StJohns Public Records /StJohns County Divorce Records

StJohns County Divorce Records

What Are StJohns County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in St. Johns County are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller pursuant to Florida Statutes §28.222, which mandates the Clerk to record and maintain all official records. Divorce records typically consist of several components:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Financial affidavits from both parties
Marital Settlement Agreement (if applicable)
Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
Child custody and support arrangements (if applicable)
Property division determinations

The St. Johns County Clerk's office processes and maintains these records as part of their family law services. Divorce records serve multiple purposes, including providing legal proof of marital status change, documenting property divisions, and establishing child custody arrangements. These documents may be required for various administrative purposes such as name changes, remarriage, or modification of support orders.

St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller 4010 Lewis Speedway St. Augustine, FL 32084 Phone: (904) 819-3600 St. Johns County Clerk

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding legal holidays.

Are StJohns County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in St. Johns County are classified as public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. This designation means that members of the public may access and inspect these documents with certain limitations:

Most divorce case files are available for public inspection
Records containing Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and certain financial information are redacted before public disclosure
Cases involving domestic violence may have restricted access pursuant to Florida Statute §741.30
Records pertaining to minor children have certain information redacted to protect their privacy

The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, specifically Rule 2.420, governs confidentiality of court records and establishes procedures for requesting that certain information be kept confidential. Despite the general presumption of openness, certain sensitive information within divorce records may be sealed by court order upon demonstration of good cause.

Interested parties may access public divorce records through the online resources provided by the St. Johns County Clerk's office or by visiting the courthouse in person. Certified copies of divorce records may also be obtained from the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics for divorces finalized after June 6, 1927.

How To Find a Divorce Record In StJohns County in 2025

Finding divorce records in St. Johns County in 2025 involves several established procedures that members of the public may utilize. The St. Johns County Clerk of Court maintains these records and provides multiple methods for access:

In-person requests at the courthouse:
- Visit the Records Department at the St. Johns County Courthouse
- Complete a records request form
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable fees ($1.00 per page for copies, $2.00 per page for certified copies)
Online searches through the Clerk's official records database:
- Access the St. Johns County Clerk's online portal
- Navigate to the Official Records Search function
- Enter relevant search criteria (names of parties, case number, date range)
- Review search results and view available documents
Written requests by mail:
- Submit a written request including names of parties, approximate date of divorce, and purpose of request
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose appropriate payment for copies
- Mail to: St. Johns County Clerk of Court, Records Department, 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084

For divorces finalized after June 6, 1927, requesters may also contact the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics for certified copies of divorce certificates. The standard processing time for divorce record requests is approximately 3-5 business days, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in StJohns County Online?

St. Johns County provides comprehensive online access to divorce records through its electronic records system. Members of the public seeking to locate divorce records electronically may utilize the following procedure:

Navigate to the St. Johns County Clerk's online resources portal
Select "Official Records Search" from the available options
Create a free user account or proceed as a guest user
Enter search parameters:
- Party names (last name, first name)
- Date range of the divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Document type (select "Dissolution of Marriage" or related categories)
Review search results and select desired records for viewing
Pay applicable fees for document access or printing ($1.00 per page)

The online system provides access to records dating back to 1990, with more limited information available for cases prior to this date. Users should note that pursuant to Florida Statutes §119.071, certain confidential information is automatically redacted from online records, including:

Social Security numbers
Bank account numbers
Credit card information
Information related to minors

For comprehensive searches of older records or cases with special circumstances, users may need to supplement online searches with in-person visits to the Clerk's office. Technical assistance for the online system is available by contacting the Records Department at (904) 819-3632 during regular business hours.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In StJohns County?

St. Johns County residents and other interested parties may access certain divorce record information without payment, though comprehensive access typically involves nominal fees. The following methods provide free or low-cost access to divorce records:

Public access terminals at the St. Johns County Courthouse allow free viewing of non-confidential divorce records during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
Basic case information, including party names, case numbers, and filing dates, is available through the online case search system without charge
The St. Johns County Public Library System provides free public computer access where residents can search basic court records

While viewing basic record information is generally free, obtaining copies incurs standard fees:

Regular copies: $1.00 per page
Certified copies: $2.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee per document
Research assistance: $2.00 per name searched if clerk assistance is required

Pursuant to Florida Statutes §28.24, certain individuals may qualify for fee waivers, including:

Individuals determined to be indigent by the court
Government agencies requesting records for official purposes
Parties to the case requesting the first copy of certain documents

To request a fee waiver, applicants must complete an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status and submit it to the Clerk's office for review. Approval is at the discretion of the Clerk or the presiding judge in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In StJohns County

Divorce records in St. Johns County contain comprehensive documentation of the dissolution process. Pursuant to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, these records typically include the following components:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - The initial filing that states grounds for divorce and requested relief
Answer and/or Counter-Petition - The responding spouse's formal reply to the petition
Financial Affidavits (Form 12.902) - Sworn statements detailing each party's income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Marital Settlement Agreement - Document outlining the agreed-upon terms for property division, alimony, and other matters
Parenting Plan (if children are involved) - Detailed arrangements for time-sharing, decision-making, and parental responsibilities
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet - Calculations determining child support obligations
Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage - The court's final order terminating the marriage and resolving all related issues

Additional documents may include:

Certificates of completion for parenting classes (required in cases involving minor children)
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Temporary relief orders issued during the pendency of the case
Transcripts of hearings or trials
Exhibits entered into evidence

These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 2.420 and are subject to applicable confidentiality provisions. Certain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers and financial account numbers, is redacted from public versions of these documents in compliance with Florida Statutes §119.0714.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In StJohns County?

Individuals seeking official proof of divorce in St. Johns County have multiple options for obtaining certified documentation. The most commonly accepted proof of divorce is a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage or a Certificate of Divorce. These documents may be obtained through the following methods:

From the St. Johns County Clerk of Court:
- Visit the Records Department at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Complete a records request form specifying the need for a certified copy
- Provide case information (names, approximate date of divorce, case number if known)
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay the certification fee ($2.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee)
By mail request to the Clerk's office:
- Submit a written request including names of parties, date of divorce, and case number if known
- Include a copy of valid photo identification
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
Through the Florida Department of Health:
- For divorces finalized after June 6, 1927, divorce certificates are available from the Bureau of Vital Statistics
- Complete the Application for Florida Divorce Certificate (DH 261)
- Include a copy of valid identification
- Submit the $5.00 fee per certificate requested

Expedited processing is available for an additional fee. Pursuant to Florida Statutes §382.0255, rush processing may be requested for vital records obtained through the Department of Health. Processing times for standard requests typically range from 3-5 business days for the Clerk's office and 5-7 business days for the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In StJohns County?

While Florida maintains a strong public policy favoring open court records pursuant to Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, certain provisions exist that allow for confidentiality in divorce proceedings under specific circumstances. In St. Johns County, parties seeking confidentiality must follow established legal procedures:

Motion to Seal Records - Parties may file a motion requesting that all or portions of their divorce case be sealed from public view
Demonstration of Good Cause - The court requires clear and convincing evidence that privacy interests outweigh the public's right of access
Judicial Determination - A judge must issue an order specifically identifying which documents or information shall remain confidential

Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 2.420(c) identifies specific categories of information that are automatically confidential, including:

Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers
Information related to victims of abuse, abandonment, or neglect
Certain medical and mental health records
Records pertaining to dependency matters involving minors

Additionally, Florida Statutes §119.071 provides exemptions from public records requirements for certain individuals whose personal information requires heightened protection, such as:

Current or former law enforcement officers
Judges and prosecutors
Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking who have filed for protective injunctions

Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel regarding the specific procedures and standards applicable to their situation. The St. Johns County Clerk's office can provide forms and information regarding confidentiality requests but cannot provide legal advice regarding eligibility.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In StJohns County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in St. Johns County varies based on several factors, including case complexity and the level of agreement between parties. Florida law establishes certain timeframes and waiting periods that affect the overall timeline:

For uncontested divorces (where parties agree on all issues):

Minimum waiting period: 20 days from filing to final hearing pursuant to Florida Statutes §61.19
Typical processing time: 4-6 weeks from filing to finalization
Requirements: Complete agreement on all issues, properly executed marital settlement agreement, and financial affidavits

For contested divorces (where parties disagree on one or more issues):

Typical duration: 6 months to over 1 year
Factors affecting timeline:
- Case complexity and number of disputed issues
- Court calendar and availability of hearing dates
- Discovery process duration
- Mediation requirements and outcomes
- Need for expert witnesses or valuations

Procedural requirements that affect timing include:

Mandatory financial disclosure within 45 days of service of petition (Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.285)
Required attendance at mediation before final hearing in most cases
Parenting course completion for cases involving minor children (to be completed within 45 days of filing)

The St. Johns County Family Court division strives to process cases efficiently while ensuring due process. Parties seeking expedited processing should consult with legal counsel regarding available options and should ensure prompt compliance with all court requirements and deadlines. Additional information about family court procedures is available through the St. Johns County Clerk's family law department.

