Palm Beach County Clerk Divorce Records are legal documents that show the final judgment of a marriage dissolution in Florida. These records include the divorce decree, settlement agreements, and certificates issued by the Family Court. Anyone can request these records, but access depends on the filing date. Records before 2002 may be viewed online as scanned images. Records filed after 2002 require an in-person or mail request due to a Supreme Court order that blocks online posting of newer documents. The Clerk’s Office keeps all divorce files in the Official Records database, which is searchable by name, case number, or year.
How to Request Palm Beach County Divorce Records
To get a copy of a divorce record, you must contact the Records Service Center at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can visit in person or send a request by mail. Bring or include a government-issued photo ID, the full names of both spouses, and an estimated filing date. The standard fee is $10 for each certified copy. If you need it fast, expedited service costs about $25 and delivers results within 24 hours. After payment, staff will find the record using the book and page number from the Official Records and mail the certified copy via certified mail.
Online Search for Divorce Records in Palm Beach County
The Palm Beach County Clerk offers an online portal to search for divorce records. Go to the Official Records Search page and enter either party’s full name, case number, or filing year. If the divorce was finalized before 2002, you can view a scanned image right away. For divorces after 2002, the system will show basic info but not the full document. You must request a certified copy through the clerk’s office. The portal also lists fees: $10 for a paper copy and $5 for a PDF. A downloadable guide explains the difference between a dissolution decree, marital settlement agreement, and divorce certificate. All three are part of the official record and can be found using the same search tool.
What Documents Are Included in a Divorce Record?
A complete divorce record from Palm Beach County includes the original petition for dissolution, the final judgment signed by a judge, and any related certificates. The final judgment shows the case docket number, the date it was entered, and the judge’s signature. This proves the divorce is legally final. Some records also include financial affidavits, child custody orders, or property division agreements. However, sensitive details like Social Security numbers or children’s names may be redacted to protect privacy. Only certified copies carry legal weight for official use, such as remarriage or immigration.
Fees and Payment Options for Divorce Records
The standard cost for a certified copy of a divorce record is $10. Electronic PDFs cost $5. Expedited service—available for urgent needs like court deadlines—costs an extra $20 on top of the base fee. Payments can be made in cash, check, money order, or credit card at the Records Service Center. Mail requests must include a check or money order payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. There is an $8 shipping fee for out-of-state deliveries. No refunds are given once the search begins, even if no record is found.
Mail-In Request Process for Divorce Records
If you cannot visit in person, you can request divorce records by mail. Download the official request form from the clerk’s website. Fill in the full names of both spouses, the approximate filing year, and the case number if known. Include a copy of your government-issued photo ID, a check or money order for the correct fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail everything to: Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Records Service Center, 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33402-4177. Processing takes three to five business days. Certified copies are sent via certified mail for security.
In-Person Visit Guidelines
When visiting the Records Service Center, go to Room 4.2500 at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. Arrive during business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. Have the full legal names of both parties and the best estimate of when the divorce was filed. Staff will help locate the record and process your request on the spot. Same-day pickup is available for standard requests. For expedited service, proof of urgency—like a court notice—may be required.
Why Post-2002 Divorce Records Aren’t Online
A 2002 order from the Florida Supreme Court stopped the online posting of scanned divorce documents filed after that year. The rule protects personal privacy, especially for cases involving domestic violence, child custody, or financial disputes. As a result, only records from 1968 to 2001 are available as instant digital images. Anyone needing a divorce record from 2002 onward must submit a formal request. This applies even if you find the case in the online index. The clerk’s office verifies each request to ensure only authorized individuals receive sensitive documents.
Using Third-Party Sites to Find Divorce Records
Some private companies offer search tools for Palm Beach County divorce records. Sites like US Records let you enter a name and see matching cases with filing dates and status. These services charge fees—from $19.95 for one search to $49.95 for unlimited monthly access. While faster than manual searches, third-party databases may not have the latest filings. They also cannot provide certified copies. You must still contact the clerk’s office to get an official document. Always verify information from commercial sites with the county’s official records.
Other Services Offered by the Palm Beach County Clerk
The Clerk’s Office handles more than just divorce records. You can also access tax deed sales, civil and criminal court reports, marriage licenses, and property deeds. The Official Records portal includes documents dating back to 1968, with marriage licenses from 1909 and plat maps from the late 1800s. Researchers can filter searches by type, date, or keyword. For complex requests—like tracing property ownership—staff offer one-on-one help by phone or appointment. Certified copies of any record cost $10, with a $5 fee for electronic delivery.
Civil and Criminal Court Reports Available
Through the Clerk Cart service, users can buy downloadable reports on evictions, traffic violations, misdemeanors, and divorces. Reports come in PDF or Excel format. Standard price is $15 per report, with a 10% discount for orders of ten or more. Although new specialized reports are paused due to system upgrades, existing data remains available. Law firms and researchers can request custom extracts by contacting the support team. All reports are generated from the same secure database used for official records.
