Kendall City dissolution of marriage records are court files managed by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts. Kendall sits inside unincorporated Miami-Dade, so no city office handles these files.
Anyone needing divorce records in Kendall must use the county clerk or the Florida Department of Health. This page covers where to search, how to request certified copies, and what laws apply to Kendall dissolution cases filed in Miami-Dade County circuit court.
How Kendall Dissolution of Marriage Records Are Filed
Dissolution of marriage is the legal term Florida uses for divorce. Every Kendall case opens in the Miami-Dade County circuit court. The county clerk stores every paper filed, every court order, and the final judgment. These files stay at the clerk’s office for the life of the case. Certified copies remain available at any time from the records department.
Where to File in Miami-Dade County
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts handles all Kendall dissolution filings. The main office sits at 73 W. Flagler St., Suite 133, Miami, FL 33130. Clerk Juan Fernandez-Barquin oversees records storage and certified copy requests. Most Kendall family court hearings take place at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building, 1351 NW 12th St., Miami, FL 33125. The 11th Judicial Circuit covers all Miami-Dade family matters. Kendall cases go through this circuit for every filing.
What Records Are Available
The county clerk keeps several record types for each Kendall dissolution case. Petition papers, summons, financial affidavits, and the final judgment all sit in the court file. Anyone can view the docket sheet, which lists every event in the case from filing to closing. Certified copies include a raised seal and the clerk’s signature, making them valid for legal use in other courts and government agencies. Some file parts, like sealed financial documents, stay restricted from public view under Florida privacy rules.
Who Can Access These Records
Most Kendall dissolution records are public under Florida law. The parties named in the case, their attorneys, and members of the public can request copies. Sealed records require a court order to open. Adoption records tied to a dissolution case stay sealed by default. Juvenile records connected to the divorce are restricted from public access at every stage.
Searching for Kendall Dissolution Records
Three main search tools help Kendall residents locate dissolution records. The Miami-Dade Clerk online portal shows case data for free. The Florida Courts e-filing portal tracks statewide case information. The Florida Department of Health issues certified divorce certificates based on state vital statistics.
Online Court Portal Search
The Miami-Dade Clerk website lets users search court records by party name, case number, or filing date. The portal shows docket entries, hearing dates, and the case status. Search results include the judge assigned to the case and the final judgment date. No account is needed to run a basic search. Visit miami-dadeclerk.com to start a search and enter the last name of either spouse.
Searching by Name
Name searches work best with full legal names and an approximate filing year. Common last names may return many results, so adding a middle name or birth year helps narrow the list. The portal lists case numbers, filing dates, and party names for each match. Users can click a case number to see the full docket history with every event listed in order.
Searching by Case Number
A case number search returns results faster when the user knows the number. Case numbers follow a format like 2023-DR-012345. The year comes first, then the case type code, then the sequence number. Older case numbers use different formats, so users with older records may need to contact the clerk directly for help with the right format.
Requesting Certified Copies of Dissolution Records
Certified copies of Kendall dissolution records come with an official seal and signature. These copies serve as proof of divorce for name changes, remarriage, immigration, and other legal matters. The clerk offers three ways to request certified copies: in person, by mail, and online.
In-Person Requests
Walk-in requests are processed the same day at the clerk’s office. Visitors need a valid photo ID and the case number or party names. Payment options include cash, check, money order, and credit card. The clerk charges a small fee per certified page. Plan to arrive early as the office gets busy in the morning hours.
Mail and Online Requests
Mail requests take seven to ten business days. The applicant sends a written request, a copy of their ID, and payment by check or money order. Online requests through the clerk’s portal or VitalChek arrive within three to five business days. Each certified copy has a set fee listed on the clerk’s published fee schedule.
