Lee County dissolution of marriage records are official court files that show when a marriage legally ended in Lee County, Florida. These records include the case docket, sworn financial papers, child custody orders, and the final judgment signed by the judge.
People ask for these records to confirm a divorce, change a last name, remarry, or settle legal and money matters. The Lee County Clerk of Court holds the original court file. The Florida Department of Health also keeps a statewide index built from reports sent by the county clerk after each final judgment. Knowing where to search and which office to contact saves time and cuts down on extra fees.
What Are Lee County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Lee County dissolution of marriage records are public court records that prove a marriage has been legally ended by a Florida judge. The file starts when one spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage in circuit court. The file grows as the spouses exchange financial documents, sign agreements, and appear before the judge. The final document in the file is the final judgment, which most people call the divorce decree. The final judgment lists the names of both spouses, the date the marriage ended, custody terms if children are part of the case, and how property and debts are split. A dissolution of marriage is the same legal action as a divorce in Florida. The state law uses both terms in Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes.
Who Maintains These Records In Lee County
Three offices work together to keep, index, and share Lee County dissolution of marriage records. Each office has its own job. The right office depends on what you need and how you plan to use the record.
Lee County Clerk Of Court Role
The Lee County Clerk of Court stores the original court file. The current clerk is Kevin C. Karnes. The office address is 32075 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33901. The phone number is 239-533-5000. The website is leeclerk.com. The clerk indexes every case, scans the court papers, and issues plain and certified copies for a fee. The clerk also runs the online search portal that lets you look up cases by name or case number from any device with internet access.
Florida Department Of Health Role
The Florida Department of Health keeps a statewide index of every dissolution reported by county clerks. The state office issues short-form certificates that show the full names of both spouses, the county of filing, the file date, and the date the court signed the final judgment. State certificates cost less than a full court copy but do not include the full decree text. Many banks, insurance companies, and government agencies accept a state certificate as proof of divorce for basic needs like a name change.
Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court Role
Lee County sits in the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit court hears every family case in the county, including dissolutions of marriage. The clerk works under the authority of the circuit court. The signed final judgment stays in the court file held by the clerk. Court hearings and rulings also appear on the public docket, which is open to the public for review.
How To Search Lee County Divorce Records
There are three main ways to search Lee County divorce records. Each method works best for a different situation. Start with the free online search. Move to a case number lookup if you already have the number. Visit the clerk office in person for older files that may sit in the archive.
Online Search By Name
The Lee County Clerk of Court website has a public search tool at leeclerk.com. You can search by the last name of either spouse. You can also narrow the search by first name and year range. The search returns the case number, full names, filing date, and final judgment date. The tool is free to use. Results show in seconds for most name searches. The portal runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Case Number Lookup
If you know the case number, the search is faster and more exact. A case number search returns the exact file on the first try. Lee County case numbers follow a pattern that includes the year, the case type, and a sequence number. You can find the case number on old court papers, in a prior court order, or through a name search. Once you have the case number, the online portal leads you straight to the docket and the file list.
In Person Request At The Clerk Office
You can visit the clerk office in person for help with older records. The clerk staff can pull files from the paper archive. They can also help you fill out the request form. Bring a valid photo ID. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on state and federal holidays.
Steps To Request A Certified Copy
A certified copy has a raised seal or stamp from the clerk. Banks, courts, and government agencies often need certified copies. The steps below show the standard request process used in 2026. Each step helps the clerk find the right file and issue the right copy.
Step One Gather Full Case Details
Write down the full legal name of each spouse as it appears on the court papers. Add the year of filing. If you know the case number, include that too. The more details you give, the faster the clerk can find the file. Old files can be harder to find, so a year range of three to five years often helps the clerk narrow the search.
Step Two Choose A Request Method
You can request a certified copy online, by mail, or in person. Online requests through the clerk portal are the fastest. Mail requests take longer because of postal time. In person requests let you get the copy the same day if the file is at the counter and no seal is missing. Pick the method that matches your timeline and budget.
Step Three Pay The Required Fee
The Lee County Clerk charges a fee for each certified copy. The fee covers the search, the copy, and the clerk seal. As of 2026, the standard fee is listed on the clerk website. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards for in person and online orders. Mail orders should include a check or money order made out to the Lee County Clerk of Court.
