Divorce Rate In Florida
Florida was once considered to have the highest divorce rates in the country. In 2016, divorces in Florida were recorded to be approximately 4.8 divorces per 1,000 residents, according to the National Center for Family & Marriage Research that is nearly double the national average of 2.9 divorces per 1,000 people. By 2020, however, this figure had declined to approximately 3 per 1,000 residents.
The Florida Department of Health keeps track of all divorces in the state. Divorce records are also maintained by the clerk of court in the county where the divorce was filed. They also maintain records of all divorces that occur in that county. Information regarding divorce statistics or divorce records can be obtained by querying the court clerk in the county where it was filed.
How Much Does It Cost
The cost will depend on how many years we need to search for records to confirm that you have never been married or that you are divorced. A single status letter costs $25 for each ten-year range of records searched. A customer service representative will provide you with the total cost when you order the letter.
Uses Of A Divorce Certificate
A divorce certificate is used for limited purposes, and not all states issue a divorce certificate. You can use it for:
- Getting a name change
- Showing proof of divorce without revealing the details of your divorce
- Getting a travel visa
- Getting a passport, unless your name change is not on the certificate
- Inheritance purposes, to show you are single
- Getting married
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Why Do I Have To Call To Get A Single Status Letter
Single status letters require different information depending on your circumstances. A trained customer service representative will ask you the right questions to get you the information you need.
Please be prepared to answer the following questions:
- Are you a current resident of Washington state?
- If yes, how many years have you been a resident of Washington state?
Appealing A Contested Divorce Case

Either party can appeal a decision in a contested divorce case. You cannot file an appeal if your case was uncontested.
When to file
The appeal must be filed in the Appellate Division of Superior Court within 45 days of the courtâs decision.
Do I need a lawyer to file an appeal?
You do not have to have a lawyer to appeal your case. Be aware, however, that the appeals process can be confusing. It is a good idea to get a lawyer if you can.
Steps to file an appeal
Filing Fees
Do you qualify for a fee waiver?
If you received a fee waiver in your divorce case, you can attach a copy of the order and a signed letter that says your finances have not changed since the case was filed.
If you did not receive a fee waiver in your divorce case, you can submit a
If you did not receive a fee waiver in your divorce case, you can submit a request for a fee waiver with your appeal.
Submit documents to the court
Send copies of your appeals document to:
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Can I Get Divorced Without A Lawyer
You can get divorced without a lawyer if you complete the required paperwork on your own and attend any required hearings. This can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in attorney fees. However, you may not understand what you are entitled to or you may make mistakes that preempt your rights, so it is important to be cautious.
What Is The Difference Between A Divorce Certificate And A Divorce Decree
Divorce certificates
Divorce certificates serve as official one page documents printed on certified security paper stating two parties were divorced on a specific date. The Department of Health has divorce certificates for divorces from January 1, 1968, to present.
Divorce decrees
Divorce decrees are several paged documents explaining the terms of the divorce. You can obtain a divorce decrees from the county superior court clerk, not the Department of Health.
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Where To Get A Replacement Or Substitute Of Your Lost Divorce Papers
If youve ever been married before and seek a green card based on your current marriage, youll need to provide to the U.S. government a divorce decree , a certificate of annulment, or a death certificate for each prior marriage. If you already have these documents, you can move on to the next step of the . Otherwise, this guide will show you how to get a copy of your divorce papers, as well as alternative options when those documents are not available.
Boundless will assemble your complete green card application package precisely how the government prefers it including required divorce documents and mail it to your doorstep with clear instructions. Learn more, or get started today.
Where To Get A Divorce Decree
If you filed for divorce in the United States, you generally can obtain a divorce decree from the court that issued the document. Alternatively, you can request an official copy from the office of vital records in the state where your divorce was finalized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website specifies the name and address of each vital records office, as well as the current fee for requesting the paperwork.
If you filed for divorce abroad, you may find information about the issuing authority in your home country including its name, the current fee, and procedures for obtaining an official copy on the U.S. Department of States website.
Death certificates and annulment certificates may be obtained from the above sources, as well.
Boundless makes it easy to complete your green card application and guides you through the document gathering process. Learn how we can help you, or get started now.
