Escambia Public Records /Escambia County Divorce Records

Escambia County Divorce Records

What Are Escambia County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Escambia County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.043, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings in the state. Divorce records consist of various court filings, judgments, and certificates that collectively document the legal termination of a marriage.

The primary components of divorce records include:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Financial affidavits from both parties
Marital settlement agreements
Child custody and support arrangements (if applicable)
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Certificate of dissolution of marriage

These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society. Divorce records provide legal proof of marital status change, which is essential for remarriage, name changes, Social Security benefits applications, loan applications, and immigration matters. The Escambia County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains these records as part of their official duties.

Under Florida law, divorce records are created and maintained to ensure proper documentation of legal proceedings and to provide necessary verification of marital status changes for various governmental and private purposes.

Are Escambia County Divorce Records Public?

Escambia County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies depending on the specific document type and information contained therein. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Florida Public Records Law, Chapter 119, but with significant exceptions.

The public accessibility of divorce records is subject to the following conditions:

Court case files: Most divorce court proceedings and associated documents are available to the public, with certain exceptions for sensitive information.
Confidential information: Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain information must be redacted or filed confidentially, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Information related to minor children
- Financial information
Certified divorce certificates: These have restricted access limited to:
- The individuals named in the record
- Their legal representatives
- Persons with a court order
- Government agencies for official purposes

The Escambia County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains divorce records in accordance with these regulations. Members of the public seeking access to divorce records must follow established procedures and may be required to demonstrate a legitimate interest in the records or receive only redacted versions of certain documents.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Escambia County in 2026

Members of the public may locate divorce records in Escambia County through several established channels. The primary methods for obtaining these records include in-person requests, mail requests, and in some cases, online searches.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Escambia County Clerk of Circuit Court
190 W Government Street
Pensacola, FL 32502
(850) 595-4310
Escambia County Clerk of Circuit Court

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

To request divorce records in person:

Complete the divorce record request form available at the clerk's office
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Pay the applicable search and copy fees ($12.00 for the first certified copy, $4.00 for each additional copy requested at the same time)
Specify the names of both parties and approximate date of divorce

For mail requests:

Submit a written request including:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Purpose of the request
- Copy of requester's valid identification
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Payment by check or money order for applicable fees
Mail the request to the Clerk of Circuit Court address listed above

For divorce records dating from June 6, 1927, to the present, individuals may also contact:

Florida Department of Health in Escambia County
1295 West Fairfield Drive
Pensacola, FL 32501
(850) 595-6500
Florida Department of Health in Escambia County

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Escambia County Online?

Escambia County provides limited online access to divorce records through the Clerk of Circuit Court's electronic records system. The online search capabilities allow members of the public to locate basic case information, though complete documents may require in-person retrieval.

To search for divorce records online:

Visit the Escambia County Clerk of Circuit Court website
Navigate to the "Court Records Search" section
Select "Family Law" as the case type
Enter search criteria such as:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Case number (if known)
- Date range of filing
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Party names
- Case type
- Current status
Note that while basic case information is available online, access to complete documents may be limited

For certified copies of divorce certificates, online requests may be submitted through the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics. This service requires:

Creation of an online account
Verification of identity
Payment of applicable fees ($12.00 for the first certificate, $4.00 for each additional copy)
Provision of essential information about the divorce, including names of both parties and date of divorce

Online access to divorce records is subject to the same confidentiality restrictions that apply to physical records, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.043.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Escambia County?

Members of the public have limited options for accessing divorce records in Escambia County without incurring fees. While complete fee waivers are uncommon, several low-cost or free methods exist for basic record searches.

Free or low-cost access options include:

Public access terminals at the Escambia County Courthouse:
- Located at 190 W Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Allow basic case searches without charge
- Printing fees may still apply ($1.00 per page)
Escambia County Public Library System:
- Multiple locations throughout the county
- Free public computers with internet access
- Assistance from reference librarians for public records searches
- Access to legal research databases that may contain divorce case information
Online case index search:
- Basic case information available through the Clerk's website
- No charge for searching the index
- Fees apply only when requesting document copies

It is important to note that while searching for records may be possible without fees, obtaining certified copies or complete case files will incur standard charges as established by Florida law. Additionally, pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, certain sensitive information in divorce records may be redacted even when accessed through free methods.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Escambia County

Divorce records in Escambia County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage. These records contain specific information as required by Florida law and court procedures.

