Glades County dissolution of marriage records are the official court files that show a marriage has ended in this part of Florida. These records live with the local Clerk of Court, who handles family law cases in the 20th Judicial Circuit.
People look for these records to check a divorce date, get proof of a final judgment, or request a certified copy for legal use. This page covers what these records include, where to search, how to request certified copies, the Florida laws that shape the process, and the exact contact details for the Glades County Clerk of Court office.
What Glades County Dissolution Of Marriage Records Are
A dissolution of marriage in Florida is the legal end of a marriage through a court order. The court calls this order a final judgment of dissolution. The clerk files the original petition, the financial documents, and the final judgment together as one court case. Anyone who needs a copy must work with the clerk who holds the file.
Purpose And Use Of These Records
People ask for these records for many reasons. Some need to prove they are single again so they can remarry. Others need them to update a name on a Social Security card, driver license, or passport. Banks, employers, and government offices often ask for a certified copy before they will act on a name change or marital status update. Attorneys ask for the same records when handling new cases that touch on property, support, or retirement accounts tied to the old marriage.
Where They Come From
Every dissolution of marriage begins with a petition filed in the circuit court. The clerk opens a case file, assigns a case number, and tracks each filing. The judge signs a final judgment when the case meets the legal rules. The clerk then stores the final judgment in the court file. A separate report goes to the Florida Department of Health under Florida Statute 382.023, which keeps the state-level count. County records and state reports work side by side, but they update at different times.
The Glades County Clerk Of Court Role
The clerk runs the records system for the circuit court. The clerk keeps the case index, the docket, and the final judgments. The clerk also issues certified copies, processes payments, and answers questions about how to file a request. In Glades County, the clerk office is the only place that can issue a certified copy of a final judgment.
Office Location And Contact
The Glades County Clerk of Court office sits in the county seat of Moore Haven. The current Clerk is Tami Pearce Simmons. You can visit the office, call, or check the county website for forms and search tools before you travel.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| County Clerk | Tami Pearce Simmons |
| Address | 500 Avenue J, Room 102, Moore Haven, FL 33471 |
| Phone | 863-946-6010 |
| Circuit | 20th Judicial Circuit |
| Website | https://gladesclerk.com/ |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Eastern Time) |
Call the clerk before visiting. Counter hours can shift by division, and some requests need a same-day setup that the clerk can confirm by phone.
Office Hours And Visit Tips
Bring a valid photo ID, the names of both spouses, and the year of the filing. A case number speeds up the search. The clerk accepts cash, money order, and most major cards for in-person requests. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing so staff can pull older files from archive storage.
How To Search Glades County Records Online
Online search is the fastest way to confirm a file exists. The county website links to two search tools: the official records search and the court records search. Statewide tools cover cases filed in any Florida county. Use these tools in this order: county first, then state, then health department for certificate copies.
Glades County Official Website Search
The county clerk website at gladesclerk.com posts court forms, fee schedules, and search links. The official records search shows recorded documents like judgments and lis pendens. The court records search shows family law cases, including dissolutions of marriage. A name search with a year range works for most requests. A case number search gives the exact file in seconds.
This source screenshot shows the main entry point for Glades County dissolution of marriage records. Start with the official records search, then open the court records tool to confirm case status before you pay for a copy.
Florida Statewide Court Database
The Florida Courts e-filing portal at myflcourtaccess.com holds case data from all 67 counties. The portal shows party names, filing dates, hearing dates, and the case disposition. A free guest account lets you view basic case data. A paid subscription adds document images. This statewide tool is useful when a person does not know the exact county where the divorce was filed.
Florida Department Of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health issues statewide divorce certificates under Florida Statute 382.023. These certificates show a divorce happened, the date, and the county of record. The state office does not send the full court file. The county clerk still holds the only full copy of the final judgment. Use the state office for name change paperwork, marriage license updates, and Social Security records. Use the county clerk for court documents.
How To Request Certified Divorce Records
A certified copy carries the clerk seal and a signature. Banks, courts, and federal agencies will only accept certified copies for legal changes. A plain printout from an online search works for casual checks but fails for official filings. Plan to request a certified copy when the document will support a legal step.
Information Needed For The Request
Strong request packets cut down on delays. The clerk needs enough detail to find the right file in the archive. Missing data forces the clerk to run a broader search, which costs extra time and money.
- Full legal name of each spouse at the time of filing
- Date of marriage, if known
- Date of filing or final judgment
- Case number, if known
- Type of record needed (final judgment, case index, certified copy)
- Number of copies requested
- Contact details and mailing address
Fees And Processing Times
Fees depend on the type of record. Certified copies cost more than plain copies because the clerk adds a seal and signature. The clerk accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and most major cards. Mail requests must include a money order or check, plus a self-addressed stamped envelope.
| Record Type | Average Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plain copy, per page | $1.00 | Same day |
| Certified copy, per document | $7.00 to $10.00 | Same day to 3 business days |
| Search fee (no case found) | $2.00 to $5.00 | Same day |
| Mail request handling | $1.00 to $2.00 extra | 5 to 10 business days |
| Expedite fee | $5.00 to $10.00 | 1 business day |
Fees can change. Call the clerk at 863-946-6010 to confirm the current fee schedule before sending payment.
Ways To Submit The Request
Three options work for most requesters. In-person visits give same-day service for plain and certified copies. Mail requests work for people who live out of state or cannot visit. Online requests through the county portal handle e-certified copies for some document types. The e-certified option is faster but not accepted by every agency.
Florida Laws That Apply To Dissolution Of Marriage
Florida statutes control who can file, how long the process takes, and what the court decides. Each statute has a direct effect on the court file the clerk holds. A short review of the main rules helps anyone reading a case file know what the file should contain.
