Pasco Public Records /Pasco County Divorce Records

Pasco County Divorce Records

What Are Pasco County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Pasco County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.043, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings throughout the state. Divorce records, also referred to as dissolution of marriage records, are created when a marriage is legally terminated through the judicial system in Pasco County.

The official custodian of divorce records in Pasco County is the Clerk of the Circuit Court, which maintains these documents as part of the county's vital records collection. These records serve multiple important purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits claims
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce proceeding, including the initial petition for dissolution, financial affidavits, parenting plans (when children are involved), and the final judgment of dissolution of marriage. These documents collectively constitute the complete divorce case file.

Pasco County Clerk of Circuit Court
38053 Live Oak Avenue
Dade City, FL 33523
(352) 521-4542
Pasco County Clerk of Circuit Court

Are Pasco County Divorce Records Public?

Pasco County divorce records have a nuanced public access status that varies depending on the specific document type and information contained therein. Generally, court divorce case files in Pasco County are considered public records under the Florida Public Records Law, Chapter 119, which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, this access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.

The public accessibility of divorce records in Pasco County is structured as follows:

Court Case Files: The majority of divorce court proceedings and associated documents are available for public inspection. These include petitions, responses, and final judgments of dissolution.
Certified Divorce Certificates: These official documents verifying the divorce are maintained by the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics and have restricted access. Only the parties named in the divorce, their legal representatives, or individuals with a court order may obtain certified copies.
Protected Information: Certain sensitive information within divorce records is exempt from public disclosure pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.071. This includes:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Medical information
- Information pertaining to minor children
- Domestic violence victim information

The Pasco County Clerk's Office is responsible for redacting this protected information before making records available for public inspection. Members of the public seeking to access divorce records must submit a public records request to the appropriate county office, while understanding that certain information may be lawfully withheld or redacted.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Pasco County in 2026

Finding divorce records in Pasco County requires following specific procedures established by the county clerk's office and state vital records department. Members of the public may utilize several methods to locate these records:

Method 1: Pasco County Clerk of Circuit Court

Visit the Pasco County Clerk's Records Department in person at either location:
- East Pasco Government Center
  38053 Live Oak Avenue, Suite 207
  Dade City, FL 33523
  (352) 521-4542
- West Pasco Judicial Center
  7530 Little Road, Suite 106
  New Port Richey, FL 34654
  (727) 847-8186
Complete a records request form, providing as much information as possible:
- Full names of both parties
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
Pay the applicable search and copy fees:
- Record search: $2.00 per name per year
- Regular copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page

Method 2: Florida Department of Health

For certified divorce certificates (not the complete case file):

Submit a request to the Bureau of Vital Statistics through one of these channels:
- Online through VitalChek
- By mail using the application form
- In person at a local county health department
Provide required identification and proof of eligibility
Pay the state fee of $5.00 per certified copy

Method 3: Online Court Records

Access the Pasco County Clerk's online records system at https://www.pascoclerk.com/
Navigate to the court records search function
Enter search criteria (names, case number, or date range)
Review available case information (note that complete documents may not be viewable online)

For records dating back more than 10 years, requestors may need to contact the State Archives of Florida, as older records may have been transferred from the county repository.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Pasco County Online?

Pasco County provides digital access to divorce records through several online platforms, allowing members of the public to conduct preliminary research without visiting government offices in person. The following online search methods are currently available:

Pasco County Clerk's Official Records Search

Visit the Pasco County Clerk's official website at https://www.pascoclerk.com/
Select "Court Records Search" from the main navigation menu
Create a free user account if you don't already have one
Choose "Family Law" as the case type
Enter search parameters:
- Last and first names of either party
- Case number (if known)
- Date range of filing
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Party names
- Case type
- Current status
Select specific cases to view available docket information and potentially viewable documents

Florida Courts E-Filing Portal

For attorneys and registered users:

Access the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
Log in with authorized credentials
Search for cases by party name, case number, or other identifiers
View authorized documents associated with the case

MyFloridaCounty.com

Visit MyFloridaCounty.com
Select Pasco County from the county dropdown menu
Choose "Official Records Search"
Enter search criteria
Pay applicable fees for document access

It is important to note that while basic case information is typically available online, complete divorce files with all associated documents may not be fully accessible through digital platforms. Additionally, sensitive information is redacted from online records in accordance with Florida privacy laws. For comprehensive access to divorce records, in-person requests or mail requests to the Pasco County Clerk's office may be necessary.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Pasco County?

