Dixie County dissolution of marriage records are court files that show when a marriage legally ended in Dixie County, Florida. These records are held by the Dixie County Clerk of Court.
The same office keeps other family court files too. People ask for these records to confirm a divorce, get a certified copy, or check a case number. This page explains who keeps the records, how to search them, and what you need to make a request.
Dixie County Clerk of Court Role
The Dixie County Clerk of Court is the main office that holds dissolution of marriage records. The clerk files new petitions, stores final judgments, and issues copies to the public. The clerk works under Florida state law but runs the office at the local level. When a couple files for divorce in Dixie County, the case starts here.
Office Location and Contact
The clerk office sits at 214 NE Hwy 351, Ste M, Cross City, FL 32628. The mailing address is the same. The phone number for the office is 352-498-1200. The clerk office takes calls during normal business hours. Callers can ask about case status, fees, and how to get a certified copy. The office is the only place that can stamp and certify a final divorce judgment.
Hours of Operation
The Dixie County Clerk of Court opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. People who want to visit in person should arrive early. The lunch hour can be busy. The clerk office closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on some days. Call before you go to confirm open hours.
What Dissolution of Marriage Means
A dissolution of marriage is the legal end of a marriage by court order. Florida uses this term instead of “divorce” in most court papers. Both terms mean the same thing in everyday speech. A judge must sign a final judgment before the marriage is over. The signed judgment is the key paper in any dissolution file.
How Florida Law Defines It
Florida law says a court can grant a dissolution when the marriage is broken and cannot be saved. Florida Statute 61.052 lists this rule. One spouse must file a petition. The other spouse must be served. The court reviews the case and signs a final judgment. The judgment is the document that ends the marriage in the eyes of the law.
How It Differs From Annulment
An annulment says the marriage was never valid. A dissolution says the marriage was valid but is now over. Most people who end a marriage in Dixie County file for dissolution. Annulment cases are rare and need stronger legal grounds. The records for each type are kept in separate files.
Florida Divorce Filing Rules
Florida has statewide rules for filing a dissolution. These rules apply to Dixie County. The clerk office checks each new petition against the rules. If a petition does not meet the rules, the clerk may reject the filing. People who want to file should read the rules first.
Residency Requirement
At least one spouse must live in Florida for six months before filing. Florida Statute 61.021 sets this rule. The six months must be continuous. A short trip does not count. The clerk may ask for proof of residency at filing. A Florida driver’s license, voter card, or lease can show residency.
Waiting Period
Florida law adds a short wait between filing and final judgment. The minimum wait is 20 days from the date of service. Florida Statute 61.019 sets this rule. Some cases take longer. Cases with minor children often take more time. The court can shorten the wait in rare cases with a valid reason.
Online Search Portals
Florida offers free online tools to search court records. These tools show basic case info. The tools do not show every document. People can search by name or case number. The results can tell you which clerk office holds the file. They can also show the case status.
Official Records Search
The Florida Official Records search is run by myfloridacounty.com. It covers many counties, including Dixie County. People can search by name, date, and record type. The site lists recordings, judgments, and liens. Some divorce case info appears here too. The site charges a small fee to view or print some records.
Court Records Portal
The Florida Court Records portal is at myflcourtaccess.com. This site covers circuit and county courts across the state. People can search for divorce cases by party name. The site shows case style, filing date, and judge. The site does not always have the full final judgment. For that, you may need to contact the clerk.
How to Request Records
You can request dissolution of marriage records online, by mail, or in person. Each method has steps to follow. Online requests are fastest for basic info. In-person requests are best for certified copies. Mail requests work for both types but take longer.
Steps for Online Request
Start by going to the Florida Official Records search page. Type the full name of either spouse. Add the county name and the year if you know it. Review the results list. Click a result to see details. Print or save the page for your records. For a certified copy, you still need to contact the clerk.
Steps for In-Person Request
Visit the Dixie County Clerk of Court during business hours. Bring a photo ID. Tell the clerk you want a copy of a dissolution of marriage record. Give the full name of both spouses. Give the year if you know it. Pay the copy fee. Wait while the clerk pulls the file. Ask if you want a certified copy with a raised seal.
Required Documents
The clerk may ask for some items before giving you a record. You should bring:
- Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- Full legal name of both spouses as filed
- Year of filing or final judgment
- Case number if you have it
- Payment for copy and certification fees
Costs and Fees
The Dixie County Clerk charges fees for copies. The fees follow Florida state rules. The cost depends on the type of copy you need. A plain copy is cheaper than a certified copy. Each page may have a fee. A certification fee is added for the raised seal.
Standard Copy Fees
A standard copy is a plain paper print of a record. The clerk charges per page. The fee is set by Florida Statute 28.24. The current rate is one dollar per page. Some records may cost more if they are large. Ask the clerk for the total cost before you pay.
