Are Leon County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, Leon County divorce records are generally classified as public documents. Almost anyone can access divorce records through the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller using in-person requests, mail-in requests, or online resources such as the Records Request System website.

Access to the county’s divorce records is guided by Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, Florida Public Records Law. This law provides Leon County residents with access to government records, including most public divorce records. This law also provides for specific exemptions highlighted to protect individual interests and privacy as well as public order.

Note: There are certain restrictions and conditions to the accessibility of divorce records, such as the sensitivity of the information contained in the records, court orders for sealing or restriction of access to certain documents, and the right of access of the requester.

Who Can Access Leon County Public Records?

Leon County divorce records are accessible to almost anyone, including members of the general public, researchers, attorneys, and government agencies. Requesters can obtain Leon County divorce records using records requests submitted in person, through the mail, or online. These requests must be submitted with details of the case for a records search through the archives. The required processing fee must also be paid before or during the records request submission.

Some limitations and requirements may exist for accessing Leon County divorce records, such as limited access for third parties who have no involvement in the case. Access to these records requires verification of eligibility for certain persons, such as Attorneys, government agencies, and researchers, using their Bar Cards or any other professional ID available.

Do I Need to State My Purpose and Use When Requesting Divorce Records in Leon County?

Florida’s Public Records Law does not expressly require the provision of a specific reason or purpose for requesting public records, including divorce records. However, the records custodian, the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court, may have certain requirements or procedures through which requesters must provide a purpose for the request. This can apply to third parties who have no involvement in the case, such as government agencies and researchers. Some reasons or specific purposes for requesting divorce records can include:

• Legal reasons such as legal research and analysis, representation of a client who is a party to the divorce, or investigation of misconduct or potential fraud.
• Personal interests
• Genealogical research, such as tracing or verifying family history or ancestry.

How do you Request Divorce Records in Leon County?

Requesting Leon County divorce records can be done using records requests submitted to the County Clerk of the Circuit Court. These requests can be submitted in person at the Clerk’s office or by mail in requests. The county also provides online access to these records through the county clerk’s Records Request System website. The following steps will guide you on requesting Leon County divorce record:

• Determine the preferred request mode, which can be online, via mail, or in person.
• Prepare your records request by obtaining the request form from the county clerk’s office and filling out the necessary information, such as the case number, type of records of interest, and parties' names. Follow the instructions on the County Clerk’s request platform for online access.
• Pay the access fees prescribed by the county clerk’s office using the provided payment options.
• Submit the request and proof of payment to the clerk’s office using the preferred request mode.
• Wait for the request to be processed before receiving the records.

What Information is Included in a Leon County Divorce Record?

Leon County divorce records generally contain details about the parties to the case and the circumstances of the case. These details are guided by the Florida Public Records Law, which provides information that should be restricted and details that can be made publicly accessible. Leon County divorce records will generally contain the following information:

• Case number
• Names of parties involved in the case
• Dates of birth
• Filing date
• The courtroom and presiding judge’s information
• Grounds for the divorce
• Property division agreement
• Spousal or child support agreement
• Child custody and parenting agreements

According to the law, some sections or information that is restricted or redacted in divorce records include the following:

• Personally identifiable information such as home addresses and social security numbers
• Medical records
• Details that could identify minors
• Any portions sealed by a court order

Fees for Accessing Leon County Divorce Records

Leon County divorce records are available to requesters who pay the required request processing fee. This fee is charged at $1 per page for a copy of a recorded divorce record, while certified copies are charged at $2 per copy. This payment can be made using available payment options such as cash, credit card, money order, or check payable to the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Requesters must note that the fees may not apply to everyone. Certain persons like researchers and government agencies may be eligible for fee exemptions, waivers, or reduced rates.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain Divorce Records in Leon County?

The processing time for obtaining divorce records in Leon County depends on the request mode adopted. Requesters using online resources can access divorce records immediately through the County Clerk’s Official Records website. This website allows record searches using details like Book Type, Instrument Code, Page, and Party Name. Requesters can also download or print copies of records from this website for free. Other request modes will require about 60 days to be processed and copies of documents received. The complexity and volume of the requests can contribute to the time they will need.

Can I Request Divorce Records Online in Leon County?

Leon County divorce records can be accessed, viewed, and downloaded using online resources. The County Clerk’s Office maintains an Official Records website where the public can search public records for free. The website allows search parameters like Party Names, Instrument Numbers, Page, and Book Type. The website may offer the fastest access to public records by providing digital copies after a successful search. Requesters can also use third-party websites such as Floridacourtrecords.us to access Leon County divorce records online. However, the accuracy of records from third-party websites is not absolute.

Are There Any Exceptions to Accessing Leon County Divorce Records?

There are certain exemptions provided for in the Florida Public Records Law. Some of these include records that detail:

• Personal information like Social Security Numbers and home addresses
• Medical information
• Details that may identify minor children
• Information sealed by court orders
• Details from ongoing legal proceedings