How Long Does StJohns County Keep Divorce Records?

St. Johns County maintains divorce records in perpetuity in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules established by the Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. The retention and accessibility of these records varies by record type and storage method:

Final Judgments of Dissolution of Marriage are permanently retained as part of the Official Records of St. Johns County
Case files, including pleadings, financial affidavits, and other supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of 10 years after case closure
Electronic records dating from 1990 to present are maintained in the Clerk's digital records system
Pre-1990 records are maintained in microfilm or paper format in the Clerk's archives

Pursuant to Rule 2.430 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, certain court records may be destroyed after the retention period, but records of permanent or historical value, including final judgments, are never destroyed. The Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains divorce certificates for divorces granted after June 6, 1927, providing an additional source for verification of divorce status.

For research purposes, older records may require additional processing time to retrieve from archives. The St. Johns County Clerk's office provides research assistance for a fee of $2.00 per name searched if records are not readily accessible through standard search methods. Advance notice is recommended when requesting access to archived records by contacting the Records Department at (904) 819-3632.

How To Get a Divorce In StJohns County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in St. Johns County must follow specific procedures established by Florida law. The dissolution process involves several key steps:

Residency Requirement:
- At least one spouse must have been a Florida resident for six months prior to filing
- Proof of residency (Florida driver's license, voter registration, or affidavit of corroborating witness) must be provided
Filing the Petition:
- Complete and file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the St. Johns County Clerk of Court
- Pay the filing fee ($408.00 for dissolution without children, $408.00 with children)
- File at: St. Johns County Courthouse, 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Service of Process:
- The non-filing spouse must be formally served with the petition
- Options include sheriff's service ($40.00), private process server (fees vary), or waiver of service
- The respondent has 20 days to file an answer
Financial Disclosure:
- Both parties must complete and exchange financial affidavits within 45 days
- Additional mandatory disclosure requirements apply per Florida Family Law Rule 12.285
Parenting Course (if children involved):
- Both parents must complete a 4-hour Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course
- Certificate of completion must be filed with the court within 45 days of filing
Mediation:
- Mandatory in most contested cases
- St. Johns County Family Mediation Services: (904) 827-5603
- Private mediation options also available (fees vary)
Final Hearing:
- Uncontested cases may qualify for a simplified hearing process
- Contested matters require a trial before a judge
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage issued after hearing

The St. Johns County Clerk's office provides family law forms and information to assist self-represented litigants. While staff cannot provide legal advice, they can direct individuals to appropriate resources and forms. Legal assistance may be available through St. Johns County Legal Aid at (904) 827-9921 for qualifying low-income individuals.

How To Get Divorce Papers In StJohns County

Individuals seeking divorce papers in St. Johns County have several options for obtaining the necessary forms to initiate or respond to a dissolution of marriage proceeding. The required documents vary based on the specific circumstances of each case:

In-person at the St. Johns County Courthouse:
- Visit the Family Law Division at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Self-Help Center hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Staff can provide appropriate form packets based on individual circumstances
- Fees: $3.00-$10.00 per packet depending on complexity
Online through official sources:
- St. Johns County Clerk's Court Forms page provides downloadable PDF forms
- Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms available at www.flcourts.org
- Forms are categorized by case type (with/without children, simplified dissolution, etc.)
By mail request:
- Submit written request specifying needed forms to: St. Johns County Clerk of Court, Family Law Division, 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Include payment for forms and return postage
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing

Common divorce form packets include:

Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.901(a))
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Children (Form 12.901(b)(1))
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Children (Form 12.901(b)(2))
Answer and Counterpetition forms for respondents
Financial Affidavit forms (short form for income under $50,000, long form for income over $50,000)

Pursuant to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, all forms must be completed accurately and notarized where indicated. The St. Johns County Clerk's office provides notary services for a fee of $10.00 per signature. Individuals with questions about which forms are appropriate for their situation may contact the Family Law Division at (904) 819-3640.

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