Miami Dade County dissolution of marriage records are official court files that show when a marriage was legally ended in the county. These records come from the 11th Judicial Circuit Court and are kept by the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court.
People search these records for legal proof, family history, financial matters, or remarriage checks. The clerk’s office holds the court docket, the index, and the final judgment for every case filed in the county.
Miami-Dade County Clerk and Court System
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court runs the daily filing and record work for all dissolution cases in the county. Every marriage ended in Miami-Dade moves through this office at some point. The clerk stores petitions, financial forms, court orders, and the final judgment. The office also sends copies to the Florida Department of Health for the state marriage dissolution certificate.
Office Location and Contact Details
The main clerk office sits in downtown Miami and serves all residents across the county. People can visit, call, or use the website to begin a search or copy request. Phone calls save a trip when records are old or hard to find. Mailing requests work for certified copies when time is not short.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Miami-Dade Clerk of Court |
| Clerk Name | Juan Fernandez-Barquin |
| Address | 73 W. Flagler St., Suite 133, Miami, FL 33130 |
| Phone | 305-275-1155 |
| Website | miami-dadeclerk.com |
| Judicial Circuit | 11th Judicial Circuit |
Filing Procedures and Court Divisions
Dissolution cases are filed in the Family Division of the circuit court. A petition starts the case and a final judgment ends it. Self-represented filers use the same forms as attorneys. Each case gets a unique case number that stays with the file for life. The clerk assigns the number and tracks every motion, hearing, and order filed under it.
Hours and Access Options
The clerk office opens weekdays during regular business hours. Counter service works best early in the day when lines are short. Online search tools run all day through the clerk portal. Phone service runs during posted hours, which can shift by division. Visitors should call before traveling long distances to confirm open windows.
How to Search Dissolution of Marriage Records
Records can be found by name, by case number, or by filing year. Each method works better for different types of searches. A name search needs the spelling used at filing time. A case number search is the fastest way to pull a known file. Online tools offer free lookups for basic index data.
Online Search Methods
The clerk website hosts the main online search tool. Users enter a last name and a year range to start. The system returns case styles, file dates, and case numbers. The portal covers family cases from the late 1990s forward. Older records sit in scanned archives and need counter or mail requests.
Name-Based and Case Number Lookup
Florida divorce records by name searches pull every case tied to a person in the county. Case number lookup skips the name check and opens the docket page right away. People who already have a case number from a lawyer or court order should use that path. The docket page lists every motion, order, and judgment filed under the case.
Free vs Paid Search Options
Free Florida divorce records search tools show index entries and docket lines at no cost. Paid options add certified copies, full document images, and statewide searches. Most users only need the free tool for a basic check. Legal, financial, or remarriage uses need the paid certified copy path.
Types of Documents Available
The clerk keeps three main types of documents for every dissolution case. Each serves a different user need. Some users only need proof a divorce happened. Others need the full text of the final judgment for property or custody reasons. The right document depends on why the record is needed.
Index Entries and Dockets
The index shows basic facts about each case. This includes names, filing dates, and the case number. The docket lists every event and filing in the case history. Both index and docket data are public under Florida law. These records are free to view through the clerk portal.
Certified Copies of Divorce Decrees
A certified copy of Florida divorce decree is a stamped copy of the final judgment. The court seal and clerk signature make it official. Banks, courts, and federal agencies ask for this form. The clerk charges a fee per page plus a certification fee. Mail requests need a signed form and payment.
Marriage Dissolution Certificates
The Florida marriage dissolution certificate comes from the Florida Department of Health. The clerk sends the final judgment to the state, which then issues the certificate. This state form works for most agencies that just need proof of divorce. The state form is different from the full court decree.
Legal Requirements and Florida Statutes
Florida law sets clear rules for filing, residency, and timing. These rules apply in every county, including Miami-Dade. The statutes spell out who can file, when they can file, and what the court must do. Users should know these rules before starting a search or filing a case.