Fees and Payment Methods
The standard fee for a certified copy of a dissolution judgment is set by Florida statute. Additional pages cost extra per page. Rush processing adds a surcharge. Credit card payments through the online portal include a small service fee. Money orders and checks are accepted for mail requests without extra service charges.
| Request Type | Fee Range | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| In-Person Certified Copy | $7 to $10 per document | Same day |
| Mail Request | $7 to $10 per document plus postage | 7 to 10 business days |
| Online via Clerk Portal | $7 to $10 per document plus service fee | 3 to 5 business days |
| VitalChek Online Order | Varies by record type | 3 to 7 business days |
Florida Statewide Dissolution Records
Florida keeps statewide divorce records through the Department of Health and the court clerks network. These records cover every county, including Miami-Dade. Statewide records help when county records are incomplete, old, or hard to locate in the local clerk database.
Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics issues certified divorce certificates. These certificates confirm a divorce happened but do not contain the full court judgment. Users order them online, by mail, or in person at the Jacksonville office. Processing times run from two to four weeks depending on how the applicant submits the request.
VitalChek Ordering Portal
VitalChek is the official third-party vendor for Florida vital records. Users place orders through vitalchek.com and pay by credit card. The system pulls data from the state vital statistics database and sends certified certificates by mail. This service is faster than ordering directly from the state for many users across the country.
Florida Court Clerks Portal
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website links to every county clerk in the state. Users can search county-by-county for dissolution cases. The portal offers statewide court records search through flclerks.com. This search helps when a Kendall case was transferred or refiled in another Florida county after initial filing.
Florida Divorce Laws and Statutes
Florida law controls every Kendall dissolution case. Key statutes cover residency, grounds for divorce, and property division. The 11th Judicial Circuit handles all Miami-Dade family court matters. Knowing the law helps users understand their rights and what the court record contains for each case type.
Residency Requirements
Florida Statute 61.021 requires one spouse to live in Florida for at least six months before filing. Proof of residency comes through a driver’s license, voter registration, or sworn affidavit. Cases filed without meeting this requirement get dismissed. Kendall residents satisfy this rule the same way any other Florida resident does.
Grounds for Dissolution
Florida is a no-fault divorce state under Florida Statute 61.052. The only ground needed is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Mental incapacity is the other ground allowed under the law. Most Kendall dissolution cases cite the no-fault language. The court does not require proof of wrongdoing by either party for the case to move forward.
Equitable Distribution
Florida Statute 61.075 governs how the court splits marital property. The term equitable means fair, not always equal. Judges consider each spouse’s income, contributions, and needs. The final judgment lists each asset and how it gets divided. This judgment becomes part of the public court record at the county clerk’s office.
Final Judgment Timing
Florida Statute 61.019 covers the timing for the final judgment in dissolution cases. The court can enter a final judgment after a short waiting period for cases without minor children. Cases involving children may require additional steps before the court enters the final order. The clerk records the final judgment date in the case docket.
Common Search Methods for Kendall Records
Different search methods work better for different record types. Recent cases are easier to find through the online portal. Older cases may require direct clerk assistance for archive searches. Knowing which method to use saves time and money for the requester.
Free Search Options
The Miami-Dade Clerk portal offers free basic searches. Users see docket entries and case status without paying any fee. The Florida Courts portal lets users check statewide records at no cost. Printed copies cost extra, but viewing the docket remains free for any user with internet access.
Paid Search Services
Third-party websites offer record searches for a fee. These services pull data from public sources and add convenience features for users. Results vary in quality, and certified copies still must come from the county clerk. Users should compare fees and check reviews before paying any third-party service for record searches.
Help From the Clerk’s Office
The clerk’s office helps locate records that online searches miss. Staff can search older archives, microfilm files, and sealed record indexes when needed. Phone support runs during regular business hours. Email requests get answered in one to three business days. Walk-in help is available at the courthouse information desk on weekdays.
Document Requirements for Record Requests
Anyone requesting Kendall dissolution records must prove their identity and reason for the request. Proper documents speed up processing at the clerk window. Missing documents cause delays for the applicant and require a second visit or extra mailing time.
Valid ID Forms
A current driver’s license, state ID, or passport works as primary ID at the service window. Secondary IDs include Social Security cards, birth certificates, and utility bills. The clerk may ask for two forms of ID when requesting certified copies of the final judgment. Expired IDs get rejected at the service window for security reasons.
