Palm Beach County Divorce Records
What Are Palm Beach County Divorce Records?
Palm Beach County divorce records are official government documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriages within Palm Beach County, Florida. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.222, which mandates the proper recording and preservation of all official records by the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Divorce records in Palm Beach County typically include:
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Marital settlement agreements
- Child custody and support arrangements, if applicable
- Property division documentation
The Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller serves as the official custodian of these records, which are filed and maintained at:
Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller
205 North Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 355-2996
Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding legal holidays.
Are Palm Beach County Divorce Records Public?
Palm Beach County divorce records are generally considered public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including court documents related to divorce proceedings.
Members of the public may access these records through the following means:
- In-person requests at the Palm Beach County Courthouse
- Online searches through the eCaseView portal
- Written requests submitted to the Clerk's office
However, certain information within divorce records may be exempt from public disclosure, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Names of minor children
- Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
- Information sealed by court order pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420
The Clerk's office is required to redact this confidential information before providing copies to the public, in compliance with Florida Statutes § 119.071.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Palm Beach County in 2025
Individuals seeking divorce records in Palm Beach County in 2025 may utilize several methods established by the Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller's office. The following procedures apply:
For in-person requests, requestors must:
- Visit the Palm Beach County Courthouse Records Department
- Complete a records request form
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees ($1.00 per page for copies, $2.00 for certification)
Palm Beach County Main Courthouse
205 North Dixie Highway, Room 4.2500
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 355-6464
For mail requests, applicants should:
- Submit a written request including case number (if known), names of parties, and approximate date of divorce
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose payment via check or money order made payable to "Clerk & Comptroller, Palm Beach County"
Mail requests should be directed to:
Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller
Attn: Records Request Department
P.O. Box 4177
West Palm Beach, FL 33402-4177
The processing time for divorce record requests typically ranges from 3-5 business days for standard requests, with expedited service available for an additional fee.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Palm Beach County Online?
Palm Beach County provides digital access to divorce records through its electronic case management system. Pursuant to Administrative Order 2.310-4/08, the Clerk maintains an online portal for public access to non-confidential court records.
To access divorce records online, users may:
- Visit the eCaseView portal maintained by the Palm Beach County Clerk
- Create a user account or proceed as a guest user
- Select "Family Court" from the case type options
- Enter search criteria such as:
- Case number
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Date range of filing
- Review the search results and select the relevant case
- Access available documents, noting that some may require payment for viewing
The online system charges $1.00 per page for document viewing and downloading, with a maximum charge of $10.00 per document. Payment is accepted via major credit cards.
Users should note that pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420(d), certain confidential information may be redacted or unavailable through the online portal.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Palm Beach County?
Members of the public may access divorce records in Palm Beach County without incurring fees through several methods established under Florida's public records statutes.
Free access options include:
-
In-person inspection at the Palm Beach County Courthouse Records Department, where individuals may view records without charge during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM)
-
Public access terminals located at:
Palm Beach County Main Courthouse
205 North Dixie Highway, 1st Floor
West Palm Beach, FL 33401Palm Beach County North County Courthouse
3188 PGA Boulevard
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 624-6650 -
Limited online case information through the Clerk's public records search, which provides basic case information without document images
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.24(2)(e), while inspection of records is free, obtaining copies incurs standard fees ($1.00 per page, $2.00 for certification). Individuals representing themselves in court proceedings (pro se litigants) may qualify for fee waivers by filing an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status as provided under Florida Statutes § 57.082.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County divorce records contain comprehensive documentation of the dissolution process in accordance with Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure. These records typically include multiple components as required by Florida Statutes Chapter 61.
Standard components of Palm Beach County divorce records include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.901)
- Answer and Counterpetition (if applicable)
- Financial Affidavits (Forms 12.902(b) or 12.902(c))
- Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure (Form 12.932)
- Marital Settlement Agreement (if reached by parties)
- Parenting Plan (Form 12.995) for cases involving minor children
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (Form 12.902(e))
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
Additional documents may include:
- Temporary orders regarding alimony, child support, or time-sharing
- Mediation agreements
- Depositions and interrogatories
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
- Name change orders (if applicable)
These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 and are available through the Florida Courts Family Law Forms system.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Palm Beach County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Palm Beach County may obtain certified copies of their Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. These certified documents serve as legal verification of divorce status and are often required for remarriage, name changes, or immigration purposes.
To obtain certified proof of divorce, requestors must:
- Complete a Records Request Form specifying the need for certification
- Provide the case number, if known, or names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
- Submit payment of $2.00 per certification plus $1.00 per page copying fee
- Present valid photo identification if requesting in person
Requests may be submitted:
In person at:
Palm Beach County Courthouse Records Department
205 North Dixie Highway, Room 4.2500
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
By mail to:
Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller
Attn: Certification Department
P.O. Box 4177
West Palm Beach, FL 33402-4177
For expedited service, certified copies may be requested online through the Clerk's Official Records Search with additional convenience fees applied.
The Florida Department of Health also maintains a statewide index of divorce records from June 6, 1927, to the present and can provide divorce certificates for an additional fee.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Palm Beach County?
