Palm Beach County dissolution of marriage records are court files that prove a marriage ended through a Florida court order. These records sit inside the 15th Judicial Circuit Court system and the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court office.
People search them to confirm a divorce is final, check a case number, get a certified copy, or run a background check. The clerk keeps the docket, the index, and the final judgment for every case filed in the county.
Where Palm Beach County Stores These Records
Every dissolution case filed in Palm Beach County moves through a small set of public offices. Each office holds a different piece of the file. Knowing which office holds what piece saves time when you need a copy.
The Clerk of Court Role
The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court runs the main record system for all family law cases. This office stores the petition, the response, the docket, and the final judgment. The current clerk listed for public service is Mike Caruso, CPA. The clerk office assigns case numbers, scans old files, and issues both plain and certified copies of judgments. Most record requests in the county start here.
The Clerk Office Address and Phone
The clerk office for family records sits at 301 N. Olive Ave., Ninth Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. You can call 561-355-2996 or the toll-free line 888-780-5302 to ask about case status, copy fees, or office hours. Calling before you visit helps confirm that your record sits in court records, official records, or both.
The State Court System
The Florida Supreme Court runs the statewide case search system. Palm Beach County cases post to this system through the clerk. This state tool helps when you only know a name and an approximate year. The state system also lets you pull docket sheets from any county, which helps when someone moved between counties during a case.
The Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health holds the state-level certificate for each dissolution. County clerks send reports to the health office after a final judgment. The health office issues a shorter certificate that confirms the basic facts of the divorce. This certificate is the form many state and federal agencies want for name changes, tax files, and benefits.
The Official Records Search
The Florida Official Records search holds recorded documents like deeds and liens. A final judgment of dissolution may also post here in some counties. Palm Beach County uses this tool for public access to recorded family court items that the clerk stamped and recorded. The official records index can confirm that a record exists even when the court docket is sealed or restricted.
How to Search Palm Beach Dissolution Records Online
Online search tools let most people check case status without leaving home. The tools work best when you have at least a last name and a year range. Here is how each tool works in plain steps.
Use the County Court Search
Open the Palm Beach County Clerk court search page at palmbeachclerk.com. Pick the case type for family or domestic relations. Type the last name of either spouse. Add a year range to narrow the results. The search will return a list of matching cases with the case number, the filing date, and the judge assigned. Click a case number to see the full docket list.
Use the Statewide Search Portal
The statewide portal lets you search by name, party type, or case number across all Florida counties. This tool helps when you are not sure which county holds the file. A statewide search is slower but covers more ground. You can also use it to check if someone filed in two counties at the same time.
Search by Case Number
When you already have a case number from a prior request, the case number search is the fastest path. Type the full case number into the clerk search bar. The system jumps straight to the docket. This skips name-matching issues like spelling errors or name changes after remarriage.
Use the Official Records Index
Open the Florida Official Records index at myfloridacounty.com. Search by name and record type. Look for final judgments of dissolution recorded by the clerk. Official records can show older files that did not post to the online docket search.
What You Can See for Free
Most online tools let you see basic docket entries at no charge. You see the case number, the parties, the filing date, and the judge. You usually do not see the actual document image for free. To view or print the document, you pay a per-page copy fee or a certification fee.
How to Get Certified Copies of a Divorce Decree
A certified copy of a final judgment carries the court seal and a clerk signature. Banks, insurance companies, and other courts often require certified copies. The steps below explain how to get one from Palm Beach County.
Submit a Written Request
You can mail a written request to the clerk office. The request must list the full names of both spouses, the case number if known, and the year of filing. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the copy and certification fee. The clerk office mails back the certified copy after payment clears.
Visit the Clerk Counter in Person
Go to 301 N. Olive Ave., Ninth Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 during office hours. Bring a valid photo ID. Tell the clerk the names of the parties and the year of filing. Pay the per-page copy fee and the certification fee at the counter. The clerk prints and stamps the certified copy while you wait.
Request a Certificate from the Department of Health
If you only need a short certificate that confirms the divorce, order it from the Florida Department of Health. The form costs a set fee and arrives by mail. This certificate works for most name change requests at the Social Security office and DMV. It does not replace the full court judgment when a bank or court asks for one.
Use an Online Records Service
Some paid online record services will pull and certify a copy for you. These services charge extra but save a trip to the clerk office. Always check that the service uses the official clerk copy and not just an online printout. A printout without the seal and signature does not count as a certified copy for most legal uses.
