Miami-Dade County Divorce Records

What Are Miami-Dade County Divorce Records?

Miami-Dade County divorce records are official legal documents that provide information about the dissolution of marriages within Miami-Dade County, Florida. These records document the entire divorce process, including the initial filing, court proceedings, and final judgment. They serve as legal proof that a marriage has been legally terminated and outline the terms of the divorce settlement, including property division, child custody arrangements, and any financial obligations between the former spouses.

Are Miami-Dade County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, divorce records in Miami-Dade County are generally considered public records under Florida's public records laws. This means that most divorce documents can be accessed by anyone who requests them. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted or restricted, particularly when it involves minor children, victims of domestic violence, or financial account numbers. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts maintains these records and makes them available through various access methods while balancing public access with privacy protections.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Miami-Dade County in 2025

To find a divorce record in Miami-Dade County in 2025:

1. Visit the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts website or office
2. Use the online case search system with the parties' names and/or case number
3. Provide the approximate date of the divorce filing or finalization
4. Pay any applicable search or copy fees
5. Request certified copies if needed for legal purposes
6. For older records, you may need to contact the archives division
7. Be prepared to show identification for certain types of requests

The most efficient method is using the online search tools provided by the Clerk's office, though in-person requests are still accepted for those who prefer that option.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Miami-Dade County Online?

Looking up divorce records online in Miami-Dade County is straightforward:

1. Visit the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts official website
2. Navigate to the "Records" or "Search Records" section
3. Select the option for court records or case search
4. Enter search criteria such as names of parties involved, case number, or filing date
5. Review the search results to find the specific divorce case
6. Access available documents, noting that some may require fees to view or download
7. For complete records, you may need to request copies through the online system

The online system provides 24/7 access to public divorce records, though some limitations may apply to what can be viewed remotely.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Miami-Dade County?

Finding divorce records for free in Miami-Dade County is possible through these methods:

1. Use the public access terminals at the Miami-Dade County Courthouse, which offer free basic searches
2. Visit the Clerk of Courts office in person to conduct a basic record search
3. Utilize the limited free search functions on the Miami-Dade Clerk's website
4. Check with local public libraries that may offer access to county records databases
5. Contact legal aid organizations that might assist with record searches

While basic searches are often free, obtaining copies or certified documents typically involves fees. The most comprehensive free option is using the public access terminals at the courthouse, where you can view records without paying search fees.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Miami-Dade County

A typical Miami-Dade County divorce record includes:

• Petition for dissolution of marriage
• Financial affidavits from both parties
• Parenting plans (if children are involved)
• Child support calculations and orders
• Property settlement agreements
• Mediation reports and outcomes
• Court hearing transcripts and minutes
• Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
• Any post-judgment modifications
• Name change orders (if applicable)
• Certificates of completion for required parenting courses
• Temporary orders issued during proceedings

The comprehensiveness of records varies by case, with contested divorces typically generating more extensive documentation than uncontested ones.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Miami-Dade County?

To obtain proof of divorce in Miami-Dade County:

1. Request a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage from the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts
2. Provide the case number, names of both parties, and approximate date of divorce
3. Pay the certification fee (typically $2 per page plus a $1 certification fee)
4. Submit your request online, by mail, or in person at the courthouse
5. Present valid photo identification when picking up records in person
6. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope
7. Allow 3-5 business days for processing in-person requests and 2-3 weeks for mail requests

A certified copy of the final judgment serves as official proof of divorce and is accepted for legal purposes, including remarriage.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Miami-Dade County?

While most divorce records in Miami-Dade County are public, there are ways to maintain some confidentiality:

1. File a motion to seal specific records or the entire case if you can demonstrate compelling privacy concerns
2. Request redaction of sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account details, and children's information
3. Consider confidential mediation for resolving disputes outside the public record
4. Utilize a confidential name change process if applicable
5. Cases involving domestic violence may qualify for additional confidentiality protections

The court balances the public's right to access with legitimate privacy concerns. Complete confidentiality is rare and typically granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as when publicity would cause significant harm.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Miami-Dade County?

The duration of a divorce in Miami-Dade County varies significantly:

• Simplified dissolution (uncontested with no children or property disputes): 30 days minimum after filing
• Uncontested divorce with a settlement agreement: 4-6 weeks
• Contested divorce with minimal disputes: 3-6 months
• Highly contested divorce with complex assets or custody issues: 1-2 years or longer
• Mandatory 20-day waiting period after filing before a final hearing can be scheduled
• Required parenting course completion for cases involving minor children adds time

Factors affecting timeline include court congestion, attorney availability, complexity of assets, and the level of cooperation between parties. The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional backlogs in some cases.

How Long Does Miami-Dade County Keep Divorce Records?

Miami-Dade County maintains divorce records permanently. While the physical storage location may change over time, the records themselves are preserved indefinitely:

• Recent records (typically less than 10 years old) are readily accessible through the Clerk's office
• Older records may be transferred to the county archives
• Very old records might be stored on microfilm or in digital archives
• The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics also maintains a permanent index of all divorces

This permanent retention ensures that proof of divorce remains available regardless of how much time has passed since the dissolution of marriage.

How To Get a Divorce In Miami-Dade County

To obtain a divorce in Miami-Dade County:

1. Ensure you meet the residency requirement (at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months)
2. Prepare and file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Clerk of Courts
3. Pay the filing fee (approximately $400, with fee waivers available for those who qualify)
4. Serve the petition to your spouse through certified mail or a process server
5. File financial affidavits and complete mandatory disclosure of financial information
6. Attend mediation if there are disputed issues (required in most cases)
7. Complete a parenting course if you have minor children
8. Attend all required court hearings
9. Obtain a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage signed by a judge

The process can be simplified if both parties agree on all terms, potentially qualifying for an uncontested divorce procedure.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Miami-Dade County

Obtaining divorce papers in Miami-Dade County can be done through several methods:

1. Download forms from the Florida Courts website (flcourts.org) or the Miami-Dade Clerk's website
2. Visit the Self-Help Center at the Miami-Dade County Courthouse for assistance and forms
3. Request forms by mail from the Clerk of Courts office
4. Hire an attorney who will prepare and file the necessary paperwork
5. Use online legal document services that provide Florida-specific divorce forms
6. Contact Legal Aid for assistance if you qualify financially

The specific forms needed depend on your circumstances, including whether you have children, shared assets, or are seeking alimony. The Self-Help Center offers guidance on which forms are required for your situation.

Lookup Divorce Records in Miami-Dade County

For comprehensive access to Miami-Dade County divorce records, these official resources provide reliable information:

• Records - Miami-Dade Clerk - Access various records maintained by the Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court, including divorce records, and request certified copies.

• Official Records - Miami-Dade County - Learn about the official records maintained by Miami-Dade County and how to search for and request divorce records.

• Civil & Family Court - Miami-Dade Clerk - Find information on family court services, including how to access divorce records and other family-related legal documents.

• Search the Clerk of the Courts Site - Miami-Dade Clerk - Use this search page to find specific divorce records within the Miami-Dade Clerk of the Courts system.

• Marriage & Divorce Records - Miami Dade County Court - Get guidance on obtaining marriage and divorce records in Miami-Dade County, including contact information and procedures.