Walton County Divorce Records
What Are Walton County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Walton County are official government documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 382.0255 and include documentation of divorce proceedings filed with the Walton County Clerk of Circuit Court. The records typically consist of:
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
- Divorce decree
- Settlement agreements
- Child custody arrangements
- Property division documentation
- Financial affidavits
The Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains a centralized index of all divorce certificates in Florida from June 6, 1927 to the present. However, the complete case files remain with the Clerk of Circuit Court in the county where the divorce was granted.
Walton County Clerk of Circuit Court
571 US Highway 90 East
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-8115
Walton County Clerk of Court
Are Walton County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Walton County are classified as public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This designation means:
- Members of the public may inspect or obtain copies of divorce records without demonstrating a specific interest in the records
- Records are accessible to any person regardless of the purpose of the request
- Standard fees apply for copies of records as established by Florida Statutes § 28.24
However, certain information within divorce records may be exempt from public disclosure, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Names and information of minor children
- Information protected by court order
- Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
The Florida Constitution and various statutes provide for these exemptions to protect privacy rights while maintaining the public's right to access government records. Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public view.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Walton County in 2025
Individuals seeking divorce records in Walton County in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The primary methods include:
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Visit the Walton County Clerk of Circuit Court in person:
- Requestors must complete a records request form
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees ($1.00 per page, $2.00 for certification)
- Records are typically available same day for in-person requests
-
Submit a written request by mail:
- Include full names of both parties to the divorce
- Provide approximate date of divorce
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees
-
Request a divorce certificate from the Florida Department of Health:
- For verification purposes only (not the complete divorce file)
- Available for divorces granted after June 6, 1927
Florida Department of Health in Walton County
362 State Highway 83
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-8015
Florida Department of Health in Walton
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Walton County Online?
Walton County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through online platforms. The electronic search options include:
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Walton County Clerk's Official Records Search:
- Accessible through the Clerk's website
- Allows searches by party name, case number, or date range
- Provides basic case information and docket entries
- Some documents may be viewable online, though complete files may require in-person access
-
Florida Department of Health VitalChek service:
- Provides verification of divorce (certificate only)
- Requires payment of statutory fees plus service charges
- Offers expedited processing options
Users should note that online access may be limited to basic case information, with complete files often requiring in-person inspection. Additionally, pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, certain confidential information is not available through public online searches.
To access the Walton County court records online, users must register for an account through the Clerk's official website and agree to terms of use regarding proper handling of court records.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Walton County?
Members of the public may access divorce records in Walton County without payment of copy fees through the following methods:
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In-person inspection at the Clerk's office:
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- No fee is charged for viewing public records
- Requestors must complete a records request form
- Staff will retrieve records for inspection at public terminals
-
Public access terminals at the courthouse:
- Self-service computer stations available in the public records area
- Allow searching of case information and viewing of non-confidential documents
- Printing from terminals incurs standard copy fees
While inspection of records is available without charge pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07, fees apply for copies, certifications, and research assistance. The Clerk's office does not provide free copies of divorce records except as may be required by specific court orders or statutory provisions.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Walton County
Divorce records maintained by the Walton County Clerk of Circuit Court contain comprehensive documentation of the dissolution process. Standard components include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The initial filing that states grounds for divorce and requested relief
- Financial Affidavits: Sworn statements detailing each party's income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
- Marital Settlement Agreement: Document outlining the division of property, debts, and other obligations
- Parenting Plan: Details regarding time-sharing, decision-making, and responsibilities for minor children
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet: Calculations for child support obligations
- Final Judgment of Dissolution: The court's final order terminating the marriage and resolving all issues
Additional documents may include temporary orders, motions, depositions, and hearing transcripts depending on the complexity of the case. The Florida Department of Health maintains only a certificate of divorce, which serves as verification that a divorce was granted but does not contain the detailed information found in court files.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Walton County?
Official proof of divorce in Walton County is available through two primary channels, depending on the level of documentation required:
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Certified Copy of Final Judgment:
- Obtained from the Walton County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Contains the judge's ruling and all terms of the divorce
- Includes the official court seal and certification
- Fee: $2.00 per certification plus $1.00 per page
-
Divorce Certificate:
- Available from the Florida Department of Health
- Computer certification of divorce record
- Contains names of parties, date, and county of divorce
- Fee: $5.00 per certificate
For international use, documents may require additional authentication through apostille or certification by the Florida Department of State. Requestors must provide proper identification and, if not a party to the divorce, may need to demonstrate legal interest in obtaining the records.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Walton County?
