Volusia County Divorce Records
What Are Volusia County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Volusia County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.043, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings throughout the state. Divorce records consist of various court documents filed during divorce proceedings and the final judgment that legally terminates the marriage.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court in Volusia County serves as the official custodian of these records. As mandated by Florida law, the clerk maintains comprehensive documentation of all divorce cases filed within the county. These records typically include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Financial affidavits
- Marital settlement agreements
- Child custody and support arrangements
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Divorce records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society. Members of the public may require access to these documents for:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Establishing eligibility for remarriage
- Processing name changes
- Applying for Social Security benefits
- Completing loan applications
- Addressing immigration matters
- Genealogical research
The Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court processes and maintains these vital records in accordance with state regulations. Under Florida's public records laws, certain components of divorce records are accessible to the public, while others may be restricted to protect privacy interests.
Are Volusia County Divorce Records Public?
Volusia County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. The Florida Constitution and Florida Statutes § 119.01 establish the presumption that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection. However, this access is subject to specific limitations, particularly for divorce proceedings.
Court divorce case files in Volusia County are generally available for public inspection with notable exceptions:
- Financial information of the parties
- Social Security numbers
- Information related to minor children
- Allegations of domestic violence
- Records sealed by court order
Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 382.025, these certificates are available only to:
- The former spouses named in the record
- Their legal representatives
- Persons with a court order
- Agencies authorized by law
The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County maintains certified copies of divorce certificates and enforces these access restrictions. While basic information about divorce proceedings may be publicly searchable through the Volusia County Clerk's online portal, obtaining complete records or certified copies requires proper identification and, in some cases, demonstration of legal interest.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Volusia County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Volusia County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary custodian of divorce records is the Clerk of the Circuit Court, which maintains comprehensive files of all divorce proceedings within the county.
To obtain divorce records, individuals may follow these steps:
- Determine the specific information needed (case number, names of parties, date of divorce)
- Select the appropriate search method (in-person, mail, online)
- Complete the required request form
- Provide valid identification
- Submit applicable fees
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
101 N. Alabama Avenue
DeLand, FL 32724
386-736-5907
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
For mail requests, applicants should:
- Download and complete the Records Request Form
- Include a copy of valid photo identification
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment by check or money order
- Mail to the address listed above
Fees for divorce records currently include:
- $1.00 per page for copies
- $2.00 per document for certification
- Additional fees may apply for extensive searches
Individuals seeking certified divorce certificates rather than court records should contact:
Florida Department of Health in Volusia County
1845 Holsonback Drive
Daytona Beach, FL 32117
386-274-0500
Florida Department of Health in Volusia County
Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Volusia County Online?
Volusia County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through the Clerk of Circuit Court's online portal. This system allows for convenient preliminary searches without visiting government offices in person.
To search for divorce records online, individuals may follow these steps:
- Visit the Volusia County Clerk's Court Records Search
- Select "Court Records" from the available options
- Create a user account if required (free registration)
- Choose "Family Law" as the case type
- Enter search criteria such as:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Case number (if known)
- Date range of filing
- Review the search results for basic case information
- Note that complete documents may not be viewable online
Important limitations of online searches include:
- Only basic case information may be available (case number, parties' names, filing date, case status)
- Complete documents typically require in-person or mail requests
- Confidential or sealed records will not appear in search results
- Records prior to certain dates may not be digitized
For more comprehensive searches, the Daytona Beach City Clerk's Office maintains additional public records that may reference divorce proceedings. Their online systems may provide supplementary information for research purposes.
Users should note that while basic case information is freely accessible online, obtaining copies of actual documents typically requires payment of statutory fees, even when requested through digital platforms.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Volusia County?
Volusia County residents and interested parties may access certain divorce record information without payment through several public resources. While obtaining certified copies or complete case files typically involves fees, preliminary research can often be conducted at no cost.
Free methods to access divorce record information include:
-
Using public access terminals at the courthouse:
- Available at the Volusia County Courthouse
- No fee for basic searches
- Printing documents incurs standard copy fees
-
Visiting the public law library:
- Located at the Volusia County Courthouse
- Reference librarians can assist with record searches
- Access to legal research databases
-
Utilizing the Clerk's basic online search function:
- Basic case information viewable without fees
- Limited to non-confidential records
- Available through the Volusia County Government Online portal
-
Consulting court dockets:
- Public court calendars list scheduled divorce hearings
- Available at courthouse information desks
- May provide case numbers for further research
Volusia County Law Library
125 E. Orange Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386-257-6036
Volusia County Law Library
Public hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Individuals should note that while preliminary information may be obtained without cost, comprehensive records typically require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, certified copies necessary for legal purposes always incur the fees established by Florida law.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Volusia County
Divorce records in Volusia County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage from initiation through final judgment. These records contain detailed information about the parties involved and the terms of their separation.