Members of the public seeking to access divorce records in Pasco County without incurring fees have several limited options available. While most comprehensive searches and certified copies involve costs, the following methods may provide basic information at no charge:

Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse

Visit one of the Pasco County Clerk's office locations:
- East Pasco Government Center
  38053 Live Oak Avenue
  Dade City, FL 33523
- West Pasco Judicial Center
  7530 Little Road
  New Port Richey, FL 34654
Use the public access computer terminals available in the records department
Search for case information using party names, case numbers, or filing dates
View basic case information and docket entries at no cost

Online Case Information Search

Access the Pasco County Clerk's website at https://www.pascoclerk.com/
Navigate to the court records search function
Create a free account to access the search feature
Enter search criteria to locate basic case information
View limited case details at no charge

Public Law Library Resources

The Pasco County Law Library provides free access to legal research tools:

Pasco County Law Library
7530 Little Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 847-8110

Visitors can:

Access legal research databases
Review court rules and procedures
Obtain guidance on searching public records

It is important to understand the limitations of free record searches:

Only basic case information may be available
Document viewing and printing typically incur fees
Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
Comprehensive searches covering multiple years involve search fees
Staff assistance with extensive research may not be available without payment

For individuals with financial hardships, the Clerk's office may provide information about fee waivers for certain types of record requests, though these typically apply to parties to the case rather than general public requestors.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Pasco County

Divorce records in Pasco County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire dissolution of marriage process. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.052, which establishes the requirements for dissolution of marriage proceedings. The contents of these records vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether the divorce was contested or uncontested.

A complete divorce record file typically contains the following components:

Initial Filings

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Summons and proof of service
Financial affidavits from both parties
Notice of related cases
Cover sheet for family court cases

Responsive Documents

Answer and/or counter-petition from the respondent
Mandatory disclosure documents
Certificate of compliance with mandatory disclosure

Child-Related Documents (when applicable)

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit
Child support guidelines worksheet
Parenting plan
Time-sharing schedule

Property and Financial Documents

Equitable distribution worksheet
Marital settlement agreement
Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts
Deeds, titles, or other property transfer documents

Court Proceedings Documentation

Notices of hearings
Mediation reports and agreements
Deposition transcripts
Witness lists and exhibits
Court orders on temporary matters

Final Documents

Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
Income deduction orders
Certificate of dissolution (statistical information for the Department of Health)
Name change orders (if applicable)

Post-Judgment Filings (if any)

Motions for modification
Enforcement proceedings
Appeals documentation

The certified divorce certificate issued by the Florida Department of Health contains more limited information, typically including only the names of the parties, the date and place of the divorce, and the case number. This certificate serves as official proof that the divorce was granted but does not contain the detailed information found in the court file.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Pasco County?

Obtaining official proof of divorce in Pasco County requires following specific procedures established by state and county authorities. Individuals seeking verification of a dissolution of marriage have two primary options for securing this documentation:

Option 1: Certified Copy of Final Judgment from Pasco County Clerk

Submit a request to the Pasco County Clerk of Circuit Court through one of these methods:
- In person at either location:
  - East Pasco Government Center
    38053 Live Oak Avenue
    Dade City, FL 33523
    (352) 521-4542
  - West Pasco Judicial Center
    7530 Little Road
    New Port Richey, FL 34654
    (727) 847-8186
- By mail: Send a written request with required information to the appropriate address
- Online: Through the Clerk's official website at https://www.pascoclerk.com/
Provide the following information:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Proof of identity (for in-person requests)
Pay the required fees:
- $2.00 per certification
- $1.00 per page for copies
- Additional search fees may apply if case information is incomplete

Option 2: Certified Divorce Certificate from Florida Department of Health

Request a certified divorce certificate through the Bureau of Vital Statistics using one of these methods:
- Online through VitalChek (expedited service available)
- By mail using the official application form
- In person at a local county health department office
Provide required information:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Date of divorce
- County where divorce was granted
- Purpose for requesting the certificate
Submit proper identification:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of relationship if requesting record of a family member
Pay the state fee:
- $5.00 per certified copy
- Additional fees for expedited service if requested

For divorce records from 1927 to the present, the Florida Department of Health maintains these vital records. For divorces finalized prior to 1927, requestors must contact the Clerk of Circuit Court in the county where the divorce was granted.

