Martin County dissolution of marriage records are court files that show when a marriage ended in this Florida county. These records include the petition, the final judgment, and the docket sheets that track each step of the case.
People search for these records to confirm a divorce, to get a certified copy, or to check a case number. The Martin County Clerk of Court holds the official files for cases filed in this county. Statewide offices like the Florida Department of Health also keep a separate record after the court sends the final judgment.
Where Martin County Dissolution Records Are Stored
The Clerk of Court keeps the main file for every dissolution case in Martin County. The clerk works under the 19th Judicial Circuit, which covers Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. The clerk’s office stores three types of items for each case. The first item is the court docket, which lists every paper filed. The second item is the case file, which holds the original documents. The third item is the final judgment, which the judge signs to end the marriage.
Court Records vs Official Records
Martin County keeps two separate record systems. The court records system holds case files and dockets. The official records system holds documents that are recorded for public notice, like deeds and liens. Some divorce papers show up in both systems, but many only live in the court side. If you need the final judgment, search the court records system. If you need a recorded document tied to the divorce, search the official records system.
Role of the Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health keeps a statewide index of dissolutions. The clerk sends a report to the state after the court enters the final judgment. The state system tracks the basic facts, like the names of the spouses and the county where the case ended. The state office issues a certificate that some agencies accept. The county file is still the only place to get the full judgment with all the court orders.
Martin County Clerk of Court Contact Details
Martin County residents can visit or call the Clerk of Court to ask about dissolution records. The clerk’s office sits in downtown Stuart and runs a public records desk. The clerk also runs a website with online lookup tools. Below are the main contact points for the office.
| Office Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Carolyn Timmann |
| Office Address | 100 E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34994 |
| Main Phone | 772-288-5576 |
| Judicial Circuit | 19th Judicial Circuit |
| Website | martinclerk.com |
| Public Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Call before you visit because hours can change by division. Some divisions close for lunch or for court days. The clerk’s website posts any change in hours at the top of the home page.
Martin County Online Portals for Dissolution Records
Martin County runs several online tools that help you search for dissolution records. Each tool covers a different part of the file. Using more than one tool gives you the most complete picture of the case.
Court Records Search on the Clerk Website
The clerk website links to the court records search tool. You can search by name, case number, or filing date. The tool pulls cases from the 19th Judicial Circuit, which includes Martin County. Search results show the case style, the filing date, the judge, and the docket entries. Each docket entry lists the document type, so you know what file exists for the case.
Official Records Search for Recorded Documents
Florida has a statewide Official Records search at myfloridacounty.com. This tool holds recorded documents, including some that relate to dissolutions. Use this tool when you need a recorded document rather than a court file. Search by name, document type, or recording date. The tool covers all 67 Florida counties, so you can check the same name in other counties too.
Florida E-Filing Portal for Case Lookup
The Florida e-filing portal at myflcourtaccess.com lets you search case records and file new papers. Self-represented users can use this portal to check the docket on a pending case. The portal also lets attorneys and filing parties submit new documents. If you filed a case in Martin County, you can use this portal to track the docket without visiting the clerk.
How to Request Martin County Dissolution of Marriage Records
The request process works best when you follow a few clear steps. Start with a free online search to confirm the case exists. Then decide if you need a plain copy or a certified copy. Finally, submit your request to the clerk and pay the required fee.
Step One: Confirm the Case Online
Start your search at the clerk’s court records tool. Type the full legal name of either spouse. Add a year range if you know when the case was filed. The tool returns matching cases with a case number, filing date, and judge. Write down the case number because it speeds up the next steps.
Step Two: Choose Between a Plain Copy and a Certified Copy
Plain copies show the text of the document but do not carry the clerk’s seal. Many personal uses accept a plain copy. Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and a signature from the clerk. Banks, courts, and government agencies often ask for a certified copy. Tell the clerk which type you need so the office can process your request correctly.
Step Three: Submit Your Request to the Clerk
Submit your request by mail, in person, or through the online payment portal. Mail requests should include a signed request form, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order. In-person requests go to the public records desk at the Stuart office. Online requests use the clerk’s payment portal, which lets you pay by credit card for a small fee.
Required Details for a Strong Request
Your request moves faster when you give the clerk the right details. The clerk uses these details to pull the file and prepare the copy. Below is a list of items to include with every request.
