Nassau County dissolution of marriage records are official court files that prove a marriage has ended in Florida. These records show the names of both spouses, the filing date, the case number, and the final judgment.
People request them for name changes, remarriage, banking, real estate, immigration, and personal history. The Nassau County Clerk of Court keeps the original case files. The Florida Department of Health keeps shorter certificate abstracts. This page explains how each office works, what you can ask for, how much it costs, and how long it takes.
Nassau County Clerk of Court Office
The Nassau County Clerk of Court runs the local office that files and stores every dissolution case filed in the county. This is the first office most people contact when they need a divorce decree or case history. The clerk keeps two types of files: court records, which hold petitions, motions, and final judgments, and official records, which hold recorded documents like deeds and marriage licenses. Dissolution judgments sit in the court records section. The clerk office issues both plain copies and certified copies based on what the requester needs.
Contact Information
The Nassau County Clerk of Court sits inside the Nassau County Courthouse complex in Yulee, Florida. The mailing address and main office location is 76347 Veteran’s Way, Suite 456, Yulee, FL 32097. The main phone line is 904-548-4600. A toll-free line is open at 800-958-3496 for callers outside the local calling area. The current clerk is Mitch L. Keiter, who serves as the official record keeper for the county. Email contact and live chat hours appear on the official clerk website at nassauclerk.com. Most record requests move faster when callers have a case number or filing year ready before they phone the office.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Mitch L. Keiter |
| Office Address | 76347 Veteran’s Way, Suite 456, Yulee, FL 32097 |
| Main Phone | 904-548-4600 |
| Toll-Free Phone | 800-958-3496 |
| Judicial Circuit | 4th Judicial Circuit |
| Official Website | nassauclerk.com |
Office Hours and Location
The Nassau County Clerk of Court opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and all state holidays. Visitors who arrive after 4:30 p.m. may not be served because staff needs time to close files before closing time. The Yulee office sits just off State Road 200, near the Amelia Island Parkway. Free parking sits next to the building. Visitors coming from Fernandina Beach take State Road 200 west for about 15 minutes. The courthouse shares the building with other county offices, so visitors may need to stop at an information desk on the first floor before heading upstairs.
Services Offered
The clerk office handles every stage of the dissolution record process. New filings start at the intake window, where petitions, summons, and family law forms are accepted. Existing case files are pulled from the file room when requesters ask for certified or plain copies. The clerk also records final judgments in the official records index, which links court cases to recorded documents. Other services include name change filings after divorce, certified copy issuance, e-filing support, and marriage license records for couples who divorced and want proof of prior marital status.
How to Search Dissolution Records Online
Online search tools help requesters find a case before they visit the courthouse. Three main portals work for Nassau County dissolution records. Each portal searches a different part of the system. Users should check all three when they need a complete picture. Most portals ask for the spouse’s full legal name and an approximate filing year. Case numbers speed up the search. No fee applies to view basic index data, but copies and certified copies carry a fee.
Official County Portal
The Nassau County Clerk runs the primary search portal at nassauclerk.com. Visitors click on the Court Records or Official Records tab. The court records search covers dissolution cases filed in Nassau County Circuit Court. The search box asks for a last name, first name, and party type. Users can choose a date range and a case type, such as “Dissolution of Marriage.” Results show the case number, filing date, party names, and judge. Each result links to a docket page that lists every motion, order, and final judgment filed in the case. The portal also offers a free document viewer for non-certified copies.
Florida e-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts e-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com serves attorneys and self-represented filers who need to submit documents to the clerk. Users create a free account and link it to Nassau County. After login, filers select the case type, upload the petition or motion, and pay the filing fee by credit card. Self-represented filers must register as a “Pro Se” user. The portal shows filing status in real time. Records of past e-filings remain on the user dashboard, which helps attorneys track all cases they have filed in the county.
Statewide Official Records Search
The statewide Official Records search at myfloridacounty.com searches recorded documents across all 67 Florida counties. Nassau County dissolution judgments are recorded here as a public record. Users search by name, document type, or recording date. Each result shows the book and page number where the judgment was recorded. This portal works well for requesters who already know a divorce happened but need the recorded copy for property or name change use. The portal sells official copies for a per-page fee plus a small service charge.
