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Miami-Dade County Divorce Records

What Are Miami-Dade County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Miami-Dade County are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by multiple government agencies and contain various documents related to divorce proceedings. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.043, divorce records consist of two primary components:

  • Court Records: These include the complete case file containing all documents filed during divorce proceedings, such as petitions, financial affidavits, parenting plans, and final judgments. These records are maintained by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts.

  • Divorce Certificates: These are official vital records documenting the fact of divorce, including names of parties, date, and location. These certificates are maintained by the Florida Department of Health.

The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts serves as the official custodian of all divorce court records filed within the county, while the Florida Department of Health maintains the official divorce certificates as part of the state's vital records system.

Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts
73 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
305-275-1155
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Are Miami-Dade County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Miami-Dade County are generally considered public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and the Florida Constitution (Article I, Section 24). This legal framework establishes the public's right to access government records, including court documents related to divorce proceedings. The public status of these records means:

However, certain information within divorce records may be exempt from public disclosure or may be sealed by court order. Under Florida Statutes § 119.071 and Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.400, protected information includes:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Financial account numbers
  • Names and information of minor children
  • Domestic violence victim information
  • Records that a judge has specifically ordered sealed

Individuals seeking confidentiality for sensitive information should consult with legal counsel regarding available protections under Florida law.

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

Locating divorce records in Miami-Dade County involves accessing different systems depending on the type of record needed and its age. The process for finding these records in 2025 includes several official channels:

For Court Case Records:

  • Visit the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts website and navigate to the online case search system.
  • Use the Civil, Family and Probate Courts Online System to search by party name, case number, or date range.
  • For cases filed after 1990, most records are available electronically.
  • For older records (pre-1990), submit a records request form to the Clerk's office for archived materials.

For Recorded Final Judgments:

For Divorce Certificates:

Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County
8175 NW 12th Street, Suite 300
Miami, FL 33126
305-324-2400
Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

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

Miami-Dade County provides comprehensive online access to divorce records through several digital platforms. Pursuant to administrative directives from the Florida Supreme Court regarding electronic access to court records, the following online resources are available to the public:

  • Civil, Family and Probate Courts Online System: The Miami-Dade County Clerk's online case search portal allows users to search for divorce cases by party name, case number, or filing date. This system provides case dockets, party information, and hearing schedules. Some documents may be viewable online, while others require in-person requests.

  • Official Records Search: The County Recorder's Official Records system contains recorded final judgments of dissolution of marriage. Users can search by name, document type, or date range. These records typically include the final judgment document that officially terminates the marriage.

  • Florida Department of Health VitalChek: For divorce certificates, the Florida Department of Health offers online ordering through VitalChek, a third-party service provider. This service requires identity verification and payment of applicable fees.

Users should note that while basic case information is freely accessible, downloading documents may require registration and payment of statutory fees. Additionally, pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain confidential information may be redacted from online records.

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

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Miami-Dade County have several options available under Florida's public records laws. The following methods provide free access to basic divorce record information:

  • Public Access Terminals: The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts provides public access terminals at courthouse locations where individuals may view electronic court records at no charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:

Miami-Dade County Courthouse
73 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Online Case Search: Basic case information is available at no cost through the Miami-Dade County Clerk's online case search system. While viewing documents online may require payment, the case docket information (including party names, case type, and filing dates) is accessible without charge.

  • Official Records Index Search: The County Recorder's Official Records system allows free index searches to locate recorded final judgments of dissolution of marriage. While document images may require payment to view or download, the index information is free.

  • Public Libraries: Several Miami-Dade Public Library branches offer free internet access where patrons can utilize the Clerk's online systems at no cost.

It should be noted that while basic record searches may be conducted without charge, fees apply for obtaining certified copies or printed documents pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.24.

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

Divorce records in Miami-Dade County contain comprehensive documentation of the legal dissolution process. In accordance with Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and Chapter 61 of Florida Statutes, these records typically include the following components:

  • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The initial filing that states the grounds for divorce and requested relief.

  • Financial Affidavits: Sworn statements from both parties disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities as required by Florida Family Law Rule 12.285.

