Seminole County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Seminole County in 2026
SeminoleRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Seminole County, Florida. Members of the public seeking dissolution of marriage records may locate case filings, final judgments, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include:
- Petitions for dissolution of marriage
- Final judgments of dissolution
- Marital settlement agreements
- Parenting plans and child support orders
- Post-judgment modification orders
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Seminole County Clerk of Courts maintains an online case search portal where members of the public may search dissolution of marriage cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document copies.
- Access the Seminole County Clerk of Courts case search portal
- Search by petitioner or respondent name
- Free basic case information (case number, filing date, docket entries)
- Document copies require payment of applicable fees
2. Florida Statewide Court Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal provides access to court records across Florida jurisdictions.
- Access the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal for statewide searches
- Search across multiple Florida counties
- Useful when the county of filing is uncertain
3. Florida Vital Statistics
Florida does not issue divorce certificates through the Florida Department of Health in the same manner as birth or death certificates; however, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains a Dissolution of Marriage Index for divorces granted in Florida. This index provides limited information and is not a substitute for certified court records.
- Available for divorces finalized in Florida
- Provides index-level information (names, county, year)
- Fees apply for index searches
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court Family Division
Members of the public may inspect divorce case files in person at the Seminole County Courthouse.
Seminole County Clerk of Courts – Family Law Division
301 N. Park Ave.
Sanford, FL 32771
Phone: (407) 665-4330
Seminole County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (excluding court holidays)
Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View and inspect documents
- Request certified copies
- Use public access terminals
- Receive staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Written Request
Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce records by mail.
- Mail to: Seminole County Clerk of Courts, P.O. Box 8099, Sanford, FL 32772
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of request (if required)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within 1–2 weeks, subject to volume
By Phone
Limited Information Available
- Clerk of Court: (407) 665-4330
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney of record may access the complete case file, including documents that may be restricted to parties. Attorneys may also petition the court for access to sealed records upon a showing of good cause. Members of the public seeking legal representation may use the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service to locate qualified family law counsel.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Florida
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Florida Statutes § 61.021, a petition for dissolution of marriage must be filed in the county where either spouse resides. Members of the public should search the county where one of the parties resided at the time of filing, not necessarily the county where the marriage occurred.
- Divorce is filed in the county of residence of either spouse
- Searching the wrong county will not return results
- Multiple counties may need to be searched if the county of filing is unknown
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately
- Allow several business days to weeks after the final hearing for records to be indexed
- Contact the Clerk's office directly for recently finalized cases
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county searched
- Name variations (married name vs. maiden name)
- Spelling differences or typographical errors
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed or subject to confidentiality order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (407) 665-4330
- Try alternate name spellings for both parties
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics dissolution index
- Consult a licensed Florida attorney for complex searches
What Are Seminole County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Seminole County are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Seminole County Circuit Court, Family Law Division. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts as part of the permanent court file and constitute public records under Florida law.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files include the complete set of documents filed in a dissolution proceeding:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to petition
- Financial affidavits
- Parenting plans
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions and court orders
- Hearing transcripts (if ordered)
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree (Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage): The final judgment is the official court order terminating the marriage. It is the primary legal document establishing:
- Date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support, if awarded
- Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final judgment are available through the Clerk of Courts upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents filed in the case may include:
- Marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records
Divorce records serve numerous legal and personal purposes:
Legal Purposes:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title matters
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit claims
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Seminole County Clerk of Courts serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage case files. The Clerk indexes records by party name and case number, provides certified copies, and maintains the official docket. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains a statewide dissolution index but does not hold complete case files.
Legal Framework
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Florida are governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 61, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for dissolution. Public access to court records is governed by Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution and Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420, which balances the presumption of public access against privacy protections for sensitive information in family law cases.
Are Seminole County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Seminole County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the presumption of public access under Florida law. Members of the public may inspect and obtain copies of most documents in a dissolution of marriage case file. However, certain categories of information are restricted, redacted, or sealed pursuant to court rules and state statutes.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final judgment of dissolution
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted or Redacted
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings pursuant to Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.425
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed financial statements may have limited public access
- Tax returns submitted as exhibits may be restricted
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological information about children
- Child custody evaluations may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in domestic violence cases
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
Sealed Records
A court may seal a dissolution case or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Cases involving domestic violence, abuse, or high-profile parties may be subject to sealing orders.
Who Can Access Records
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents; redacted sensitive information |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
Restrictions on Use
Florida law prohibits the use of public records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or fraudulent purposes. Protective orders issued in dissolution cases remain enforceable regardless of the public nature of the underlying record.
Obtaining Confidential Records
A party seeking access to sealed or confidential records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the requestor's interest against privacy and safety concerns. Parties to the case are entitled to access their own confidential information without a court order.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Seminole County?
The Seminole County Clerk of Courts charges fees for copies and certified copies of court records pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.24, which establishes the schedule of clerk service charges applicable to all Florida circuit courts.
Current Fee Schedule
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 per page + $2.00 certification fee |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies; contact Clerk for current rates |
| Record search (if applicable) | No separate search fee for standard requests |
- Inspection of public records at a public access terminal is available at no charge
- Fees are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current rates with the Clerk's office at (407) 665-4330 or through the Seminole County Clerk of Courts fee schedule
Accepted Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to "Seminole County Clerk of Courts"
- Credit or debit card (in-person transactions)
- Online payment through the Clerk's portal (for electronic requests)
Fee Waivers
Florida law does not provide a general fee waiver for public records requests. Indigent parties to an active case may petition the court for waiver of certain fees pursuant to applicable court rules. Fee waivers do not apply to third-party requestors.
