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Okaloosa County Divorce Records

What Are Okaloosa County Divorce Records?

Okaloosa County divorce records are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within Okaloosa County, Florida. These records are maintained by the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court and Comptroller (101 E James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536). They contain information about the parties involved, the date of divorce, and other relevant details about the dissolution of marriage proceedings.

Divorce records are part of the public record system and serve as legal proof that a marriage has been legally terminated. These documents are essential for various purposes, including remarriage, name changes, and updating personal records.

Are Okaloosa County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, divorce records in Okaloosa County are considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law. This means that most divorce case information is accessible to anyone who requests it. The Okaloosa County Clerk of Court maintains these records and makes them available for public inspection.

However, certain sensitive information within divorce records may be redacted or restricted from public view. This includes:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Financial account numbers
  • Information about minor children
  • Certain personal identifying information

The Florida Supreme Court (500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399) has established rules regarding what information must be protected in court records, even while maintaining their public nature.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Okaloosa County in 2025

To find a divorce record in Okaloosa County in 2025, you have several options:

  1. Visit the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court in person at either:

    • 101 E James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536 (Main office)
    • 1940 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 (Branch office)

  2. Submit a written request to the Clerk's office with the following information:

    • Full names of both parties
    • Approximate date of divorce
    • Case number (if known)
    • Your contact information

  3. Use the online records search system provided by the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court.

  4. Contact the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics (1217 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202) for certified copies of divorce certificates.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Okaloosa County Online?

Looking up divorce records online in Okaloosa County is straightforward:

  1. Visit the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court website at okaloosaclerk.com.

  2. Navigate to the "Search Records" section.

  3. Use the public records search tool to search by:

    • Party name
    • Case number
    • Date range
    • Case type (select "Dissolution of Marriage" or "Family Law")

  4. Review the search results, which will show basic case information.

  5. For more detailed information, you may need to create an account or pay a fee for document access.

The online system provides access to most divorce records filed after the system was implemented. Older records may require an in-person visit or written request.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Okaloosa County?

There are several ways to access divorce records in Okaloosa County for free:

  1. Use the public access computers at the Okaloosa County Courthouse (101 E James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536) or the branch location in Fort Walton Beach (1940 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547). These computers provide free access to the court's public records database.

  2. Visit the Okaloosa County Public Library (185 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548) where you may be able to access public records databases.

  3. Use the basic search function on the Okaloosa County Clerk's website, which provides limited information at no cost.

  4. Request to view records in person at the Clerk's office, where viewing (but not copying) records is typically free.

While viewing basic record information is free, obtaining copies or certified documents will incur fees.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Okaloosa County

Divorce records in Okaloosa County typically include:

  1. Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - The initial filing that starts the divorce process
  2. Financial affidavits from both parties
  3. Marital settlement agreement (if applicable)
  4. Parenting plan (if children are involved)
  5. Child support worksheets and orders (if applicable)
  6. Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
  7. Name change orders (if applicable)
  8. Property division agreements
  9. Court orders related to the case
  10. Transcripts of hearings (if requested)

The Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage is the most important document as it officially terminates the marriage and outlines all court-ordered terms regarding property division, alimony, child custody, and support.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Okaloosa County?

To obtain proof of divorce in Okaloosa County:

  1. Request a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage from the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court (101 E James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536). This is the most comprehensive proof of divorce.

  2. Obtain a Certificate of Divorce from the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics (1217 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202). This is a shorter document that simply verifies the divorce occurred.

  3. For either option, you'll need:

    • Names of both parties
    • Date of divorce (approximate is acceptable)
    • Case number (if known)
    • Valid photo ID
    • Payment for the certified copy fee

Certified copies of the Final Judgment cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee. Divorce certificates from Vital Statistics cost $5 per copy.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Okaloosa County?

