Union County Florida divorce records are court files that show when a marriage ended in this North Central Florida county. These papers sit with the Union County Clerk of Courts in Lake Butler, the county seat.
People look up these records to check case status, get proof of divorce, or update legal documents after a marriage ends. The clerk office keeps the full court file. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps a separate statewide record of divorce certificates. Both sources serve different needs. This page walks through how Union County divorce records work, how to search them, and how to get copies.
How Union County Divorce Records Work
Union County divorce records start when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the circuit court. The Union County Clerk of Courts accepts the filing, assigns a case number, and opens a court file. From that point, every motion, order, and final judgment gets added to the same file. After the judge signs the Final Judgment of Dissolution, the marriage ends in the eyes of the law.
Where Filings Start
Filings start at the Union County Clerk of Courts office at 55 West Main Street in Lake Butler. The clerk accepts new petitions, motions, and supporting paperwork. Each document gets a stamp with the filing date. The clerk then forwards the file to the judge assigned to the case. Most family law cases in Union County fall under the 8th Judicial Circuit, which covers several nearby counties too.
The clerk office also keeps older files from past decades. Many of those older files exist only in paper form. Newer files from recent years may have digital indexes, even when the actual documents stay in paper binders. People who need records from the 1990s or earlier often need an in-person search.
What Records Contain
A full Union County divorce file contains several standard pieces. The petition shows who wants to end the marriage and why. The response from the other spouse lists disagreements or agreements. Financial affidavits list income, debts, and assets. The final judgment covers property division, alimony, child custody, and child support.
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Response or Answer from the other spouse
- Financial Affidavit from each side
- Parenting Plan for cases with minor children
- Final Judgment of Dissolution signed by the judge
- Notice of Hearing or Court Order for each step
Not every file has every document. Simple cases where both sides agree may skip several steps. Contested cases with property disputes or custody fights often have many more documents.
Public Access Rules
Florida law treats court records as public files. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives anyone the right to view and copy most court records. Divorce files fall under this rule. The clerk office must let the public see the case docket and most filed papers. A few sensitive details stay sealed. Those include Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s full names in some filings.
People can view Union County divorce records at the clerk office during business hours. The office charges a small fee per page for copies. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. The clerk office cannot release a sealed file without a court order.
Ways to Search Union County Divorce Records
Three main paths exist for searching Union County divorce records. Each path works better for certain situations. The right path depends on what the searcher already has and how old the case is.
Online Search Tools
The Union County Clerk of Courts runs a public records search tool on its website. The tool covers recent case types. Users enter a name into the search box. Results show case numbers, party names, and filing dates. The tool covers civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases filed in the county.
The statewide myfloridacounty.com portal offers another search route. This portal links to official records across all 67 Florida counties. Union County cases appear in this system when the clerk office uploads the index data. Search results from the state portal show the county of filing, which helps users confirm the file lives in Union County.
Online tools have limits. Older files from before 2000 may not appear in digital indexes. Sealed cases never appear online. Files where the clerk has not entered index data yet also stay offline.
In-Person Requests
Walking into the clerk office at 55 West Main Street in Lake Butler gives the most complete search results. Staff can pull paper files from the archive room. They can also run name searches through older microfilm records that the online tool does not cover.
Visitors should bring a photo ID. The clerk staff will ask for the full name of at least one spouse, the approximate year of the divorce, and any case number they know. The more detail the visitor provides, the faster the search runs. A name-only search takes more time and may need a staff research fee.
The clerk office accepts cash, check, and money orders for in-person requests. Card payment works at some windows. The office posts current rates on a fee schedule posted at the counter and on the website.
Mail-In Requests
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit Lake Butler in person. The requester writes a letter or fills out a records request form. The letter lists the names of both spouses, the year of divorce, and the type of record wanted. A self-addressed stamped envelope goes inside the request packet.
Mail requests need payment by check or money order. Cash sent through the mail creates a risk. The clerk office returns cash payments and asks for a proper payment method instead. Processing time for mail requests runs longer than in-person visits.
The mailing address for records requests is:
Union County Clerk of Courts
Attn: Records Department
55 West Main Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054
Requesting Certified Copies
Certified copies carry a raised seal or stamped seal from the clerk office. These copies serve as legal proof of the divorce. Many agencies, courts, and employers ask for certified copies rather than plain copies. The clerk office charges a higher fee for certified copies.
