Lake County Divorce Records
What Are Lake County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Lake County, Florida are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller in accordance with Florida Statutes § 28.222, which mandates the proper recording and preservation of court documents.
Divorce records typically include:
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
- Marital Settlement Agreements
- Parenting Plans (when applicable)
- Child Support Orders (when applicable)
- Financial Affidavits
- Property Distribution Documentation
These documents constitute the official record of divorce proceedings and are filed with the Clerk's office upon the conclusion of divorce cases. The records serve multiple purposes, including providing legal proof of marital status change, documenting property division, and establishing child custody arrangements where applicable.
Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
550 West Main Street
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 742-4100
Lake County Clerk of Court
Are Lake County Divorce Records Public?
Pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, divorce records in Lake County are generally considered public records. This designation means that members of the public may access and inspect these documents, with certain limitations.
The public status of divorce records is subject to the following conditions:
- Most divorce case files are accessible to the general public
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420
- Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and certain information regarding minors is protected from public disclosure
- Cases involving domestic violence may have restricted access pursuant to Florida Statute § 741.30
The Lake County Clerk's office maintains these records in compliance with state transparency laws while also protecting confidential information as required by statute. Individuals seeking divorce records must adhere to established protocols for accessing public court documents, which may include registration for online access or in-person requests at the courthouse.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Lake County in 2025
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Lake County have multiple methods available for locating these documents. The following procedures have been established for the 2025 calendar year:
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Lake County Courthouse during regular business hours to request divorce records.
- Records requests are processed at the Records Department on the first floor
- Photo identification is required
- Applicable fees must be paid at time of request
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Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Clerk's office with the following information:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce (month and year)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Check or money order for applicable fees
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Online Records Request: The Lake County public records portal allows for electronic submission of records requests.
Records Department - Lake County Courthouse
550 West Main Street, 1st Floor
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 742-4100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Lake County Online?
Lake County provides digital access to divorce records through its online court records system. Users seeking to search for divorce records electronically must follow these established procedures:
- Navigate to the Lake County Clerk's record search portal
- Review and accept the Court Records Agreement terms
- Register for a user account (first-time users)
- Select "Family Law" or "Dissolution of Marriage" from the case type options
- Enter search criteria such as:
- Party names (last name, first name)
- Case number (if known)
- Date range of filing
- Review search results and select desired case files
- Pay any applicable fees for document viewing or printing
The online system provides 24-hour access to public divorce records, though certain documents may be restricted based on confidentiality statutes. Users should note that the system may experience periodic maintenance during non-business hours.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Lake County?
Lake County residents and other interested parties may access certain divorce record information without payment of fees through several authorized channels:
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals located at the Lake County Courthouse provide free on-site access to basic case information.
- Available during regular business hours
- No fee for viewing basic docket information
- Printing fees may apply ($1.00 per page)
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Online Case Docket Search: Basic case information is available without charge through the Clerk's online portal.
- Limited to non-confidential case information
- Does not include document images
- Provides case numbers, party names, and filing dates
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Florida Department of Health Index: A free index search is available for verifying the existence of a divorce record.
While basic information may be accessed without charge, fees apply for obtaining certified copies or complete case files. Indigent persons may apply for fee waivers under certain circumstances as provided by Florida Statute § 57.082.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Lake County
Divorce records maintained by the Lake County Clerk's office contain comprehensive documentation of the dissolution proceedings. Standard components of these records include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The initial filing that commences the divorce action
- Financial Affidavits: Sworn statements detailing each party's assets, liabilities, income, and expenses
- Marital Settlement Agreement: Document outlining the division of property, debts, and other marital assets
- Parenting Plan: Detailed arrangements for time-sharing and parental responsibilities (in cases involving minor children)
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet: Calculations for child support obligations
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage: The court's final order terminating the marriage
- Certificate of Dissolution: Official document recording the divorce
Additional documents may include temporary orders, mediation agreements, name change orders, and other case-specific filings. The comprehensiveness of records varies based on the complexity of the case and whether the divorce was contested or uncontested.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Lake County?
Official proof of divorce in Lake County is available through certified copies of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage or Certificate of Dissolution. These documents serve as legal verification of marital status change and may be required for various administrative purposes.