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Approximate filing year or full date range
- Case number if you have one
- Type of record, like final judgment or petition
- Your phone number and mailing address
- Copy of a valid photo ID
- Payment for the copy and certification fees
Fees and Costs for Martin County Dissolution Records
The clerk charges set fees for each type of service. These fees follow Florida law and apply to all counties. Some fees change each year, so check the clerk’s website for current rates.
| Service | Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Plain copy per page | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy per document | $3.00 plus copy fees |
| Online search and view | Free for basic lookups |
| Credit card processing fee | Around 3.5 percent of total |
| Federal Express mailing | Extra fee based on address |
Budget for both the copy fee and the certification fee when you order a certified copy. The clerk may charge extra if the file is large or if the search takes more than 30 minutes. Ask for a fee estimate before you send payment.
Florida Statutes That Govern Dissolution Records
Florida law sets the rules for how dissolution cases work and how the records move through the system. These statutes apply to every county, including Martin County. Knowing the main statutes helps you understand the timeline and the documents you will see in the file.
Florida Statute 61.021 Residency Rule
Florida Statute 61.021 says one spouse must live in Florida for at least six months before filing. The rule also asks that one spouse live in the filing county before the case ends. This rule protects Florida courts from handling cases that have no real link to the state.
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 court can also grant a dissolution when one spouse has a listed mental incapacity. Most filings use the irretrievably broken ground because it is the simplest to prove.
Florida Statute 61.019 Final Judgment Timing
Florida Statute 61.019 sets a minimum time before the court can enter a final judgment. The default minimum is 20 days from the date of service. The court can shorten the wait only for a valid reason shown in the file. This statute creates the standard delay that most people see in a dissolution timeline.
Florida Statute 61.043 Circuit Court Venue
Florida Statute 61.043 says dissolution cases start in circuit court. The petition goes to the circuit court in the county where the filing spouse lives. For Martin County, this means the 19th Judicial Circuit handles every local dissolution case.
Florida Statute 382.023 Reporting to the Health Department
Florida Statute 382.023 explains how the clerk reports the final judgment to the state. The clerk sends a report to the Florida Department of Health within a set time after the judge signs the judgment. This report builds the statewide index. The state index is the source for the certificate that the Department of Health issues.
Comparing Martin County to Other Florida Counties
Florida has 67 counties, and each one runs its own clerk office for court records. Martin County sits in the 19th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Indian River, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties. Larger counties handle far more cases each year. The list below shows other large counties that searchers often compare to Martin County.
Orange County Dissolution Records
Orange County covers Orlando and runs the 9th Judicial Circuit. The Orange County Clerk of Court handles more dissolution cases each year than Martin County because of the larger population. Orange County uses the same statewide online portal but adds a separate search tool on its own website. The fees and forms match Martin County because Florida law applies to both.
Miami-Dade County Dissolution Records
Miami-Dade County covers the Miami area and runs the 11th Judicial Circuit. Miami-Dade handles one of the highest case counts in Florida. The clerk website hosts a separate search tool, and many people use the statewide portal as well. The fees and forms match Martin County because Florida law applies statewide.
Hillsborough County Dissolution Records
Hillsborough County covers Tampa and runs the 13th Judicial Circuit. Hillsborough uses the same statewide portal as Martin County. The fees and forms match because Florida law sets the same rules statewide.
Broward County Dissolution Records
Broward County covers Fort Lauderdale and runs the 17th Judicial Circuit. Broward uses the same statewide portal as Martin County, plus a separate local tool on the clerk site. Fees and forms match because Florida law sets the rules for all counties.
Palm Beach County Dissolution Records
Palm Beach County runs the 15th Judicial Circuit and sits just south of Martin County. Palm Beach uses the statewide portal plus a local search tool. The fees and forms match Martin County because both follow Florida law.
Duval County Dissolution Records
Duval County covers Jacksonville and runs the 4th Judicial Circuit. Duval uses the same statewide portal as Martin County. The fees and forms match statewide because Florida law applies to all 67 counties.
How to Get a Certified Divorce Decree in Florida
A certified divorce decree carries the clerk’s seal and proves the document is a true copy of the court file. Many agencies ask for a certified copy when you change your name, update a bank account, or remarry. The clerk is the only office that can certify a Florida divorce decree.
Certified Copy From the County Clerk
Order the certified copy from the Martin County Clerk of Court if the case was filed in this county. The clerk checks the court file, makes a copy, and adds the seal. You can pick up the certified copy in person or ask the clerk to mail it. The clerk charges the certification fee plus the per-page copy fee.
Certificate From the Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health issues a statewide certificate that some agencies accept. The certificate shows the basic facts of the dissolution, like the names and the county. The certificate does not include the full text of the court orders. Order the certificate from the Department of Health when an agency accepts it in place of a full certified copy.
Common Reasons People Search for Martin County Dissolution Records
People search for dissolution records for many personal and legal reasons. Below are the most common reasons searchers look at Martin County files.