  • Marital Settlement Agreement: If applicable, the document detailing the division of property, debts, and other marital assets.

  • Parenting Plan: For divorces involving minor children, a detailed plan addressing time-sharing schedules, parental responsibilities, and child support calculations.

  • Child Support Guidelines Worksheet: Calculations used to determine child support obligations based on Florida's statutory formula.

  • Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage: The court's final order terminating the marriage and resolving all related issues.

  • Certificate of Divorce: An official vital record documenting the fact of divorce, including names of parties, date of divorce, and case number.

  • Related Court Orders: May include temporary relief orders, name change orders, or post-judgment modifications.

The level of detail in these records varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, whether minor children were involved, and the complexity of marital assets and liabilities requiring distribution.

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

Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Miami-Dade County may obtain official documentation through established procedures administered by county and state agencies. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 382.0255 and § 28.24, the following methods are available for securing proof of divorce:

  • Certified Copy of Final Judgment: The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts provides certified copies of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. Requests may be submitted:

    • In person at the Family Division, located at 175 NW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33128
    • By mail with a notarized request form
    • Online through the Clerk's Records Request system
    • Fees: $1.00 per page plus $2.00 for certification

  • Certificate of Divorce: The Florida Department of Health issues official certificates documenting the fact of divorce. These may be obtained:

  • Certified Copy of Recorded Final Judgment: For divorces where the final judgment was recorded in the Official Records, certified copies may be obtained:

Applicants must provide proper identification and, for certain records, may need to demonstrate eligibility to access the documents under Florida law.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Miami-Dade County?

While divorce proceedings in Miami-Dade County are generally public records, Florida law provides several mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality in certain circumstances. Pursuant to Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.400 and Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, the following confidentiality options exist:

  • Motion to Seal Records: Parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of a divorce file. The court applies a balancing test weighing privacy interests against the public's right to access. Complete sealing of records is rare and requires demonstration of compelling circumstances.

  • Confidential Information Designations: Certain information is automatically protected from public disclosure, including:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Bank account numbers
    • Minor children's names and birthdates
    • Medical records
    • Domestic violence victim information

  • Simplified Dissolution of Marriage: This streamlined process for uncontested divorces with no minor children or property disputes generates fewer public documents.

  • Private Mediation and Settlement: Resolving disputes through mediation keeps negotiation details confidential, with only the final agreement becoming part of the public record.

  • Confidential Filing: In cases involving domestic violence or where a party qualifies for address confidentiality under Florida Statutes § 741.465, special filing procedures protect sensitive information.

Individuals seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel regarding available protections under Florida law, as courts generally favor transparency unless specific statutory exemptions apply.

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

The duration of divorce proceedings in Miami-Dade County varies significantly based on case complexity and the level of agreement between parties. In accordance with Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and local administrative orders, the following timeframes generally apply:

  • Simplified Dissolution of Marriage: For qualifying couples with no minor children, no property disputes, and mutual agreement, the process typically takes 30-45 days from filing to finalization. This expedited procedure requires a single court appearance.

  • Uncontested Divorce: When parties agree on all issues but don't qualify for simplified dissolution, the process generally takes 60-90 days. This includes the mandatory 20-day waiting period after filing pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.19.

  • Contested Divorce: Cases requiring judicial resolution of disputes over children, property, or support typically take 6-12 months. Factors affecting duration include:

    • Court calendar congestion
    • Complexity of financial assets requiring valuation
    • Child custody evaluations
    • Discovery disputes
    • Motion practice

  • High-Conflict or Complex Cases: Divorces involving substantial assets, business valuations, or high-conflict custody disputes may extend beyond 12 months, occasionally lasting 18-24 months until final resolution.

The Miami-Dade County Family Division operates under case management guidelines that establish timeframes for different case phases. However, these timeframes may be extended based on case complexity or extraordinary circumstances. All divorce cases are subject to Florida's mandatory financial disclosure requirements, which can affect overall case duration.

How Long Does Miami-Dade County Keep Divorce Records?

