Orange County Divorce Records
What Are Orange County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Orange County, Florida, are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Orange County Clerk of Courts and the Florida Department of Health's Office of Vital Statistics pursuant to Florida Statutes § 382.0255.
Divorce records typically include:
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
- Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage
- Court case documents related to the divorce proceedings
- Financial affidavits and property settlement agreements
- Child custody and support arrangements, if applicable
The Orange County Clerk of Courts serves as the official custodian of divorce case files, while the Florida Department of Health maintains the certificates of dissolution. These records serve important legal purposes, including proof of legal status for remarriage, name changes, and updates to personal identification documents.
Orange County Clerk of Courts
425 N. Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
407-836-2000
Orange County Clerk of Courts
Are Orange County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Orange County are considered public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. Members of the public may access these records with certain limitations.
The public status of divorce records includes:
- Court case files maintained by the Clerk of Courts are generally accessible to any person
- Basic information about divorces (names, dates, case numbers) is publicly searchable
- Final judgments and most filed documents are available for public inspection
However, certain information within divorce records may be exempt from public disclosure:
- Social Security numbers, pursuant to § 119.071(5)(a), Florida Statutes
- Financial account numbers and certain personal identifying information
- Records pertaining to minor children, including custody evaluations
- Information sealed by court order for specific legal reasons
Individuals seeking access to divorce records must comply with identification requirements established by the Florida Department of Health for obtaining certified copies of dissolution certificates, particularly when requesting records for divorces that occurred within the past 50 years.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Orange County in 2025
Locating divorce records in Orange County requires following established procedures through the appropriate government agencies. The process varies depending on the type of record sought and its date of filing.
For divorce records filed in Orange County, individuals may:
- Contact the Orange County Clerk of Courts for case files and court documents
- Request a Certificate of Dissolution from the Florida Department of Health
- Utilize the Clerk's public access system for basic case information
Required information for searching includes:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce (month and year)
- Case number (if known)
- Valid photo identification
Florida Department of Health in Orange County
6101 Lake Ellenor Drive
Orlando, FL 32809
407-858-1400
Florida Department of Health in Orange County
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Requesters must complete the appropriate application form and pay the required fees. As of 2025, the standard fee for a certified copy of a divorce certificate is $14.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Orange County Online?
Orange County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through official online platforms. These services facilitate remote searches while maintaining compliance with Florida's public records laws.
The primary online resources include:
- The Orange County Clerk of Courts' online records search portal, which allows searches by party name, case number, or filing date
- The Florida Department of Health's VitalChek service for ordering certified copies of dissolution certificates
- The Sixth Judicial Circuit's case information system for accessing docket information
To conduct an online search:
- Navigate to the appropriate official website
- Create an account if required (some basic searches may not require registration)
- Enter the requested search criteria (names, dates, case numbers)
- Pay any applicable fees for document retrieval or certified copies
- Download available documents or follow instructions for receiving copies
Users should note that while basic case information is typically available online, complete case files and certified documents often require additional steps or in-person requests.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Orange County?
Members of the public may access certain divorce record information in Orange County without payment, though fees apply for official copies and certifications. Free access options are available through several channels.
No-cost access methods include:
- In-person inspection of non-confidential court records at the Orange County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Basic case information searches through the Clerk's public access terminals
- Limited online searches through the Orange County Clerk's website
To access records for free:
- Visit the Orange County Courthouse Records Department
- Present valid identification to the clerk
- Complete a records request form specifying the case information
- Use the public access terminals for self-directed searches
While inspection of records may be free, standard fees apply for copies:
- $1.00 per page for standard copies
- $2.00 per page for certified copies
- Additional fees for extensive research assistance
Researchers should note that while basic record inspection may be available without charge, comprehensive searches or obtaining official documents will incur the standard fees established by Florida Statutes § 28.24.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Orange County
Divorce records in Orange County contain comprehensive documentation of the legal dissolution process. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration and relevant statutes.
A complete divorce record typically contains:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Marital Settlement Agreement
- Parenting plan and child support calculations (if applicable)
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
- Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Department of Health
Additional documents may include:
- Temporary orders issued during proceedings
- Depositions and witness testimonies
- Property appraisals and valuations
- Mediation agreements
- Court hearing transcripts
The Certificate of Dissolution, available through the Florida Department of Health, provides basic information including:
- Names of both parties
- Date and location of divorce
- Case number
- Date of marriage
- County of issuance
These records serve as official documentation of the legal termination of marriage and the court-ordered distribution of assets, liabilities, and parental responsibilities.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Orange County?
Obtaining official proof of divorce in Orange County requires requesting specific documents from the appropriate government agencies. These documents serve as legal verification of marital dissolution.
