Palm Beach County Divorce Records: Official Legal Documents Online

Palm Beach County Divorce Records are official legal documents that show the end of a marriage. These records include the final judgment, settlement agreements, and the divorce certificate. They are kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in Palm Beach County, Florida. Anyone can request these records, but there are rules to follow. The records are stored in a safe, climate-controlled vault and are indexed by names, case numbers, and dates. Most divorces filed after 2002 are not available online due to a Florida Supreme Court rule. You must request a paper copy in person, by mail, or by fax. Each certified page costs $10. The main office is at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. A second office is in Delray Beach at 345 South Congress Avenue. Both are open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How to Request Palm Beach County Divorce Records

To get a copy of a divorce record, you must first search the Official Records index. This index gives you the book and page number for the judgment. You can search in person at the Records Service Center or call (561) 355-2996. The index is not fully online for recent cases. Once you have the book and page number, you can request a certified copy. Fill out the request form with both parties’ full names, the divorce date, and your valid photo ID. You can pay by check or money order. Each page costs $10. The clerk’s office will mail the copy or let you pick it up. Processing may take a few days.

Required Information for Your Request

• Full legal names of both spouses
• Approximate date of the divorce
• Case number (if known)
• Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• Payment of $10 per page

Where to Find Palm Beach County Divorce Records

The main location for divorce records is the Clerk’s Records Service Center in West Palm Beach. The address is 205 North Dixie Highway, Room 4.2500, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The phone number is (561) 355-2991. A second office is in Delray Beach at 345 South Congress Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33445. Phone: (561) 276-1260. Both offices offer the same services. You can visit in person, send a request by mail, or fax your form. Mail requests should go to P.O. Box 4177, West Palm Beach, FL 33402-4177. Fax requests can be sent to (561) 355-2997.

Office Hours and Contact Details

What’s Included in a Palm Beach County Divorce Record

A divorce record from Palm Beach County contains key legal papers. These include the petition for dissolution of marriage, the final divorce decree, any property or child custody agreements, and the official divorce certificate. The final decree shows the judge’s decision and the date the marriage ended. Settlement agreements may list how assets were divided or child support was set. All documents are kept for at least ten years. Older records may be archived but are still available upon request.

Common Documents in a Divorce File

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
• Final Judgment of Divorce
• Marital Settlement Agreement
• Child Support or Custody Orders
• Divorce Certificate (Proof of Legal End)

Why Can’t I View Divorce Records Online?

Divorce records filed after 2002 are not posted online in Palm Beach County. This is due to a Florida Supreme Court directive that protects privacy. Only older records or indexes may be searchable online. The clerk’s website allows name-based searches to find book and page numbers. But the actual documents must be requested as paper copies. This rule helps keep personal details safe. It also ensures only authorized people get certified copies. You can still use the online index to locate a case before visiting the office.

Fees and Payment Options

Each certified page of a divorce record costs $10. This fee applies whether you pick up the copy or have it mailed. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Cash is not accepted by mail. If you visit in person, you may pay with cash, check, or credit card. Processing fees are non-refundable. If a record cannot be found, you still pay for the search. Always include your contact information so the clerk can reach you if there’s an issue.

Fee Summary

• Certified copy: $10 per page
• Search fee (if applicable): $5 per document
• Mail processing: No extra charge
• Fax request: Same fees apply

How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce Record?

Most requests are processed within 3 to 5 business days. In-person requests may be fulfilled the same day if the record is on file. Mail and fax requests take longer due to delivery time. During busy periods or system updates, delays can happen. The clerk’s office once closed for a day to install a new records system. Always check for service alerts before visiting. You can call (561) 355-2996 to confirm processing times.

Using Third-Party Services to Find Records

Some websites offer to search divorce records for a fee. These services gather public data from county indexes and other sources. They charge $15 to $30 per record. While convenient, they are not official. Their information may be outdated or incorrect. Always verify any record with the Palm Beach County Clerk’s office. Only the clerk can provide certified, legal copies. Third-party sites do not have access to sealed or restricted files.

Genealogy and Historical Divorce Records

Researchers looking for old divorce records can request them from the clerk’s office. Records date back to 1908. These are useful for family history projects. The office keeps minutes from county meetings and other official documents. To request an old record, provide the ancestor’s full name, type of record, and date range. A $5 fee applies per document. Copies can be mailed or picked up. The office also preserves plat maps and marriage licenses from the late 1800s.

Tips for Genealogy Research

• Start with marriage records—they often lead to divorce cases
• Use the Official Records search portal for older cases
• Call the Copies & Records Research unit for help
• Allow extra time for archived records

eCaseView: Online Court Records Portal

The clerk offers a free online tool called eCaseView. It lets you search civil, criminal, and traffic cases. You can enter a case number or party name to see docket entries and available PDFs. Some divorce-related filings may appear here, but not the full decree. You can print or download documents. To get a certified copy, you must pay $10 per page online. The system requires Adobe Reader. Attorneys can register for extra search filters. Juvenile or sealed cases are not shown.

