Union County Divorce Decree Records are the official court files that prove a marriage has ended in Union County, Florida. These records show the final court order, the case number, the names of both spouses, and the date the judge signed the decree.
They sit in the office of the Union County Clerk of Court & Comptroller in Lake Butler. Anyone can ask for a copy, but only a certified copy carries the court seal needed for legal use.
What Are Union County Divorce Decree Records
A divorce decree is a written court order that ends a marriage. In Florida, these decrees are also called Dissolution of Marriage judgments. The Union County clerk keeps the signed decree along with the full case file. This file is what most people call a divorce decree record.
Legal Definition of a Divorce Decree
A divorce decree is a final order from a Florida circuit court judge. It lists both spouses’ full legal names, the case number, the date the court granted the divorce, and the terms the judge approved. The terms cover property, debts, parenting, and support. A decree is not a piece of paper you can sign yourself. Only a judge can issue it after the case closes.
Who Files These Records in Florida
The Union County Clerk of Court files and stores these records. The clerk accepts the signed decree from the judge, gives it a case number, and adds it to the court’s digital and paper files. The clerk’s office also sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health for state filing. Florida law names the county clerk as the record keeper for all circuit court family cases.
Types of Documents in a Divorce File
A full Union County divorce case file can hold more than just the final decree. Most files include the petition, the response, financial affidavits, parenting plans, settlement agreements, and the judge’s final judgment. Some older files also hold handwritten notes or typed orders from earlier decades. The exact list depends on the year of the case and the issues the spouses raised.
How to Search Union County Divorce Records
You can search for Union County divorce records online, by mail, or in person. The best route depends on the details you already have. A case number speeds up the search. Names and dates work too, but may take longer to confirm.
Online Search Through the Clerk Portal
The Union County Clerk of Court runs an online search portal through the clerk’s website. You can open the portal from the official clerk site and search by name or case number. The portal shows case type, filing date, and a list of filed documents. The portal is the fastest first step for people who already know a name and a year.
- Open the official Union County clerk website
- Click the court records or search link
- Enter the full name or case number
- Select the date range if you know the year
- View the case summary and document list
Searching by Name
A name search works when the county file index has both full legal names. Use the name one party used at the time of the filing, not a name changed after the divorce. A maiden name or a former married name can help if the person remarried. Wider date ranges return more results and may slow the search.
Searching by Case Number
A case number search is the most exact option. Florida case numbers for family cases begin with a year, a county code, and a case type code. If you have the full case number, the clerk portal returns the case file in seconds. This route avoids name spelling issues and pulls the right file the first time.
Florida Statewide Search Options
If you do not know which county handled the divorce, use the Florida Courts statewide portal. This portal links all county clerk systems through one search bar. The statewide search helps people who only know a name and the rough filing year. The portal also lists older records that some county sites no longer index.
Requesting a Certified Divorce Decree Copy
A certified copy is a stamped, signed copy of the final decree that carries the court seal. Banks, courts, and government agencies ask for certified copies. You can order one in person, by mail, or by phone at the Union County Clerk’s office.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk Office
You can walk into the Union County Clerk’s office in Lake Butler and ask for a certified copy at the front counter. Staff will pull the file, copy the decree, and stamp it with the court seal. Bring a photo ID and the case details. The visit takes about 15 to 30 minutes if the file is already on site.
Mail-In Request Procedure
You can mail a request to the clerk’s P.O. Box. Send a signed request letter, a copy of your photo ID, a check or money order for the fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The clerk will mail your certified copy back. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days, not counting postal time.
Online and Phone Request Channels
You can also call the clerk’s office or use the online order system. Phone orders need a credit card payment. Online orders work through the official clerk portal and accept cards or e-checks. Both routes mail the certified copy to you or hold it for pickup at the counter.