Request Types and Costs
Three copy types exist for Nassau County dissolution of marriage records. Plain copies show the document text without any seal. Certified copies carry the clerk seal and a signature from the deputy clerk. Exemplified copies carry an extra seal for use in foreign countries. Costs vary by copy type and page count. The clerk office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards. Online credit card payments add a small processing fee. Mail-in requesters must add a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Certified Copy Requirements
Certified copies of dissolution judgments work for most legal, financial, and personal uses. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies ask for certified copies when the requester wants to change a name, claim a benefit, or update a marital status. Each certified copy includes a raised or stamped clerk seal, a signature line, and a date stamp. Florida law requires the requester to show valid photo ID for in-person requests or attach a copy of ID for mail-in requests. Authorized agents must also send a signed authorization letter from the named spouse.
Plain Copy Options
Plain copies serve people who only need to read the file or check a fact. Personal history research, family genealogy, and basic fact-checking all work with plain copies. The document looks the same as the certified copy but carries no seal and no signature. Plain copies cost less than certified copies. The clerk office prints plain copies on regular paper and does not stamp them. Many online portals let users download a plain copy as a PDF for a small fee.
Fee Schedule
Fee amounts change from year to year. Requesters should confirm current fees on the clerk website or by phone before paying. The most common fees for Nassau County dissolution records include a per-page copy fee, a certification fee, a search fee, and a credit card processing fee. Mail-in requesters also pay return postage. The clerk does not charge for a basic index search when no copies are requested. Rush processing is available for an extra fee on in-person requests.
| Service Type | Standard Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Copy (per page) | $1.00 | Regular paper, no seal |
| Certified Copy (per document) | $3.00 + copy fee | Raised or stamped seal |
| Exemplified Copy | Higher fee | For international use |
| Online Credit Card Fee | Small percentage | Added to total |
| Mail Return Postage | Actual postage | Include stamped envelope |
Step-by-Step Request Process
Requesters can use three methods to get Nassau County dissolution records: online, in person, or by mail. Each method has its own timeline and fee structure. Most requesters use more than one method because certified copies for legal use still require in-person pickup or mail return. The three methods are explained below in clear order.
Online Request Method
The online method works best for users who need a plain copy or who want to confirm a case number before visiting the clerk. Start at nassauclerk.com and open the Court Records search. Enter the spouse’s last name, first name, and date range. Find the correct case in the results list. Click the case number to open the docket. Select the final judgment from the docket entry list. Pay the per-page fee by credit card. Download the PDF copy or request a certified copy by mail. Allow at least one business day for the clerk to process the certified copy request.
- Visit nassauclerk.com and open Court Records search.
- Enter spouse’s full name and filing year range.
- Click the case number in the results list.
- Open the docket and find the final judgment.
- Pay the copy fee by credit card.
- Download the PDF or request a mailed certified copy.
In-Person Request Method
The in-person method works best for users who need certified copies the same day. Travel to the Nassau County Courthouse at 76347 Veteran’s Way, Suite 456, Yulee, FL 32097. Bring a valid photo ID. Find the Clerk Records window on the main floor. Fill out a Copy Request form at the counter. Pay the copy and certification fees by cash, check, or card. Wait while the clerk pulls the file and prints the copy. Most in-person requests finish within 30 minutes when the file is at the courthouse. Files stored off-site can take up to three business days to retrieve.
Mail-In Request Method
The mail-in method works best for users who live out of state or cannot travel to the courthouse. Write a request letter that lists the spouse’s full name, filing year range, case number if known, and the type of copy needed. Include a copy of the requester’s photo ID. Add a check or money order for the copy and certification fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail. Mail the package to the Nassau County Clerk of Court at the office address. Allow 7 to 14 business days for mail-in requests to arrive and return.
Florida Statutes Governing Dissolution
Florida law sets the rules for filing, processing, and reporting dissolution cases. Nassau County follows these rules because the county sits inside the Florida court system. The statutes below explain the most common rules that affect record requests. Statute numbers and links help requesters check current law before they file or request records.
Residency Requirements
Florida Statute 61.021 says at least one spouse must live in Florida for six months before filing the dissolution petition. The court checks residency at the filing hearing. A spouse who cannot prove six months of Florida residency will have the case dismissed. The statute also allows non-residents to file in cases where the marriage was performed in Florida and the petitioner still lives in Florida. This rule protects the integrity of every dissolution case file stored in Nassau County records.
