Jackson County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Jackson County in 2026
JacksonFLRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Jackson County, Florida. Members of the public may find dissolution of marriage case filings, final judgments, docket entries, and related court documents through this resource. Available record categories may include divorce decrees, settlement agreements, parenting plans, support orders, and case status information. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the date of filing and the nature of the case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Jackson County.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Jackson 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 or certified records.
2. State Court System Portal
The Florida Courts website provides court location information and links to circuit court services for Jackson County, which is served by the First Judicial Circuit. This portal allows users to identify the correct court division and access jurisdictional information.
3. State Vital Records
The Florida Department of Health issues divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Florida. As stated by the Florida Department of Health, "The certificate is issued as an abstract of the information taken from the judgment and is acceptable as evidence that a dissolution was finalized and granted." Divorce certificates are available for dissolutions occurring from June 6, 1927, to the present. Fees apply.
The Florida Department of Health in Jackson County also notes that marriage certificates prior to June 6, 1927, are obtainable from the clerk of court in the county where the marriage license was issued; the same principle applies to divorce records predating statewide registration.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Family Division
Jackson County Clerk of Courts
4445 Lafayette Street
Marianna, FL 32446
Phone: (850) 482-9552
Jackson County Clerk of Courts
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search dissolution of marriage case files
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final judgments and decrees
- Staff assistance for locating case numbers and docket entries
Florida Department of Health in Jackson County
4979 Healthy Way
Marianna, FL 32446
Phone: (850) 526-2412
Florida Department of Health in Jackson County
- Issues divorce certificates for dissolutions registered with the state
- Accepts in-person requests for vital record abstracts
By Mail
Written Request to Clerk of Court
- Mail to: Jackson County Clerk of Courts, 4445 Lafayette Street, Marianna, FL 32446
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if known
- Requester's full name and contact information
- Specific documents requested
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed in the order received; allow 1–2 weeks for standard mail requests.
By Phone
Limited Information Available by Phone
- Clerk of Court: (850) 482-9552
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex dissolution matters may retain legal counsel to access court records on their behalf. An attorney may request sealed or restricted documents by filing the appropriate motion with the court and demonstrating a legitimate legal basis. The Florida Bar provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking professional assistance.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses, including maiden names where applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or year of filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and county of marriage
- Previous addresses in Jackson County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
- Names of minor children, if applicable
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 confirm that the divorce was filed in Jackson County before initiating a search. If the filing county is unknown, it may be necessary to search multiple counties. A divorce cannot be searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement: Under current Florida law, at least one spouse must have resided in Florida for a minimum of six months immediately preceding the filing of the petition.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing
- Allow several business days to weeks for processing and indexing after the final judgment is entered
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Records from before June 6, 1927, are not registered with the state vital records office and must be obtained directly from the Clerk of Court
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Divorce was filed in a different Florida county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case is still pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- Case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk of Court at (850) 482-9552 to request staff assistance
- Attempt alternate name spellings or maiden names
- Search under both spouses' names
- Request a divorce certificate from the Florida Department of Health to confirm statewide registration
- Consult a licensed Florida attorney for sealed or complex records
What Are Jackson County Divorce Records?
Jackson County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed with the Circuit Court of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Jackson County, Florida. These records are maintained by the Jackson County Clerk of Courts as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to Florida's public records laws.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files
The complete dissolution of marriage case file contains all documents filed by the parties and the court throughout the proceeding, including:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Summons and proof of service
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans (where minor children are involved)
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, notices, and court orders
- Hearing transcripts (if ordered)
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the official court order that legally terminates the marriage. It establishes:
- The date the dissolution became effective
- Division of marital assets and liabilities
- Alimony or spousal support provisions, if any
- Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final judgment are available from the Clerk of Court upon payment of the applicable fee.