Step Four Receive The Certified Copy
Online orders are sent by mail or email based on the request type. Mail orders are sent back by regular mail. In person orders are handed to you at the counter. Each certified copy has a unique seal number you can use to confirm the copy is real. Keep your certified copy in a safe place because the clerk charges a fee for each new certified copy.
Florida Laws That Govern These Records
Florida state laws set the rules for filing, judgment, and reporting. The main rules are in Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes. The Lee County Clerk follows these rules for every case filed in the 20th Judicial Circuit. The five statutes below are the ones most record users should know.
Florida Statute 61.021 Residency Rule
Florida Statute 61.021 says at least one spouse must live in Florida for six months before filing a petition. The spouse files a sworn statement that confirms this fact. The clerk checks this statement at the time of filing. If the statement is missing, the clerk rejects the petition. The six month clock starts on the day the spouse moved to Florida, not the day the spouse decided to file.
Florida Statute 61.019 Final Judgment Timing
Florida Statute 61.019 sets a minimum 20 day waiting period between filing and the entry of a final judgment. A judge can waive this period only for a strong reason shown in the court file. Most final judgments are signed 30 to 90 days after filing, depending on case complexity and the court schedule.
Florida Statute 61.052 Grounds For Dissolution
Florida Statute 61.052 lists the legal grounds for a dissolution. The main ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. The law also lists incapacity as a ground in certain cases. Most no-fault dissolutions in Florida rely on the irretrievably broken ground. The court does not require proof of fault for this ground.
Florida Statute 61.075 Property Division
Florida Statute 61.075 sets the rules for splitting marital property and debts. The court aims for an equal split unless there is a clear reason for a different result. Factors include the length of the marriage, the income of each spouse, and the health of each spouse. The court also considers each spouse’s contribution to the home and to raising children.
Florida Statute 382.023 Reporting To The State
Florida Statute 382.023 requires the county clerk to send a report to the Florida Department of Health after each final judgment. The report feeds the statewide index that powers state certificate requests. The report is sent by secure electronic transfer within a set time after the court signs the final judgment. The state index is updated within days of receipt.
Lee County Cities And Local Filing Access
Lee County has many cities and communities. All dissolution cases go through the county clerk, no matter which city the spouses live in. The clerk office serves every city in Lee County from the Fort Myers main office. Residents can also use the online portal from any city.
Fort Myers Filing Access
Fort Myers is the county seat. The clerk main office is located in Fort Myers. Residents of Fort Myers can use the main office or the online portal for record requests. Walk in service is available during normal office hours. Parking is available near the building for visitors.
Cape Coral Filing Access
Cape Coral is the largest city in Lee County by population. Cape Coral residents file at the same county clerk office in Fort Myers. They can use the online portal for most requests to save travel time. The portal works on phones, tablets, and computers.
Lehigh Acres Filing Access
Lehigh Acres is a large unincorporated community. Residents there also use the Lee County Clerk of Court in Fort Myers. The online portal works well for Lehigh Acres residents who want to save a trip. Mail requests are another option for residents who live far from the main office.
Common Reasons People Request These Records
People ask for Lee County dissolution of marriage records for many personal and legal reasons. The most common requests fall into a few clear groups. Knowing the reason for your request can help the clerk find the right document faster.
Name Change After Divorce
Many people change their last name back after a divorce. Banks, the Social Security Administration, and the DMV often ask for a copy of the final judgment as proof of the name change. A certified copy from the clerk is the most accepted proof for these agencies. Some agencies also accept a state certificate from the Florida Department of Health.
Remarriage And Background Checks
People who plan to remarry may need a copy of the final judgment. Some states and countries also ask for proof that a prior marriage ended before issuing a new marriage license. Background check companies may also ask for proof of a divorce as part of a job or licensing process.
Legal And Financial Matters
Lawyers, lenders, and government agencies may need the full decree for legal and financial work. Common cases include estate work, tax matters, loan applications, and child support updates. A certified copy is usually required for these legal and financial uses because the seal proves the document is real.
Free Vs Paid Record Access
Some searches are free. Others cost a fee. Knowing the difference helps you plan your budget. The table below shows the main cost differences for Lee County record access in 2026.