- Confirming a divorce before a remarriage
- Changing a name on a Social Security card or bank account
- Updating a passport or driver’s license
- Resolving a property or debt issue tied to the marriage
- Checking the case status for a pending filing
- Serving legal papers in a related case
- Doing genealogy or family history research
Limitations of the Online Search Tools
Online search tools help most requesters, but they have some limits. Older files may not show up in the search results because the clerk scanned them in batches over many years. Some older files only live on microfilm, which the clerk stores at a separate location. Name changes, spelling errors, and missing middle names can also hide a case from the search. If the online search returns no result, contact the clerk’s public records desk for help.
Cases Sealed by the Court
Some dissolution files are sealed by court order. Sealed files do not show up in the public search tool. Only parties named in the order can view a sealed file. The clerk will ask for proof of identity before granting access to a sealed case.
Redacted Personal Information
Florida law lets the court redact personal details like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers. Redacted items show as black bars in the online view. The unredacted text stays in the court file, but the clerk will not release it without a court order.
Martin County Self-Help Resources for Dissolution Cases
People who file without an attorney can use the Florida Courts self-help program. The self-help program explains forms, filing steps, and basic procedure. Court staff cannot give legal advice, but they can answer questions about forms and filing rules.
Florida Family Law Forms
The Florida Courts website posts the approved family law forms at flcourts.gov. The forms cover every step of a dissolution case, from the initial petition to the final judgment. The forms list the right places to file and the right boxes to fill in for Martin County cases.
DIY Florida Document Interview
The Florida Courts website also hosts a tool called DIY Florida. This tool walks you through a set of questions and builds the right forms for your case. The tool helps self-represented filers prepare their documents before they submit them to the clerk.
Tips for a Smooth Records Search
A smooth search saves time and money. The tips below help you get the right file on the first request.
- Use the legal name that appears on the marriage certificate
- Include the middle name when you know it
- Search a wide year range first, then narrow it
- Check both the court and official records systems
- Write down the case number for faster service
- Call the clerk before you visit to confirm hours
- Keep copies of every request and payment receipt
Frequently Asked Questions About Martin County Dissolution Records
This section answers common questions that searchers ask about Martin County dissolution of marriage records. Each answer uses current Florida law and the current clerk process. The answers focus on the practical steps a searcher needs to take to get the right file from the right office.
Are Martin County dissolution records public?
Yes. Most Martin County dissolution records are public under Florida law. The court docket, the petition, and the final judgment are open to the public. Some parts of the file may be sealed by court order or redacted by statute. Sealed files need a court order before the clerk can release them.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
In-person requests at the clerk’s office often finish the same day for simple files. Mail requests take about 7 to 10 business days. Online requests through the clerk’s payment portal take about 3 to 5 business days. Older files stored on microfilm can take longer because the clerk must pull the file from a separate location.
Can I search for free?
Yes. The clerk’s online court records tool lets you search by name for free. You can see the case style, the filing date, and the docket entries at no cost. The clerk charges a fee when you ask for a printed or certified copy of a document.
What if I do not know the case number?
You do not need a case number to start your search. The clerk’s tool lets you search by name. A wider year range helps when you do not know the exact filing year. The clerk’s public records desk can help you narrow the search if the name is common or if the spelling has changed over time.
Can I get a dissolution record from another county through the Martin County clerk?
No. The Martin County clerk only holds files for cases filed in Martin County. Each of the 67 Florida counties holds its own court files. You must contact the clerk in the county where the case was filed. The statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com lets you search cases in other counties with the same tool.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree?
A divorce certificate is a short record that lists the basic facts of the dissolution. The Florida Department of Health issues the certificate. A divorce decree is the full court order that ends the marriage and lists the terms. The county clerk issues a certified copy of the decree. Many agencies want the decree because it carries the court orders.
Do I need an attorney to get a dissolution record?
No. You can request a dissolution record on your own without an attorney. The clerk’s office serves the public and can help you locate the file. An attorney is only required when you need legal advice about a case, not when you need a copy of an existing record.
What if the case file is missing or lost?
The clerk keeps backup records for most files. If the original file is missing, the clerk can pull a reconstructed file from the docket entries and the court system. A reconstructed file takes longer because the clerk must gather every paper from different sources. Ask the clerk about reconstruction when you cannot find a file through the regular search.
Office Address: 100 E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34994
Phone Number: 772-288-5576
Website: martinclerk.com
Florida Court E-Filing Portal: myflcourtaccess.com
Florida Official Records Search: myfloridacounty.com/official_records
Florida Department of Health Divorce Certificates: floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/divorce-certificates/