Filing Standards
Florida Statute 61.052 explains the legal grounds for dissolution. The court can grant a dissolution when the marriage is irretrievably broken. The court can also grant a dissolution when one spouse has been mentally incapacitated for at least three years. The petition must state the grounds clearly and must be filed in the correct circuit court. Nassau County sits in the 4th Judicial Circuit. Filing in the wrong circuit can lead to dismissal or transfer.
Final Judgment Rules
Florida Statute 61.019 sets the minimum delay before the court can enter a final judgment of dissolution. The court must wait at least 20 days after the petition is served on the other spouse. The court can skip this delay only in cases that meet the strict waiver rules in the statute. Most uncontested dissolutions finish at the end of the 20-day window. The clerk office records the final judgment in the court docket and the official records index.
Record Reporting Rules
Florida Statute 382.023 controls how the county clerk reports dissolution judgments to the Florida Department of Health. The clerk sends a report after the final judgment is entered. The Department of Health then adds the record to the statewide vital statistics index. This two-step reporting flow explains why a county judgment may show up before the state certificate, or vice versa. People who need both records should plan for this time gap.
Florida Department of Health Divorce Certificates
The Florida Department of Health issues state-level divorce certificates. These certificates carry less detail than a county decree but work for many common needs. The state office keeps a shorter abstract of each divorce, including the spouses’ names, the county of record, and the filing date. State certificates do not include property division, alimony, or custody terms. The state office processes requests by mail, online, and in person at the state vital records office.
State Certificate vs County Decree
The state certificate works for simple proof of divorce for name changes, remarriage, and most government forms. The county decree works for cases that need full court findings, such as property settlement disputes or post-judgment motions. Each document serves a different purpose. People who plan to remarry often need both records: the state certificate for the new marriage license and the county decree to confirm the prior judgment terms. Banks and insurance companies typically accept either document, but the certified county decree carries more weight in legal disputes.
When to Use State Office
The state office helps when the county file is lost, sealed, or very old. State records go back to June 1927, when Florida began statewide divorce reporting. Older cases filed before 1927 stay only in the county files. Out-of-state requesters often find the state office easier to use because it accepts online and mail-in requests from any state. The state office also issues apostille-ready certified copies for international use through the Florida Department of State.
Self-Help and Legal Resources
Self-represented requesters can use free state and county resources. These resources help people who file without an attorney or who need help understanding court forms. Court staff can answer procedural questions but cannot give legal advice. People who need legal advice should contact a licensed attorney.
DIY Florida Tool
The DIY Florida tool at flcourts.gov helps self-represented filers build court forms through a step-by-step interview. The tool asks simple questions about the marriage, the children, the property, and the income. After the interview, the tool creates the correct court forms with the answers filled in. Users print the forms and file them with the clerk. The DIY Florida tool works for simple uncontested dissolutions. Cases with contested issues need an attorney.
Family Law Forms
Florida Courts publishes approved family law forms at flcourts.gov. The forms cover petitions, summons, financial affidavits, child support worksheets, and final judgment forms. Each form has its own number, such as Form 12.901 for the petition for dissolution. Nassau County filers must use the current approved form version. Older form versions can lead to rejection at the clerk window. The forms list appears on the Florida Courts website with a download link for each PDF.
Court Staff Limitations
Court clerks and staff can explain how to file forms, where to send them, and what fees apply. Court staff cannot help write forms, choose legal options, or predict how a judge will rule. This rule protects both the court and the requester. People who need help building forms should use the DIY Florida tool or hire an attorney. People who need legal advice about a divorce case should contact a family law attorney licensed in Florida.
Nassau County Cities and Court Districts
Nassau County includes several cities and communities, but dissolution cases always file at the county courthouse. City halls do not issue or store dissolution judgments. Every city resident files at the same Nassau County Courthouse in Yulee. State law requires circuit court filings at the county seat. The cities below all fall inside Nassau County and use the same clerk office.
Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach sits on Amelia Island and serves as one of the largest population centers in Nassau County. Fernandina Beach residents file dissolution cases at the Yulee courthouse because the court sits at the county seat. Travel from Fernandina Beach to the courthouse takes about 20 minutes by car via State Road 200. Local residents often use the online portal to start their search before driving to the courthouse for certified copies.