What a Certified Copy Includes
A certified copy of a Union County divorce judgment shows the full final order. It carries the judge signature, the clerk seal, and a stamp that says “Certified Copy.” Each page gets a stamp. The cover sheet lists the case number, the parties, and the filing date. A certified copy looks similar to the original judgment on file at the clerk office.
The clerk office issues certified copies from the final judgment, not from the petition. The petition started the case. The final judgment ended the marriage. Most agencies want the final judgment. People who want a full court history ask for the docket sheet, which lists every filing in the case.
Fees and Payment
Certified copies in Union County cost more than plain copies. The clerk office charges per page for both types. An additional fee applies for the certification itself. Current rates appear on the clerk website and at the service counter. Fees change from time to time, so callers should confirm the current rate before sending payment.
Standard payment methods include:
- Cash (in person only)
- Check or money order
- Major credit or debit cards at the counter
- Online payment through the clerk portal for some services
The clerk office does not accept personal checks over a set limit. Money orders offer the safest mail-in payment method for most people.
Processing Times
Processing time depends on how the request arrives. In-person certified copy requests finish the same day in most cases. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days after the clerk office receives the packet. Online requests through the clerk portal process fastest for records already indexed in the system.
Old cases that need a manual search take longer. The clerk staff may need to pull paper files from storage boxes. Names that match several cases add search time. The clerk office contacts the requester if the search finds no record or if the request needs more detail.
Divorce Filing Steps in Union County
People who want to file for divorce in Union County follow a set court process. Each step produces records that become part of the public file. Knowing the steps helps anyone checking the file later.
Starting the Case
The first step is filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Florida uses no-fault divorce. The petition only needs to state the marriage is irretrievably broken. The filing spouse, called the petitioner, signs the petition in front of a notary or clerk. The clerk office stamps the petition with the case number and filing date.
Florida law requires a filing fee at this stage. The fee covers the cost of opening the court file. People who cannot pay the fee can ask the court for a fee waiver. The waiver form lists income and assets. A judge reviews the form and grants or denies the waiver.
After filing, the petitioner gets a case number. The clerk office keeps the original petition. The petitioner receives conformed copies for service on the other spouse.
Serving the Papers
The other spouse, called the respondent, must get official notice of the divorce. This step is called service of process. A sheriff deputy or private process server delivers the papers. Service proves the respondent knows about the case. Without proper service, the court cannot move forward.
Union County uses the Bradford County Sheriff Office for service in many local cases. Process servers file a Return of Service with the clerk office. The return gets added to the court file. Anyone looking up the case later can see when service happened and who served the papers.
Final Judgment
The final judgment ends the marriage. The judge signs the judgment after reviewing the case. For uncontested divorces where both sides agree on all terms, the judge signs after a short review. Contested cases need a final hearing. Both sides present their positions. The judge makes a ruling on each disputed issue.
The signed final judgment contains all court orders on property, alimony, custody, and support. The clerk office stamps the judgment with the seal and files it in the court record. From this date forward, the marriage is legally over. The clerk office sends a report to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, which updates the state divorce index.
The judgment date appears on certified copies. People use this date as the official end of the marriage for name changes, tax filings, and benefit updates.
Using Records for Legal Updates
Divorce records serve many practical purposes after the case ends. People use them to change names, settle property matters, and update accounts. The right document depends on the use.
Name Changes
A certified copy of the final judgment works for most name change requests. The Social Security Administration needs a certified copy to update the name on a Social Security card. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles needs a certified copy to update a driver’s license. Banks, insurance companies, and employers accept certified copies as proof of the name change.
The judgment itself must include the name change order. Many Florida divorces include a paragraph that restores the former name. If the judgment has this paragraph, the certified copy serves as proof. If the judgment does not include the order, the person must file a separate name change petition.
Property and Financial Matters
The final judgment controls who gets each asset and who pays each debt. People refer to the judgment when selling jointly owned property, refinancing a home, or dividing retirement accounts. Retirement accounts often need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, called a QDRO, which goes into the court file as a separate document.
Financial institutions often want a certified copy of the judgment plus a certified copy of any QDRO. Lenders want to confirm the property or account no longer belongs to both spouses. Without the certified copy, the lender cannot release liens or update account titles.
Benefits and Insurance
Health insurance and life insurance benefits change after divorce. The final judgment controls coverage for spouses and children. Insurance companies need a certified copy to update beneficiary lists and remove former spouses from coverage. Employers ask for the same document when processing benefits changes.
People who want to continue coverage under a former spouse’s plan must follow federal COBRA rules. The plan administrator sends COBRA paperwork after receiving notice of the divorce. The certified copy of the judgment serves as proof of the qualifying event.
