Suwannee County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Suwannee County in 2026
SuwanneeRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Suwannee County, Florida. Members of the public may find records such as dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, case docket entries, and related court documents. Available record categories may include:
- Dissolution of marriage petitions
- Final judgments and decrees
- Marital settlement agreements
- Child custody and support orders
- Post-judgment modification records
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Suwannee County Clerk of Circuit Court 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 copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Florida Courts statewide portal provides access to appellate case information and links to individual circuit court resources. Members of the public may use this portal to locate circuit court contact information and search across jurisdictions where applicable.
3. State Vital Records
The Florida Department of Health maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions granted on or after June 6, 1927. These certificates are issued as abstracts of information taken from the final judgment and serve as acceptable evidence that a dissolution was finalized. Fees apply for certificate requests.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court Family Division:
Suwannee County Clerk of Circuit Court
200 South Ohio Avenue
Live Oak, FL 32064
Phone: (386) 362-0500
Suwannee County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 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
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Suwannee County Clerk of Circuit Court, 200 South Ohio Avenue, Live Oak, FL 32064
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of dissolution
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, depending on volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (386) 362-0500
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Florida may access dissolution of marriage case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through appropriate court motions, and obtain certified copies. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Florida Bar's lawyer referral service for assistance locating qualified family law counsel.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of dissolution or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Suwannee County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Florida law, a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public searching for a dissolution record must search in the county where the case was filed, which may differ from the county where the marriage ceremony occurred. If the county of filing is uncertain, it may be necessary to search multiple counties.
Florida's residency requirement, established under § 61.021, Florida Statutes, provides that at least one party must have resided in Florida for six months preceding the filing of the petition.
Time Considerations
Recent Dissolutions:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
- Records are entered into the system within days to weeks of the final judgment being entered.
Older Dissolutions:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format.
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time and a special request to the Clerk's office.
- Records from before June 6, 1927, are obtainable from the Clerk of Court in the county where the dissolution was granted, as noted by the Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The case was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case remains pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (386) 362-0500
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the search system
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Florida Department of Health vital records database
- Consult a licensed Florida family law attorney for complex searches
What Are Suwannee County Divorce Records?
Suwannee County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Suwannee County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the permanent court file maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court and are classified as public records under Florida law, subject to certain statutory restrictions.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete dissolution of marriage case file contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by 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 is the official court order terminating the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the dissolution was granted
- 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 through the Clerk of Circuit Court upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Additional documents that may be part of the case file include property appraisals, business valuations, retirement account division orders (Qualified Domestic Relations Orders), post-judgment modification petitions, and enforcement or contempt proceedings.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court
The Suwannee County Clerk of Circuit Court 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.
State Vital Records Office
The Florida Department of Health maintains divorce or annulment certificates for dissolutions finalized on or after June 6, 1927. These certificates are abstracts of the final judgment and do not contain the full case file contents.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Florida are governed by § 61.052, Florida Statutes, which establishes irretrievable breakdown of the marriage as the primary ground for dissolution. Access to court records is governed by § 119.07, Florida Statutes, Florida's Public Records Law, which establishes the right of any person to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies.
Are Suwannee County Divorce Records Public?
Dissolution of marriage records filed in Suwannee County are public court records under Florida's Public Records Law. Any member of the public may access basic case information and obtain copies of non-restricted documents. However, certain categories of information within a dissolution case file are subject to statutory restrictions or may be sealed by court order.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final judgment of dissolution
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Certain financial disclosure documents (limited access)
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Schools attended by minor children
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted)
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving domestic violence
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records:
A court may seal a dissolution case file or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties to the case, their attorneys, and certain government agencies may access sealed records pursuant to court order or statutory authority.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents; redacted financial information |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed documents |
| Law enforcement | Access pursuant to statutory authority |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain dissolution records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any use that violates an existing protective order.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Suwannee County?
The Suwannee County Clerk of Circuit Court charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of dissolution of marriage records. Under Florida law, copy fees for public records are governed by § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes, which establishes the maximum per-page charge for paper copies.
Current Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain paper copies (single-sided) | $1.00 per page |
| Plain paper copies (double-sided) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final judgment | $1.00 per page + $2.00 certification fee |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Fees may vary |
| Search fee | No separate search fee for in-person requests |
Additional Fee Information:
- Inspection of records at the Clerk's office is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Certification of documents requires an additional fee per document certified.