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Verification Of Marriage Civil Union Dissolution
*For a copy of the original marriage license/certificate, contact the clerk and recorder that issued the document.
*For a copy of the original divorce decree, contact the county district court that issued the document.
We provide verification of marriages, civil unions and divorces for the years 1900 to 1939 and 1975 to present, recorded with the Colorado Office of the State Registrar. Verifications only contain the names, date, and county of event.
What Is A Single Status Letter
A single status letter states that you are not currently married to anyone in Washington state. Before you can get married in some countries, the country will require a document stating you are not currently married. You should contact the country where you will get married to find out if they require confirmation of single status.
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Verification Of A Marriage Or Divorce In Texas
Verification letters are not considered legal substitutes for marriage licenses or divorce decrees. It is strongly recommended that you make sure a verification letter will satisfy your intended use before ordering.
Certified copies of marriage licenses or divorce decrees are only available from the county clerk or district clerk in the county or district in which it was obtained.
Indexes of marriage or divorce records by year may be purchased or from our website.
The Texas Vital Statistics provides letters verifying whether or not a marriage or divorce was recorded with the State of Texas based on the application for marriage or divorce sent to our office by the county clerk or district clerk. If no record of a marriage is found, the verification letter itself can be considered a “single-status letter,” which some foreign countries accept as legal proof of single status.
Verification letters of are available for marriages that occurred from 1966 to the present.Verification letters of divorce are available for divorces that occurred from 1968 to the present.
For fast, affordable service, order marriage verification or divorce verification letters through Texas.gov, the official eGovernment site for the State of Texas. The current estimated processing time for Texas.gov orders is 10-15 business days.
Anyone who orders from Texas.gov must:
If you do not meet these criteria, you cannot use Texas.gov, but you can make the request by following the instructions here.
How Do I Get A Single Status Letter

To request a single status letter:
- Pay the applicable fee. Fees start at $25 per single status letter, which covers a 10 year search period. Other fees may apply depending on how many years need searching, ordering, or shipping method.
A vital records customer service representatives may contact you to verify information.
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Documents Pertaining To Joint Financial Accounts Assets And Real Estate
Bank documents, house documents, taxes, and so on will all be reconciled and negotiated between the two spouses during your divorce. By organizing these papers early on, you will save time and effort for yourself and your attorney in the long run. This is also a good way to ensure that you understand what issues will be addressed and to get an estimate of how assets and debts will be divided between the parties.
How Do I Get Proof Of My Past Divorce
The proof of divorce process allows you to request a search of the records of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and its predecessors the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia .
Where the Court has a record of a divorce order, you will be provided with an official document that serves as proof that a divorce was granted and finalised.
The process for getting proof of your divorce differs depending when and where the divorce was granted. See How do I prove I am divorced? for a step-by-step guide.
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What Happens After You Get Your Divorce Decree
After you receive your divorce decree, you’ll want to make sure you’re obeying the decree and that your former spouse is, too. For example, your former spouse has obligations created by the decree, such as paying spousal support, child support, or obtaining insurance policies. You are responsible for making sure your former spouse is complying with the decree.
Additionally, if your former spouse must pay all or part of the marital debt, you’ll want to make sure your ex is doing that. Otherwise, you could still be held responsible for the debt.
After you get your divorce decree, make sure you:
- Read the decree for accuracy
- Ask your attorney if you have any questions
- File an appeal immediately if you’re not happy with the judge’s decision after a trial
- Change your will
- Change beneficiaries on your insurance policies
- Update emergency contacts for your child’s school
- Change your power of attorney
- Put savings and checking accounts in your name only
- Cancel or change credit cards
- Bring your former spouse back to court if the former spouse is violating the decree
- Bring the case back to court if you need to change spousal or child support later
How To Get A Copy Of A Divorce Certificate
More than 50 percent of the marriages in the United States end in divorce. That saddening statistic is the reason that many people may have to obtain a certificate of divorce. A certificate of divorce is an official document with a raised seal that displays the date that a married couple divorced. A divorced man or woman may have to produce a record of a divorce for a variety of reasons. One reason that someone may have to obtain a divorce certificate is to conduct a name change on something like a drivers license or court document. A person may have to produce a divorce certificate to remarry, as well. A divorce certificate may be necessary to remove a spouse from a medical or life insurance benefit. Furthermore, someone may have to produce a divorce certificate for an income tax audit. A resident can obtain a copy of a divorce certificate by using several strategies. The most common ways to get a divorce certificate are as follows:
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Failure To Meet The Filing Deadline
If you miss the deadline, you will be at a disadvantage in comparison to the other party. However, you may still be able to participate in the divorce proceedings. If you miss the filing deadline, contact the court clerk as soon as possible to explain why you missed it and to see if you can get an extension.