A complete divorce record typically includes:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and place of marriage
- Statement that the marriage is irretrievably broken
- Residency affirmation (at least one party must be a Florida resident)
- Provisions for child custody and support (if applicable)
- Division of assets and liabilities
Financial Affidavits:
- Sworn statements of income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
- Required in all dissolution cases pursuant to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure
Marital Settlement Agreement:
- Division of property and debts
- Alimony arrangements (if applicable)
- Child custody, visitation, and support terms (if applicable)
Parenting Plan (for cases involving minor children):
- Time-sharing schedule
- Designation of parental responsibilities
- Methods for parents to communicate regarding the child
Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage:
- Official court order terminating the marriage
- Judicial approval of settlement terms
- Court's determinations on contested issues
- Name restoration (if requested)
Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage:
- Official document certifying the divorce
- Names of parties
- Date of divorce finalization
- Case number

The content of divorce records may vary based on the specific circumstances of each case, particularly regarding the presence of minor children, significant assets, or contested issues. All divorce records must comply with the requirements set forth in Florida Statutes Chapter 61, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings in the state.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Escambia County?

Individuals seeking official proof of divorce in Escambia County have several options for obtaining certified documentation. These certified records serve as legal verification of marital dissolution for various purposes including remarriage, name changes, and legal proceedings.

To obtain certified proof of divorce:

Through the Escambia County Clerk of Circuit Court:
- Visit the courthouse at 190 W Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
- Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Complete a request form specifying the names of both parties and date of divorce
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay the required fee ($12.00 for first certified copy, $4.00 for each additional copy)
- Certified copies are typically available same-day for in-person requests
By mail from the Clerk of Circuit Court:
- Send written request including names of both parties, approximate date of divorce
- Include copy of requester's valid identification
- Enclose check or money order for applicable fees
- Provide self-addressed stamped envelope
- Mail to: Escambia County Clerk of Circuit Court, 190 W Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
Through the Florida Department of Health:
- For divorces occurring after June 6, 1927
- Visit Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics
- Complete the application for certified copy of Florida dissolution of marriage record
- Provide required identification and payment
- Submit request online, by mail, or in person at:
  
  Florida Department of Health in Escambia County
  1295 West Fairfield Drive
  Pensacola, FL 32501
  (850) 595-6500
  Florida Department of Health in Escambia County

Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 382.025, certified copies of divorce records are available only to specific individuals, including the parties named in the record, their legal representatives, and those with a court order authorizing access.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Escambia County?

Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and associated records in Escambia County may be granted confidential status. While Florida generally maintains open court records, specific provisions exist to protect sensitive information and, in rare cases, to seal entire divorce cases.

Confidentiality provisions for divorce records include:

Automatic confidentiality for certain information:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Minor children's information (including names, birthdates, and addresses)
- Medical records
- Financial account information
Sealing specific documents or entire cases:
- Parties may petition the court to seal records pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420
- Must demonstrate compelling reasons that override public access rights
- Requires judicial determination that:
  - Confidentiality is necessary to protect trade secrets, prevent harm, or protect privacy in sensitive matters
  - No reasonable alternative exists to protect the interests at stake
  - The requested sealing is no broader than necessary
Simplified dissolution proceedings:
- While not confidential, these proceedings typically generate fewer public records
- Available to couples without minor children or significant assets
- Requires agreement on all terms
Mediated settlements:
- Mediation sessions are confidential by law
- Final agreements become part of the public record unless sealed by court order

To request confidentiality for divorce proceedings, parties must file a motion with the Escambia County Circuit Court demonstrating that the harm resulting from disclosure would outweigh the public policy favoring open records. Such requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with courts generally favoring the narrowest possible restrictions on public access.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Escambia County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Escambia County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court caseload. Florida law establishes minimum timeframes, but actual resolution times depend on case-specific circumstances.

Key factors affecting divorce timeframes include:

Type of dissolution proceeding:
- Simplified Dissolution: 30 days minimum from filing to finalization
  - Requires complete agreement on all terms
  - No minor children or pregnancy
  - No alimony claims
- Uncontested Dissolution: 3-4 months average
  - Parties agree on all issues but don't qualify for simplified process
  - Requires mandatory 20-day waiting period after filing
- Contested Dissolution: 6 months to over 1 year
  - Disagreement on one or more significant issues
  - May require multiple hearings, mediation, or trial
Statutory requirements:
- Florida residency requirement: At least one spouse must have resided in Florida for six months before filing
- Mandatory 20-day waiting period after filing before final hearing can be scheduled
- 45-day financial disclosure deadline after service of petition
Court scheduling factors:
- Current caseload of Escambia County Family Court
- Availability of hearing dates
- Complexity of issues requiring judicial determination

According to the Florida Courts Statistical Reference Guide, the average time to disposition for dissolution of marriage cases in Florida's First Judicial Circuit, which includes Escambia County, is approximately 120 days for uncontested cases and 230 days for contested cases. However, individual cases may resolve more quickly or take significantly longer depending on the specific circumstances.

