Plantation City Dissolution Of Marriage Records are court files held by the Broward County Clerk of Court, since Plantation is a city within Broward County and not a county seat. Anyone who lived in Plantation, got married here, or filed for divorce here can locate their case through the county clerk.
The records show the final judgment, case docket, financial settlement, parenting plan, and other key parts of a Florida divorce case. This page explains how to search, view, and order copies of these records through county, state, and online tools.
Where Plantation Divorce Files Live
Dissolution of marriage cases in Plantation are filed and stored by the Broward County Clerk of Court in Fort Lauderdale. The clerk keeps paper files for older cases and digital records for newer ones. Plantations records are not kept by the city office, city hall, or the Plantation Police Department. Only the county circuit court has the full file.
Broward County Clerk of Court Office
The main office for Plantation divorce cases sits at 201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The clerk phone line is 954-831-6565. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except court holidays. The office closes for state holidays and on weekends. You may call ahead to confirm holiday hours before visiting in person.
Why the County, Not the City
Florida uses a county-based court system. Cities like Plantation do not run their own family courts. All family law cases, including divorce, go through the county circuit court. This setup keeps records in one place per county. It also makes it easier to search across decades of filings.
Plantation Facts That Affect Records
Plantation is a city in Broward County with a population near 100,694. The city lies inside the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Cases filed by Plantation residents use this circuit. Knowing your circuit helps when searching statewide tools that group cases by court region.
| Record Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| City | Plantation |
| County | Broward |
| State | Florida |
| Judicial Circuit | 17th Circuit |
| Population | 100,694 |
| Residency Rule | 6 Months |
Types of Divorce Records in Plantation
Plantation divorce files come in several forms. Each type has a different use. Knowing the difference saves time when you order copies or search online.
Final Judgment of Dissolution
The final judgment is the signed court order that ends the marriage. It lists both spouse names, the case number, the judge, and the outcome. This document is needed for remarriage, name changes, and many legal steps after divorce. The clerk issues certified copies of the final judgment for a fee.
Divorce Certificate
A divorce certificate is a short summary of the case. It shows the names, the date the court entered the final judgment, and the county where it was filed. The Florida Department of Health issues this through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. People use this for background checks, government forms, and proof of single status for remarriage.
Case Docket
A docket lists every paper filed in the case. It shows motions, hearings, and orders. The docket helps lawyers and researchers track the history of a case. Most county websites let you view docket entries online for free.
Certified Copies vs. Plain Copies
Certified copies carry a raised or stamped seal from the clerk. They prove the copy is real. Banks, courts, and government offices often require certified copies. Plain copies are just paper prints. They work for personal records but not legal use.
How to Search Plantation Divorce Records
You can search Plantation divorce cases online, by phone, or in person. The method you pick depends on what you need. Free searches work for basic lookups. Paid searches work for certified copies.
Step 1: Pick a Search Tool
Start with the Broward County clerk online portal. The site at browardclerk.org lets you search by name, case number, or date range. You can also use the Florida statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com for broader searches. For older files, you may need to call the clerk or visit the office.
Step 2: Gather What You Know
Before you search, collect the full names of both spouses, the year of filing, and the county. A case number helps a lot if you have it. The more you know, the faster the search runs. Common names need extra details to avoid wrong matches.
Step 3: Run the Search
Type the last name first, then the first name. Add a year range if you remember it. If the search returns too many results, narrow by middle name or initials. Some tools let you filter by case type. Pick “DR” or “Dissolution of Marriage” to limit the list.
Step 4: Open the Case
Click the case number to view the docket. You will see the judge, filing date, and a list of documents. Some files show full scanned images. Others show only text entries. Image access may require a paid account or a clerk visit.
Step 5: Order Copies
Use the clerk website to order certified copies online. You can also order by mail using a written request. Include your name, contact details, the case number, and a check or money order. The clerk will mail the copies or hold them for pickup.
Fees and Costs for Records
County fees cover copies, certifications, and search time. Knowing the cost helps you plan ahead. Fees can change each year. Always check the current fee schedule on the clerk site before paying.