Free Public Index Searches
The Lee County Clerk online search tool is free. You can look up case numbers, party names, and filing dates at no cost. The state vital records index at the Florida Department of Health also offers free name searches. These free searches show you if a record exists. They do not give you the full decree text.
Paid Certified And Plain Copies
Plain copies and certified copies cost a fee. The fee covers the clerk time, the copy, and the seal. The exact fee is listed on the clerk website. Certified copies cost more than plain copies because of the seal and the clerk signature. The clerk charges per page for plain copies and a flat fee for each certified copy.
Self Help Resources For Lee County Residents
People who file on their own can use free state resources. These tools help with forms, procedure, and e-filing. The three resources below are the most useful for Lee County residents who handle a dissolution case without a lawyer.
Florida Courts Self Help Program
The Florida Courts Self Help Program offers free help with family law forms. The website has fact sheets, checklists, and form instructions. Court staff can answer questions about procedure, but they cannot give legal advice. The Self Help Program is a good starting point for self-represented filers.
DIY Florida Document Tool
DIY Florida is a free interview tool that builds court forms based on your answers. The tool helps with many family law forms, including dissolution petitions. The tool works for self-represented filers. The finished forms are ready to file in any Florida circuit court, including the 20th Judicial Circuit in Lee County.
Florida Family Law Forms
The Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms are posted on the Florida Courts website. These forms are accepted in every Florida circuit, including the 20th Judicial Circuit in Lee County. The forms include petitions, financial affidavits, and child support worksheets. Each form has a set of instructions that explain how to fill it out.
Official Contact And Office Hours
You can reach the Lee County Clerk of Court through the methods below. Office hours and contact details are current as of August 2026. You can also visit the office in person during open hours.
Office Address And Phone
Lee County Clerk of Court, 32075 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33901. Phone: 239-533-5000. Website: leeclerk.com. The clerk also has a public email contact form on the website. Mail requests should be sent to the same address with attention to the Official Records or Court Records department.
Office Hours And Walk In Service
The clerk office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Walk in service is available during open hours. Online services run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The office is closed on weekends.
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Lee County Dissolution Records FAQs
The questions below cover the most common questions about Lee County dissolution of marriage records. Each answer uses current 2026 rules and office practice. These answers help you avoid common mistakes and get your records faster.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Certified Copy
Standard requests take 3 to 5 business days. Mail requests add postal time on both ends. In person requests are often same day if the file is at the counter. Rush service may be available for an extra fee. Contact the clerk office for rush options. The rush fee is listed on the clerk website. Online orders processed during open hours are often ready the same day for digital delivery.
Can I Search Lee County Divorce Records For Free
Yes. The clerk online search is free. You can also use the Florida Department of Health online index at no cost. Fees only apply when you ask for a plain or certified copy of the file. The free searches show case numbers, party names, and filing dates. They do not show the full decree text or financial papers.
What If I Do Not Know The Year Of The Divorce
You can search a wide year range through the clerk online tool. If the tool returns no results, call the clerk office. Staff can run a manual search for a small fee. Manual searches are useful for older cases that may not be in the online index. The clerk staff can also check paper archives for very old files.
Are Lee County Divorce Records Public
Yes. Florida law makes dissolution of marriage records public. Some sensitive details, like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers, are sealed by law. The rest of the file is open to the public. The final judgment, the petition, and most motions are part of the public file. Sealed records require a court order to open.
Can I Get A Copy Of My Own Divorce Decree Online
Yes. You can order a certified copy through the clerk online portal. You can also order a short form certificate through the Florida Department of Health. The state certificate is faster but does not include the full decree. For most legal uses, the certified copy from the clerk is the best option because it has the clerk seal and signature.
What If The Record Is Very Old
Older records may sit in the paper archive. The clerk can still pull them. Some very old paper records may need extra time to copy. Contact the clerk office to confirm the file is still in the system. Records older than 1970 may be stored off site and need a few extra days to retrieve.
Do I Need A Lawyer To Get A Certified Copy
No. You can request a certified copy on your own. The clerk office helps with copy requests for any member of the public. A lawyer is only needed if you have a legal question about the contents of the file. The clerk staff can help with the request process and the fees. They cannot give legal advice about the case.