How Long Does Escambia County Keep Divorce Records?

Escambia County maintains divorce records in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules, which establish minimum timeframes for preserving various types of court and vital records. These retention periods ensure the long-term availability of important legal documents while managing storage resources effectively.

The retention periods for divorce records in Escambia County are as follows:

Court case files:
- Permanent retention by the Clerk of Circuit Court
- Maintained pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.430
- Initially stored in paper format, with older records potentially microfilmed or digitized
- Records remain accessible through the Clerk's office regardless of age
Certificates of dissolution of marriage:
- Permanent retention by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
- Records from June 6, 1927, to present maintained centrally
- Records prior to June 6, 1927, maintained only by the Clerk of Circuit Court in the county where the dissolution was granted
Supporting documentation:
- Financial affidavits: Minimum 10-year retention
- Temporary orders: Retained as part of permanent case file
- Mediation agreements: Retained as part of permanent case file if filed with the court

The Florida Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services establishes and oversees records retention schedules for all government agencies in Florida, including the courts. These schedules ensure that vital records like divorce documents are preserved for historical, legal, and administrative purposes.

While records are maintained permanently, the accessibility and format may change over time. Older records may require additional processing time to retrieve and may be available only in microfilm or scanned format rather than original paper documents.

How To Get a Divorce In Escambia County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Escambia County must follow specific procedures established by Florida law. The dissolution process varies based on the circumstances of the marriage and the level of agreement between parties.

The primary methods for obtaining a divorce in Escambia County include:

Simplified Dissolution of Marriage:
- Available when both parties agree on all terms
- Requirements:
  - No minor children or pregnancy
  - No alimony claims
  - Agreement on property division
  - At least one spouse has been a Florida resident for six months
- Process:
  - Both parties must appear together at the Clerk's office
  - Complete and file required forms
  - Attend a brief hearing before a judge
  - Forms available at the Escambia County Clerk's Office
Regular Dissolution of Marriage:
- Required when parties have minor children or significant assets
- Process for uncontested cases:
  - File petition for dissolution of marriage
  - Serve petition on spouse (unless waiver of service is signed)
  - File financial affidavits and other required disclosures
  - Submit marital settlement agreement and parenting plan (if applicable)
  - Attend final hearing
- Process for contested cases:
  - File petition for dissolution of marriage
  - Serve petition on spouse
  - Spouse files answer and counter-petition
  - Exchange mandatory financial disclosures
  - Attend mediation (required in most cases)
  - If unresolved, proceed to trial before a judge
  - Judge issues final judgment

All dissolution proceedings must be filed with:

Escambia County Clerk of Circuit Court
190 W Government Street
Pensacola, FL 32502
(850) 595-4310
Escambia County Clerk of Circuit Court

Filing fees for dissolution of marriage in Escambia County are:

Simplified Dissolution: $409.00
Regular Dissolution: $409.00
Counter-petition: $395.00

Fee waivers may be available for those who qualify based on financial need through an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status.

All dissolution proceedings must comply with the requirements of Florida Statutes Chapter 61, which governs family law matters in the state.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Escambia County

Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Escambia County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. These documents must comply with Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms to be accepted for filing.

To obtain divorce papers in Escambia County:

From the Clerk of Circuit Court:
- Visit the Family Law Division at:
  
  Escambia County Clerk of Circuit Court
  190 W Government Street
  Pensacola, FL 32502
  (850) 595-4310
  Escambia County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Request specific forms needed for your case
- Forms available include:
  - Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
  - Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
  - Financial Affidavit
  - Marital Settlement Agreement
  - Parenting Plan
- Nominal fees may apply for printed forms
Online sources:
- Florida Courts Family Law Forms - official source for all approved family law forms
- Escambia County Clerk's website - provides downloadable forms and filing instructions
- Forms can be downloaded, completed electronically or printed and completed by hand
Legal assistance resources:
- Legal Aid of Northwest Florida 30 South Spring Street Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 432-8222
- Provides assistance to qualifying low-income individuals
- May offer clinics on completing divorce paperwork
Law libraries:
- Escambia County Law Library 190 W Government Street Pensacola, FL 32502
  - Located within the courthouse
  - Reference materials and form books available
  - Staff cannot provide legal advice but can direct to appropriate forms

All divorce forms must be completed accurately and notarized where required. Incomplete or incorrect paperwork may result in processing delays or rejection by the court. Pursuant to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.105, only approved forms may be used in family law proceedings unless the court grants permission for alternative formats.

Lookup Divorce Records in Escambia County

Florida Department of Health Divorce Records

Escambia County Health Department Certificates

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