Official Contact Details
The Union County Clerk of Courts handles all divorce filings and record requests in Union County. Contact details appear below for the main office. The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics handles statewide divorce certificate requests, which are separate from county court files.
Union County Clerk of Courts
Address: 55 West Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054
Phone: (386) 496-3711
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on state holidays
Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics
Address: 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Common Questions About Union County Divorce Records
This section answers questions people often ask when searching for Union County divorce records. Each answer covers a specific angle on how the system works and what users can expect. These answers help clear up confusion about certified copies, timelines, costs, and statewide records.
How long does a divorce take in Union County?
An uncontested divorce in Union County typically takes a few months from filing to final judgment. Florida law has a 20-day waiting period between filing and the final hearing. Many uncontested cases finish within 60 to 90 days after filing, depending on court schedule. Contested cases take much longer. Disputes over property, custody, or support can add a year or more. Each motion, hearing, and discovery step adds time. The clerk office can give a rough estimate based on current case flow. Judges in the 8th Judicial Circuit handle busy dockets, which can stretch timelines for any case.
Can anyone view a Union County divorce file?
Most parts of a Union County divorce file are open to public view. Florida’s public records law under Chapter 119 makes court files accessible. The clerk office lets any adult view the docket, the petition, the response, motions, and the final judgment. Some sensitive details stay sealed by court order. Sealed files require a separate court order to open. Financial affidavits may have sensitive account numbers redacted in public copies. Anyone wanting full access to a sealed file must ask the judge for an order.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree?
A divorce certificate is a short state-issued document. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics issues these certificates. The certificate shows basic facts: names of both spouses, the date of divorce, and the county where the divorce was granted. A divorce decree is the longer court order. The decree includes the full judgment on property, custody, support, and any name changes. The clerk office in Union County issues certified copies of the decree. People who need quick proof for routine matters use the certificate. People who need full legal details use the certified decree copy.
Are online divorce records complete for Union County?
Online indexes cover most recent Union County filings. Older files from past decades may not appear in digital search tools. The online tool shows case numbers, party names, and filing dates, but does not show the full text of every document. People who need the full judgment text or older records must visit the clerk office or send a mail request. Sealed cases never appear online, no matter how recent they are.
How much does a certified copy of a Union County divorce decree cost?
Certified copies cost more than plain copies. The clerk office charges a per-page fee plus a certification fee. Current rates are posted at the service counter and on the clerk website. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit cards for in-person payments. Mail requests need a check or money order. Fees may change, so callers should confirm the current rate before sending payment. The clerk office also charges a small search fee if the staff must run a name search without a case number.
Can divorce records be sealed in Union County?
Yes, a judge can order a Union County divorce file sealed. The party asking for sealing must file a motion that explains the reason. Common reasons include protecting children, hiding financial account numbers, or keeping sensitive personal details private. The judge reviews the motion and decides. Sealed files stay closed to the public. Only the parties to the case and their attorneys can view them. Sealing requires a separate court order. The clerk office cannot seal a file based on a phone request.
Where do I mail a divorce records request?
Mail requests go to the Union County Clerk of Courts at 55 West Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054. The packet should include the full names of both spouses, the approximate year of the divorce, the case number if known, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment by check or money order goes inside the packet. The clerk office processes mail requests in the order received. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days in most cases. Old cases needing manual search take longer.
Topical Authority Improvement Plan
This section lists additional topics and entities that support long-term topical authority for Union County Florida divorce records. Each item adds a related subtopic that strengthens the page over time. Search engines reward pages that cover a topic broadly and deeply. The items below represent natural extensions that align with user intent around Union County divorce records.
- Union County family court forms and self-representation packet – high priority, captures users filing without a lawyer
- Union County filing fee waivers and indigent status forms – high priority, captures users who cannot pay fees
- Union County contested vs uncontested divorce timelines – medium priority, supports long-tail intent
- Florida QDRO rules for retirement division – medium priority, common follow-up topic
- Union County name change after divorce forms – medium priority, captures practical follow-up searches
- Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics mail request form – medium priority, supports statewide certificate route
- Union County sheriff service of process fees and rules – low priority, supports procedural detail
- Florida appellate process for divorce judgment appeals – low priority, advanced legal topic
- Union County court schedule and hearing dates – low priority, navigation support
- Florida same-sex divorce records in Union County – low priority, niche but growing search need
- Union County pro bono family law clinics – low priority, supports access-to-justice angle
- Historical Union County divorce archives from early 1900s – low priority, genealogy audience