Yulee and Other Areas
Yulee is the unincorporated county seat area where the courthouse sits. Other communities in Nassau County include Callahan, Hilliard, and Amelia Island. All these communities use the Nassau County Clerk of Court for dissolution records. Residents in these areas typically visit the courthouse in person because of the short drive. People in outlying parts of the county can also use the mail-in option to save travel time.
Common Issues and Solutions
Requesters sometimes run into problems when they try to get Nassau County dissolution records. Most problems have simple fixes once the requester knows the right step. The issues below cover the most common requests that hit a roadblock. Each issue links to a practical solution that gets the file back on track.
Missing or Old Records
Cases filed before 1970 sometimes sit only on microfilm or in off-site storage. The clerk office can still pull these files, but retrieval takes longer. Plan for 5 to 10 business days when the case is older than 50 years. Records from before 1927 may not exist at the county level. Requesters who cannot find a very old file should check the Florida State Archives for any surviving index entries.
Name Discrepancies
Name discrepancies happen when the spouse used a different name at the time of divorce. Common cases include maiden name, married name, and hyphenated name. The court docket uses the name shown on the petition. Requesters who cannot find a case with one name spelling should try every spelling the spouse has used. Search results often show middle names that help confirm the right person.
Sealed or Restricted Records
Some dissolution cases sit under seal by court order. Sealed records require a separate court order to open. Requesters who need a sealed file must file a motion to unseal the record and show the court a valid reason. Confidential information like Social Security numbers and minor children information is always redacted, even in unsealed files. The clerk office handles redaction before issuing any copy.
Official Contact Information
The Nassau County Clerk of Court is the main contact for dissolution records in the county. The office address, phone numbers, website, and hours are listed below for quick reference. Visitors should call the clerk office before traveling to confirm hours and required documents. Mail-in requesters should send a complete package with ID copy, payment, and return postage.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers the most common questions about Nassau County dissolution of marriage records. The questions cover cost, timeline, certified copy rules, name changes, and record searches. Each answer gives a clear fact you can act on right away. Use these answers to plan your request and avoid delays.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a Nassau County divorce decree?
Certified copies take one to three business days for online requests, the same day for in-person requests when the file is at the courthouse, and seven to fourteen business days for mail-in requests. Files stored off-site can take longer. Requesters who need the copy by a specific date should use the in-person method. Mail-in requesters should send the request early to allow for postal delays on both ends.
What is the difference between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate in Florida?
A divorce decree is the full final judgment issued by the Nassau County Circuit Court. It includes the case findings, property orders, custody terms, and the judge’s signature. A divorce certificate is a short state-issued abstract that lists the spouses’ names, the county, and the filing date. The decree works for legal matters that need full case details. The certificate works for simple proof of divorce for name change, remarriage, and most government forms.
Can I search Nassau County divorce records for free?
Yes. The Nassau County Clerk offers free online index searches at nassauclerk.com. Users can view case numbers, party names, filing dates, and docket entries at no charge. Copies and certified copies carry a fee. The statewide Official Records search at myfloridacounty.com also lets users view basic index data for free. The free search does not include the full document image.
Do I need to be a spouse to get a Nassau County divorce record?
No. Dissolution judgments are public records in Florida. Anyone can request a copy of the final judgment. Certified copies with full case details are also open to the public. Some sensitive information, like Social Security numbers and minor children’s details, is always redacted. Sealed records are an exception and require a court order to open.
What if my Nassau County divorce file is missing or lost?
Start by checking the Florida Department of Health for a state-level divorce certificate. The state office has records from June 1927 forward. If the case is older or still missing, file a record search request with the Nassau County Clerk. The clerk will search the index and off-site storage. A small search fee may apply. If the file cannot be found, the court may be able to enter a corrected order to recreate the record.
Can I get a Nassau County divorce record apostille for international use?
Yes. First, request an exemplified certified copy from the Nassau County Clerk. Then send the exemplified copy to the Florida Department of State for an apostille. The apostille certifies the document for use in countries that join the Hague Apostille Convention. Mail-in apostille requests are accepted with payment and return postage. Plan for extra processing time on the state side.
How do I correct an error on my Nassau County divorce record?
File a motion to correct the clerical error with the Nassau County Circuit Court. The motion must list the wrong information and the correct information. The court reviews the motion and may enter an amended final judgment. After the court signs the amended judgment, the clerk updates the docket and official records. Requesters who need a new certified copy should request it after the amendment is recorded.