Lee County Divorce Records

What Are Lee County Divorce Records?

Lee County divorce records are official documents that provide information about divorce proceedings that took place within Lee County, Florida. These legal documents are maintained by the Lee County Clerk of Court and contain details about the dissolution of marriages, including the parties involved, date of divorce, and related court decisions.

Divorce records are part of the public court records system and serve as official documentation that a marriage has been legally terminated. They include various documents filed during the divorce process, such as the petition for dissolution of marriage, financial affidavits, parenting plans (if children are involved), and the final judgment of divorce.

Lee County Clerk of Court, 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Are Lee County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, divorce records in Lee County are generally considered public records under Florida's public records laws. This means that most divorce case information is accessible to anyone who requests it, with certain exceptions.

However, not all information within divorce files is publicly available. Florida law protects certain sensitive information, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Bank account numbers
• Children's information
• Victims of domestic violence details
• Financial account information

The Florida Supreme Court has established guidelines through the Access Security Matrix that determines which parts of court records are public and which are confidential. While the basic information about a divorce is public, sensitive personal and financial information is typically redacted or restricted from public view.

Florida Supreme Court, 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399

How To Find a Divorce Record In Lee County in 2025

To locate divorce records in Lee County in 2025, you have several options:

1. Visit the Lee County Clerk of Court in person:

   • Go to the Records Department at the main courthouse
   • Provide the names of the parties involved and approximate date of divorce
   • Pay the applicable search and copy fees

2. Request records by mail:

   • Send a written request to the Lee County Clerk of Court
   • Include names of parties, approximate date, and your contact information
   • Enclose a check or money order for the search and copy fees

3. Use the online records system:

   • Access the Lee County Clerk's online records portal
   • Create an account if required
   • Search by party names or case number

4. Contact the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics for a Certificate of Divorce (provides basic information only, not the full divorce file)

Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Lee County Online?

Looking up divorce records online in Lee County is straightforward through the Clerk of Court's electronic systems:

1. Visit the Lee County Clerk of Court's Records Inquiry website at matrix.leeclerk.org
2. Create a user account if you don't already have one
3. Select "Court Records" from the available search options
4. Choose "Family Law" or "Dissolution of Marriage" as the case type
5. Enter search criteria such as:
   • Party names (last name, first name)
   • Case number (if known)
   • Date range of filing
6. Review the search results and select the case you're interested in
7. Note that while basic case information is viewable online, you may need to request complete documents separately
8. Some documents may be available for immediate download, while others might require in-person requests

The online system provides 24/7 access to public records, though certain confidential information will be redacted or unavailable through the online portal.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Lee County?

There are several ways to access basic divorce record information in Lee County without paying fees:

1. Use the public access terminals at the Lee County Courthouse:

   • Visit the Clerk's office during business hours
   • Use the self-service computer terminals to search records
   • Basic viewing on these terminals is free, though printing copies will incur fees

2. Online basic case search:

   • The Lee County Clerk's Records Inquiry system allows free searches for basic case information
   • While viewing documents online may require fees, seeing case existence and status is typically free

3. Public libraries:

   • Some Lee County public libraries offer access to public records databases
   • Library staff may be able to assist with basic searches

4. Legal aid organizations:

   • Organizations like Legal Aid Service of Collier County sometimes assist with records searches for qualifying individuals

Remember that while basic searches may be free, obtaining certified copies or complete case files typically involves fees. Additionally, research assistance from clerk staff may be limited due to their inability to provide legal advice.

Legal Aid Service of Collier County, 4125 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Lee County

Lee County divorce records typically contain the following documents and information:

1. Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - The initial filing that starts the divorce process
2. Answer and Counterpetition - The responding spouse's formal reply
3. Financial Affidavits - Disclosure of each party's financial situation
4. Marital Settlement Agreement - Details how assets and debts are divided
5. Parenting Plan - Outlines custody arrangements and parental responsibilities (if children are involved)
6. Child Support Guidelines Worksheet - Calculations for child support obligations
7. Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage - The court's final decision that legally ends the marriage
8. Name change documentation (if applicable)
9. Certificates of completion for required parenting classes (for divorces involving minor children)
10. Mediation agreements or outcomes
11. Temporary relief orders issued during the divorce process
12. Proof of service documents showing legal notification of the divorce filing

The level of detail in these records varies depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, and whether it involved complex issues like business valuations, alimony determinations, or custody disputes.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Lee County?