Residency Requirements
Florida Statute 61.021 requires one spouse to live in Florida for six months before filing. Either spouse can meet this rule. Short residency does not block a search of past records. The rule only applies when filing a new case. People searching old records just need the names and year range.
Filing Time Frames
Florida Statute 61.019 sets a minimum delay of 20 days between filing and final judgment. Some cases waive this delay. Most simple, uncontested cases move through the system faster than contested ones. The clerk tracks the filing date and the final date on every case. Search tools show both dates on the docket page.
Sealing and Confidentiality Rules
Most dissolution files stay public under Florida law. Sensitive parts, like Social Security numbers, get redacted. Some cases get sealed by court order for safety or privacy reasons. Sealed records do not show up in public searches. A judge must sign an order to seal or unseal any family case file.
Cost and Processing Times
Costs vary by the type of record and the way it is requested. Standard copies are cheap. Certified copies cost more. Mail requests take longer than counter visits. Knowing the fee structure helps users plan their request and budget.
Copy Fees
The clerk charges a per-page fee for plain and certified copies. The fee covers the cost of pulling, copying, and certifying the document. Fee amounts change yearly, so users should check the current rate on the clerk site. Payments can be cash, card, check, or money order.
Certification Fees
The certification fee is added on top of the copy fee. This fee covers the clerk’s seal and signature. A certified copy is not valid for legal use without the seal. Most agencies require the certified version, not the plain copy. The fee is set by Florida statute.
Processing Time
Counter requests for plain copies often finish the same day. Certified copies at the counter can take one to two hours. Mail requests take five to ten business days. Online requests for plain copies finish in minutes. Rush services cost extra at most clerk offices.
Florida Statewide Resources
Miami-Dade is one county in a statewide court network. State tools fill gaps when the county tool lacks records. State records also help users who need a certificate instead of a full decree. Three statewide resources matter for divorce record searches.
Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health marriage dissolution certificate is the state version of the divorce record. The state office in Jacksonville handles all certificate requests. The site lists fees, forms, and processing times. State certificates work for most legal needs outside of court cases.
Florida e-Filing Portal
The Florida e-Filing Portal handles new case filings and motions. Users open an account and follow the steps to upload forms. Self-represented filers pay a small fee per submission. The portal tracks the status of every filing. It also emails updates to the filer and the clerk.
Official Records Search
Florida dissolution of marriage records online searches also run through the myfloridacounty.com official records tool. This tool covers recorded documents like deeds, liens, and judgments. Dissolution judgments appear here when recorded as official records. The tool works well for cross-checks across counties.
Other Florida Counties for Comparison
Florida has 67 counties, each with its own clerk of court. Search methods look the same across counties but the tools and fees differ. Users who cannot find a record in Miami-Dade should check neighboring counties. Each county listed below runs a family court with its own docket.
Orange County Florida Divorce Records
Orange County covers Orlando and the central Florida region. Its clerk office runs a similar online portal. Records from the late 1980s forward are searchable online. The county uses the same Florida family law forms as Miami-Dade.
Broward County Divorce Records
Broward County sits just north of Miami-Dade. Its clerk office in Fort Lauderdale handles dissolution cases. Many people who lived in both counties have records in one or the other. Checking Broward helps users who moved across county lines.
Palm Beach County Divorce Records
Palm Beach County covers the West Palm Beach area. Its clerk office stores a large volume of family cases. The county portal allows name and case number searches. Records can also be ordered by mail using standard forms.
Hillsborough County Divorce Records
Hillsborough County includes Tampa on Florida’s west coast. Its clerk office runs the Family Law Division. The county uses the same statewide Florida dissolution of marriage index for cross-county checks. Tampa users follow the same filing rules as Miami-Dade users.
Duval County Divorce Records
Duval County covers Jacksonville in northeast Florida. Its clerk office works with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics for state certificates. Users with cases in both Duval and Miami-Dade need to check both county portals. Duval’s portal covers records from the early 2000s forward.
Pinellas County Divorce Records
Pinellas County covers St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Its clerk office runs a public search tool with name and date filters. Old cases sit in the county archives. Mailing requests work best for records older than 20 years.