Public Access and Privacy Rules

Divorce records are public in Florida, but with limits. The state protects sensitive details like Social Security numbers and children’s names. Only the final judgment and basic case info are open. Sealed cases or those under protective orders are not available. The clerk follows strict rules to balance transparency and privacy. Always bring ID when requesting records. This proves you have a right to access the information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people ask how to get divorce records quickly. The fastest way is to visit the West Palm Beach office in person. Others wonder if records are online. Only indexes are online—not the full documents. Some think they can get records for free. While the index search is free, certified copies cost $10 per page. Always use official sources to avoid errors.

Common Questions About Palm Beach County Divorce Records

• Can I get a divorce record online? — No, only paper copies are available for post-2002 cases.
• How much does it cost? — $10 per certified page.
• Do I need ID? — Yes, a valid photo ID is required.
• Can someone else request for me? — Yes, but they must provide your ID and a signed letter.
• Are old records available? — Yes, records go back to 1908.

Contact Information and Official Resources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County. The main office is at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Phone: (561) 355-2996. The Delray Beach office is at 345 South Congress Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33445. Phone: (561) 276-1260. Both are open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also visit the official website at mypalmbachclerk.com. For genealogy requests, call the Copies & Records Research unit. Always check for service updates before visiting.

Final Tips for Requesting Records

Be prepared with full names, dates, and ID. Double-check spelling to avoid delays. Use the online index to find book and page numbers first. This speeds up your request. If mailing, send a self-addressed stamped envelope. Keep a copy of your request for your records. If you need a certified copy for legal use, only the clerk can provide it. Avoid third-party sites for official needs. They are not reliable for court or government use.

Quick Checklist Before You Go

• Valid photo ID
• Full names of both parties
• Divorce date or year
• Case number (if known)
• Check or money order for $10 per page

Summary of Key Facts

Palm Beach County Divorce Records are official documents that prove a marriage has ended. They are kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller. You can request them in person, by mail, or by fax. Each certified page costs $10. Records after 2002 are not online due to privacy rules. The main office is in West Palm Beach, with a second location in Delray Beach. Both are open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Always bring ID and accurate names. Use the Official Records index to find the book and page number first. For old records, allow extra time. Only the clerk provides legally certified copies.

FAQ Section

Many people have questions about accessing divorce records in Palm Beach County. Below are answers to the most common inquiries. These cover costs, access, privacy, and how to verify information. Each answer is based on current rules from the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.

Can I get a divorce record if I don’t know the case number?

Yes, you can still request a divorce record without the case number. Use the Official Records index to search by the full names of both parties and the approximate divorce date. The index will show the book and page number. Then, submit a request with that information. You must still provide a valid photo ID and pay $10 per page. The clerk’s staff can help locate the file if details are unclear. This process works for both recent and older cases.

Are divorce records public in Palm Beach County?

Yes, divorce records are public in Florida, including Palm Beach County. However, sensitive details like Social Security numbers and children’s names are removed. The final judgment and basic case info are open. Records filed after 2002 are not posted online but can be requested as paper copies. Sealed cases or those under protective orders are not available. Always bring ID when requesting to prove your right to access.

How long are divorce records kept?

Divorce records are kept for at least ten years by the Family Division. Older records are archived but still available. The clerk’s office has records dating back to 1908. These are stored in a climate-controlled vault to preserve them. Researchers and genealogists can request old files with a $5 fee per document. Processing may take longer for archived cases.

Can I get a divorce record by email?

No, the clerk’s office does not accept requests by email. You must submit your request in person, by mail, or by fax. Email is not secure for personal legal documents. For mail, send to P.O. Box 4177, West Palm Beach, FL 33402-4177. For fax, use (561) 355-2997. Include your ID, names, date, and payment. Certified copies are only sent after verification.

What if the record I need is sealed?

Sealed divorce records are not available to the public. Only parties involved or their attorneys can access them with court permission. If you believe a record should be unsealed, you must file a motion with the court. The clerk cannot release sealed files without a judge’s order. Always check the case status in eCaseView first. If it shows “sealed,” contact a lawyer for help.

Do I need a lawyer to request a divorce record?

No, you do not need a lawyer to request a divorce record. Anyone can ask for a copy. You just need valid ID and the names of both parties. Lawyers may use eCaseView with extra filters, but the public can use the basic search. If you’re requesting for legal use, only a certified copy from the clerk is valid. Third-party sites cannot provide official documents.

Can I request a record for someone who lives out of state?

Yes, you can request a divorce record from another state. Mail your request to the Palm Beach County Clerk’s office. Include both parties’ full names, the divorce date, your ID copy, and a check for $10 per page. Write “Out-of-State Request” on the envelope. Processing takes 3 to 5 days after receipt. The copy will be mailed to your address. Always use certified mail to track delivery.

Official Website: mypalmbachclerk.com

Phone: (561) 355-2996

Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Main Office: 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Delray Beach Office: 345 South Congress Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33445