Under limited circumstances, divorce proceedings and records in Walton County may be sealed or made confidential. The Florida Constitution and statutes provide specific provisions for confidentiality:
- Sealing by Court Order: Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, a judge may order records sealed upon showing of good cause
- Statutory Exemptions: Certain information is automatically confidential, including:
- Social Security numbers (§119.071(5)(a))
- Financial account numbers (§119.071(5)(b))
- Information regarding victims of domestic violence (§741.465)
- Records pertaining to dependent children (§39.0132)
To request confidentiality, parties must file a motion with the court demonstrating that:
- Confidentiality is required to protect legitimate interests
- No less restrictive measures are available
- The requested confidentiality is no broader than necessary
The presumption of openness in court proceedings is strong in Florida, and courts generally require compelling reasons to override public access to divorce records.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Walton County?
The timeline for completing a divorce in Walton County varies based on several factors, including case complexity and court caseload. General timeframes include:
-
Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (Uncontested):
- Minimum waiting period: 20 days after filing
- Typical completion: 30-45 days
- Requirements: No minor children, agreement on all issues, financial disclosure waiver
-
Regular Dissolution with Agreement:
- Typical completion: 60-90 days
- Requires complete financial disclosure and written agreement on all issues
-
Contested Dissolution:
- Typical completion: 6-12 months
- May extend longer depending on complexity and court scheduling
- Involves discovery, mediation, and potentially trial
Florida law imposes a mandatory 20-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized, even in cases where parties agree on all terms. The First Judicial Circuit Court in Walton County processes cases according to statutory requirements and available judicial resources.
How Long Does Walton County Keep Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Walton County are maintained permanently in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules. The retention policies include:
- Court Case Files: Maintained permanently by the Clerk of Circuit Court pursuant to Rule 2.430, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration
- Official Records: Final judgments are recorded in Official Records and preserved permanently
- Divorce Certificates: Maintained indefinitely by the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics
Electronic preservation systems have been implemented to ensure long-term access to these records. While physical storage methods may change over time, the legal requirement for permanent retention remains consistent. This ensures that individuals can obtain documentation of their divorce regardless of when it occurred.
How To Get a Divorce In Walton County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Walton County must follow procedures established by Florida Statutes Chapter 61 and local court rules. The process includes:
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Establish Residency:
- At least one party must have resided in Florida for six months prior to filing
- Residency must be verified by affidavit and Florida driver's license, voter registration, or witness testimony
-
File Appropriate Petition:
- Regular Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with or without children)
- Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (if eligible)
- Submit to Clerk of Court with filing fee ($408 for dissolution)
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Serve Documents:
- Personal service on respondent by sheriff or process server
- Respondent has 20 days to file an answer
- Alternative service may be available in certain circumstances
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Complete Mandatory Disclosure:
- Financial affidavits
- Tax returns, pay stubs, account statements
- Certificate of completion for parenting course (if children involved)
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Attend Mediation:
- Required in most cases before final hearing
- Opportunity to resolve issues without court intervention
-
Attend Final Hearing:
- Present settlement agreement or argue contested issues
- Judge issues Final Judgment of Dissolution
Forms and detailed instructions are available through the Walton County Clerk's office and the Florida Courts website.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Walton County
Divorce forms and documentation in Walton County are accessible through multiple channels to accommodate various needs:
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In Person at the Clerk's Office:
- Self-help packets available for purchase ($10-20 depending on type)
- Staff can provide forms but cannot offer legal advice
- Public computers available to access and print forms
-
Online Resources:
- Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms available at no cost
- Walton County Clerk's website provides downloadable packets
- Florida Courts website offers interactive forms with instructions
-
Law Library:
- Located at the Walton County Courthouse
- Reference materials and form books available
- Public access computers with legal research databases
Individuals with questions about which forms are appropriate for their situation may consult with the Family Law Case Manager at the courthouse or seek assistance from legal aid organizations. While court personnel cannot provide legal advice, they can direct individuals to appropriate resources.
Lookup Divorce Records in Walton County
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