Supporting Documents
- Original or certified marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
- Financial disclosure documents and tax returns
- Real and personal property inventories
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records
Legal Purposes:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting name changes with government agencies
- Supporting immigration proceedings and visa applications
- Verifying property transfer and title changes
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Jackson County Clerk of Courts serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage case files. The Clerk indexes records by the names of both parties and provides certified copies upon request. The Florida Department of Health maintains statewide divorce certificates for dissolutions registered from June 6, 1927, forward, though these certificates contain limited information compared to the full court file.
Legal Framework
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Florida are governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 61, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for obtaining a dissolution. Florida is a no-fault dissolution state; under current law, the sole ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Public access to court records is governed by Florida Statutes § 119.01, which establishes the public policy that all state, county, and municipal records shall be open for personal inspection by any person.
Are Jackson County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Jackson County are public court records subject to Florida's public records law, and members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. However, certain categories of information within dissolution case files are restricted, redacted, or sealed pursuant to court rules and state statutes.
What Is Public:
- Case number and date of filing
- Full names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled and completed hearing dates
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings pursuant to Florida court rules
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Salary and income details may carry partial restrictions depending on how they were filed
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluation records
- Child custody evaluations may be sealed by court order
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses and phone numbers in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records:
- Cases sealed by court order are not accessible to the general public
- Mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record
- Confidential settlement terms incorporated by reference but not filed publicly
Who Can Access Records
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from third-party access
- Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require a court order
Restrictions on Use
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use the information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a court-issued protective order. News reporting, academic research, genealogical research, and legal purposes are recognized as permissible uses under Florida law.
Obtaining Confidential Records
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating good cause. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test between the public interest in transparency and the privacy interests of the parties. Certain government entities, including law enforcement agencies, child protection investigators, and court-appointed evaluators, may be entitled to access restricted records by statute.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Jackson County?
The Jackson County Clerk of Courts charges fees for copies and certified copies of dissolution of marriage records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 28.24, which establishes the schedule of service charges for clerks of court.
Standard Copy and Certification Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Single-sided copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Double-sided copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification of document | $2.00 per document |
| Exemplification (triple seal) | $4.00 per document |
| Electronic copy (where available) | Varies |
State Vital Records — Divorce Certificate Fees:
The Florida Department of Health charges a fee for each divorce certificate issued. As stated by the Florida Department of Health, the divorce certificate "is issued as an abstract of the information taken from the judgment." Current fees for divorce certificates obtained through the Florida Department of Health vital records office are as follows:
- First copy: $5.00
- Each additional copy ordered at the same time: $4.00
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person at the Clerk's office)
- Check or money order payable to the Jackson County Clerk of Courts
- Credit and debit cards (fees may apply)
- Online payment through the Clerk's portal where available
Fee Waivers:
Indigent parties who have been granted in forma pauperis status by the court may be entitled to waive certain copy fees. A formal application must be filed with the court, and approval is at the court's discretion.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries and case summaries through the online case search portal
- Inspecting documents at public access terminals located at the Clerk's office
- Confirming case existence and status by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Jackson County
A dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Jackson County Clerk of Courts is a comprehensive collection of all documents filed with the court from the date of initial filing through the entry of the final judgment and any subsequent post-judgment proceedings.
Basic Case Information
Every case file includes a case caption identifying the case number, the name of the assigned circuit court judge, the names of both parties, and the names of attorneys of record. The filing date, case type designation, and jurisdictional basis are recorded at the time the petition is accepted for filing.
Initial Pleadings
The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown under Florida's no-fault standard), information regarding minor children if applicable, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or response, and any counterpetition, are also part of the initial pleadings. Both parties are required to file financial affidavits disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
Discovery and Financial Disclosure Documents
In contested cases, the file may contain interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition notices, and financial records including tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, investment account statements, and retirement account records. Business financial statements are included where a party owns or operates a business.
Property-Related Documents
The case file includes inventories of marital assets and liabilities, real property descriptions and appraisals, vehicle valuations, and expert reports on the value of business interests or other complex assets. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders, which direct retirement plan administrators to divide benefits between the parties, are filed as separate orders within the case.
