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🔹 If You Know Where the Divorce Was Finalized

  1. Identify the Court
    Find the county circuit court (or family court) where the divorce was filed and finalized.

  2. Contact the Clerk of Court

    • Search for the official Clerk of Court website for that county.

    • Look under “Family Law” or “Records” or “Vital Records.”

  3. Request the Decree
    Most courts allow:

    • In-person requests

    • Mail requests (with a written application and fee)

    • Online requests through the court or a third-party vendor (e.g., VitalChek in some states)

  4. Provide Required Information
    You’ll usually need:

    • Full names of both spouses (including maiden names)

    • Date or approximate year of the divorce

    • Case number (if known)

    • Valid government-issued ID (for certified copies)

    • Payment of a fee (often $5–$25)

🔹 If You Don't Know Where the Divorce Was Finalized

  • Check your own records: Old files, attorneys, or tax documents may contain the court location or case number.

  • Search statewide: Some states allow searches by name across multiple counties.

  • Hire a search service: If you are unsure of the county or state, you may need a document retrieval service or a private investigator.

  • Contact your ex-spouse (if feasible): They may have a copy.

🔹 Special Notes by State

  • Florida: Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the divorce was finalized. You can also request certified copies from the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, but they only maintain Divorce Certificates, not full decrees.

  • California: Divorce decrees are held by the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was granted.

  • New York: Contact the County Clerk where the divorce took place. For divorces after 1996, you may be able to request through the NY Department of Health.

🔹 Certified vs. Informational Copy

  • A certified copy is an official court-stamped document, often required for Social Security, name changes, or remarriage.

  • Divorcenters, can assist you in this matter.  Our minimum charge is $125.00. 

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