Both the certified final judgment and the divorce certificate serve as legal proof of divorce, though they contain different levels of detail. The final judgment includes specific terms of the divorce, while the certificate simply verifies that the divorce occurred.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Pasco County?

While Florida maintains a strong public records tradition under Florida Statutes Chapter 119, certain divorce proceedings and records in Pasco County may be kept confidential under specific circumstances. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by both state statutes and court rules that establish exceptions to public access.

Divorce records may be made confidential through the following mechanisms:

Sealing of Records

Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, a court may order divorce records sealed when:

The party seeking confidentiality demonstrates:
- A compelling interest requiring confidentiality
- That no less restrictive measures are available
- The requested sealing is no broader than necessary
The court finds that confidentiality is necessary to:
- Protect trade secrets
- Prevent serious and imminent threat to the administration of justice
- Avoid substantial injury to innocent third parties
- Protect a compelling governmental interest
- Comply with established public policy

Automatically Confidential Information

Certain information within divorce records is automatically confidential under Florida Statutes § 119.0714, including:

Social Security numbers
Bank account numbers
Credit card numbers
Medical information
Information regarding minor children
Victim information in domestic violence cases

Simplified Dissolution Proceedings

Couples utilizing the simplified dissolution of marriage procedure under Florida Family Law Rule 12.105 may experience greater privacy, though the records remain technically public. This procedure:

Requires both parties to appear for the final hearing
Involves less detailed financial disclosure
Results in fewer documents being filed in the public record

Domestic Violence Considerations

When domestic violence is involved, additional confidentiality protections may apply:

Address Confidentiality Program for victims
Sealed victim information
Restricted access to certain hearing transcripts

To request confidentiality of divorce records in Pasco County, parties must file a motion with the court demonstrating that their case meets the legal standards for sealing or confidentiality. The court will then determine whether to grant the request based on the specific circumstances and applicable law.

It is important to note that even when records are sealed, certain government agencies may still access them for official purposes, and the sealing may be temporary rather than permanent.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Pasco County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Pasco County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court caseload. Under Florida law, specifically Florida Statutes § 61.19, a final judgment of dissolution of marriage cannot be entered until at least 20 days after filing the petition, except under special circumstances involving injustice or hardship.

Timeframes by Divorce Type

Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
- Typical timeframe: 30-45 days from filing to finalization
- Requirements:
  - No minor children or dependent adults
  - Wife not pregnant
  - Agreement on property division
  - Neither party seeking alimony
  - Both parties agree the marriage is irretrievably broken
  - Both parties attend the final hearing
Uncontested Divorce
- Typical timeframe: 4-6 weeks
- Factors affecting timeline:
  - Completeness of initial paperwork
  - Court scheduling availability
  - Statutory waiting period compliance
Contested Divorce
- Typical timeframe: 6 months to over 1 year
- Process includes:
  - Discovery period (30-90 days)
  - Mediation (required in Pasco County)
  - Pre-trial conferences
  - Final hearing or trial

Factors Influencing Timeline

Several variables can extend or shorten the divorce process in Pasco County:

Court Congestion: According to the Florida Courts statistical reporting, the Sixth Judicial Circuit (which includes Pasco County) processes approximately 3,500 dissolution cases annually, with an average time to disposition of 120 days for uncontested cases and 230 days for contested matters.
Mandatory Mediation: Pasco County requires mediation before trial in family law cases, which can add 30-60 days to the process but often results in settlement.
Financial Complexity: Cases involving business valuations, complex asset division, or retirement accounts typically take longer to resolve.
Child-Related Issues: Disputes over parenting plans, time-sharing, or child support extend the timeline significantly.
Attorney Schedules: Availability of legal counsel for hearings and preparation of documents affects timing.
Judicial Assignments: Some judges maintain more efficient dockets than others, affecting scheduling.