Self-Help and Legal Resources
People without a lawyer can still file or search for records. Florida offers self-help tools for both paths. These tools explain court forms, filing steps, and basic law. They cannot replace a lawyer for hard cases. The court staff can answer procedure questions but not legal advice questions.
Florida Courts Self-Help Information
The Florida Courts Self-Help page explains family court steps in plain English. It links to forms, guides, and local help centers. Self-represented filers start here to learn how to file or respond. The page also lists court locations by county.
Florida Family Law Forms
Florida Family Law Forms are the official court forms. Each form has a number and a clear title. The forms cover petitions, financial disclosures, and judgments. Users fill them out, sign them, and file them with the clerk. The form set is the same in every Florida county.
DIY Florida Document Interviews
The DIY Florida tool builds court forms through a step-by-step interview. Users answer plain questions and the tool fills in the right form. The tool reduces errors on common forms. Users then print and file the completed forms at the clerk office.
How to Request Miami-Dade County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Requests follow a set path that works for most users. The path starts with an online search and ends with a certified copy. Users who know the case number skip the name search. Users who need legal proof end at the certified copy step.
Step One: Gather Case Details
Write down the full names of both spouses as filed. Add the filing year or year range. Note the case number if known. Include the county of filing. A clear request speeds up the search and reduces back-and-forth.
Step Two: Run an Online Search
Open the clerk portal and enter the last name plus the year range. Pick the matching case from the list. Open the docket page to confirm the file. Write down the case number for the copy request.
Step Three: Order the Right Copy
Pick the copy type based on the user’s need. A plain copy works for personal records. A certified copy works for legal, bank, or court use. Mail requests need a signed form and payment. Counter requests need a photo ID.
Contact and Visit Details
Miami-Dade Clerk of Court, 73 W. Flagler St., Suite 133, Miami, FL 33130. Phone: 305-275-1155. Website: miami-dadeclerk.com. Office hours run weekdays during regular business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section covers questions users often ask about dissolution records in Miami-Dade County. Each answer gives clear facts based on Florida law and clerk practice. Users should still check the latest clerk site for fee and process changes. The answers below reflect standard practice as of 2026.
Can anyone get a Miami-Dade divorce decree copy?
Yes, plain copies of the docket and index are open to anyone under Florida public records law. Certified copies of the final judgment are also open to the public for a fee. Sensitive details like Social Security numbers are redacted before release. Sealed cases require a court order to open before any copy can be issued. A valid photo ID is required for certified copies at the counter.
How long does a Miami-Dade dissolution case take?
Simple, uncontested cases often finish in 30 to 90 days from filing to final judgment. Contested cases can run six months to several years based on issues and court load. Florida Statute 61.019 sets a 20-day minimum delay before final judgment in most cases. The clerk docket shows every step and date in the case.
What is the difference between a decree and a certificate?
The decree is the full final judgment issued by the judge and kept by the clerk. The certificate is a state-issued summary from the Florida Department of Health. The decree is used in court cases, property transfers, and legal filings. The certificate works for most agencies that just need proof of divorce.
Are online divorce records free in Miami-Dade?
Yes, index and docket searches are free through the clerk portal. Certified copies and full document images cost a fee. The free search shows names, dates, and case numbers. The paid search adds full text and certified stamps for legal use.
Can I search Miami-Dade divorce records by name?
Yes, Florida divorce records by name searches run through the clerk portal. Users enter a last name and a year range to see matching cases. The portal covers cases from the late 1990s forward. Older records need a counter or mail request.
What if I do not know the case number?
Run a name search on the clerk portal with the last name and year range. The portal will return matching cases with case numbers. Users can also call the clerk office with the names and year for help. Mail requests work when online tools miss the case.
Do sealed Miami-Dade divorce records ever become public?
Sealed records stay sealed unless a judge signs an order to open them. Florida law allows sealing for safety, privacy, or other strong reasons. The clerk cannot release a sealed file without a signed court order. Users can ask a lawyer about filing a motion to unseal a record.