What Is Available at No Cost
- Viewing case docket entries online through the Clerk's case search portal
- Inspecting documents in person at a public access terminal
- Confirming case existence and status by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Seminole County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Seminole County Clerk of Courts contains the following categories of documents.
Basic Case Information
The case caption identifies the court, division, case number, names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information includes the date filed, case type, and jurisdictional basis.
Initial Pleadings
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of marriage, grounds for dissolution (Florida is a no-fault state; the sole ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under Florida Statutes § 61.052), information about minor children, property claims, and relief requested.
The Response or Answer states the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterpetition for dissolution.
Financial Affidavits are required of both parties and disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, personal property), and liabilities (mortgages, loans, credit card debt).
Discovery Documents
Discovery materials filed with the court may include interrogatories and answers, requests for production, financial disclosure documents (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, business financial records), and property inventories.
Property-Related Documents
The marital asset inventory describes and values all marital property. The debt inventory identifies all marital liabilities. Appraisals and expert valuations for real property, businesses, and personal property may be included as exhibits.
Children-Related Documents
When minor children are involved, the case file includes:
- Parenting Plan: Establishes legal custody (decision-making authority), physical custody (primary residence), timesharing schedule (regular, holiday, summer, and vacation), transportation arrangements, and relocation restrictions
- Child Support Worksheet: Calculates support based on both parties' incomes, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare costs
- Custody Evaluations (if ordered): Reports from court-appointed psychologists or evaluators; may be sealed
- Guardian ad Litem Reports (if appointed): Findings and recommendations regarding the best interests of the children; restricted access
Support Documents
Alimony documentation identifies the type of spousal support awarded (bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, durational, or permanent), the amount and duration, payment schedule, modification provisions, and termination conditions.
Settlement Documents
The Marital Settlement Agreement is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues in the dissolution, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, child-related provisions, tax treatment, and attorney fee allocation. If the parties participated in mediation, a mediation agreement may be incorporated into the settlement agreement. Mediation communications themselves are confidential and not part of the public record.
Court Orders and Judgments
Temporary orders may address temporary custody, support, use of property, and restraining orders during the pendency of the case. The Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage is the court's definitive order terminating the marriage, incorporating all findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and timesharing, and any name restoration. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is issued separately when retirement accounts are divided and instructs the plan administrator on the division of benefits.
Post-Judgment Documents
After entry of the final judgment, the case file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modifications, contempt motions, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all filings)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations (restricted)
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Seminole County
Proof of divorce in Seminole County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage issued by the Seminole County Clerk of Courts. A certified copy bears the official court seal and the Clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Step 1: Identify the Case
Locate the case number using the Seminole County Clerk of Courts case search portal. Search by the full legal name of either party and the approximate year of the divorce.
Step 2: Request a Certified Copy
Members of the public may obtain a certified copy through the following methods:
In Person:
Seminole County Clerk of Courts – Family Law Division
301 N. Park Ave.
Sanford, FL 32771
Phone: (407) 665-4330
Seminole County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Present the case number and a valid government-issued photo identification. Pay applicable copy and certification fees at the time of request.
By Mail:
Submit a written request to: Seminole County Clerk of Courts P.O. Box 8099 Sanford, FL 32772
Include the case number, names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, requestor's contact information, payment for fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Online:
Some certified copy requests may be submitted through the Seminole County Clerk of Courts online portal. Electronic certified copies may be available for recent cases filed through the e-filing system.
Step 3: Verify the Document
A certified copy of the final judgment includes the court seal, the Clerk's signature or stamp, and a certification statement. This document serves as legally sufficient proof of divorce for most purposes, including remarriage applications, Social Security name change requests, and passport applications.
Florida Vital Statistics Dissolution Index
For purposes requiring only confirmation that a divorce occurred (rather than a certified court document), members of the public may request a dissolution of marriage record from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. This index record provides limited information and is not a substitute for a certified copy of the final judgment.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Seminole County?
A dissolution of marriage proceeding in Seminole County is presumptively a public court record; however, Florida law and court rules provide mechanisms through which certain records or entire cases may be made confidential.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: When a party has an active injunction for protection or the case involves allegations of domestic violence, the court may restrict public access to addresses and other identifying information to protect victim safety
- Sealed by court order: A party may file a motion to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause; the court applies a balancing test under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420
- Children's sensitive information: Psychological evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and child custody evaluations are restricted from general public access
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential by statute and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public
- Mental health and medical records: Records submitted as exhibits relating to a party's mental health or medical condition may be sealed upon motion
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all public filings as a matter of course under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.425
Members of the public who believe a record has been improperly sealed or withheld may challenge the confidentiality designation through a motion filed with the circuit court.
How Long Does Seminole County Keep Divorce Records?
The Seminole County Clerk of Courts retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the retention schedules established by the Florida Division of Library and Information Services under the authority of Florida Statutes § 257.36, which governs public records management and disposition for Florida government agencies.
Retention Periods for Dissolution of Marriage Records:
- Final judgments of dissolution: Retained permanently; these records are never destroyed
- Complete case files (contested dissolution): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, with permanent retention for cases involving minor children until the youngest child reaches the age of majority, plus an additional retention period
- Financial affidavits and supporting financial documents: Retained for the duration of the case file retention period
- Temporary orders: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file or as a separate case file subject to applicable retention schedules
- Electronic records: Subject to the same retention requirements as paper records under Florida law
Records that have reached the end of their retention period may be destroyed pursuant to an approved records disposition authorization. Members of the public seeking very old records should contact the Clerk's office directly, as some historical records may be held in off-site archival storage and may require additional retrieval time.
The Florida Division of Library and Information Services publishes the General Records Schedule GS1-SL, which governs retention of court records maintained by Florida clerks of court.