Miami-Dade County maintains divorce records in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules established under Florida Statutes § 28.30 and the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. The retention periods vary by record type and storage medium:

  • Court Case Files: The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts permanently retains all divorce case files. Records from:

    • 1990-present: Maintained in electronic format and accessible through the Clerk's online systems
    • Pre-1990: Maintained in physical archives with some records microfilmed
    • Historical records (pre-1960): May be transferred to the State Archives while remaining accessible through the Clerk's office

  • Recorded Final Judgments: Final judgments recorded in the Official Records are permanently maintained and never expunged. Records from:

    • 1974-present: Available through the online Official Records system
    • Pre-1974: Accessible through the Clerk's archives department

  • Divorce Certificates: The Florida Department of Health maintains divorce certificates permanently as vital records. These records date back to June 1927 when the state began centralized vital records keeping.

  • Administrative Records: Non-essential administrative documents related to divorce proceedings follow general government records schedules, typically with retention periods of 5-10 years.

Individuals seeking historical divorce records should note that older records may require additional processing time and may not be available in electronic format. Special requests for archived materials should be directed to:

Miami-Dade County Clerk's Archives Unit
111 NW 1st Street, Suite 1750
Miami, FL 33128
305-375-5421
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

How To Get a Divorce In Miami-Dade County

Obtaining a divorce in Miami-Dade County requires adherence to specific legal procedures established under Florida Statutes Chapter 61 and the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure. The process involves the following steps:

  • Residency Requirement: At least one spouse must have been a Florida resident for six months prior to filing, as verified by a Florida driver's license, voter registration, or affidavit of corroborating witness.

  • Filing Options: Depending on circumstances, petitioners may choose:

    • Regular Dissolution of Marriage: Standard process for all divorces
    • Simplified Dissolution: Expedited process for couples without minor children or property disputes who agree on all terms

  • Required Forms: Initial filings include:

    • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.901)
    • Financial Affidavit (Form 12.902)
    • Notice of Social Security Number (Form 12.902)
    • Additional forms for cases involving children

  • Filing Location: Documents must be filed with the Clerk of Courts at:

Miami-Dade County Family Division
175 NW 1st Avenue
Miami, FL 33128
305-349-7800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Service of Process: The non-filing spouse must be formally served with divorce papers unless they sign a waiver of service.

  • Mandatory Waiting Period: Florida law imposes a 20-day waiting period from filing to finalization.

  • Parenting Course: Parents of minor children must complete a court-approved parenting course before final judgment.

  • Mediation: Most contested cases are referred to mandatory mediation before trial.

  • Final Hearing: Once all requirements are met, the court schedules a hearing to finalize the divorce.

Filing fees for divorce in Miami-Dade County are $409 for regular dissolution and $409 for simplified dissolution, with additional fees for service of process and certified copies. Fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals through an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Miami-Dade County

Individuals seeking divorce forms in Miami-Dade County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary documentation. Pursuant to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, standardized forms are available through the following channels:

  • Online Resources: Official divorce forms can be downloaded from:

  • In-Person Assistance: Forms and guidance are available at:

Miami-Dade County Family Court Self-Help Program
Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center
175 NW 1st Avenue, 24th Floor
Miami, FL 33128
305-349-7800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(Services provided on a first-come, first-served basis)

  • Required Forms: Basic divorce packets include:

    • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with or without children versions)
    • Financial Affidavit (short or long form based on income)
    • Notice of Social Security Number
    • Marital Settlement Agreement (for uncontested cases)
    • Parenting Plan (for cases with minor children)
    • Final Judgment forms

  • Legal Assistance Options:

    • Legal Aid Society of Dade County Bar Association: 305-579-5733
    • Put Something Back Pro Bono Project: 305-579-5733
    • Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: 800-342-8011

The Self-Help Program provides form packets for a nominal fee ($65 for contested divorces, $80 for uncontested divorces with children, $60 for uncontested divorces without children). Staff cannot provide legal advice but can assist with procedural information. Translation services are available for Spanish and Creole speakers.

Lookup Divorce Records in Miami-Dade County

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