The primary forms of divorce proof include:
- Certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage from the Clerk of Courts
- Certificate of Dissolution from the Florida Department of Health
- Certified copy of the complete case file (for comprehensive documentation)
To obtain proof of divorce:
- For the Final Judgment: Submit a request to the Orange County Clerk of Courts at 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
- For the Certificate of Dissolution: Apply through the Florida Department of Health in Orange County at 6101 Lake Ellenor Drive, Orlando, FL 32809
- Provide required identification and information about the divorce case
- Pay the applicable fees ($14.00 for the first certified copy of a dissolution certificate)
Requesters must demonstrate eligibility under Florida law, particularly for divorces occurring within the past 50 years. Acceptable identification includes a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or other government-issued photo identification.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Orange County?
While divorce proceedings in Orange County are generally public records, Florida law provides mechanisms for protecting sensitive information and, in limited circumstances, sealing certain records from public view.
Confidentiality provisions include:
- Automatic redaction of Social Security numbers, bank account information, and certain personal identifiers pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420
- Protection of records involving domestic violence under § 741.30, Florida Statutes
- Sealing of records by judicial order when legally justified
To request confidentiality:
- File a motion with the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court demonstrating legal grounds for confidentiality
- Attend a hearing where a judge will determine if the statutory requirements for sealing are met
- If granted, obtain a court order specifying which documents are to be sealed
The court applies strict standards when considering confidentiality requests, balancing the public's right to access with legitimate privacy concerns. Complete sealing of divorce cases is rare and requires compelling circumstances that outweigh the presumption of openness in judicial proceedings.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Orange County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Orange County varies based on case complexity and whether the dissolution is contested or uncontested. Timeframes are governed by the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.
For uncontested divorces:
- Minimum waiting period: 20 days after filing
- Typical completion time: 4-6 weeks if all documentation is properly submitted
- Simplified dissolution: May be completed in as little as 30 days when eligibility requirements are met
For contested divorces:
- Duration: 6 months to over a year
- Factors affecting timeline include:
- Property division complexity
- Child custody disputes
- Discovery process length
- Court calendar availability
- Mediation requirements
The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court requires mandatory mediation for most contested issues before a final hearing will be scheduled. This process, while potentially extending the timeline, often facilitates resolution without protracted litigation.
All divorces in Orange County must comply with Florida's residency requirement, which mandates that at least one party has been a Florida resident for six months prior to filing.
How Long Does Orange County Keep Divorce Records?
Orange County maintains divorce records permanently in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules established by the Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services.
Record retention policies include:
- Court case files: Permanently maintained by the Clerk of Courts
- Certificates of Dissolution: Permanently preserved by the Florida Department of Health
- Electronic records: Maintained indefinitely in the Clerk's case management system
- Microfilm/archival records: Older records may be converted to alternative formats for preservation
While records are permanently maintained, accessibility may vary:
- Recent records (typically less than 10 years old): Generally available through standard search methods
- Older records: May require specialized archival searches
- Historical records: May be maintained in state archives with different access procedures
The Orange County Clerk of Courts and Florida Department of Health have implemented digital preservation strategies to ensure the long-term availability of these vital records, in compliance with Florida Administrative Code Rule 1B-26.003.
How To Get a Divorce In Orange County
Initiating divorce proceedings in Orange County requires following specific legal procedures established by Florida family law statutes and the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court rules.
The divorce process includes these key steps:
- Verify eligibility: At least one spouse must have been a Florida resident for six months, documented with a Florida driver's license, voter registration, or affidavit
- Prepare and file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Orange County Clerk of Courts
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $408 for dissolution without children, $408 with children)
- Serve the petition to the other spouse through certified mail or process server
- File financial affidavits and complete mandatory disclosure requirements
- Attend mediation if required by the court
- Participate in a final hearing before a judge
For simplified dissolution (when eligible):
- Both parties must agree on all terms
- No minor children or pregnancy involved
- No alimony claims
- Agreement on property division
- Both parties must attend the final hearing
The Orange County Courthouse provides self-help resources through the Family Court Self-Help Center located at 425 N. Orange Avenue, Room 340, Orlando, FL 32801. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Orange County
Obtaining divorce forms in Orange County can be accomplished through several official channels. These documents must comply with Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms.
Divorce papers are available from:
- The Orange County Clerk of Courts office at 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
- The Family Court Self-Help Center located in Room 340 of the Orange County Courthouse
- The Sixth Judicial Circuit's website which provides downloadable forms
- Florida Supreme Court's approved family law forms website
Required forms typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with or without dependent children)
- Financial Affidavit
- Notice of Social Security Number
- Marital Settlement Agreement (for uncontested cases)
- Parenting Plan (when minor children are involved)
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (when applicable)
Assistance with completing forms is available at the Self-Help Center for a fee of $30 for the first form and $10 for each additional form. Staff cannot provide legal advice but can help ensure forms are properly completed.
Forms must be notarized where indicated, and sufficient copies should be prepared for filing with the court, serving the other party, and retaining for personal records.
Lookup Divorce Records in Orange County
Florida Department of Health Divorce Records
Sixth Judicial Circuit Court Records