Sunrise City Florida divorce records are filed and stored through the Broward County court system. People who live in Sunrise, or who were married there, can look up case files through the county clerk office.
This page covers how to search Sunrise divorce records, what documents you can get, how much they cost, and how long the process takes. It also explains sealed records, apostille requests, and genealogy searches.
Broward County Clerk Court Filing Process
Sunrise sits inside Broward County, so all divorce filings for Sunrise residents go to the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The clerk office keeps the official case files, court orders, and final judgments. Knowing the right division and office saves time when you need a copy.
Sunrise Filing and Case Number Lookup
Each divorce case in Sunrise gets a unique case number when it is filed in Broward County. You can use that number to pull up the docket, hearings, and final judgment. The case number follows a clear format and stays the same for the life of the file, even if the case spans many years.
- Format starts with a two-letter prefix showing the case type
- The next digits show the filing year
- Final digits show the case sequence for that year
- Keep the full number ready when calling the clerk office
Broward County Courthouse Location Hours
The main Broward County Courthouse sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The clerk office handles in-person requests for Sunrise divorce records during normal business hours. Plan to arrive early because line length changes by day and season.
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Closed on state and federal holidays
- Some satellite offices have shorter hours
- Photo ID needed for in-person copy pickup
Phone Number Clerk Office Contact
The Broward County Clerk of Court can be reached at (954) 831-6565 for general questions about Sunrise divorce records. For copy requests by phone, staff can walk you through the steps. Call early in the day for shorter wait times.
Florida Divorce Records Search Methods
Sunrise residents have several ways to search for divorce records in Florida. The right method depends on what document you need, how old the case is, and how soon you need the copy. Online searches work well for recent cases, while older files often need a clerk visit.
Online Records Search By Name
The Broward County clerk website lets you search Sunrise divorce records by name. Enter the full legal name of either spouse, then add a date range to narrow the results. Many older cases show up only by name, not by case number, so a name search is often the first step.
Public Records Access Rules
Florida law makes most divorce records public under Chapter 119. Anyone can view basic case data, party names, filing dates, and final judgment dates. Some sensitive details get redacted in the public view, including Social Security numbers and bank account data.
Divorce Records Free Search Limits
Basic case searches on the Broward County clerk site are free. You can view party names, filing dates, and hearing history without paying. Certified copies and full document downloads do cost a fee. Free search is a good first step before paying for a copy.
Florida Divorce Decree and Certificate Types
Sunrise divorce records include several document types. Each one serves a different purpose, so it helps to know what you actually need before you pay. Mixing up document types can lead to extra fees or delays.
Final Judgment of Divorce Copy
The final judgment of divorce is the court order that ends the marriage. It shows the judge who signed it, the date it was entered, and all the terms. Banks, insurance companies, and other agencies often ask for this document as proof of divorce.
Dissolution of Marriage Certificate
The dissolution of marriage certificate is a short form that proves a divorce took place. The Florida Department of Health issues this through county health departments. Many employers and federal agencies accept this short form instead of the full judgment.
Certified vs Plain Copy Differences
A certified copy has a raised seal or stamp and a clerk signature. A plain copy is a photocopy with no seal. Most legal and government requests need a certified copy. Plain copies work for personal reference and informal use.
| Document Type | Source Office | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Final Judgment of Divorce | Broward County Clerk | Court order with full terms |
| Dissolution Certificate | Florida Department of Health | Short proof of divorce |
| Certified Copy | County Clerk | Accepted by most agencies |
| Plain Copy | County Clerk | Personal reference only |
Florida Divorce Records Cost and Fees
Fees for Sunrise divorce records vary by document type and request method. The clerk office sets the fee schedule each year. Knowing the cost ahead of time helps avoid surprises at the counter.
Search Fee and Copy Fee Schedule
Florida county clerks charge a set fee per page for copies and a flat fee for certification. Sunrise divorce records from Broward County follow the state fee rules. Extra charges may apply for postage and special handling.
- Plain copy: small fee per page
- Certified copy: higher fee plus per page
- Search fee when no date range is provided
- Postage added for mail requests
Rush Request and Expedited Fees
Rush requests cost more than standard requests. The clerk office offers expedited handling for people who need the same day or next day service. Rush fees depend on the county and the document type.
Payment Methods Accepted Today
The Broward County clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. In-person counters often take cards. Mail requests usually need a check or money order to avoid processing delays.
Processing Times and Delivery Options
Processing time for Sunrise divorce records depends on how you order them. Walk-in requests can be ready the same day in many cases. Mail and online orders take longer because of postal time and staff workload.
Standard Mail Processing Timeline
Standard mail requests take several business days to process after the clerk office receives them. Add postal time on both ends. Total turnaround is often one to three weeks from the day you mail the request.
In-Person Walk-In Pickup Times
Walk-in customers at the Broward County Courthouse can often pick up copies the same day for simple requests. Complex searches that need staff time may take longer. Bring all needed IDs and payment to avoid a second trip.
Digital Email Delivery Options
Some documents can be emailed as a PDF after the clerk office scans them. Email delivery saves postal time but still needs staff processing. Email copies are not always accepted as certified documents.
Sealed and Restricted Divorce Records
Some Sunrise divorce records are sealed by court order. Sealed records are not open to the public. Knowing the seal status before searching saves time and protects you from filing errors.
Court Order to Seal Divorce Files
A judge can seal a divorce file if sensitive details could harm a party or a child. Sealed files still exist in the court system, but the public cannot view them. The seal can apply to the whole file or only to certain documents.