Children-Related Documents
Where minor children are involved, the case file contains the parenting plan, which addresses legal and physical custody, the timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. Child support calculation worksheets, income information, and the support order are also included. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered, are part of the file but may be subject to restricted access.
Settlement and Agreement Documents
The marital settlement agreement, if the parties resolve their case by agreement, is a comprehensive document addressing all issues in the dissolution. Mediation agreements, where the parties participated in court-ordered mediation, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement. Mediation communications themselves are confidential and are not filed with the court.
Court Orders and Final Judgment
Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, including temporary support, temporary custody, and injunctions, are part of the record. The final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the definitive court order terminating the marriage and resolving all pending issues. It contains the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, and specific directives regarding property, support, and parenting.
Post-Judgment Documents
Following entry of the final judgment, the case file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, contempt motions, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions. These post-judgment filings are indexed as part of the original case file.
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence-related evidence in cases involving protective orders
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Jackson County
Proof of divorce in Jackson County may be obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution from the Clerk of Court, or a divorce certificate issued by the Florida Department of Health.
Certified Copy of Final Judgment
A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the most comprehensive form of proof and is accepted for legal, financial, and governmental purposes. To obtain a certified copy:
- Contact the Jackson County Clerk of Courts at (850) 482-9552 or visit the office in person at 4445 Lafayette Street, Marianna, FL 32446.
- Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the dissolution, or the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification fee as established under Florida Statutes § 28.24.
- Certified copies may also be requested by mail; include a completed request form, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Jackson County Clerk of Courts
4445 Lafayette Street
Marianna, FL 32446
Phone: (850) 482-9552
Jackson County Clerk of Courts
Divorce Certificate from the Florida Department of Health
For dissolutions finalized on or after June 6, 1927, a divorce certificate may be obtained from the Florida Department of Health. This certificate serves as an official abstract confirming that a dissolution was granted and finalized. It is accepted as proof of divorce for many purposes, including remarriage and name change applications.
Florida Department of Health — Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Florida Department of Health Divorce Certificates
Requests may also be submitted through the Florida Department of Health in Jackson County for local assistance.
Jackson County Florida Board of County Commissioners
2864 Madison Street
Marianna, FL 32448
Phone: (850) 482-9633
Jackson County Florida Board of County Commissioners
Members of the public may also submit public records requests to Jackson County government agencies by contacting publicrecordsrequest@jacksoncountyfl.gov.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Jackson County?
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Jackson County are presumptively public under Florida law, but certain cases or portions of case files may be made confidential by court order or by operation of statute.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained an injunction for protection against domestic violence, personal address and contact information may be shielded from public disclosure pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.071(2)(j).
- Sealed case files: A party may petition the court to seal the entire case file or specific documents by demonstrating that the privacy interest outweighs the public interest in access. The court applies a balancing test and issues a written order.
- Children's information: Information identifying the residential address, school, or medical providers of minor children is subject to restriction under Florida court rules.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records pertaining to mental health treatment or substance abuse evaluation are confidential under state and federal law and are not accessible to the general public.
- Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible as public records.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all publicly accessible filings as a matter of standard court practice.
Members of the public seeking to seal a dissolution case file must file a motion with the circuit court and comply with the procedures established under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420.
How Long Does Jackson County Keep Divorce Records?
The Jackson County Clerk of Courts retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, which governs records retention for Florida court records.
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage: Retained permanently. These records are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, with permanent retention for cases involving significant legal issues or appeals.
- Uncontested dissolution case files: Retained for a minimum of 5 years following the close of the case under current Florida court records retention schedules.
- Financial affidavits and supporting financial documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period.
- Post-judgment modification and enforcement records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule.
- State vital records (divorce certificates): The Florida Department of Health retains divorce certificate records permanently for all dissolutions registered from June 6, 1927, forward.
- Pre-1927 records: Dissolution records predating statewide registration are maintained solely by the Clerk of Court and are subject to the Clerk's archival practices; some very old records may be stored in off-site archives and may require additional retrieval time.
Members of the public seeking records from archived or older case files should contact the Jackson County Clerk of Courts directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.