- Divorce certificates obtained through the Florida Department of Health carry a separate fee schedule; members of the public may review current fees on the Florida Department of Health certificates page.
- Accepted payment methods at the Clerk's office include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card (fees may apply for card payments).
- Fee waivers are not available for standard public records copy requests; however, indigent parties to an active case may petition the court for waiver of certain court costs.
Members of the public who require a large volume of copies should contact the Clerk's office in advance to confirm current fees and payment arrangements.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Suwannee County
A dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Suwannee County Clerk of Circuit Court contains a comprehensive set of documents reflecting every stage of the proceeding.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court division, and judge assigned
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Names and contact information of attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage identifies both parties, states the date and location of the marriage, identifies any minor children, and sets forth the relief requested, including property division, support, and custody arrangements. The respondent's answer or counterpetition reflects the responding party's position on each issue raised.
Financial affidavits filed by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property), and liabilities (mortgages, loans, and credit card debt).
Discovery Documents:
Where discovery is conducted, the case file may contain interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition notices, and financial records such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset and liability inventories
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
- Expert reports on asset values
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support guidelines worksheet reflecting income, overnights, health insurance, and childcare costs
- Child support order specifying amount, payment schedule, and modification provisions
- Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports (subject to access restrictions)
Support Documents:
- Alimony provisions specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and standard-of-living analysis supporting support determinations
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all contested issues, signed and notarized by both parties
- Mediation agreement, if the case was resolved through mediation (mediation communications remain confidential)
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property during the proceeding
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage, including all findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and timesharing provisions, and name restoration if requested
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Petitions to modify custody, timesharing, or support
- Court orders on modification petitions
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Residential addresses and schools of minor children
- Domestic violence evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Suwannee County?
Members of the public seeking proof that a dissolution of marriage was finalized in Suwannee County may obtain documentation through two primary channels: a certified copy of the final judgment from the Clerk of Circuit Court, or a divorce certificate from 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 purposes including remarriage, name changes, property transfers, and immigration proceedings.
- Submit a request in person or by mail to the Suwannee County Clerk of Circuit Court, 200 South Ohio Avenue, Live Oak, FL 32064.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of dissolution, and the case number if known.
- Pay applicable copy and certification fees at the time of the request.
- Certified copies are available the same day for in-person requests, subject to staff availability.
Florida Department of Health Divorce Certificate:
The Florida Department of Health issues divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized on or after June 6, 1927. The certificate is issued as an abstract of information taken from the final judgment and is acceptable as evidence that a dissolution was finalized and granted. Requests may be submitted online, by mail, or in person through the Florida Department of Health.
Suwannee County Florida Department of Health
1308 SW 11th Street
Live Oak, FL 32064
Phone: (386) 362-2416
Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County
For dissolutions granted before June 6, 1927, proof of divorce is obtainable only from the Clerk of Court in the county where the dissolution was granted.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Suwannee County?
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Suwannee County are presumptively public under Florida's Public Records Law; however, specific documents or entire case files may be made confidential under certain circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's right of access against the privacy interests at stake.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has an active injunction for protection or where domestic violence allegations are present, the court may restrict access to addresses and other identifying information to protect the safety of the victim.
- Children's information: Certain information relating to minor children, including residential addresses, school information, and psychological evaluations, is subject to restricted access under Florida court rules.
- Mediation communications: Under Florida law, all mediation communications are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Mental health and medical records: Records reflecting mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, or medical conditions filed in connection with a dissolution proceeding may be sealed or restricted.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all public filings as a matter of standard court practice.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or confidential dissolution records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Suwannee County Keep Divorce Records?
The Suwannee County Clerk of Circuit Court retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the Florida Supreme Court's records retention schedule, which governs the preservation of all circuit court case files.
Retention Periods:
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage: Retained permanently. The final judgment is a permanent court record and is not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the final judgment.
- Uncontested dissolution case files: Retained for a minimum of 5 years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the final judgment.
- Post-judgment modification and enforcement records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's electronic case management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
Archived Records:
- Cases older than the active retention period may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilm archives.
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Members of the public seeking records from archived cases should contact the Clerk's office in advance to confirm availability and retrieval timelines.
The Florida Supreme Court's records retention schedule is established pursuant to the court's administrative authority over circuit court operations and is periodically updated to reflect changes in storage technology and legal requirements.