To obtain official proof of divorce in Lee County, you have several options:

1. Certified Copy of Final Judgment:

   • Visit the Lee County Clerk of Court Records Department
   • Request a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
   • Pay the certification fee (typically $1 per page plus $2 per certification)
   • This document serves as legal proof that the divorce was granted

2. Certificate of Divorce:

   • Contact the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics
   • Request a Certificate of Divorce (available for divorces from 1927 to present)
   • Provide names of both parties, date of divorce, and county where granted
   • Pay the required fee (approximately $5-15)
   • This certificate contains basic information but is officially recognized proof

3. By Mail:

   • Send a written request to the Lee County Clerk of Court
   • Include case information, what documents you need certified, and payment
   • Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery

4. Online Requests:

   • Some certified documents can be requested through the Clerk's online portal
   • Follow the instructions for requesting certified copies
   • Pay fees by credit card
   • Documents will be mailed to you

For international use, you may need to get an apostille from the Florida Department of State after obtaining your certified divorce document.

Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Lee County?

While most divorce records in Lee County are public, there are limited circumstances under which divorce proceedings and records can be kept confidential:

1. Sealing Records: In exceptional cases, a judge may order divorce records sealed if:

   • There is a compelling privacy interest that outweighs public access
   • Disclosure would cause significant harm to a party or child
   • There are legitimate safety concerns
   • The case involves a victim of domestic violence

2. Automatic Confidentiality Protections:

   • Certain information is automatically protected from public view, including:
     • Social Security numbers
     • Bank account numbers
     • Children's birthdates
     • Names of minors in certain cases
     • Victim information in domestic violence cases

3. Simplified Dissolution of Marriage:

   • While not completely confidential, this streamlined process typically generates fewer public records

4. Mediation and Settlement Discussions:

   • Communications during mediation sessions are confidential by law
   • Settlement negotiations may remain private, though final agreements become part of the public record

To request confidentiality, parties must file a motion with the court demonstrating why their case meets the strict legal standards for sealing records. These requests are not routinely granted, as Florida courts strongly favor public access to court records.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Lee County?

The duration of a divorce in Lee County varies significantly depending on several factors:

1. Simplified Dissolution of Marriage:

   • Fastest option: approximately 30 days from filing to finalization
   • Only available to couples who meet specific criteria (no children, agreement on all issues, etc.)

2. Uncontested Divorce:

   • Typically takes 4-6 weeks after the mandatory 20-day waiting period
   • Both parties agree on all issues and file all required paperwork promptly

3. Contested Divorce:

   • Can take 6 months to over a year
   • Duration increases with complexity of issues (property division, custody, alimony)
   • May involve multiple hearings, mediation sessions, and possibly trial

4. Factors That Affect Timeline:

   • Court congestion and judge availability
   • Complexity of assets requiring valuation
   • Whether temporary relief hearings are needed
   • Cooperation level between parties
   • Attorney scheduling conflicts
   • Need for expert witnesses (financial, custody evaluators, etc.)

Florida requires a 20-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized, even in the most straightforward cases. Additionally, if children are involved, parents must complete a parenting course, which can add time to the process.

The COVID-19 pandemic created backlogs in many Florida courts, though Lee County has implemented various efficiency measures to address delays.

How Long Does Lee County Keep Divorce Records?