Fees You Should Expect
The clerk office sets copy fees per page and a flat certification fee. Current Florida statutes cap these fees but also let clerks set local charges. Ask the clerk for the latest fee list before you pay. Fees can change each year based on state law and county budget actions.
| Service Type | Office | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Plain copy of judgment | Clerk of Court | Printed page without court seal |
| Certified copy of judgment | Clerk of Court | Stamped and signed copy with court seal |
| State certificate | Department of Health | Short form confirming basic divorce facts |
| Docket sheet | Clerk of Court | List of all filings and rulings in the case |
| Official record search | Official Records system | Recorded final judgment entry |
Florida Laws That Shape These Records
Florida statutes set the rules for how dissolution cases work and how records stay open. These laws also explain who can seal a file and who can view a sealed file. The list below covers the main statutes that affect Palm Beach County records.
Florida Statute 61.021
Florida Statute 61.021 says at least one spouse must live in Florida for six months before filing for dissolution. This rule affects the filing date shown in court records. A record filed less than six months after a spouse moved into Florida can still appear in the docket, but the court may later dismiss it.
Florida Statute 61.052
Florida Statute 61.052 lists the grounds for dissolution. The court can grant a dissolution when the marriage is irretrievably broken. The statute also covers cases based on mental incapacity. The grounds section shows up on the docket and on the final judgment.
Florida Statute 61.019
Florida Statute 61.019 sets a minimum time before a court can enter a final judgment. The court must wait at least 20 days after service of the petition. The court can shorten this period in limited cases. The final judgment date is what most agencies need when they check the record.
Florida Statute 61.075
Florida Statute 61.075 sets the rules for dividing marital property and debt. Dissolution records often include a property settlement attached to the final judgment. This part of the record is public unless a judge sealed the case.
Florida Statute 382.023
Florida Statute 382.023 controls how clerks send reports to the Department of Health after a final judgment. This reporting flow explains why a county clerk may have a record before the state certificate posts. It also explains why a state certificate may list a date that differs slightly from the court date.
Palm Beach County Filing and Court Process
Knowing how a dissolution case moves through the court helps you read the docket. Each step creates a record entry that shows up in the search tool.
Step One: File the Petition
The petitioner files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the clerk office. The clerk stamps the petition with a case number and a filing date. The docket shows this first entry, often called the “initial filing” or “petition filed” event.
Step Two: Serve the Other Spouse
The clerk issues a summons. A process server or sheriff delivers the summons and petition to the other spouse. The docket shows the date of service. If the other spouse signs a waiver of service, the docket shows the waiver date instead.
Step Three: File a Response
The other spouse can file an Answer and Counter-Petition within 20 days. The docket shows the answer date. Some cases skip this step when both spouses agree and file a joint petition.
Step Four: Exchange Documents
Both sides share financial documents through discovery. The docket may show motions to compel if one side refuses to share documents. Many Palm Beach County cases settle before trial, so the docket may show a settlement conference date instead.
Step Five: Final Hearing or Judgment
The court holds a final hearing or signs a final judgment after settlement. The docket shows the final judgment date. This date is the legal end of the marriage for most purposes. The judgment includes custody, support, and property terms if the spouses could not agree.
Step Six: Send to the State
The clerk sends a report to the Department of Health within a set time after the final judgment. The Department of Health adds the record to the state index. The state certificate posts within several weeks of the judgment date.
Common Reasons People Search These Records
People pull Palm Beach County dissolution records for many reasons. Some reasons need a full certified copy. Other reasons only need a quick lookup. The list below covers the most common search goals.
Remarriage and Name Changes
A person planning to remarry needs proof the prior marriage ended. The clerk certified copy or the state certificate both work. The DMV and Social Security office accept either form for a name change. A wedding planner or officiant may ask for a certified copy before the ceremony.
Genealogy and Family History
People tracing family history often pull older Palm Beach County dissolution records. Older files may sit on microfilm or in off-site storage. The clerk can still copy these files, though the process can take longer than a digital request.
Legal Background Checks
Attorneys and investigators run searches by name to confirm a client’s marital history. A name search through the clerk tool or statewide portal returns a list of matching cases. Background check firms often rely on these public records for their reports.
Child Support and Custody Matters
Parents sometimes need the dissolution record to support a custody or support filing in another county. The record proves the prior custody order and the parent relationship. Courts in other states accept a certified copy of the original Palm Beach County judgment.
Real Estate and Financial Actions
Banks and title companies sometimes ask for a dissolution record when one spouse applies for a loan or transfer. The record shows the property settlement terms. A certified copy is usually required when the document supports a legal filing.
Personal Closure or Confirmation
Many people simply want to confirm that their own divorce is final. A quick online docket search shows the final judgment date. This lookup costs nothing and takes only a few minutes.
Records That Are Sealed or Restricted
Not every Palm Beach County dissolution record is open to the public. Florida law lets judges seal files in limited cases. Some records are restricted for adoption, identity protection, or safety reasons. Here is how sealed records work.
Who Can Ask for a Seal
A party in the case can file a motion to seal the record. The judge reviews the motion and decides if the seal protects a privacy right or a safety issue. The clerk stamps the docket with a seal order when the judge grants the motion.