Authorization Letters
A signed authorization letter lets one person request records on behalf of another party. The letter must include the requester’s name, the subject’s name, and the records needed. Notarization is not required for most dissolution record requests. Attorneys use a bar number instead of a notarized letter for their professional requests.
Other Florida Counties for Dissolution Records
Florida residents often need records from other counties for family law matters. Each county has its own clerk and portal. The records search process works the same way across all Florida counties, with small variations in fees and office hours.
Miami-Dade County Records
Miami-Dade County keeps all Kendall dissolution records at the main clerk office. The online portal covers cases filed from the 1980s to the present. Older paper files sit in the county archive building. Users can request older files through the clerk’s research desk for an extra fee.
Orange County Dissolution Records
Orange County dissolution records cover Orlando and surrounding areas. The Orange County Clerk of Courts maintains these files. Users search through the county portal at myorangeclerk.com. Certified copies follow the same fee schedule as other Florida counties for similar services.
Hillsborough County Divorce Records
Hillsborough County handles Tampa-area dissolution filings. The clerk portal covers cases filed across Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace. Hillsborough dissolution records use the same Florida law as other counties, with local procedural rules that may vary slightly from Miami-Dade practice.
Broward and Palm Beach Records
Broward County and Palm Beach County keep their own dissolution files. These neighboring South Florida counties share similar procedures with Miami-Dade. Users searching for a relative case filed in one of these counties use the county clerk portal for each location.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Miami-Dade Clerk’s office serves all Kendall dissolution record requests. Office hours, phone numbers, and addresses appear below for quick reference. Users should call ahead to confirm hours before visiting in person for any certified copy request.
Miami-Dade Clerk Main Office
The main clerk office is at 73 W. Flagler St., Suite 133, Miami, FL 33130. The phone number is 305-275-1155. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Free parking is available at nearby public garages for visitors.
Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building
The family court division sits at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building, 1351 NW 12th St., Miami, FL 33125. This building handles all Kendall dissolution hearings and filings. Public terminals let visitors search court records during business hours. Security screening is required for entry to the building.
Online Resources and Phone Support
The Miami-Dade Clerk website is miami-dadeclerk.com. The Florida Courts e-filing portal is myflcourtaccess.com. Phone support for general questions runs at 305-275-1155. Email support is available through the contact form on the clerk’s website. Response times for email run one to three business days on average.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers common questions about Kendall dissolution of marriage records. Each answer gives direct steps based on Florida law and Miami-Dade County rules. Use this section as a quick reference for typical record requests and unusual situations. The answers cover free searches, certified copies, sealed records, and out-of-state requests. Reading these answers helps users avoid common mistakes when filing a record request.
How Do I Find a Kendall Divorce Record for Free?
The Miami-Dade Clerk portal lets anyone search Kendall dissolution cases at no cost through the public records section. Go to miami-dadeclerk.com and select Court Records Search from the main menu. Enter the last name of either spouse in the search field and choose Family under case type. The system lists matching cases with docket entries, filing dates, and current case status. Users see the judge assigned, hearing dates, and the final judgment date without paying any fee. The docket shows every event in the case from initial filing through the final judgment entry. Certified copies cost extra, but viewing the docket stays free for any user with internet access. Users with old case numbers can search by name and year range to find the matching case. The portal covers cases filed from the late 1980s to the present day across all Miami-Dade family court divisions. Users can filter by year range to narrow results when names are common. Print or save screenshots of docket entries for personal records at no cost. Public terminals at the courthouse offer free access for users without home internet.
Difference Between Certificate and Decree
A divorce certificate confirms a divorce happened. The certificate comes from the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics and lists basic facts like full legal names, county of filing, and the divorce date. A divorce decree is the full court order ending the marriage. The decree covers property division, custody terms, support orders, and attorney fees decided by the judge. The county clerk issues the decree at the courthouse, not the state vital records office. Banks, insurance companies, and many employers accept the certificate as proof of divorce. Courts and government agencies handling name changes, immigration, or remarriage usually require the full decree for legal processing. Both documents stay available through different request channels for any party to the case. The certificate costs less and processes faster from the state office. The decree contains more detailed case information but takes longer to obtain from the county clerk. Users should order both documents when completing a remarriage or name change process.