You can proceed with an uncontested divorce if both parties agree. Here, you inform the court of your divorce plan, including property and debt division, child custody and support, and alimony, if applicable. The court then approves your agreement, often without your presence in court.
If you have any further questions concerning the topic we just covered, please contact a Texas Divorce lawyer. Free consultations with family law attorneys are available in our office or over the phone. A consultation is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions and get opinions on your situation.
What Is A Divorce Certificate
Florida divorce certificates are the most commonly requested of the available records, because it is the most simple to obtain. However, it also provides the least amount of information. This certificate will show that two people have gotten divorced, where they got divorced, and the exact date and time that the divorce was finalized. A divorce certificate is often requested when one of the divorced parties wants to change their name or enter into another marriage, and they need proof that their last marriage ended. The most common reason a divorce certificate is requested is to obtain a marriage license. In the state of Florida, this document is a public record, though it can only be purchased by parties involved in the divorce or the lawyers who were part of the legal process. While an official or certified copy can only be obtained by those involved, the record can be accessed by anyone online for viewing purposes.
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How To Get A Copy Of Your Divorce Decree
If you want a certified copy of your divorce decree months or years after your divorce, you can usually get it at the courthouse in the court clerk’s office. Some states have divorce decrees in the county clerk’s office, so you will need to check with your state.
Usually only people who were parties in the divorce, or their lawyers, can pick up the decree.
How Long After Being Served Divorce Papers Do You Have To Respond

Because they filed the Petition to initiate the divorce, you are referred to as the Respondent. The Respondent files an Original Answer, which is a brief document that informs the court that you are a party to the case.
If your spouse has retained legal counsel, the paperwork can be filed in court and then e-mailed, faxed, or mailed to the attorneys office. From there, you and your spouse can discuss any issues that may necessitate a temporary order hearing, such as bill payment, child visitation, and child support during the divorce. If an agreement can be reached, there will be no need for a temporary order hearing.
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What You Need For Get A Copy Of Your Divorce Record
To receive a certified copy of your divorce record / decree, you’ll need your docket number.
- If you don’t know what your docket number is: You can either search for your case on masscourts.org or call the Probate & Family Court where your case was heard to get your case docket number . Court staff will ask you for the case type, the first and last names of the parties, and the division the divorce was filed in so they can assist you.
Complete the Request for Copies form and mail or bring the form and payment to the courthouse you’re requesting a copy of the court record from.
Note: If you’re looking for a historic record, please see Accessing Court Archives.
How To Find A Divorce Record In Florida
Divorce, also known as dissolution of marriage, is when two people who are married decide to legally annul that decision. There are three different ways that a governmental body records this decision, and understanding the difference is an important part of the process when attempting to obtain this kind of record.
Divorce records are considered court records. They may therefore be searched on third party public record websites. Divorce records can offer personal information on minors, finances, and sensitive criminal information like domestic abuse. Because of this, divorce record, certificate, and decree availability is usually much lower than other types of public records because of the personal nature of divorces. Simply put, divorce records are significantly harder to obtain and search for than other types of public records.
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What Does The Single Status Letter Contain
The single status letter will say we do not have any record that you are currently married. We can only provide the confirmation from the time you are 18 or from the time of a previous divorce.
For example:
- If you request a letter in 2013 and you married in 2004 and divorced in 2006 in Washington, the letter will state that we do not have any marriage on record from 2006 to the current date.
- If you request a letter in 2013 and have never been married and you turned 18 in 2004, the letter will state that we do not have any marriage on record from 2004 to the current date.