Standard Copy Fees
Most Florida clerks charge $1.00 per page for regular copies. Certified copies add a $2.00 certification fee per document. Some counties charge extra for faxed or emailed records. Search fees may apply if the clerk has to look through old paper files by hand.
Online Account Fees
Free online tools show basic docket data. Full document access often requires a paid subscription. Broward County uses an outside vendor for premium records. Monthly fees range from $5 to $50, depending on the plan. Each vendor sets its own price.
Mail Order Costs
Mail orders need a self-addressed stamped envelope, a check, and the fee. Add postage for the return weight. Certified mail adds tracking. The clerk returns records by regular mail unless you ask for tracked shipping.
Florida Divorce Laws That Apply to Plantation
Florida law covers all divorce cases in the state. Plantation cases use the same statutes as other Broward County filings. These laws control who can file, how long they must wait, and how property is split.
Residency Requirement
Florida Statute 61.021 says at least one spouse must live in Florida for six months before filing. The case must be filed in the county where the filing spouse lives. A Plantation resident meets the rule if they have lived in Broward County for the required time.
Grounds for Dissolution
Florida is a no-fault state. Under Florida Statute 61.052, the only ground needed is that the marriage is broken beyond repair. The filing spouse states this in the petition. The court does not ask for proof of wrongdoing.
Filing and Service
Florida Statute 61.043 covers the start of a case. One spouse files a petition, and the other spouse must be served. Service can happen by personal delivery, certified mail, or through a process server. The case moves forward once the other spouse responds or the service time passes.
Final Judgment Timing
Florida Statute 61.019 sets rules for when a final judgment can be entered. Simple cases with no children or property disputes may move faster. Cases with children, assets, or contested issues take longer. The court enters the final judgment after all issues are settled.
Property and Debt Division
Florida Statute 61.075 explains how courts divide marital assets and debts. The court starts with a fair split and then considers many factors. These factors include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and the health of both parties.
Reporting to Vital Statistics
Florida Statute 382.023 requires the clerk to send the final judgment to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. This step creates the official state record. The state then issues the divorce certificate used for proof of divorce in other states.
County and State Tools for Plantation Searches
Several tools help you search Plantation divorce cases. Some tools focus on Broward County only. Others cover all of Florida. Use both types for the best results.
Broward County Online Search
The Broward Clerk website at browardclerk.org offers a public records search. You can look up cases by party name. The tool shows open and closed cases. Older files may not be online and need an in-person visit.
Florida Statewide Portal
The Florida e-filing portal at myflcourtaccess.com lists cases across all counties. This helps when you do not know the exact county. You can also track your own case if you are a party to the case.
Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health handles divorce certificates at floridahealth.gov. This is where you order a state-issued certificate for use outside Florida. The site links to VitalChek for fast online ordering.
VitalChek Ordering Portal
VitalChek at vitalchek.com is the official third-party vendor for vital records in Florida. You can order a divorce certificate with a credit card. The site accepts mailed requests and online orders. Processing times range from a few days to several weeks.
Family Court Self-Help
The Florida Courts self-help site at flcourts.gov offers free forms and guides. People filing without a lawyer can use DIY Florida at flcourts.gov to build their own paperwork. This helps Plantation residents prepare filings before they go to court.
How to Get a Certified Copy of a Plantation Divorce Decree
A certified copy of a divorce decree proves a divorce is final. Many agencies require this copy. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on how you order.
Order Online
Visit the Broward County clerk website and use the certified copy request form. You need the case number and credit card. The clerk mails the copy to your address. Online orders process faster than mail orders.
Order by Mail
Send a written request to the clerk office. Include your name, the case number, both spouse names, and the date of the final judgment. Add a check for the fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail orders take longer but work for people who do not live nearby.
Order in Person
Visit the clerk office at 201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Bring a photo ID and the case details. Pay the fee at the records desk. You may receive the copy the same day if the file is ready.
What to Bring
Bring your photo ID, the case number, and the full names of both spouses. If you are not a party to the case, you may need to show a legal reason for the request. Sealed records require a court order before the clerk can release them.
Common Reasons People Search Plantation Divorce Records
People look up these records for many reasons. Each reason has its own rules and paperwork.
