Washington County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Washington County in 2026
WashingtonFLRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Washington County, Florida. Members of the public may find dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, case docket entries, party names, and related family court documents. Available record categories may include divorce decrees, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, support orders, and post-judgment modifications. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Washington County may be searched through the Clerk of Court's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Florida Courts statewide portal, and the Florida Department of Health's vital records system. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking dissolution of marriage records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Washington County Clerk of Court maintains an online case search portal where members of the public may search dissolution of marriage cases by party name or case number at no charge for basic docket information. Copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Florida Courts First District provides access to Washington County circuit court records, including family law matters such as dissolution of marriage proceedings. This portal allows searches across jurisdictions within the First District.
3. State Vital Records
The Florida Department of Health Certificates & Records office maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Florida. These certificates provide summary-level confirmation of a divorce and are distinct from the full court case file maintained by the Clerk of Court.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Family Division:
Washington County Clerk of Court
1293 Jackson Avenue, Suite 101
Chipley, FL 32428
Phone: (850) 638-6285
Washington County Clerk of Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search dissolution of marriage case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final judgments and decrees
- Staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Washington County Clerk of Court, 1293 Jackson Avenue, Suite 101, Chipley, FL 32428
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's name, mailing address, and contact information
- Payment for applicable copy and certification fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, depending on volume and record age.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (850) 638-6285
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Florida may access dissolution of marriage records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through appropriate court motions, and obtain certified copies for legal proceedings. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with licensed attorneys for family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or year of filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior residential addresses in Washington County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Florida are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Under Florida Statutes § 61.021, at least one party must have resided in Florida for six months preceding the filing of a petition for dissolution of marriage.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may require several days to weeks before appearing in online search systems
- Members of the public should allow processing time following the final hearing before searching
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper form
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk of Court at (850) 638-6285
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Florida Department of Health divorce certificates database for statewide records
- Consult a licensed Florida family law attorney
What Are Washington County Divorce Records?
Washington County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Washington County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of the family law case file and constitute public records under Florida law, subject to applicable confidentiality provisions.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans (where minor children are involved)
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
The Final Decree establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of former name, if requested
Supporting Documents may include:
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property appraisals and valuations
- Parenting plan modifications
- Post-judgment enforcement or contempt orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Dissolution of marriage records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:
- Providing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Supporting name change documentation
- Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
- Documenting eligibility for Social Security survivor or spousal benefits
- Supporting immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
- Enabling genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Washington County Clerk of Court serves as the primary custodian of dissolution of marriage case files and provides certified copies upon request. The Florida Department of Health maintains statewide divorce certificates, which provide summary confirmation of a dissolution but do not contain the full case file.
Under Florida Statutes § 61.001, Florida recognizes dissolution of marriage as the legal termination of a marriage, and all proceedings are governed by Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes. The Florida Public Records Law, codified at Florida Statutes § 119.01, establishes the presumption that court records are open to public inspection unless a specific exemption applies.
Are Washington County Divorce Records Public?
Dissolution of marriage records filed in Washington County are public court records under Florida law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings pursuant to Florida court rules
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools minor children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluation records
- Child custody evaluations may be sealed by court order
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving domestic violence
- Mediation communications, which are confidential under Florida law
Sealed Records:
A court may seal dissolution of marriage records upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed records by motion |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; sealed records by court order |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Washington County?
The Washington County Clerk of Court charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of dissolution of marriage records. Current fees are established pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.24, which governs clerk service charges statewide.
Standard Copy and Certification Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copies (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies (per document) | $1.00 per page + $2.00 certification fee |
| Exemplified/authenticated copies | $2.00 per page + additional authentication fee |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Fees vary; contact Clerk for current schedule |
| Record search fee | No charge for basic name/case number search |
Additional Fee Information:
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge
- Certification of a final judgment of dissolution requires payment of the per-page copy fee plus the certification surcharge
- Fees are payable by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the Clerk's office
- Mail requests require payment by check or money order made payable to the Washington County Clerk of Court
Fee Waivers:
- Indigent parties to an active case may petition the court for waiver of certain fees
- Fee waivers for third-party requestors are not available under standard public records procedures
What's Included in Divorce Records in Washington County
A dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Washington County Clerk of Court is a comprehensive collection of documents generated throughout the proceedings. The contents vary depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether minor children were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption including case number, court division, and party names
- Name of the assigned circuit court judge
- Names and bar numbers of attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown under Florida law), identification of minor children, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Financial affidavits from both parties disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset and liability inventories
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
- Retirement account statements and QDRO orders, if applicable
- Marital settlement agreement detailing division of all assets and debts
Children-Related Documents (where applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, and decision-making authority
- Child support guidelines worksheet and support order
- Custody evaluations, if ordered by the court (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed (restricted access)
Support Documents:
- Alimony orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Temporary support orders entered during the pendency of the case
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage, which constitutes the official court order ending the marriage and resolving all issues
- Post-judgment modification orders, if any
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Minor children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence-related evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Washington County
Proof of dissolution of marriage in Washington County may be obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the final judgment from the Clerk of Court, or a divorce certificate from the Florida Department of Health.
Certified Copy of Final Judgment (Clerk of Court):
A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the most comprehensive form of proof and is accepted for legal, financial, and immigration purposes.
- Contact or visit the Washington County Clerk of Court at 1293 Jackson Avenue, Suite 101, Chipley, FL 32428, phone (850) 638-6285
- Provide the full names of both parties and the case number or approximate filing year
- Pay the applicable copy and certification fees per Florida Statutes § 28.24
- Certified copies may be obtained in person, by mail, or through the Clerk's online portal where available
Florida Department of Health Divorce Certificate:
The Florida Department of Health divorce certificates office issues official divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Florida. As noted by the Florida Department of Health, "If the current dissolution of marriage is less than 60 days from the date of application and immediate evidence is required, you may contact the county clerk of courts." This certificate provides summary confirmation of the dissolution and is suitable for many administrative purposes.
Florida Courts Family Law Forms:
Members of the public initiating or responding to dissolution proceedings may access standardized family law forms through the Florida Courts website, including forms for requesting certified copies and filing post-judgment motions.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Washington County?
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Washington County are presumptively public under Florida law; however, specific portions of a case file may be made confidential by court order or by operation of statute.
Circumstances under which records may be confidential include:
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses and identifying information of domestic violence victims are protected under Florida law, and courts may seal portions of the record to prevent disclosure of a victim's location
- Sealed by court order: A party may move the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a showing of good cause; the court applies a balancing test weighing the public's right of access against the privacy interests at stake
- Children's sensitive information: Psychological evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and child custody evaluations may be restricted or sealed to protect the welfare of minor children
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public case file
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all public filings as a matter of standard court procedure
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Medical and treatment records introduced in evidence may be subject to restricted access
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or confidential records must file a motion with the Washington County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legally sufficient basis for disclosure.
How Long Does Washington County Keep Divorce Records?
Washington County maintains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the Florida Supreme Court's records retention schedules, which govern the preservation of all circuit court case files.
Retention periods for dissolution of marriage records include:
- Final judgments of dissolution: Retained permanently; these documents are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely
- Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, after which non-permanent documents may be eligible for disposition
- Uncontested dissolution case files: Retained for a minimum of 5 years following the close of the case under applicable retention schedules
- Cases involving minor children: Case files are retained until the youngest child reaches the age of majority plus an additional retention period, given the ongoing legal significance of custody and support orders
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying dissolution
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's electronic case management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records
Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have been archived or transferred to off-site storage should contact the Washington County Clerk of Court directly to confirm availability and retrieval timelines.