Osceola County Divorce Records
What Are Osceola County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Osceola County are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained as part of Florida's vital records system and contain information pertaining to divorce proceedings that have been finalized through the Osceola County Circuit Court.
The records typically include:
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
- Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties involved
- Date the divorce was granted
- Court orders regarding property division, child custody, and support obligations
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 382.0255, divorce records are maintained by both the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics and the Clerk of Circuit Court in the county where the divorce was granted. The Florida Department of Health maintains a statewide index of divorce certificates dating from June 6, 1927, to the present.
Florida Department of Health in Osceola County
1875 Fortune Road
Kissimmee, FL 34744
407-343-2000
Florida Department of Health in Osceola
Are Osceola County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Osceola County are considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Members of the public may access these records with certain limitations established by state law.
The public status of divorce records means:
- Any person may request and obtain copies of divorce certificates without demonstrating a direct interest
- Basic information about divorces is accessible through the Clerk of Circuit Court's public index
- Court proceedings related to divorces are generally open to public attendance
- Final judgments become part of the public record once filed with the court
However, certain components of divorce files may be sealed or redacted in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.071 and Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.400. Protected information may include:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Information related to minor children
- Domestic violence victim information
- Records sealed by judicial order for good cause
The Osceola County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains these public records at:
Osceola County Clerk of Circuit Court
2 Courthouse Square, Suite 2000
Kissimmee, FL 34741
407-742-3500
Osceola County Clerk of Circuit Court
How To Find a Divorce Record In Osceola County in 2025
Individuals seeking divorce records in Osceola County in 2025 may utilize several official channels to locate these documents. The process varies depending on the type of record needed and its intended use.
To locate a divorce record, requesters may:
-
Contact the Clerk of Circuit Court directly:
- Visit the courthouse in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Provide the names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (typically $1.00 per page for copies, $2.00 per page for certified copies)
-
Request a divorce certificate from the Florida Department of Health:
- Submit a completed Application for Florida Divorce Record
- Provide proper identification
- Pay the required fee ($5.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time)
-
Use the Osceola County Circuit Court's case search system:
- Access the online portal through the Clerk's website
- Search by party name, case number, or date range
- Note that only basic case information may be available online
For divorce records older than 2000, requesters may need to contact the Clerk's Records Management Division as some older records may be archived and require additional time for retrieval.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Osceola County Online?
Osceola County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through several online platforms. These electronic resources offer convenience but may have limitations regarding the depth of information available.
The primary online resources include:
-
Osceola County Clerk of Circuit Court's Records Search:
- Accessible through the Clerk's official website
- Provides case numbers, filing dates, party names, and case status
- Requires registration for access to certain documents
- May not include all attachments or exhibits filed with the court
-
Florida Department of Health's VitalChek service:
- Allows for online ordering of divorce certificates
- Requires personal information and payment of applicable fees
- Includes additional processing fee for online convenience
- Certificates are delivered by mail, not available for immediate download
-
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal:
- Primarily designed for attorneys and registered users
- Provides access to electronically filed court documents
- Requires account creation and verification
- Not all historical records may be available through this system
Users should note that pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records even when the physical records are publicly accessible at the courthouse.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Osceola County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Osceola County have several options available, though these methods may involve time investment in lieu of fees.
Free access options include:
-
In-person inspection at the Clerk's office:
- Visit the Osceola County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Request to view specific divorce case files
- No charge for viewing records, though copying fees will apply if copies are needed
- Photo identification required for access to court files
-
Public access terminals at the courthouse:
- Computer terminals available for public use
- Search case information without charge
- Limited printing capabilities (printing fees may apply)
- Staff assistance available for basic search guidance
-
Public libraries in Osceola County:
- Some libraries provide access to public records databases
- Library card may be required for computer access
- Limited technical support available from library staff
- May not include access to all court documents
The City of St. Cloud and other municipal websites often provide links to county resources that can help locate public records without charge. However, while record searches may be conducted without fees, obtaining certified copies will always incur statutory charges as established by Florida law.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Osceola County
Divorce records in Osceola County contain comprehensive documentation of the legal dissolution process. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Statutes § 61.043 and include multiple components that document the proceedings from filing to final judgment.
A complete divorce record typically contains:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plan (if minor children are involved)
- Child support guidelines worksheet
- Property settlement agreement
- Mediation reports or agreements
- Depositions and interrogatories
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
- Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage
The Certificate of Dissolution is a concise document that includes:
- Full names of both parties
- Date and place of marriage
- Date the divorce was granted
- Case number
- County of issuance
- Official certification
Court transcripts, if created, may be available separately through the court reporter's office and typically require additional fees for production. Exhibits presented during hearings or trial may also be included in the court file, though some may be returned to the parties after proceedings conclude.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Osceola County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Osceola County may obtain official documentation through established channels. The type of proof needed often depends on the requesting party's specific requirements.
To obtain proof of divorce, requesters may:
-
Request a certified copy of the Final Judgment:
- Visit the Clerk of Circuit Court in person
- Provide case number or names of parties and approximate date
- Pay certification fee ($2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
- Receive document with official seal and certification
-
Order a Certificate of Dissolution from the Florida Department of Health:
- Submit application in person, by mail, or online
- Include required identification
- Pay statutory fee ($5.00 for first copy)
- Certificate serves as official proof for most administrative purposes
-
Request a certified copy of the entire divorce file:
- Submit written request to the Clerk's office
- Specify documents needed from the file
- Pay applicable fees based on document volume
- Allow processing time for extensive files
For international use, documents may require additional authentication through apostille or certification by the Florida Department of State. Requesters should specify if documents will be used outside the United States when ordering.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Osceola County?
