Collier County Divorce Records
What Are Collier County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Collier County are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller as part of their statutory responsibility under Florida law. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.043, all divorce proceedings must be properly documented and preserved as public records.
Divorce records typically consist of several components:
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
- Divorce decree
- Settlement agreements
- Child custody arrangements (if applicable)
- Property division documentation
- Financial affidavits
The Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court maintains these records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 28.222, which mandates the proper recording and preservation of all court documents. These records serve as the official legal documentation that a marriage has been legally terminated through court proceedings.
Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 252-2646
Collier County Clerk of Courts
Are Collier County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Collier County are classified as public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This legislation establishes that most government records, including divorce proceedings, shall be accessible to the public for inspection and copying.
Members of the public may access divorce records through the following means:
- In-person requests at the Clerk's office
- Online searches through the county's official records database
- Written requests submitted by mail
However, certain portions of divorce records may be exempt from public disclosure under specific circumstances as outlined in Florida Statutes § 119.071. These exemptions may include:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Information regarding minor children
- Domestic violence victim information
- Records sealed by court order
The Florida Department of Health also maintains divorce records for statistical and vital records purposes, though these records contain more limited information than court files.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Collier County in 2025
Individuals seeking divorce records in Collier County in 2025 may utilize several established methods to locate these documents. The primary repository for comprehensive divorce records remains the Collier County Clerk of Circuit Court.
To obtain divorce records in person:
- Visit the Records Department at the Collier County Courthouse
- Complete a records request form, providing names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees ($1.00 per page for copies, $2.00 per document for certification)
- Allow staff to conduct the search and provide available records
For mail requests:
- Submit a written request to the Clerk's Office Records Department
- Include names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, and case number (if known)
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
Collier County Courthouse
3315 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 252-2646
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Florida Courts Sixth District provides additional resources for locating court records, including divorce proceedings filed within their jurisdiction.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Collier County Online?
Collier County provides digital access to divorce records through several online platforms maintained by county agencies. The primary online resource is the Official Records Search portal operated by the Clerk of Circuit Court.
To access divorce records online:
- Navigate to the Collier County Clerk's Official Records Search
- Select "Court Records" or "Official Records" from the available search options
- Enter search criteria such as party names, case number, or date range
- Review search results to identify relevant divorce records
- Pay applicable fees for viewing or downloading documents ($1.00 per page)
Additional online resources include:
- Collier County CityView Portal - Provides access to various county records, including some court filings
- Florida Department of Health's Vital Records Online System - Offers limited divorce certificate information
Users should note that pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 64V-1.0131, certain identifying information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy while still providing verification of the divorce action.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Collier County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Collier County have several options available, though limitations may apply to the scope of free services.
Free in-person record inspection:
- Visit the Collier County Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Request to inspect specific divorce records (requires case number or names and approximate date)
- Records may be viewed at no charge, though copying fees will apply if printed copies are needed
Free online resources:
- Basic case information is available through the Collier County Clerk's public access system
- Limited case information may be viewable without fees, though document images typically require payment
Public libraries in Collier County often provide:
- Free computer access to conduct online searches
- Assistance from reference librarians in locating public records
- Access to legal research databases that may contain court records
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.24(2)(e), while inspection of records is free, the Clerk is authorized to charge fees for copies, certification, and extensive research assistance.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Collier County
Divorce records maintained by Collier County contain comprehensive documentation of the legal dissolution process. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Statutes § 61.052 and related provisions governing dissolution of marriage.
A complete divorce file typically contains:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - The initial filing that states grounds for divorce
- 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 obligations
- Parenting Plan - If children are involved, details regarding time-sharing, decision-making authority, and support
- Final Judgment of Dissolution - The court's final order terminating the marriage and resolving all related issues
Additional documents may include:
- Temporary relief orders
- Mediation agreements
- Depositions and interrogatories
- Child support worksheets
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County maintains statistical records of divorces that include basic information such as names, date of divorce, and county of filing, but these records contain less detail than court files.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Collier County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Collier County may obtain certified documentation through established channels. The most commonly accepted proof of divorce is a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.
To obtain certified proof of divorce:
- Contact the Collier County Clerk of Circuit Court Records Department
- Provide the case number (if known) or names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or through the clerk's online system
- Pay the certification fee ($2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
- Present valid identification when requesting records in person
For divorce certificates (statistical records):
- Contact the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics
- Complete Application for Florida Divorce Record (DH 261)
- Include required identification and payment ($5.00 per certificate)
- Submit request by mail or in person at:
Florida Department of Health in Collier County
3339 Tamiami Trail East, Building H
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 252-8200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 64V-1.0131, certified copies of divorce certificates are available to either party named on the record or to individuals who present a court order.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Collier County?