What the Public Can See
When a file is sealed, the docket may show only a generic case type like “Domestic Relations Sealed.” The names of the parties may appear as initials. The document images are hidden from public view. Only the parties, their attorneys, and the court can see the full file.
How to Request Access to a Sealed File
A person with a legal interest can file a motion to view a sealed file. The judge decides whether to grant access. Approved researchers, law enforcement, and government agencies can also ask for access through a written request to the clerk.
Adoption Files
When a dissolution case led to an adoption, the court may seal the adoption portion of the file. The adoption records sit in a separate docket. Access to adoption records follows Florida adoption law, not family law. Adult adoptees can ask for their own adoption records through a court order.
Comparing Palm Beach to Other Florida Counties
Dissolution records follow the same Florida law in every county. But each county clerk runs its own search tool and copy service. Palm Beach County sits in the 15th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Broward County. Here is how Palm Beach compares to nearby counties for record access.
Orange County
Orange County runs the Orange County Clerk of Courts search tool. The county uses the same statewide portal but adds its own local search features. Orange County cases are filed in the 9th Judicial Circuit. The clerk office charges similar copy and certification fees as Palm Beach County.
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County uses the Miami-Dade Clerk Online Search tool. The county sits in the 11th Judicial Circuit. Miami-Dade has a large volume of family cases and offers an online certified copy service through a third-party vendor. Records post to the official records system the same way as Palm Beach County.
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County uses the Hillsborough County Clerk records search. The county sits in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The clerk offers online docket access and in-person certified copies at the downtown Tampa office. Hillsborough County fees follow the same state fee caps as Palm Beach County.
Duval County
Duval County uses the Duval County Clerk search tool. The county sits in the 4th Judicial Circuit and covers Jacksonville. Duval County cases post to the statewide portal. Older files may sit on microfilm and require a longer request time.
Broward County
Broward County shares the 15th Judicial Circuit with Palm Beach County. The Broward Clerk records search tool works the same way as Palm Beach’s. A case filed in one county does not show up in the other county’s search. You must search the county where the case was filed.
Pinellas County
Pinellas County uses the Pinellas County Clerk search tool. The county sits in the 6th Judicial Circuit. Pinellas County offers online certified copy orders through the clerk website. The process and fees match Palm Beach County under the same Florida statutes.
| County | Circuit | Online Search Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach | 15th | palmbeachclerk.com |
| Broward | 15th | browardclerk.org |
| Miami-Dade | 11th | miami-dadeclerk.com |
| Orange | 9th | orangeclerk.org |
| Hillsborough | 13th | hillsclerk.com |
| Pinellas | 6th | pinellasclerk.org |
| Duval | 4th | duvalclerk.com |
Self-Help Tools for People Without a Lawyer
Many people search Palm Beach County dissolution records without hiring a lawyer. Florida offers self-help tools that explain forms, fees, and filing steps. These tools do not replace a lawyer, but they help people handle simple record requests on their own.
Florida Courts Self-Help Pages
The Florida Courts self-help website explains family law forms, filing steps, and fee waivers. The site lists the forms you need for each family law action. Court staff can answer questions about forms but cannot give legal advice. The self-help pages cover dissolution, paternity, custody, and support.
DIY Florida Document Interviews
The DIY Florida interview tool asks plain questions and builds court forms based on your answers. The tool helps people who do not know which form fits their case. The forms download in PDF format and are ready to file. DIY Florida covers dissolution forms, parenting plans, and financial affidavits.
Family Law Forms Library
The Florida Family Law Forms library lists every approved court form. Each form has a number, a title, and instructions. The forms cover petitions, answers, motions, and judgments. The forms library updates whenever the Florida Supreme Court approves a new form.
E-Filing Through the State Portal
Most Palm Beach County family filings move through the Florida e-filing portal at myflcourtaccess.com. The portal lets you file forms, pay fees, and serve documents. Registered users can check filing status and view e-stamped copies of submitted forms.
Local Legal Aid and Bar Referral
Legal aid offices in Palm Beach County help low-income residents with family law matters. The Florida Bar offers a lawyer referral service that connects people to attorneys who practice family law. The clerk office also lists local bar referral numbers for residents who need paid legal help.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
People run into problems when they skip steps or use the wrong search tool. The list below covers the most common mistakes when searching Palm Beach County dissolution records.
Searching the Wrong County
Many people search Palm Beach County when the case was filed in another county. The statewide portal can save time when you are not sure which county holds the file. Always confirm the filing county before paying for a certified copy.
Misspelled Names
Search tools rely on exact name matches in most cases. A typo or a missing middle initial can hide the right case. Try different spelling versions or add a year range to widen the search.
Wrong Year Range
A narrow year range can miss older files. Start with a wide range and narrow it down after you see the results. Older Palm Beach County files may sit in off-site storage and require a longer wait.