Marriage and Divorce Records at Multiple Locations
Palm Beach County has eleven clerk offices, but most divorce record requests go to the main location in West Palm Beach. A second office at 345 South Congress Avenue in Delray Beach offers evening hours on Tuesdays (4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.). Both locations require a photo ID, completed request form, and payment. Marriage licenses and divorce certificates cost $12 each, plus $2 for expedited service. Online requests result in PDF delivery within 48 hours. Certified copies are mailed within five business days.
Contact Information and Support
For questions about divorce records, call (561) 355-2991 during business hours. The mailing address is 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33402-4177. The physical location is Room 4.2500 at the same address. For out-of-state requests, add $8 for shipping. The website provides free viewers for PDFs, Word, Excel, and other file types. Live chat support is available on the clerk’s site during office hours. Staff can assist with search tips, fee questions, and document verification.
Document Types in the Official Records
The Official Records collection includes court judgments, property deeds, tax liens, marriage licenses, mortgages, plat maps, and tax deed filings. Each document type has a unique code used in the online search. For example, “DO” stands for dissolution of marriage (divorce). Users can download a “Document Type List” from the portal to understand codes and categories. This helps narrow searches and avoid confusion between similar records. All documents are indexed by date, party name, and book/page number for easy retrieval.
How to Verify a Divorce in Palm Beach County
To confirm a divorce is final, request a certified copy of the final judgment. This document includes the judge’s signature, case number, and date of entry. It serves as legal proof for remarriage, name changes, or immigration applications. Uncertified prints or screenshots are not accepted by government agencies. Only documents issued by the Clerk’s Office with an official seal are valid. If you’re unsure whether a divorce was finalized, search the online index first. If no record appears, contact the Family Court division for clarification.
Common Mistakes When Requesting Divorce Records
Many people forget to bring a photo ID or provide incomplete names. Always use full legal names—not nicknames—and include middle initials if known. Another error is assuming all records are online. Remember, only pre-2002 divorces have digital images. Also, do not rely solely on third-party sites for official copies. Finally, always double-check the fee amount before submitting payment. Incorrect fees delay processing and may result in returned requests.
Tips for Faster Record Retrieval
To speed up your request, have the case number ready. If you don’t have it, provide the exact spelling of both spouses’ names and the year the divorce was filed. Use the online search tool to find the book and page number before visiting or mailing your request. This reduces wait time and helps staff locate the file quickly. For mail requests, include a phone number so the clerk can call if there’s an issue. Avoid peak hours (mid-morning and lunchtime) for shorter in-person waits.
Legal Use of Certified Divorce Records
Certified divorce records are required for many official purposes. You may need one to remarry, change your name, update Social Security records, or apply for immigration benefits. Employers, banks, and government agencies often ask for certified copies to prevent fraud. Only the Clerk of the Circuit Court can issue these documents. Photocopies or prints from websites are not valid. Keep your certified copy in a safe place—it cannot be replaced easily if lost.
Historical Divorce Records in Palm Beach County
Divorce records date back to the early 1900s, though digital access starts in 1968. Older files are stored in physical archives and may take longer to retrieve. Researchers studying family history can request these records by mail. Include as much detail as possible: full names, approximate dates, and any known case numbers. Staff will search the archives and notify you if a record exists. There is no extra charge for historical searches, but processing may take up to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Beach County Divorce Records
Below are common questions and clear answers based on current policies and procedures.
Can I get a divorce record if I don’t know the case number?
Yes. You can search using the full legal names of both spouses and an estimated filing year. The online index will show matching cases with their numbers. If no results appear, contact the Records Service Center for help. Staff can perform a manual search using alternative details like address or attorney name.
Are divorce records public in Florida?
Yes, divorce records are public under Florida law. Anyone can request them, but certified copies require ID verification. Some details may be redacted to protect privacy, especially in cases involving minors or domestic violence.
How long does it take to receive a divorce record by mail?
Standard mail requests take three to five business days to process. Certified copies are sent via certified mail, which adds 2–3 days for delivery. Expedited service reduces processing to 24 hours but costs more.
Can I request a divorce record for someone else?
Yes, but you must provide a valid reason and proof of relationship or legal authority. A notarized letter from the person named in the record may be required. The clerk reserves the right to deny requests that seem suspicious or lack proper documentation.
What if the divorce was finalized outside Palm Beach County?
You must contact the clerk’s office in the county where the divorce was filed. Each Florida county maintains its own records. The Palm Beach County Clerk only holds cases processed within its jurisdiction.
Is there a fee waiver for divorce records?
No. The $10 fee covers search, retrieval, and certification costs. Waivers are not available, even for low-income individuals. However, viewing the online index is free.
Can I get a divorce record over the phone?
No. All requests must be submitted in writing or in person. Phone calls can only provide general information, not official documents.
For official requests, visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Phone: (561) 355-2991. Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Website: mypalmbeachclerk.com