A complete divorce file typically includes:
-
Initial pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Summons and proof of service
- Response or answer from the respondent
- Counter-petitions (if applicable)
-
Financial documentation:
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Property and asset disclosures
- Income verification
- Debt schedules
-
Agreements and orders:
- Temporary relief orders
- Marital settlement agreements
- Parenting plans
- Child support calculations
- Alimony determinations
-
Final documents:
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
- Name change orders (if applicable)
- Property distribution orders
- Post-judgment motions and orders
The certified divorce certificate, available through the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, contains more limited information, typically including:
- Names of both parties
- Date of marriage
- Date of divorce
- County where divorce was granted
- Case number
- Official certification
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.052, divorce records must document the grounds for dissolution, which in Florida is primarily the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage or mental incapacity of one party.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Volusia County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Volusia County have several options for obtaining official documentation. The type of proof needed often depends on the purpose for which it will be used.
To obtain certified proof of divorce, individuals may:
-
Request a certified copy of the final judgment:
- Available from the Clerk of Circuit Court
- Contains complete details of the divorce terms
- Accepted for most legal purposes
- Requires case number and identification
-
Obtain a certified divorce certificate:
- Available from the Florida Department of Health
- Provides basic verification of divorce
- Suitable for name changes and remarriage
- Available to eligible parties only
For certified copies of the final judgment, contact:
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
101 N. Alabama Avenue
DeLand, FL 32724
386-736-5907
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
For certified divorce certificates, contact:
Florida Department of Health in Volusia County
1845 Holsonback Drive
Daytona Beach, FL 32117
386-274-0500
Florida Department of Health in Volusia County
Required information for either request includes:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- County where divorce was granted
- Purpose for requesting the record
- Valid government-issued photo identification
Current fees for proof of divorce:
- Final judgment: $2.00 per certification plus $1.00 per page
- Divorce certificate: $5.00 per certified copy
Expedited service is available for an additional fee through VitalChek for divorce certificates from the Department of Health.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Volusia County?
While Florida maintains a strong public records tradition, certain divorce records in Volusia County may be confidential or sealed under specific circumstances. The confidentiality of divorce proceedings is governed by Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, which outlines the procedures for sealing court records.
Circumstances that may warrant confidentiality include:
-
Cases involving domestic violence:
- Records may be sealed to protect victims
- Address confidentiality programs available
- Temporary injunctions may remain confidential
-
Protection of minor children:
- Records containing identifying information about minors
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Dependency proceedings related to divorce
-
Financial information:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Financial affidavits (partially redacted)
-
Court-ordered confidentiality:
- Upon motion by either party
- Requires demonstration of compelling interest
- Judge must find that no less restrictive measures are available
To request confidentiality for divorce records, parties must:
- File a motion to seal with the court
- Demonstrate specific statutory or constitutional basis
- Attend a hearing before a judge
- Receive a court order specifying which documents are confidential
The Volusia County Circuit Court evaluates each request for confidentiality individually, balancing the public's right to access with legitimate privacy concerns. Even when records are sealed, certain authorized individuals may still access them, including the parties, their attorneys, and specific government agencies.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Volusia County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Volusia County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court caseload. Florida law establishes minimum timeframes, but actual resolution often takes longer.
Key factors affecting divorce timeline:
-
Type of divorce:
- Simplified dissolution: 30 days minimum
- Uncontested divorce: 4-6 weeks
- Contested divorce: 6 months to over a year
-
Mandatory waiting periods:
- 20-day waiting period after filing
- 90-day residency requirement before filing
-
Case complexity factors:
- Child custody determinations
- High-value or complex asset division
- Business valuations
- Alimony considerations
- Retirement account division
According to statistics from the Florida Courts, the average timeframes for Volusia County divorces are:
- Simplified dissolution (no children, agreed terms): 4-6 weeks
- Uncontested divorce with children: 2-3 months
- Contested divorce with limited issues: 5-8 months
- Highly contested divorce with multiple issues: 9-18 months
Procedural steps that affect timeline include:
- Initial filing and service
- Mandatory financial disclosure
- Mediation (required in most cases)
- Case management conferences
- Temporary relief hearings
- Final hearing or trial
Parties seeking expedited resolution may utilize the simplified dissolution process if they meet eligibility requirements, including having no minor children and agreement on all issues. This process is available through the Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court.