While divorce proceedings in Osceola County are generally public records, Florida law provides mechanisms for protecting sensitive information and, in limited circumstances, sealing portions of divorce files. These confidentiality provisions balance public access rights with privacy concerns.
Pursuant to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.400, parties may request:
- Sealing of specific documents within the divorce file
- In-camera examination of sensitive evidence
- Closure of courtroom during certain testimony
- Redaction of personal identifying information
To obtain confidentiality protections, parties must:
- File a motion demonstrating good cause
- Specify exactly what information should be protected
- Demonstrate that no less restrictive measure will suffice
- Obtain a court order from the presiding judge
Information automatically protected under Florida Statutes § 119.0714 includes:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Information related to victims of abuse
- Certain medical records
The Ninth Judicial Circuit Court handling Osceola County cases follows strict protocols regarding confidential information. Complete sealing of an entire divorce case is extremely rare and requires extraordinary circumstances that outweigh the public's right to access.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Osceola County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Osceola County varies significantly based on case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court calendar congestion. Florida law establishes minimum timeframes, but actual resolution times depend on multiple factors.
For uncontested divorces:
- Minimum 20-day waiting period after filing (Florida Statutes § 61.19)
- Typically resolved within 4-6 weeks if all paperwork is properly completed
- Simplified dissolution procedure may expedite process when eligible
- Final hearing usually brief and procedural
For contested divorces:
- May take 6 months to over a year to complete
- Case management conferences scheduled approximately 90 days after filing
- Mediation typically required before trial setting
- Discovery process may extend timeline by several months
- Trial dates subject to court calendar availability
Factors that may extend the timeline include:
- Disputes over child custody or timesharing
- Complex property division issues
- Business valuation requirements
- Retirement account division
- Requests for alimony or spousal support
- Limited judicial resources in the Sixth District Court covering Osceola County
The court may expedite proceedings in certain circumstances, such as when domestic violence is involved or when one party demonstrates urgent financial need.
How Long Does Osceola County Keep Divorce Records?
Osceola County maintains divorce records permanently in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules. These vital records are preserved through multiple systems to ensure long-term accessibility and legal verification capabilities.
The retention system includes:
- Clerk of Circuit Court maintains court files permanently
- Electronic records management system preserves digital copies
- Microfilm backup of older records ensures preservation
- Florida Department of Health maintains statewide index dating to 1927
While records are permanently retained, their storage location may change:
- Recent records (typically less than 7 years old) remain in active storage
- Older records may be transferred to archival storage
- Some historical records may require advance notice for retrieval
- Digital conversion projects continually expand online accessibility
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.430, certain administrative documents within case files may be destroyed after shorter retention periods, but final judgments and essential case documents are never destroyed. This ensures that proof of divorce remains available regardless of when the dissolution occurred.
How To Get a Divorce In Osceola County
Residents seeking to dissolve a marriage in Osceola County must follow procedures established by Florida law and local court rules. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
To initiate divorce proceedings:
-
Establish residency requirement:
- At least one spouse must have resided in Florida for six months prior to filing
- Proof of residency typically required (driver's license, voter registration, etc.)
-
Prepare and file required documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Financial Affidavit
- Notice of Social Security Number
- Marital Settlement Agreement (if uncontested)
- Parenting Plan (if minor children involved)
- Filing fee payment ($408 for dissolution without children, $508 with children)
-
Serve documents on the other spouse:
- Through certified process server or sheriff's office
- By publication if spouse cannot be located
- Waiver of service possible in cooperative cases
-
Complete mandatory requirements:
- Parenting course for cases involving minor children
- Financial disclosure
- Mediation (required in most contested cases)
The Osceola County Circuit Court provides self-help resources for pro se litigants, though legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Fee waivers may be available for qualifying low-income individuals through application for indigent status.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Osceola County
Individuals seeking divorce forms in Osceola County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary documentation to initiate or respond to dissolution proceedings. These resources ensure access to standardized legal forms approved for use in Florida courts.
Divorce papers may be obtained through:
-
Osceola County Clerk of Circuit Court:
- Visit the Self-Help Center at the courthouse
- Request specific forms needed for your situation
- Pay nominal fee for form packets ($3-$20 depending on complexity)
- Receive basic procedural guidance (not legal advice)
-
Florida Courts website:
- Access standardized Supreme Court approved family law forms
- Download forms at no cost
- Available in fillable PDF format
- Instructions included with form packets
-
Law libraries:
- Osceola County Law Library located at the courthouse
- Reference materials available for in-library use
- Form books with examples and guidance
- Public computer access for form completion
-
Legal aid organizations:
- Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
- Provides forms and assistance to qualifying low-income residents
- May offer clinics on divorce procedures
- Limited representation possible in some cases
Forms must be completed accurately and notarized where required. The Florida Department of Health provides information regarding vital records that may be needed during the divorce process, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates for minor children.
Lookup Divorce Records in Osceola County
Florida Department of Health divorce records
Osceola County vital records office
Osceola County Circuit Court records