court. Florida uses one circuit court per county, and family cases like divorce, custody, and support all go through that court. The Town of Davie does not run a family court. It also does not store divorce files. All records stay in the county system, which means Davie residents use the same clerk office as people in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach.
Broward County Clerk of Court
The Broward County Clerk of Court is the main office for all Davie city dissolution of marriage records. The clerk signs final judgments, collects filing fees, and keeps the paper and digital files. The main clerk office sits at 201 S.E. 6th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The clerk phone line is 954-831-6565. Call before you go so you know which desk handles family records and what payment forms they accept.
Family Division in Broward County
The Family Division handles divorce, paternity, adoption, and support cases. Davie residents can visit the Family Division page on the clerk site to see forms, fee charts, and contact details. The Family Division also runs the court self-help desk, which helps people who file without a lawyer. The page is at https://www.browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family.
Why City Offices Do Not Handle These Files
Florida law puts all divorce records in the county circuit court. City halls only handle local rules, local taxes, and local police reports. They have no power to issue a certified divorce decree. Even if a Davie resident gets married or lives their whole life in Davie, the divorce file still goes to the Broward County clerk. This rule is the same across every Florida city.
How to Search Davie Dissolution Records Online
You can search Davie city dissolution of marriage records without leaving home. The Broward clerk runs an online search, and Florida runs a statewide portal. Both let you look up cases by name, by case number, or by filing date. The online tools show basic case data, hearing dates, and the type of final judgment.
Broward County Court Records Portal
The county search tool lives at https://www.browardclerk.org/. You can open the records search from the home page, then enter the last name of either spouse. The tool also accepts a case number if you already have one. Results show the case style, the filing date, the division, and the judge. This is the fastest way to check if a Davie case is still open or already closed.
Statewide Florida Court Access
The Florida e-filing portal at https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/ covers every circuit court in the state. You can search by party name, by court type, and by county. This is helpful if you are not sure which county a case was filed in. The statewide portal also shows federal cases, but family law records sit in the state system.
Searching by Name and Case Number
Name searches work best when you know the full legal name of either spouse at the time of filing. The system also lets you add a year range to cut down extra matches. Case number searches give the cleanest result. A Florida divorce case number follows the format year-county-code-case-type-number. For example, a 2023 Broward case might read CO-FL-2023-012345. The clerk can confirm the exact format for your case.
Types of Records Available for Davie Cases
People ask for different parts of a divorce file, and each part has a different name. Knowing the right term saves time and avoids extra fees. The clerk office separates records into three main types, and each one serves a different legal need.
Final Judgment of Dissolution
The final judgment is the court order that ends the marriage. It lists the judge, the date, and the terms. It also covers property, debt, support, and custody if the couple had children. This is the most common record people need. A certified copy has a raised seal and a clerk signature, which banks, employers, and other courts often require.
Divorce Certificate vs. Divorce Decree
A divorce certificate and a divorce decree are two separate papers. The certificate is a short state form with basic facts like names, date of divorce, and county. The Florida Department of Health issues this through its Office of Vital Statistics. The decree is the full court order with all the legal terms. The county clerk issues the decree. People often need both for different reasons, so it helps to know which one your bank, court, or agency wants.
Sealed vs. Public Records
Most Florida divorce files are public. A judge can seal a file if a party shows good cause, like a safety risk or a trade secret. Sealed files are not on the public search. Only people named in the case, their lawyers, or a court order can see them. Davie residents who want a sealed file must ask the clerk for the correct request form and pay the copy fee.
Historical Records from Past Decades
Older Davie dissolution files go back many years, but the online index may not cover all of them. Files from the 1970s and 1980s often sit in physical storage. The clerk can still pull them, but the process takes longer and may cost more. Historical searches also help with genealogy, pension claims, and old property matters.
Step-by-Step Request Process for Davie Records
The request process for Davie city dissolution of marriage records is simple once you know the steps. Most people finish the request in one day. The steps below cover the most common path for both certified and non-certified copies.
What You Need Before You Request
Gather the full legal names of both spouses, the year the divorce was finalized, and the county where it was filed. For Davie, the county is always Broward. A case number speeds up the search, but it is not required. Bring a photo ID if you plan to visit the clerk in person. The clerk checks ID for certified copies to stop identity theft.