Certified Copy Fees
A certified copy has a raised seal and a clerk signature. This copy proves the record is real. The clerk charges a certification fee on top of the copy fee. The certification fee is set by Florida law. The total cost is higher than a standard copy. Most banks and courts will only accept a certified copy.
Florida Department of Health Certificates
The Florida Department of Health keeps a statewide index of divorce events. The index has basic data for each case. The health department does not keep the full court file. People who need a statewide abstract often ask the health department. The clerk office is still the source for the full judgment.
Statewide Divorce Certificate
The Florida Department of Health issues divorce certificates. These certificates show names, the date of divorce, and the county of filing. The certificate costs a fee. People can order it online, by mail, or in person. The certificate is good for name changes and some legal matters. It is not the same as a full court judgment.
Self-Help and Legal Resources
Florida courts offer free self-help tools. These tools help people who file without an attorney. The tools explain court steps, forms, and fees. The clerk staff cannot give legal advice. They can only explain court process. People with legal questions should talk to a lawyer.
Family Law Forms
The Florida Courts website has approved family law forms. These forms are free to download. The forms cover petitions, financial affidavits, and child support. The forms match the rules in every Florida county, including Dixie County. Fill in the forms on your computer or print and write clearly.
DIY Florida Tool
The DIY Florida tool helps people build court papers online. The tool asks simple questions and fills in the right forms. People who use it can save time and avoid mistakes. The tool is free. The output is a set of ready-to-file forms. The clerk staff can answer questions about the forms.
Cities in Dixie County
Dixie County covers a large area in north Florida. Several small towns sit inside the county. Every city in the county uses the same clerk office. The clerk office handles all dissolution of marriage records from these cities. City halls do not issue divorce records.
The main towns in Dixie County include Cross City, Old Town, Horseshoe Beach, and Suwannee. Each town sends filings to the same clerk. People who live in these areas can visit the clerk office in Cross City. Mail requests go to the same clerk address.
Contact the Dixie County Clerk
You can reach the Dixie County Clerk of Court by phone, mail, or in person. The office handles questions about dissolution of marriage records, fees, and case status. The office is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours. The mailing address and phone number are listed below.
Visiting Hours and Phone Number
The Dixie County Clerk of Court opens from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office closes on state holidays. The phone number is 352-498-1200. The office address is 214 NE Hwy 351, Ste M, Cross City, FL 32628. Mail requests should be sent to the same address.
The map above shows the Dixie County Clerk of Court office in Cross City. Visitors can park near the entrance. The building has a public counter for record requests. Call the office before you visit to confirm open hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers common questions about Dixie County dissolution of marriage records. Each answer gives clear steps and facts. The answers cover searches, fees, and timelines. Use these answers to plan your request before you contact the clerk.
Can I view Dixie County divorce records for free?
Yes, basic case info is free through the Florida Court Records portal at myflcourtaccess.com. You can search by name and see case style, filing date, and judge. Full documents and certified copies cost a fee. The clerk office charges per page for copies and adds a certification fee for stamped copies. Online viewing is free, but printed or certified records cost money.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
In-person requests at the Dixie County Clerk office are often ready the same day. Mail requests can take 5 to 10 business days. Online requests through the Florida Department of Health can take 2 to 4 weeks. The exact time depends on the workload at each office. Plan ahead if you have a deadline for a name change or legal filing.
What if I do not know the exact year of the divorce?
You can still search without a year. The Florida Court Records portal lets you search by name only. You can also call the clerk office and ask for a wider search. The clerk may need extra details to find the right file. Be ready to give the full name, date of birth, and any other info you have.
Are dissolution of marriage records public in Florida?
Most case info is public. Names, filing dates, and case numbers are open to anyone. Some personal details may be sealed by court order. Financial records in a divorce file can sometimes be sealed. The clerk office can tell you which parts of a file are sealed before you request a copy.
Can I get a divorce record from another county through Dixie County?
No, Dixie County only holds records for cases filed in Dixie County. Each Florida county keeps its own files. If the divorce happened in another county, you must contact that county’s clerk. The Florida Department of Health can issue a statewide certificate that confirms a divorce in any Florida county.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree?
A divorce certificate is a short abstract from the Florida Department of Health. It shows basic facts like names and date. A divorce decree is the full final judgment signed by the judge. The clerk office keeps the decree. The health department keeps the certificate. Banks and courts often want the decree, not the certificate.
Can a sealed record be unsealed later?
Yes, a judge can unseal a record in some cases. The person who filed the case or a party named in it can ask the court. The court will review the reason and decide. The clerk office cannot unseal records on its own. You must file a written request with the court and wait for a judge’s order.