To obtain certified proof of divorce, individuals must:
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Submit a request to the Lake County Clerk of Court through one of the following methods:
- In-person at the courthouse Records Department
- By mail with a notarized request form
- Online through the Clerk's certified records request system
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Provide the following information:
- Full names of both parties as they appear on the divorce record
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if available)
- Requestor's relationship to the case
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Pay the applicable fees:
- $15.00 for the first certified copy
- $6.00 for each additional certified copy requested simultaneously
- Additional fees may apply for expedited service
Certified copies bear the official seal of the Clerk of Court and are accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name changes, and other official purposes.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Lake County?
While Florida law generally designates divorce records as public documents, certain provisions exist for maintaining confidentiality in specific circumstances. The following conditions may warrant confidential treatment of divorce proceedings in Lake County:
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Domestic Violence Cases: Pursuant to Florida Statute § 741.30, cases involving domestic violence may qualify for confidential filing.
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Sensitive Information: The following information is automatically protected from public disclosure:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Minor children's identifying information
- Medical records
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Sealing by Court Order: Under exceptional circumstances, a judge may order divorce records sealed upon motion by either party demonstrating:
- Compelling privacy interests
- Risk of significant harm from disclosure
- Narrowly tailored request for confidentiality
Parties seeking confidentiality must file appropriate motions with the court and demonstrate that the need for privacy outweighs the public interest in access to court records. Such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Lake County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Lake County varies based on several factors, including case complexity and the level of agreement between parties. The following timelines represent typical processing periods:
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Simplified Dissolution of Marriage: 30 days from filing to final judgment
- Requires complete agreement between parties
- No minor children or dependent adults
- No contested property issues
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Uncontested Divorce: 45-90 days
- All issues resolved through marital settlement agreement
- Minimal court intervention required
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Contested Divorce: 6 months to over 1 year
- Disputes regarding property, support, or custody
- May require mediation, hearings, and trial
Florida law imposes a mandatory 20-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized. Additionally, at least one party must have been a Florida resident for six months prior to filing, as verified by testimony or affidavit under Florida Statute § 61.021.
How Long Does Lake County Keep Divorce Records?
Lake County maintains divorce records in perpetuity in accordance with Florida's records retention schedule for court documents. The preservation of these records follows a multi-tiered approach:
- Active Records: Recent divorce cases are maintained in readily accessible formats at the courthouse
- Archived Records: Older records may be transferred to archival storage while remaining retrievable upon request
- Digital Preservation: Modern records are maintained in electronic format with appropriate backup systems
- Historical Records: Records dating back to the county's establishment are preserved for historical and legal purposes
This permanent retention policy ensures that divorce records remain available regardless of when the dissolution occurred. While the format and accessibility may vary based on the age of the records, the Lake County Clerk's office maintains systems for retrieving even decades-old divorce documentation.
How To Get a Divorce In Lake County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Lake County must follow established legal procedures in accordance with Florida family law statutes. The process includes:
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Residency Requirement: At least one spouse must have resided in Florida for six months prior to filing.
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Filing Options:
- Regular Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (if qualifying)
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Required Documentation:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Financial Affidavit
- Notice of Social Security Number
- Marital Settlement Agreement (if uncontested)
- Parenting Plan (if minor children involved)
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Filing Location: Lake County Courthouse - Family Law Division
550 West Main Street
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 742-4100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM -
Filing Fees:
- $408.00 for regular dissolution
- $412.00 for simplified dissolution
- Additional fees for service of process if required
Self-represented litigants may obtain forms and guidance through the Lake County Clerk's website or at the Self-Help Center located at the courthouse.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Lake County
Divorce forms for Lake County proceedings are available through multiple authorized channels:
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Lake County Courthouse Self-Help Center: 550 West Main Street, 1st Floor
Tavares, FL 32778
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Fee: $1.00 per page for forms -
Online Resources:
- Lake County Clerk's website provides downloadable PDF forms
- Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms
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Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure: Contains standardized forms required for divorce proceedings
Required forms vary based on individual circumstances, particularly whether the case involves minor children or property disputes. Staff at the Self-Help Center can provide guidance on which forms are necessary for specific situations, though they cannot offer legal advice.
Lookup Divorce Records in Lake County
Search Lake County court records online
Request certified divorce documents
Submit a public records request to Lake County