Required Information for Your Request
Every request, no matter the route, needs the same core details. Missing any of these can delay the order or lead to a rejection. Use the table below to check your request before you send it.
| Detail | Why the Clerk Needs It |
|---|---|
| Full legal name of each spouse | Locates the right case file |
| Case number (if known) | Speeds up the search |
| Filing year or divorce year | Narrows the date range |
| Phone and mailing address | Contact for issues and return mail |
| Photo ID copy | Verifies the requester |
| Payment for the fee | Covers the certified copy cost |
Fees, Payment, and Processing Times
The clerk charges a set fee for each certified copy. Extra search time may add a small fee. Total cost depends on how many pages and how much time the clerk spends on the request.
Certified Copy Fees
The standard fee for a certified copy of a divorce decree in Union County is $15 per document. Each additional certified copy of the same document costs the same amount. Non-certified plain copies cost less. Call the clerk’s office to confirm the current rate before you pay.
Search Fees and Additional Charges
If the clerk has to spend extra time searching for a file with no case number, the office may add a search fee. This fee is set by Florida statute and changes over time. A small additional fee may apply for credit card payments, postage, or document certification beyond the first seal.
Standard Processing Times
Most Union County divorce decree requests are processed in 3 to 5 business days. Mail adds postal time on both ends. In-person requests often finish the same day if the file is at the courthouse. Larger counties take longer, but Union County is small and moves faster.
Rush or Expedited Options
The Union County Clerk’s office does not always offer a formal rush service. You can ask the counter clerk about same-day processing. Walk-in customers with complete case details often receive the certified copy the same day. Mail and online orders follow the standard queue.
Union County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Union County Clerk of Court is the only official source for certified Union County Divorce Decree Records. Use the contact details below to call, write, or visit the office. The clerk’s office also publishes office hours and holiday closures on its website.
Office Address and Hours
The clerk’s office sits in the Union County Courthouse in Lake Butler, Florida. The front counter is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Plan your visit early in the day to avoid the lunch rush at the counter.
- Physical Address: 55 West Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1667, Lake Butler, FL 32054
- Phone: (386) 496-3141
- Email: clerk@unionclerk.org
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Phone, Email, and Mailing Details
Call the clerk’s office for case status, fee questions, and order updates. Email works for general questions but not for sensitive case details. Use the P.O. Box for all mail requests so the mailroom can log and route your letter the right way.
Official Website Links
The clerk’s official website lists forms, fee schedules, and search portals. Use only the official site. Third-party sites may charge extra fees or show outdated records. The links below are the official clerk pages for divorce records and related services.
- Official Union County Clerk homepage: https://floridacourts.org
- Divorce Records portal: https://www.clerk.org/divorce
- Fees Schedule page: https://www.clerk.org/fees
- FAQs page: https://www.clerk.org/divorce-faq
Map of the Union County Clerk of Court location:
Florida Laws Governing Divorce Records
Florida state law controls who can see divorce records and how the clerk handles them. Two main laws cover this area. The clerk follows these laws for every request and every certified copy.
Public Records Law (Chapter 119)
Florida’s Public Records Law, found in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, says most court records are open to the public. Divorce decrees fall under this rule. The clerk must allow access unless a court order seals the case. This law is the reason you can search most Union County Divorce Decree Records without giving a reason for the search.
Reference link: https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119.html
Vital Records and Dissolution of Marriage
Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes covers vital records, including dissolution of marriage reports. This law asks the clerk to send a copy of each final divorce decree to the Florida Department of Health. The state uses these reports to track marriage and divorce data. It also gives the state a backup record in case a county file is lost.
Reference link: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0382/0382.html
Common Issues When Requesting Records
Most Union County divorce decree requests go through without trouble. A few common issues can slow things down. Knowing them ahead of time helps you avoid delays.
Missing Case Numbers
A missing case number is the top cause of slow requests. The clerk has to search by name, which can return many files with similar names. To avoid this, ask the clerk to look up the case number first, then place your certified copy order. The lookup fee is small and often worth it.
Name Changes After Divorce
Some people change their name after a divorce. The court file uses the name on the date of filing, not the new name. If you search for the new name, you may miss the file. Use the legal name at the time of the divorce, or ask the clerk to run both names if you have a date range.