Certified Copy Fees and Payment Methods
The clerk charges a set fee per certified copy, plus a small search fee if you do not know the case number. Current rates sit on the Broward clerk site under the fee schedule. Most clerk offices take cash, money order, and credit cards. Some offices also take checks with a valid photo ID. Online orders through the clerk portal accept major credit cards and e-checks.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk’s Office
You can visit the main clerk office at 201 S.E. 6th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Office hours run Monday through Friday during normal business hours, but hours can change. Arrive early to avoid the longest lines. The clerk staff can pull most files the same day, so you may walk out with your copy in hand.
Mail and Online Request Options
Mail requests work well for people who do not live near Fort Lauderdale. Send a written request with the names, year, county, and a phone number. Include a money order for the fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. The clerk mailing address sits on the contact page at https://www.browardclerk.org/. Online requests go through the clerk records portal and use a credit card.
Florida Divorce Records by County
Florida has 67 counties, and each one runs its own circuit court. The list below covers the largest counties near Davie. People who move, remarry, or do business across county lines often need records from more than one clerk office. Each county follows the same state rules, but the search tools and fees can differ.
Miami-Dade County Records
Miami-Dade runs one of the largest family courts in Florida. The clerk office sits in the Miami-Dade Courthouse in downtown Miami. The county portal lets you search by name, case number, and party type. Miami-Dade also has a self-help center for people filing without a lawyer.
Orange County Records
Orange County covers Orlando and the surrounding area. The clerk of courts runs an online case search that covers family, civil, and criminal cases. The clerk office is in the Orange County Courthouse in Orlando. Orange County also lets people order certified copies through its online portal.
Hillsborough County Records
Hillsborough County covers Tampa. The clerk office sits in the Hillsborough County Courthouse. The online search shows case events, hearing dates, and final judgments. The clerk also has a records request form for mail orders.
Duval County Records
Duval County covers Jacksonville. The clerk of courts runs an online search and a public records request desk. Duval also gives public access to older files through its archives unit, which keeps historical divorce records from the early 1900s.
Palm Beach County Records
Palm Beach County sits just north of Broward. Many Davie residents have cases in both counties because of work, family, or property ties. The Palm Beach clerk runs an online case search and a records request page. The main clerk office is in West Palm Beach.
Pinellas and Lee County Records
Pinellas County covers St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Lee County covers Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Both counties use the statewide e-filing portal, and both run their own online search tools. Their clerk offices follow the same state rules on certified copies and fees.
Florida Laws That Govern Davie Dissolution Cases
State law controls every divorce in Davie, even though the case is filed in county court. The rules below come from the Florida Statutes. They cover who can file, on what grounds, and how the court divides property. Anyone filing without a lawyer should read these statutes before starting.
Residency Requirements
Florida Statute 61.021 says at least one spouse must live in Florida for six months before filing. The filing spouse must also be a resident of the county where the case is filed at the time of filing. Davie residents meet the county rule as long as they live in Broward County when they file.
Grounds for Dissolution
Florida Statute 61.052 lists the legal reasons for divorce. The state allows a no-fault filing based on the marriage being broken beyond repair. A spouse can also file on fault grounds like adultery, cruelty, or desertion. Most Davie cases use the no-fault path.
Final Judgment Timing
Florida Statute 61.019 sets the basic timeline for a final judgment. A simple no-fault case with no children or property disputes can reach final judgment in a few weeks. Cases with children, support, or property fights often take much longer. The court will not sign a final judgment until all required documents are filed and any waiting period has passed.
Asset and Liability Distribution
Florida Statute 61.075 controls how the court splits assets and debts. Florida uses equitable distribution, which means a fair split, not always a 50-50 split. The court looks at each spouse’s income, earning ability, health, and contribution to the marriage before deciding the share.
Vital Statistics Reporting
Florida Statute 382.023 requires the clerk to report the final judgment to the Florida Department of Health. The Department then creates the state divorce certificate. This report is what makes the divorce show up on the state system and lets people order a state certificate.
Common Reasons People Request These Records
People in Davie ask for dissolution records for many reasons. Some need the papers for a legal step. Others need them for personal tasks. The list below covers the most common reasons.
Name Change After Divorce
Many people want to return to a maiden name or a prior legal name after a divorce. The final judgment can include the name change order. Social Security offices, DMVs, and banks often want a certified copy of that order before they update records.