Under limited circumstances, divorce proceedings in Palm Beach County may be granted confidential status pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 and Florida Statutes § 119.071. While Florida maintains a strong presumption of public access to court records, certain protections exist.
Circumstances warranting confidentiality include:
- Cases involving domestic violence where a party qualifies for address confidentiality under Florida Statutes § 741.465
- Matters involving minor children where disclosure would cause harm
- Cases containing sensitive financial information that would cause undue harm if disclosed
- Proceedings involving allegations of sexual abuse
To request confidentiality, parties must:
- File a Motion to Determine Confidentiality of Court Records (Form 2.420(e)(1))
- Demonstrate specific legal grounds for confidentiality
- Obtain a court order from the presiding judge
The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's right to access against privacy interests and potential harm from disclosure. Even when granted, confidentiality is typically limited to specific documents rather than the entire case file.
Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel regarding the specific requirements outlined in Administrative Order 2.420-1/21 issued by the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Palm Beach County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Palm Beach County varies based on case complexity and whether the dissolution is contested or uncontested, as governed by Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.
For uncontested divorces (where parties have reached agreement on all issues):
- Minimum waiting period: 20 days after filing (statutory requirement)
- Typical timeline: 4-6 weeks from filing to final judgment
- Simplified dissolution (no children, no alimony): 30 days average
For contested divorces (where parties disagree on one or more issues):
- Typical timeline: 6-12 months
- Complex cases involving significant assets or custody disputes: 12-18 months
- Cases requiring trial: Additional 3-6 months for court scheduling
Procedural timeframes established by the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit include:
- 20-day mandatory response period after service
- 45 days for mandatory disclosure of financial information
- 90-day mediation requirement before trial setting
Factors affecting timeline include:
- Court calendar congestion
- Completion of required parenting classes for cases involving minor children
- Complexity of asset division or business valuation
- Cooperation between parties and counsel
The Palm Beach County Family Court Case Management Office monitors case progression pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.545, which mandates timely disposition of cases.
How Long Does Palm Beach County Keep Divorce Records?
Palm Beach County maintains divorce records permanently in accordance with Florida's records retention schedule established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. This retention policy is governed by Florida Statutes § 28.30 and General Records Schedule GS11 for Clerk of Courts.
Key aspects of divorce record retention include:
- Final Judgments of Dissolution of Marriage: Permanently maintained
- Case files: Permanently maintained as official court records
- Electronic records: Preserved in the Clerk's case management system indefinitely
- Microfilm/digital backups: Created for preservation purposes
Historical divorce records dating back to the county's establishment in 1909 are available through:
Palm Beach County Historical Archives
300 North Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 355-2930
Records from 1909-1990 may require additional processing time as some exist only in paper format or on microfilm. Records from 1990 forward are generally available in electronic format through the Clerk's office.
The permanent retention of divorce records ensures that individuals can access proof of divorce status regardless of when the dissolution occurred, supporting legal needs related to remarriage, estate planning, and genealogical research.
How To Get a Divorce In Palm Beach County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Palm Beach County must follow procedures established under Florida Statutes Chapter 61 and the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure. The process requires meeting residency requirements and completing specific legal steps.
To initiate a divorce in Palm Beach County:
- Establish eligibility: At least one party must have been a Florida resident for six months prior to filing (Florida Statutes § 61.021)
- Prepare and file appropriate petition:
- Regular Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.901(b)(1))
- Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.901(a)) if qualifying
- Pay filing fees:
- $408.00 for dissolution of marriage
- $55.00 for summons issuance (if required)
- Fee waivers available for qualifying individuals
Filing locations:
Palm Beach County Main Courthouse
205 North Dixie Highway, Room 3.2200
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 355-7048
Palm Beach County South County Courthouse
200 West Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33444
(561) 274-1588
After filing, parties must:
- Complete mandatory financial disclosure using Florida Family Law Forms
- Attend mediation if required (mandatory for contested issues)
- Complete parenting course if minor children are involved
- Attend all scheduled hearings
- Obtain Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
Self-represented litigants may access assistance through:
Self Service Center
Palm Beach County Main Courthouse
205 North Dixie Highway, Room 3.2200
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 355-7048
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM
Forms and instructions are available through the Florida Courts Family Law Forms website.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Palm Beach County
Individuals seeking divorce papers in Palm Beach County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary forms as prescribed by the Florida Supreme Court and required under Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.
Official divorce forms may be obtained through:
Palm Beach County Courthouse Self Service Center
205 North Dixie Highway, Room 3.2200
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 355-7048
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM
Fee: $4.00 per packet
Palm Beach County Law Library
205 North Dixie Highway, Room 5.2500
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 355-2928
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
Forms available include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with/without children)
- Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
- Financial Affidavits (short and long form)
- Marital Settlement Agreements
- Parenting Plans
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheets
Electronic access to forms is available through:
- Florida Courts Family Law Forms
- Palm Beach County Clerk's website
Individuals requiring assistance with form completion may utilize:
-
Self Service Center (fee-based assistance)
-
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County (for qualifying low-income residents)
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County
423 Fern Street, Suite 200
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 655-8944
All forms must be completed in accordance with Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and notarized where indicated before filing with the Clerk's office.
Lookup Divorce Records in Palm Beach County
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