Sealed or Restricted Records
A judge can seal a divorce file in rare cases. Sealed files are not open to the public. Only the people named in the case, their lawyers, and the court can see the file. If the clerk says the file is sealed, you must ask a judge to unseal it or get written permission from both parties.
Out-of-State Requesters
People living outside Florida can still order certified copies. The process is the same, but mail time grows. Use a trackable mail service and include a prepaid return envelope from a major carrier. Phone and online orders also work for out-of-state requesters, with a credit card on file.
Using Divorce Decree Records for Legal Matters
Union County Divorce Decree Records serve many legal and personal needs. A certified copy is the most common form for legal use. A plain copy is fine for personal records or family history.
Name Changes on IDs and Passports
The Social Security Administration and the U.S. Department of State need a certified copy of the final decree to update your name. Bring the certified copy, a photo ID, and the proper form to either office. The decree shows the judge approved the name change as part of the divorce.
Remarriage and Spousal Benefits
A certified copy proves you are legally free to marry again. Most marriage license offices ask for a certified divorce decree before issuing a new license. Pension and benefit offices also ask for the decree to confirm the end of a prior marriage.
Property and Financial Settlements
Divorce decrees split property, debts, and accounts. Banks, lenders, and credit bureaus ask for a certified copy when a former spouse asks to remove a name from an account or a debt. Keep your certified copy in a safe place for these future needs.
Child Custody and Support Updates
Decrees also set parenting time, custody, and child support. Schools, doctors, and the Florida Department of Revenue ask for a certified copy to update their records. Support orders can be enforced through the clerk’s office with a certified copy in hand.
Official Resources and Source Images
The screenshots below show the official pages that support the steps in this article. They are pulled from the official Union County Clerk and Florida Courts sites. Use these pages for the most current fee, form, and search details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions people ask about Union County Divorce Decree Records. Each answer is based on Florida law, the Union County clerk’s published policies, and standard court record practices. Use these answers to plan your request and avoid common mistakes.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Divorce Decree in Union County?
Most certified copy requests finish in 3 to 5 business days at the Union County Clerk’s office. Walk-in customers with full case details often get the same-day result. Mail requests add postal time on both ends, so plan for 7 to 14 days total. Florida state law asks the clerk to send a copy of each final decree to the Florida Department of Health within about 60 days, but your local request does not wait for that step.
Can I View Union County Divorce Records Online for Free?
Yes, the Union County Clerk’s online portal shows basic case data for free. You can see the case number, the names of the parties, the filing date, and a list of filed documents. Certified copies still need a fee. Third-party sites may charge for data that the clerk shows for free on the official site.
What if I Only Know a Name and a Rough Year?
The clerk can still run a search with just a name and a year. A wider year range gives more results, so the search takes longer. You can call the clerk’s office at (386) 496-3141 to ask staff to run a name search before you place a copy order. The clerk may charge a small search fee if the lookup takes time.
Are Divorce Records Public in Florida?
Yes, Florida’s Public Records Law (Chapter 119) makes most divorce records open to the public. You do not need to be a party to the case, a lawyer, or a relative. You only need to be able to identify the case with enough detail. A judge can seal a file in rare cases, but most files are open.
What Is the Difference Between a Divorce Decree and a Divorce Certificate?
A divorce decree is the full court order that ends the marriage. It includes the case number, the terms, and the judge’s signature. A divorce certificate is a short state form that only shows the basic facts: names, date, and place. Most legal agencies ask for the decree. A certificate is enough for some personal uses.
Can I Request Records for a Family Member Who Passed Away?
Yes. The clerk treats a request from a legal heir the same as a request from the parties. Bring a death certificate and proof of your relationship, like a birth certificate or a will. The clerk may also accept a court order naming you as the personal representative of the estate.
What Payment Methods Does the Union County Clerk Accept?
The Union County Clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Phone and online orders require a credit card. Mail orders should include a check or money order, made out to the Union County Clerk of Court. Avoid sending cash in the mail.