Residency Requirements
Florida Statute 61.021 says one spouse must live in Florida for at least six months before filing the petition. The court will dismiss any case filed without this rule met. The clerk checks the petition for a sworn statement about residency before opening the case file.
Waiting Period And Final Judgment
Florida Statute 61.019 sets a minimum 20-day waiting period between filing the petition and entry of the final judgment. The court can shorten this time only with a valid legal reason. Most simple dissolutions take 30 to 90 days from filing to final judgment. Cases with children, support disputes, or property fights can take six months to a year or more.
Property And Support Decisions
Florida Statute 61.075 lays out the rules for dividing marital property and debts. The court starts with equal division, then looks at factors like each spouse’s income, health, and contributions to the marriage. The clerk files the final judgment, which lists the property split, any support orders, and parenting plans if children are part of the case.
Other Florida Counties For Similar Records
People who moved out of Glades County or married and divorced in a different part of Florida need to contact the county where the case was filed. Each county clerk keeps its own files. The Florida court system lists all 67 county clerks on one page so requesters can route their search to the right office.
Major Florida County Clerk Offices
These county clerks hold the highest volume of dissolution records in Florida. If you know the case was filed in one of these counties, contact the clerk office directly for faster results. The state e-filing portal works for all counties, but direct contact with the clerk often returns same-day results.
| County | Clerk Office | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Orange County | Orange County Clerk of Courts | 407-836-2000 |
| Miami-Dade County | Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts | 305-275-1155 |
| Broward County | Broward County Clerk of Courts | 954-831-6525 |
| Hillsborough County | Hillsborough County Clerk | 813-276-8100 |
| Palm Beach County | Palm Beach County Clerk | 561-355-2996 |
| Duval County | Duval County Clerk of Courts | 904-255-2000 |
| Pinellas County | Pinellas County Clerk | 727-464-7000 |
| Lee County | Lee County Clerk of Courts | 239-533-5000 |
Each office follows the same state laws but handles its own fee schedule, search tools, and copy policies. Call the office before submitting a mail request to confirm the exact fee.
Glades County Quick Contact Details
Use this section for fast reference when calling, visiting, or mailing a request. The clerk office answers most phone questions during business hours. Mail requests need a money order and a return envelope.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Glades County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
| Clerk | Tami Pearce Simmons |
| Street Address | 500 Avenue J, Room 102 |
| City, State, ZIP | Moore Haven, FL 33471 |
| Phone | 863-946-6010 |
| Official Website | https://gladesclerk.com/ |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Court Records Search | Available through gladesclerk.com |
| Statewide Court Portal | https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/ |
| Florida Health Divorce Records | https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/divorce-certificates/ |
Questions People Ask About These Records
This section covers the questions that come up most often about Glades County dissolution of marriage records. Each answer gives a direct path so you can move forward without extra calls. The clerk office stays the final source when a case has special facts or older files that need archive handling.
Can I See A Glades County Divorce File For Free?
You can view the case index and docket entries for free through the county website and the statewide e-filing portal. A free search shows the case number, party names, filing dates, and hearing history. The clerk charges a fee only when you want a printed page or a certified copy. Older cases scanned in batches may show only a brief summary in the free index. A paid certified copy is the only way to read the full text of older files in some cases.
How Long Does The Clerk Keep These Records?
Florida law requires the clerk to keep dissolution case files permanently. Paper files from before 1990 were microfilmed, then scanned into the digital system. Files filed after 2000 exist in both paper and digital format. The clerk can pull any case from the archive, but older cases take longer to retrieve because staff must locate the physical reel or binder. Plan for a 5 to 10 business day wait on any file filed before 1980.
What Is The Difference Between A Divorce Certificate And A Divorce Decree?
A divorce certificate comes from the Florida Department of Health. It confirms a divorce happened, the date, and the county. A divorce decree is the full final judgment from the circuit court. It includes the property split, support orders, custody decisions, and the judge signature. The certificate works for simple name change paperwork. The decree is required for any legal step that involves the case terms, like enforcing support or dividing retirement accounts.
Can Someone Else Request My Divorce Records?
Florida law seals some personal details in divorce files. Names of minor children, financial account numbers, and Social Security numbers stay private. A third party can request basic case data like the names of the spouses, the case number, and the filing date. The clerk will not release financial documents or sealed portions to a third party without a court order. Direct family members and attorneys of record can request a broader set of documents with proof of identity and relation.
How Do I Fix A Mistake On My Divorce Records?
Errors in the final judgment must be fixed through a court motion. A clerical error in the case index can be fixed by the clerk with a signed request and supporting documents. Common fixes include misspellings, wrong dates, and missing party names. A substantive error in the property split or support order requires a new court order. The clerk can point you to the right form based on the type of error. Expect a 2 to 4 week processing time for most corrections.
What Happens If The Other Spouse Lives In Another State?
Florida allows service by certified mail or by a process server in another state. The court will not enter a final judgment until the other spouse receives proper service. A waiver of service speeds up the case if both spouses agree. Cases with an out-of-state spouse often take longer because service by mail can take 3 to 4 weeks. The clerk files the return receipt with the case file as proof of service.
Can I Get A Dissolution Record If The Case Was Sealed By The Court?
Sealed cases stay private. The clerk will not release any document without a court order. To open a sealed file, you must file a motion with the circuit court that issued the seal. The judge reviews the motion and decides whether to unseal the records. Common reasons to unseal a case include new legal action, retirement account division, or remarriage paperwork that needs the original judgment. The clerk can give you the motion form and filing fee.