Lee County maintains divorce records indefinitely as they are considered permanent court records. The retention schedule for these records is as follows:

1. Active Records:

   • Recent divorce cases are maintained in easily accessible formats
   • Electronic records are available through the Clerk's online system
   • Physical records from recent years may be stored at the courthouse

2. Archived Records:

   • Older records may be transferred to archival storage
   • These remain permanently available but may take longer to retrieve
   • Some very old records may be stored on microfilm or other archival media

3. Electronic Conversion:

   • Lee County has digitized many older records
   • This ongoing process makes historical records more accessible
   • Even records from decades ago can typically be located

The Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics also maintains a statewide index of divorce certificates dating back to June 1927. These basic records (not the full court files) are permanently maintained and available for certified copies.

If you need to access very old divorce records, you may need to provide more detailed information to help locate them, and retrieval might take longer than for recent cases.

How To Get a Divorce In Lee County

To obtain a divorce (legally called "dissolution of marriage") in Lee County, follow these steps:

1. Residency Requirement:

   • Either you or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before filing

2. Choose the Appropriate Process:

   • Simplified Dissolution: For couples with no children, who agree on everything, and don't seek alimony
   • Regular Dissolution: For all other situations (contested or uncontested)

3. Obtain and Complete Forms:

   • Download forms from the Lee County Clerk's website or Florida Courts website
   • Visit the Self-Help Center at the courthouse for assistance with paperwork
   • Consider consulting with an attorney for complex cases

4. File the Petition:

   • Submit completed forms to the Lee County Clerk of Court
   • Pay the filing fee (approximately $400, with fee waivers available for those who qualify)
   • Receive a case number and judge assignment

5. Serve Your Spouse (unless filing jointly):

   • Have the sheriff's office or a private process server deliver papers to your spouse
   • Your spouse has 20 days to respond

6. Financial Disclosure:

   • Both parties must complete and exchange financial affidavits

7. Parenting Course (if children are involved):

   • Both parents must complete a court-approved parenting class

8. Mediation:

   • Required in most cases before a hearing will be scheduled
   • Helps resolve disputes without court intervention

9. Final Hearing:

   • Uncontested cases may have a brief hearing
   • Contested issues require a trial before the judge

10. Final Judgment:

    • The judge signs the final judgment dissolving the marriage
    • This document outlines all decisions regarding property, support, and children

Lee County Self-Help Center, 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901

How To Get Divorce Papers In Lee County

There are several ways to obtain divorce papers (dissolution of marriage forms) in Lee County:

1. Lee County Clerk of Court Website:

   • Visit leeclerk.org
   • Navigate to the "Self Help" or "Family Law" section
   • Download PDF forms for free

2. Florida Courts Website:

   • Visit flcourts.org
   • Go to the "Family Law Forms" section
   • Download standardized state forms

3. In Person at the Courthouse:

   • Visit the Lee County Self-Help Center
   • Request the specific forms you need
   • Staff can provide the forms but cannot give legal advice

4. Legal Aid Services:

   • Florida Rural Legal Services offers assistance to qualifying individuals
   • They can provide forms and limited guidance

5. Law Libraries:

   • The Lee County Law Library has forms and reference materials
   • Librarians can direct you to resources but cannot provide legal advice

6. Private Attorneys:

   • Family law attorneys can prepare customized paperwork
   • This option provides legal guidance throughout the process

7. Online Legal Services:

   • Various websites offer Florida-specific divorce forms for a fee
   • Ensure any service used provides Florida-approved forms

The basic forms needed typically include:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
• Financial Affidavit
• Notice of Social Security Number
• Marital Settlement Agreement (for uncontested divorces)
• Parenting Plan (if children are involved)

Florida Rural Legal Services, 3210 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Lookup Divorce Records in Lee County

For comprehensive access to Lee County divorce records, these resources provide reliable information:

• Court Case Records | Lee County Clerk of Court, FL - Access divorce cases through the Lee County Clerk of Court's online system.

• Lee County Clerk of Courts Records Inquiry - A platform for public viewing of divorce records and other court documents in Lee County.

• Access Security Matrix - This document outlines access levels for viewing court records in Florida, including divorce records, as established by the Florida Supreme Court.