Remarriage
Couples who plan to remarry need proof their prior divorce is final. The new marriage license office asks for a certified copy of the final judgment. Out-of-state agencies often want the state-issued certificate.
Name Change
A divorced person may want to return to a prior name. The Social Security office and DMV ask for proof of the name change. The divorce decree serves this purpose when it includes the name change order.
Financial and Estate Matters
Banks, lenders, and insurance companies may ask for proof of divorce when updating accounts. Estate planning also uses these records to confirm marital status and survivor rights.
Genealogy Research
Family historians search old divorce files to trace family lines. Records may show maiden names, marriage dates, and child custody details. Older files from the 1940s to 1970s often hold useful family data.
Contact Information for Plantation Divorce Records
Use the contact details below to reach the right office. Always call before visiting to confirm hours and fees.
Broward County Clerk of Court
Address: 201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: 954-831-6565
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Website: https://www.browardclerk.org/
Public Records Search: https://www.broward.org/RecordsTaxesTreasury/Records/pages/publicrecordssearch.aspx
Family Division: https://www.browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family
Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers: https://www.flclerks.com/
Florida E-Filing Portal: https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/
Florida Department of Health Divorce Certificates: https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/divorce-certificates/
VitalChek Ordering Portal: https://www.vitalchek.com
Florida Family Law Forms: https://www.flcourts.gov/Services/Family-Courts/domestic-relations-court-resources/family-law-forms
Florida Courts Self-Help: https://www.flcourts.gov/Services/Family-Courts/self-help-information
DIY Florida: https://www.flcourts.gov/sandbox/florida-courts-help/diy-florida
Plantation City Dissolution Of Marriage Records FAQ
This FAQ section answers common questions about Plantation City Dissolution Of Marriage Records. It covers lookups, certified copies, sealed files, costs, and how long records are kept. Each answer gives clear, direct steps so you can finish your search or order without delay.
Are Plantation City Dissolution Of Marriage Records online?
Yes, most cases filed after 1990 are online through the Broward County Clerk website. You can search by name and date range for free. Older files from before 1990 may be on microfilm or paper and need a clerk visit. Free accounts show docket text. Paid accounts show scanned images. Statewide tools like myflcourtaccess.com cover cases across Florida for people who do not know the county.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a Plantation divorce decree?
Online orders process in 3 to 5 business days. Mail orders take 2 to 3 weeks. In-person visits may give you the copy the same day if the file is ready. The clerk mails copies by regular mail unless you pay for tracked shipping. Rush service is not always available. Call the clerk at 954-831-6565 to ask about rush options before you order.
Can I view Plantation divorce records for free?
Yes, you can view docket text and case summaries for free on the Broward clerk site. The free view does not include full document images. Full images need a paid account or a clerk visit. VitalChek charges a fee for certificate orders. The Florida Department of Health charges for state certificates. Local clerk copies cost $1 per page plus a certification fee.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree in Florida?
A divorce certificate is a short summary issued by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. It shows basic facts like names and the date of divorce. A divorce decree is the full court order signed by the judge. It lists property division, custody, and support. The decree comes from the county clerk. The certificate comes from the state. Most agencies want the decree for legal proof.
Are sealed Plantation divorce records ever released?
Sealed records stay private by court order. Only the parties to the case or their lawyers can see them. A judge can unseal a record for good cause. Researchers and the public cannot view sealed files. You must file a motion with the court and explain why you need the records. The judge then decides if the file can be opened.
How do I find a Plantation divorce case by name?
Use the Broward clerk search at browardclerk.org. Type the last name, first name, and year range. You can also use the Florida portal at myflcourtaccess.com for statewide lookups. Common names may return many results. Add a middle name, initial, or birth year to narrow the list. If you cannot find the case online, call the clerk office at 954-831-6565 for help.
Do I need a Plantation address to search Broward County divorce files?
No. Anyone can search Broward County divorce files from anywhere. You do not need to live in Florida or in Plantation to view a record. The clerk site is open to the public. Some sealed cases are restricted to parties and lawyers. Open cases show docket text to all users. You only need a Florida address to file a new case in Broward County.