While most divorce records in Okaloosa County are public, there are limited circumstances where records may be sealed or made confidential:

  1. By court order - A judge may seal specific documents or entire cases if there is a compelling reason, such as:

    • Protection of minors
    • Domestic violence concerns
    • Trade secrets or confidential business information
    • Risk of identity theft or fraud

  2. Simplified dissolution of marriage cases may have less public exposure, though they are still technically public records.

  3. Certain information is automatically redacted from public view, including:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Bank account numbers
    • Children's birthdates
    • Medical information

To request confidentiality, you must file a motion with the court explaining why your case should be sealed. The judge at the Okaloosa County Courthouse (101 E James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536) will make the final determination.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Okaloosa County?

The duration of a divorce in Okaloosa County varies based on several factors:

  1. Uncontested divorces (where both parties agree on all terms):

    • Simplified dissolution: 30 days minimum after filing
    • Regular uncontested: 4-6 weeks after filing

  2. Contested divorces (where parties disagree on one or more issues):

    • 6 months to over a year, depending on complexity
    • Cases involving significant assets or custody disputes take longer

  3. Mandatory waiting periods:

    • 20-day waiting period after filing before a final hearing can be scheduled
    • Florida requires at least one party to be a resident for 6 months before filing

The First Judicial Circuit Court of Florida (101 E James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536) handles divorce cases in Okaloosa County, and court scheduling can also affect timing.

How Long Does Okaloosa County Keep Divorce Records?

Okaloosa County maintains divorce records permanently. As official court records, divorce documents are preserved indefinitely by the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court (101 E James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536).

Records storage methods have evolved over time:

  • Recent records (approximately post-2000) are typically stored electronically
  • Older records may be stored on microfilm or in physical archives
  • The oldest records may require more time to retrieve

The Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics (1217 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202) also maintains divorce certificates indefinitely, providing another permanent source for basic divorce verification.

How To Get a Divorce In Okaloosa County

To get a divorce in Okaloosa County, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure eligibility:

    • At least one spouse must have been a Florida resident for 6 months
    • File in Okaloosa County if either spouse resides there

  2. Choose the appropriate process:

    • Simplified dissolution (if you have no children, no alimony claims, and agree on property division)
    • Regular dissolution (for all other cases)

  3. Obtain and complete the required forms from:

    • Okaloosa County Clerk of Court (101 E James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536)
    • Florida Courts website (www.flcourts.gov)
    • Family Law Self-Help Center at the courthouse

  4. File the completed forms with the Clerk of Court and pay the filing fee (approximately $408).

  5. Serve the divorce papers to your spouse (unless filing jointly).

  6. Complete mandatory financial disclosure.

  7. Attend mediation if required (typically mandatory for contested issues).

  8. Attend the final hearing before a judge at the Okaloosa County Courthouse.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Okaloosa County

Divorce papers for Okaloosa County can be obtained through several methods:

  1. In person at the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court:

    • Main office: 101 E James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536
    • Branch office: 1940 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

  2. Online through:

    • The Okaloosa County Clerk's website (okaloosaclerk.com)
    • The Florida Courts website (www.flcourts.gov)

  3. At the Family Law Self-Help Center located in the Okaloosa County Courthouse.

  4. Through Florida's e-filing portal for attorneys or registered self-represented litigants.

The specific forms needed depend on your situation (children involved, property to divide, etc.). Basic packets include:

  • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
  • Financial affidavit forms
  • Notice of Social Security disclosure
  • Marital settlement agreement templates

Most forms cost $1-2 per page if obtained in person. Many forms are available for free download online.

Lookup Divorce Records in Okaloosa County

For comprehensive information about divorce records in Okaloosa County, you can access these official resources:

  • Family Law & Divorce information from the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court, including requirements for filing an uncontested dissolution of marriage.

  • Search Records online through the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court's website to access public records, including divorce documents and case information.

  • Florida Courts - Okaloosa County for information about court locations in Okaloosa County and services offered by the Circuit and County Courts.

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