Collier County Divorce Records
What Are Collier County Divorce Records?
Collier County divorce records are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within Collier County, Florida. These records are maintained by the Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court and include all documentation related to divorce proceedings, from the initial petition to the final judgment.
Divorce records in Collier County are part of the public record system and contain important information about the terms of the divorce, including property division, child custody arrangements, and spousal support agreements. These documents serve as official proof that a marriage has been legally terminated.
Are Collier County Divorce Records Public?
Yes, divorce records in Collier County are considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law. This means that most divorce documents filed with the Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court are accessible to the general public.
However, certain sensitive information within these records may be redacted or restricted, such as:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Children's information
- Victims of domestic violence information (if protected by court order)
The Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains these records and makes them available for public inspection at their office located at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34112.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Collier County in 2025
To locate a divorce record in Collier County in 2025, you have several options:
- Visit the Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court in person at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34112
- Search online through the Clerk's official records database
- Submit a written request by mail
- Request records via email or phone
For in-person searches, you'll need to provide basic information about the divorce, including:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of the divorce
- Case number (if known)
The clerk's office charges fees for copies of divorce records, typically $1.00 per page and an additional $2.00 for certification if needed.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Collier County Online?
Collier County offers convenient online access to divorce records through several digital platforms:
- Visit the Collier Clerk's Official Records Search portal at https://app.collierclerk.com/CORPublicAccess/
- Create a free account if you don't already have one
- Select "Official Records Search" from the available options
- Enter search criteria such as names, date ranges, or document types
- Look for documents labeled as "Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage"
Alternatively, you can use the Records Search page on the Clerk's website at https://collierclerk.com/records-search/ which provides links to various search tools.
The Collier County Clerk's office maintains these online systems from their headquarters at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Collier County?
While accessing divorce records in Collier County is possible without paying search fees, obtaining copies typically involves costs. Here are ways to find records for free:
- Use the public access computers at the Collier County Courthouse (3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112) to search the records database at no charge
- Visit the Collier County Public Library (2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109) where public computers may be available for records searches
- Use the free online search tools provided by the Clerk's office at https://collierclerk.com/records-search/
Remember that while searching is free, obtaining copies of the documents will incur fees:
- $1.00 per page for standard copies
- $2.00 additional for certified copies
- Possible convenience fees for online transactions
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Collier County
Collier County divorce records typically contain the following documents and information:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Marital settlement agreement
- Parenting plan (if children are involved)
- Child support worksheets and orders
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
- Name change information (if applicable)
- Court orders related to property division
- Alimony determinations
- Certificate of completion for parenting classes (for divorces with minor children)
The level of detail in these records varies depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, and whether it involved complex issues such as business valuations or substantial assets.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Collier County?
To obtain official proof of divorce in Collier County, you'll need a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. Here's how to get one:
- Visit the Collier County Clerk of Circuit Court at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34112
- Provide the case number or names of the parties and approximate date of divorce
- Pay the required fees ($1.00 per page plus $2.00 for certification)
Alternatively, you can request certified copies:
- By mail: Send a written request with the required information and payment to Collier County Clerk of Courts, P.O. Box 413044, Naples, FL 34101-3044
- Online: Use the Clerk's records request system at https://collierclerk.com/records-search/
A certified copy of the Final Judgment serves as legal proof of divorce and can be used for name changes, remarriage, immigration purposes, and other legal matters.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Collier County?
While most divorce records in Collier County are public, there are limited circumstances under which certain information or entire cases may be kept confidential:
- Cases involving domestic violence where a protective order is in place
- Divorces involving minors as parties (rare cases)
- Specific sensitive information that can be sealed by court order
To request confidentiality for divorce proceedings, you must:
- File a motion with the court explaining the legal basis for confidentiality
- Demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the public's right to access
- Obtain a court order specifically sealing the records
The Family Court Services division at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112 can provide guidance on confidentiality requests, though such requests are granted sparingly under Florida law.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Collier County?
The timeline for divorces in Collier County varies significantly based on several factors:
For uncontested divorces (where both parties agree on all terms):
- Minimum waiting period: 20 days after filing
- Typical completion time: 4-6 weeks
For contested divorces (where parties disagree on one or more issues):
- Typical completion time: 6 months to over a year
- Complex cases with significant assets or custody disputes may take 1-2 years
Factors affecting timeline include:
- Court congestion and scheduling
- Complexity of assets and debts to divide
- Whether child custody is disputed
- Willingness of parties to negotiate and compromise
- Need for expert witnesses or valuations
The Collier County Family Court division at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112 handles divorce proceedings according to Florida state law requirements.
How Long Does Collier County Keep Divorce Records?
Collier County maintains divorce records permanently. As official court records, divorce documents are preserved indefinitely in both physical and digital formats. This permanent retention policy ensures that proof of divorce remains available regardless of how much time has passed since the divorce was finalized.
The records are maintained by:
- Physical archives at the Clerk's office (3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112)
- Digital storage systems accessible through the Clerk's online portals
- Microfilm or other preservation methods for older records
This permanent retention policy aligns with Florida's approach to vital records and ensures that individuals can access proof of their divorce status whenever needed throughout their lifetime.
How To Get a Divorce In Collier County
To file for divorce (legally termed "dissolution of marriage") in Collier County, follow these steps:
- Ensure eligibility: Either you or your spouse must have been a Florida resident for at least 6 months
- Determine the type of divorce:
- Simplified dissolution (for couples with no children and limited assets)
- Regular dissolution (uncontested or contested)
- Obtain and complete the required forms from:
- The Clerk's office at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34112
- Online at https://www.collierclerk.com/court-divisions/family-law/divorce/
- File the completed forms with the Clerk's office and pay the filing fee (approximately $408)
- Serve the divorce papers to your spouse (unless filing jointly)
- Attend required parenting classes if you have minor children
- Attend mediation if there are disputed issues
- Finalize the divorce at a hearing before a judge
For those who cannot afford the filing fees, fee waiver applications are available at the Clerk's office.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Collier County
Divorce papers for Collier County can be obtained through several methods:
- In person: Visit the Collier County Clerk of Courts at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34112
- Online: Download forms from the Clerk's website at https://www.collierclerk.com/court-divisions/family-law/divorce/
- By mail: Request forms by writing to Collier County Clerk of Courts, P.O. Box 413044, Naples, FL 34101-3044
- From Legal Aid: Contact Legal Aid Service of Collier County at 4125 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112 for assistance if you qualify
The specific forms needed depend on your situation:
- Simplified dissolution forms (for couples with no children or property disputes)
- Regular dissolution forms
- Forms for divorces involving children
- Financial disclosure forms
Many forms are available for free, though some services may charge for packets of forms with instructions.
Lookup Divorce Records in Collier County
Records Search - Collier Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller - Access various records search options, including court records, official records, and public records requests.
Divorce - Collier Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller - Information on filing for divorce in Collier County, including necessary forms, fees, and procedures.
Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court - Official Records - Access to official records, including land records, marriage licenses, and final judgments.
Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller - Records Search - Search for various records, including court records and official land records.