How Long Does Volusia County Keep Divorce Records?
Volusia County maintains divorce records in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules, which establish minimum timeframes for preserving various types of government documents. Divorce records are considered permanent records due to their ongoing legal significance.
Retention periods for different components of divorce records:
-
Court case files:
- Final judgments: Permanent retention
- Case dockets: Permanent retention
- Supporting documents: Permanent retention
- Audio/video recordings: 10 years minimum
-
Vital records:
- Divorce certificates: Permanent retention
- Statistical data: Permanent retention
The retention of court records is governed by Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.430, which designates family law cases as records of continuing value. The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains these records in various formats:
- Paper records (older cases)
- Microfilm/microfiche (transitional period)
- Digital records (current system)
While records are permanently retained, the accessibility format may change over time:
- Recent records (typically post-2000): Available in digital format
- Older records: May require retrieval from archives
- Historical records: May be stored in state archives
The Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services oversees the state's records management program and establishes retention schedules for all government agencies, including the courts. This ensures that vital records like divorce documents are preserved for legal and historical purposes.
Individuals seeking older divorce records may need to contact:
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court - Archives
101 N. Alabama Avenue
DeLand, FL 32724
386-736-5907
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
How To Get a Divorce In Volusia County
Residents seeking to dissolve a marriage in Volusia County must follow specific procedures established by Florida law. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
To initiate a divorce in Volusia County, individuals must:
-
Meet residency requirements:
- At least one spouse must have resided in Florida for six months
- Proof of residency (driver's license, voter registration, etc.) required
-
Select the appropriate dissolution process:
- Simplified dissolution (if eligible)
- Regular dissolution (contested or uncontested)
-
Prepare and file required documents with:
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
101 N. Alabama Avenue
DeLand, FL 32724
386-736-5907
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
Required documents typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Financial Affidavit
- Notice of Social Security Number
- Marital Settlement Agreement (if uncontested)
- Parenting Plan (if children involved)
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if applicable)
-
Pay filing fees:
- Regular dissolution: $408.00
- Simplified dissolution: $408.00
- Fee waiver available for qualifying individuals
-
Serve documents on spouse (unless filing jointly)
- Personal service by sheriff or process server
- Constructive service by publication if spouse cannot be located
-
Complete mandatory requirements:
- Parenting course (if minor children involved)
- Financial disclosure
- Mediation (required in most cases)
-
Attend final hearing:
- Uncontested: Brief hearing before judge
- Contested: Trial with evidence and testimony
Legal assistance options include:
- Private attorneys
- Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association (serving Volusia County)
- Self-help resources at the Volusia County Law Library
The Fifth Judicial Circuit Court oversees divorce proceedings in Volusia County and provides additional resources for self-represented litigants.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Volusia County
Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Volusia County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. These documents must comply with Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms to be accepted by the court.
Methods to obtain divorce papers include:
- Volusia County Clerk's Office:
- In-person assistance available
- Forms provided for a nominal fee
- Staff cannot provide legal advice
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
101 N. Alabama Avenue
DeLand, FL 32724
386-736-5907
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
-
Florida Courts Self-Help:
- Free downloadable forms
- Instructions for completion
- Available through the Florida Courts website
-
Volusia County Law Library:
- Reference materials available
- Form packets with instructions
- Computer access for online forms
Volusia County Law Library
125 E. Orange Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386-257-6036
Volusia County Law Library
- Legal aid organizations:
- Assistance for qualifying low-income individuals
- Form completion help
- Possible representation
Common divorce forms required include:
- Form 12.901(a) - Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
- Form 12.901(b)(1) - Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Children
- Form 12.901(b)(2) - Petition for Dissolution of Marriage without Children
- Form 12.902(b) or (c) - Family Law Financial Affidavit
- Form 12.902(j) - Notice of Social Security Number
- Form 12.902(d) - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act Affidavit
- Form 12.902(e) - Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
The Daytona Beach City Clerk's Office can provide information about additional resources for obtaining and completing divorce paperwork. Many individuals also seek assistance from document preparation services, though these services cannot provide legal advice.
Lookup Divorce Records in Volusia County
Florida Department of Health Divorce Records
Volusia County Health Department Vital Records