Remarriage Preparation
People who plan to remarry often need proof that the old marriage ended. A certified copy of the final judgment is the most accepted form. Some officiants and clerks of court also accept the state divorce certificate.
Legal and Financial Matters
Banks, lenders, landlords, and insurance companies may ask for a divorce decree before they update joint accounts or issue new policies. Pension plans and retirement accounts also need a certified copy to change the named beneficiary.
Genealogical Research
Family historians look for old divorce records to confirm family ties, dates, and places. Florida keeps many older files, and the clerk can pull them from physical storage. Genealogists should plan for a longer wait and a higher fee.
Office Contact and Location Details
The main Broward County Clerk of Court office handles all Davie city dissolution of marriage records. The address is 201 S.E. 6th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The main phone number is 954-831-6565. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but hours can change on court holidays. The clerk website at https://www.browardclerk.org/ lists the most current hours, fee schedules, and contact forms. You can also reach the Florida Department of Health for state divorce certificates at https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/divorce-certificates/ or through the VitalChek portal at https://www.vitalchek.com.
For statewide family law forms, visit https://www.flcourts.gov/Services/Family-Courts/domestic-relations-court-resources/family-law-forms. For self-help guidance, visit https://www.flcourts.gov/Services/Family-Courts/self-help-information. For DIY document interviews, visit https://www.flcourts.gov/sandbox/florida-courts-help/diy-florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section covers the most common questions about Davie city dissolution of marriage records. Each answer is direct and based on Florida law and clerk office rules. If your question is not here, call the Broward clerk or check the Broward clerk website for the latest updates.
Are Davie dissolution records public?
Yes. Most Davie dissolution records are public under Florida law. Anyone can search the Broward clerk online portal by name or case number. The search shows the case style, filing date, division, and judge. Sealed records are not public. A judge can seal a file if a party shows good cause, like a safety risk, a trade secret, or a need to protect a minor child. Once a file is sealed, only people named in the case, their lawyers, or a court order can view it. If you want to open a sealed file, you must file a written motion with the court and get a judge to sign it.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
In-person requests at the Broward clerk office often finish the same day. The clerk pulls the file, makes a certified copy, and applies the raised seal while you wait. Mail requests take longer, often one to two weeks, because the clerk must receive the request, find the file, copy it, and mail it back. Online requests through the clerk portal usually process within a few business days, but mail time adds extra days. Old files from the 1970s or earlier can take longer because the clerk must pull them from physical storage. Always add a contact phone number to your request so the clerk can reach you if they need more details.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree?
A divorce certificate is a short state form with basic facts. It shows the full names of both spouses, the date of the divorce, and the county where it was granted. The Florida Department of Health issues the certificate through its Office of Vital Statistics. A divorce decree is the full court order. It lists the judge, the legal grounds, and the terms of the divorce, including property, debt, support, custody, and name change. The county clerk issues the decree. Banks, lenders, and most government offices accept the decree. Some agencies accept either one, but the decree has more legal weight.
Can I search Davie dissolution records for free?
Yes. The Broward clerk online search lets you view basic case data at no cost. You can check the case style, the filing date, and the division without paying a fee. The free search does not include full document images. To view or print a full document, you must pay the copy fee. The state portal at https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/ also offers a free basic search. The Florida Department of Health charges a fee for the state divorce certificate, but the search itself is free.
Can I get a divorce record if I was not part of the case?
Yes, in most cases. Florida makes dissolution records public, so a third party can request a copy. You still need the full legal names of both spouses and the year the case was finalized. For certified copies, the clerk will ask for your photo ID and a reason for the request. The clerk will not refuse a request from a third party for a public file. If the file is sealed, only people named in the case, their lawyers, or a court order can get a copy.
What if the case was filed in another county?
You must contact the clerk in the county where the case was filed. Florida does not have one central clerk for all divorce records. Each county keeps its own files. The statewide e-filing portal at https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/ lets you search across counties. You can also order a state divorce certificate from the Florida Department of Health no matter which county granted the divorce. The state certificate costs a set fee and takes a few weeks to process.
Are online divorce records official?
Online images of court records are useful for viewing, but they are not always accepted as official certified copies. Banks, government offices, and other courts usually ask for a certified copy with a raised seal. You can print a copy from the online search for personal use, but you should order a certified copy from the clerk for any legal or financial step. The clerk certified copy has the official seal, the clerk signature, and the security paper that proves it is real.