Skipping the Case Number
When you have a case number, use it. The case number search is faster and more exact than a name search. The case number also works across the statewide portal and the official records system.
Confusing the Certificate With the Judgment
The state certificate and the court judgment are two different documents. The certificate confirms basic facts. The judgment includes custody, support, and property terms. Pick the right document for your need before you pay.
Palm Beach County Clerk Contact Details
Use the contact details below to reach the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court for dissolution of marriage record questions. Call before you visit so the clerk can pull the file and confirm the copy fee.
Office: Palm Beach County Clerk of Court
Clerk: Mike Caruso, CPA
Address: 301 N. Olive Ave., Ninth Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: 561-355-2996
Toll-Free: 888-780-5302
Website: palmbeachclerk.com
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Beach County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
The questions below cover the most common issues people face when searching Palm Beach County dissolution of marriage records. Each answer gives clear steps and explains the law or policy behind the step. Use these answers to handle basic requests without hiring a lawyer.
How Long Does Palm Beach County Keep Dissolution Records?
Palm Beach County keeps dissolution records permanently in paper or digital form under Florida record retention rules. Older files may sit on microfilm in off-site storage, but the clerk can still copy them. Digital records from the past 20 years post to the online docket. Records older than 20 years may need a manual pull from storage, which can take several business days. The clerk charges the same copy and certification fees regardless of the record age.
Can I View a Dissolution Record if I Am Not a Party?
Yes, most Palm Beach County dissolution records are public under Florida law. A non-party can search the docket online or visit the clerk office to view records. Sealed records stay hidden from public view. The clerk office does not require a reason for a public record request. Some personal details, like Social Security numbers, are redacted from public copies even when the rest of the record is open.
What Is the Difference Between a Divorce Certificate and a Divorce Decree?
A divorce certificate is a short form from the Florida Department of Health. It shows the names of the parties, the county of filing, and the date of the final judgment. A divorce decree is the full court order from the clerk. It includes custody, support, and property terms. Banks and courts usually want the decree. Government agencies often accept the certificate.
How Do I Fix an Error on a Dissolution Record?
File a motion to correct a clerical error with the clerk office. The judge reviews the motion and signs an order to fix the error. The clerk updates the docket and issues a corrected certified copy if needed. There is a small filing fee for the motion. You can also ask the Department of Health to fix a state certificate through a separate request.
Are Dissolution Records From Before 1970 Still Available?
Yes, Palm Beach County keeps records from before 1970 in long-term storage. These older files may sit on microfilm or paper. The clerk office can still copy and certify them, though the request takes longer than a digital file. Older records also post to the official records system in many cases. A statewide portal search can confirm whether an older file posted to the digital index.
Can I Search Dissolution Records From Another County Through the Palm Beach Portal?
No, the Palm Beach County clerk search tool only covers cases filed in Palm Beach County. For other counties, use the clerk search tool in that county or the statewide portal. The statewide portal covers all 67 Florida counties. A statewide search is slower but more thorough. You can also call the other county clerk to confirm that the case was filed there.
What Happens if a Dissolution Record Is Sealed?
Sealed records stay on the docket, but the public cannot see the case details or documents. The docket shows only a generic entry like “Domestic Relations Sealed.” A party in the case can file a motion to view the file. The judge decides whether to grant the motion. Law enforcement and government agencies can also ask for access through a written request.
Authority and Entity Expansion List
The list below covers extra topics that build long-term topical authority for Palm Beach County dissolution of marriage records. Each item links the main keyword to a related entity or subtopic that strengthens the page in Google’s knowledge graph.
- Florida 15th Judicial Circuit Court history and structure
- Mike Caruso, CPA biography and Palm Beach Clerk elections
- Palm Beach County Courthouse building history and security rules
- Florida e-filing portal registration and fee schedule
- Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics phone numbers and mailing addresses
- Florida Statute 61.19 alimony types and recent case law
- Florida Statute 61.13 child support guidelines and worksheets
- Palm Beach County Family Court mediation program details
- Florida public records law Chapter 119 exemptions
- Sealed and expunged family court records Florida Rule 2.420
- Name change procedure after dissolution Florida Statute 68.07
- Service of process methods Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.070
- Marriage license records at the Palm Beach County Clerk
- Domestic violence injunction records Palm Beach County
- Paternity case records Palm Beach County
- Adoption records access under Florida Statute 63.165
- Florida Bar Family Law Section resources and contact
- Palm Beach County Legal Aid Society office locations
- Florida Supreme Court Committee on Family Law forms update log
- Federal recognition of Florida dissolution judgments under Full Faith and Credit
- Online certified copy vendor comparison for Florida counties
- Record retention schedules under Florida Administrative Code 1B-24
- Palm Beach County Clerk fee schedule current year