Can I Get a Kendall Divorce Record Online?
Yes. Online requests go through the Miami-Dade Clerk portal or the VitalChek ordering system for certified copies. The clerk portal accepts credit card payments and delivers certified copies by mail in three to five business days for standard orders. VitalChek orders handle state-level divorce certificates for users across the country with delivery in three to seven days. Both services charge a base fee plus a small processing surcharge for credit card transactions and mail handling. The clerk portal lets users upload ID copies as part of the request to speed up verification. VitalChek accepts ID verification through their secure online form for users in all fifty states. Users see order tracking through both portals during the processing period with email updates at each stage. Some users prefer the clerk portal for full judgment copies that include property and custody terms. Other users prefer VitalChek for the basic certificate needed for most personal matters like name changes. Both services operate 24 hours a day for order placement through their websites.
How Long Are Records Kept?
The clerk keeps Kendall dissolution records permanently under Florida public records law. Paper files older than 1990 may sit in off-site storage facilities managed by the county records department. Digital indexes cover most older cases through the clerk’s portal search system. Users requesting very old records may need clerk staff to pull files from the physical archive building for review. The archive retrieval fee runs higher than standard certified copy fees because of the extra handling time required. Older files from the 1950s and 1960s may take extra time to locate through microfilm readers at the county archive. The clerk staff can help users track down records from any decade through the research desk. Microfilm copies can be ordered for an extra fee when paper originals are too fragile to handle. Most users find their records through the online portal within minutes without needing archive help. The clerk staff recommends calling ahead for archive requests to confirm file location.
What if I Do Not Know the Case Number?
Search by name through the clerk portal or contact the clerk’s office by phone for help with old cases. Name searches work best with full legal names and an approximate filing year range. The clerk’s staff can search by other details like the spouse’s birth year or county of residence at filing time. Users with partial information can still get useful results from the name search tool. The clerk portal lets users filter results by year range and case type to narrow down the list when common names appear. Staff at the records desk can help with archived cases that do not show up in the online system through manual index searches. The clerk keeps name indexes going back many decades for cases filed in Miami-Dade County. Users can request a name search through the clerk’s online form or by calling the main phone line during business hours. The search fee may apply for detailed manual searches through older indexes stored on microfilm.
Are Sealed Kendall Divorce Records Public?
No. Sealed records stay closed to the public at all times under court order. A judge orders sealing only in rare cases involving safety, privacy, or juvenile matters that warrant protection. The parties named in the case can request a court order to unseal specific records through a formal motion filed with the court. Third parties cannot view sealed records without a valid court order granting access to the file. Adoption records tied to a dissolution case stay sealed by default under Florida law to protect the parties involved. Juvenile records connected to the divorce are restricted from public access through state privacy laws. Sealed records appear in the docket only with a sealed stamp and no document details visible to the public. Users who need access to sealed records must hire an attorney to file the proper motion with the court. The court reviews each motion on a case-by-case basis before granting access to the requesting party.
What Happens if I Live Outside Florida?
Out-of-state residents can still request Kendall dissolution records through standard request channels without visiting Florida. Mail requests through the county clerk work for any U.S. address with proper postage and payment included. Online orders through the clerk portal or VitalChek deliver to any state in the country within standard processing times. International requests go through VitalChek or the U.S. mail with international postage rates applied. Additional postage fees apply for foreign deliveries, and delivery times run longer for international mail shipments. Users abroad can use VitalChek for the fastest international delivery option available through their network. The clerk portal accepts credit card payments from international users but may charge foreign transaction fees through the user’s bank. All mailed requests must include a copy of the requester’s ID and proper payment for processing. Users should allow extra time for international delivery when planning document needs for upcoming legal matters.