Unsealing Process and Requirements
A party to the case can ask the court to unseal a divorce file. The request is a written motion that explains why access is needed. A judge reviews the motion and decides based on the facts and Florida law.
Florida Divorce Records for Genealogy
Genealogy researchers often need older Sunrise divorce records. These records can fill in missing family history data. Older files are stored in different places depending on the year.
Older Divorce Records Archives
Divorce cases filed many years ago may sit in county archives instead of the main clerk office. Broward County keeps older files in a secure storage area. Some pre-1970 cases are on microfilm or scanned images.
Historical County Record Sources
Researchers can check the State Archives of Florida, the FamilySearch website, and local historical societies for older divorce records. Each source covers a different time period. Cross-checking several sources gives the best results.
Apostille and Out-of-State Use
People who need to use Sunrise divorce records outside the United States often need an apostille. An apostille is a state seal that proves the document is real for foreign governments.
Florida Department of State Apostille
The Florida Department of State handles apostille requests for documents issued in Florida. The clerk office signature on a certified divorce copy must be verified by the state office before the apostille is added. Processing time depends on the request method.
Federal Authentication Step Needed
Some countries do not accept a state apostille alone. They need a federal authentication step through the U.S. Department of State. Check the destination country rules before sending documents abroad.
Major County Divorce Record Offices
Sunrise sits in Broward County, but other Florida counties handle divorce records for their own residents. Each county has its own clerk office with its own fee schedule and search tools. Knowing the right county for a past case avoids wasted searches.
Miami-Dade County Clerk Records
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts holds divorce files for residents of Miami-Dade. The clerk office provides online case search and in-person copy services. Miami-Dade is the most populated county in Florida, so its record volume is high.
Orange County Clerk Divorce Files
The Orange County Clerk of Courts covers Orlando and the surrounding area. Orange County runs a strong online search tool that lets users find cases by name and date range. The office is in downtown Orlando.
Hillsborough County Clerk Court
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court handles divorce cases for Tampa residents. The clerk office offers online docket search and walk-in copy services. Older Hillsborough cases are stored in the county archives.
Palm Beach County Records Office
The Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts keeps divorce files for West Palm Beach and nearby cities. The office provides both online and in-person search options. Palm Beach County uses a modern electronic filing system for newer cases.
Sunrise Divorce Records Official Contact
For the most accurate and current details about Sunrise divorce records, contact the Broward County Clerk of Courts directly. The clerk office staff can answer specific questions about case status, copy fees, and request forms. Keep your case details ready when you call.
Official Website: https://www.browardclerk.org/
Phone Number: (954) 831-6565
Address: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunrise Divorce Records FAQ
This FAQ section answers the most common questions about Sunrise divorce records. Each answer gives clear steps, current fees, and the right office to contact. Use these answers as a quick reference before you start your search or copy request.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
Certified copies of Sunrise divorce records from Broward County usually take five to ten business days by mail. Walk-in requests can be ready the same day for simple cases. Rush orders cut the time to one to three business days for an extra fee. Email PDF copies arrive faster but may not be accepted as certified documents by every agency. Mail delays add to total turnaround, so request early if a deadline is near. Plan for at least two weeks if mailing in a request from out of state.
Are Sunrise divorce records public for everyone?
Most Sunrise divorce records are public under Florida Chapter 119. Anyone can view basic case data, party names, filing dates, and judgment dates. Sensitive details like Social Security numbers, bank account data, and minor child names get redacted from the public view. Sealed records stay closed until a judge orders them opened. Adopted names and certain protected identifiers are never released to the public. Genealogy researchers can view older files through approved channels.
What is the difference between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate?
A divorce decree is the full court order with all terms, signed by the judge. A divorce certificate is a short form that only proves a divorce took place. The Broward County Clerk issues decrees. The Florida Department of Health issues certificates. Banks and courts usually need a decree. Employers and federal agencies often accept a certificate. Knowing which form you need saves time and money.
Can I search Sunrise divorce records for free?
Yes, basic case searches on the Broward County clerk website are free. You can see party names, case numbers, filing dates, and hearing history without paying. The free search helps you confirm a case exists before paying for copies. Some third-party sites offer free searches, but the official county site gives the most accurate and current data. Document downloads and certified copies always cost a fee.
How do I get an apostille for a Sunrise divorce decree?
First, order a certified copy of the decree from the Broward County Clerk. Then send that certified copy to the Florida Department of State for the apostille seal. The state office verifies the clerk signature and adds the apostille. Processing time is usually five to ten business days. Walk-in service at the state office is faster. Foreign countries that are part of the Hague Convention accept the apostille. Other countries need a federal authentication step.
What if the divorce happened many years ago?
Older Sunrise divorce records may sit in the Broward County archives. Some older cases are on microfilm or scanned images. Contact the clerk office first to confirm the file still exists. The State Archives of Florida and FamilySearch also hold older Florida divorce records for genealogy. Older certified copies may take longer because staff need to pull files from storage. Fees stay the same for certified copies, but a search fee may apply if no case number is known.
Can I seal or unseal a Sunrise divorce file?
A party to the case can file a written motion asking the court to seal the file. A judge reviews the motion and decides based on Florida law and the facts. Sealing requires proof of harm or sensitive data. Unsealing follows the same motion process. The public cannot view a sealed file. Sealed files still exist in the court system, but access is limited to the parties and their attorneys.