While divorce proceedings in Collier County are generally public records, Florida law provides mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality in certain circumstances. The court may order records sealed or redacted pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420.
Circumstances that may warrant confidentiality include:
- Protection of minor children's privacy interests
- Prevention of fraud or harassment
- Safeguarding business trade secrets or financial information
- Protection of domestic violence victims under Florida Statutes § 741.30
- Cases involving allegations of abuse or neglect
To request confidentiality:
- File a Motion to Seal or a Request for Confidential Filing with the court
- Demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the public's right of access
- Obtain a court order specifically identifying which documents or information shall remain confidential
Even when records are sealed, certain basic information typically remains public, such as the case number, parties' names, and the fact that a divorce was granted. The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court provides guidance on confidentiality requests in family law matters.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Collier County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Collier County varies based on several factors, including case complexity and the level of agreement between parties. Florida law establishes minimum timeframes that apply to all dissolution cases.
For uncontested divorces (where parties agree on all issues):
- Minimum waiting period: 20 days after filing (Florida Statutes § 61.19)
- Typical timeline: 4-6 weeks from filing to final judgment
- Requirements: Complete agreement on all issues, proper financial disclosure, and attendance at required hearings
For contested divorces (where parties disagree on one or more issues):
- Typical timeline: 6 months to over 1 year
- Factors affecting duration: Property valuation disputes, custody disagreements, discovery complications
- Court procedures: Case management conferences, mediation, and potentially trial
Simplified dissolution procedures are available under Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.105 for couples who:
- Have no minor children
- Are not seeking alimony
- Have agreed on property division
- Have resided in Florida for at least 6 months
The Collier County Clerk of Circuit Court provides forms and guidance for all dissolution procedures, including simplified dissolution.
How Long Does Collier County Keep Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Collier County are maintained permanently in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules. The Florida Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services establishes these retention requirements pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.
Record retention practices include:
- Court case files: Maintained permanently by the Clerk of Circuit Court
- Final judgments: Recorded in Official Records and preserved permanently
- Electronic records: Digitized and maintained in perpetuity
- Microfilm backups: Created for long-term preservation of older records
While the physical location of older records may change over time (from active files to archives), the legal obligation to maintain these records does not expire. Records may be accessed regardless of age, though retrieval times for very old records may be longer.
The Collier County CityView Portal provides access to more recent records, while older records may require assistance from the Clerk's archival staff. Statistical records of divorces are also maintained permanently by the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics.
How To Get a Divorce In Collier County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Collier County must follow procedures established under Florida Statutes Chapter 61. The process begins with determining eligibility and selecting the appropriate dissolution pathway.
Eligibility requirements:
- At least one spouse must have been a Florida resident for six months prior to filing (Florida Statutes § 61.021)
- Residency must be established by filing an Affidavit of Residency
- Marriage must be legally recognized in Florida
Filing procedures:
- Complete and file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Clerk of Circuit Court
- Pay filing fees (approximately $408 for dissolution without children, $408 with children)
- Serve the petition on the other spouse according to Florida Rules of Civil Procedure
- File mandatory financial disclosure forms within 45 days of service
- Attend mediation if required by the court
- Participate in parenting classes if minor children are involved
- Attend final hearing to obtain judgment
Collier County Courthouse - Family Division
3315 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 252-8800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Florida Courts Sixth District provides additional resources for self-represented litigants, including forms and procedural guidance.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Collier County
Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Collier County may obtain the necessary legal forms through several authorized channels. Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure establish standardized forms for dissolution proceedings.
To obtain divorce papers:
- Visit the Collier County Clerk's Office Family Law Division in person
- Download forms from the Collier County Clerk's website
- Access forms through the Florida Supreme Court's approved family law forms website
- Utilize the self-help center at the courthouse (services available for a nominal fee)
Required forms typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with or without dependent children)
- Financial Affidavit (short or long form depending on income)
- Notice of Social Security Number
- Marital Settlement Agreement (if applicable)
- Parenting Plan (if children are involved)
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if children are involved)
Individuals with questions about which forms are appropriate for their situation may consult with the Clerk's self-help staff, though they cannot provide legal advice. For complex situations, consultation with a qualified attorney is recommended.
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