The minimum waiting period after filing is 20 days, but practically speaking, even the simplest divorces typically take at least 30 days to complete all procedural requirements. For most contested divorces, parties should anticipate a process lasting 6-12 months from filing to final judgment.

How Long Does Pasco County Keep Divorce Records?

Pasco County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established under Florida law. The preservation of these records follows guidelines set forth in the General Records Schedule GS11 for Clerk of Court Records and Florida Statutes § 28.30, which govern records management for court documents.

Retention Periods by Record Type

Court Case Files (Complete Divorce Records)
- Retention period: Permanent
- Format: Original paper records may be digitized after a certain period, but the information is preserved indefinitely
- Location: Initially maintained by the Pasco County Clerk of Circuit Court; older records may be transferred to the State Archives of Florida
Divorce Certificates
- Retention period: Permanent
- Custodian: Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains certificates from 1927 to present
- Access: Remains available indefinitely for authorized requestors
Divorce Indexes
- Retention period: Permanent
- Purpose: Facilitates location of case files even after many decades
- Format: Both physical and electronic indexes are maintained
Supporting Documentation
- Financial affidavits: 5 years after final judgment
- Temporary orders: 5 years after final judgment
- Mediation agreements: Permanent (as part of the case file)
- Guardian ad litem reports: Permanent (as part of the case file)
Audio/Visual Records of Proceedings
- Court reporter notes: 10 years
- Digital recordings: 10 years
- Transcripts: Permanent when filed as part of the official record

Records Management Practices

The Pasco County Clerk's Office implements several processes to ensure long-term preservation of divorce records:

Microfilming of older paper records
Digital scanning and conversion to electronic format
Climate-controlled storage for physical records
Electronic backup systems for digital records
Periodic migration to new storage media as technology evolves

While the information content of divorce records is permanently preserved, the physical format and storage location may change over time. Records from the early-to-mid 20th century may be stored in the State Archives rather than at the county level, requiring additional steps for retrieval.

For research purposes, it is noteworthy that divorce records prior to 1927 may be incomplete or maintained under different systems, as standardized vital records keeping was not fully implemented in Florida until that time.

How To Get a Divorce In Pasco County

Obtaining a divorce (legally termed "dissolution of marriage") in Pasco County requires following specific procedures established under Florida Statutes Chapter 61. The process varies depending on the circumstances of the marriage and the level of agreement between the parties.

Residency Requirements

Before filing for divorce in Pasco County, at least one spouse must:

Have been a Florida resident for a minimum of six months prior to filing
Be able to provide proof of residency through a Florida driver's license, voter registration, or testimony of a corroborating witness

Divorce Options in Pasco County

Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
- Eligibility requirements:
  - Both spouses agree the marriage is irretrievably broken
  - No minor or dependent children
  - Wife is not pregnant
  - Both parties agree on property division
  - Neither spouse seeks alimony
  - Both parties will attend the final hearing
- Process:
  - Complete and file the Petition for Simplified Dissolution and related forms
  - Pay filing fee (approximately $408)
  - Attend final hearing together
Regular Uncontested Dissolution
- Appropriate when:
  - Spouses agree on all issues but don't qualify for simplified dissolution
  - Children are involved but parenting plan is agreed upon
- Process:
  - File Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
  - Serve papers to spouse or have them file an Answer and Waiver of Service
  - Submit financial affidavits and other required documents
  - File parenting plan if children are involved
  - Attend final hearing
Contested Dissolution
- Necessary when:
  - Spouses disagree on one or more significant issues
  - Negotiation has not resulted in full agreement
- Process:
  - File Petition for Dissolution
  - Serve papers to spouse
  - Spouse files Answer and possibly Counter-Petition
  - Complete mandatory disclosure of financial information
  - Attend case management conference
  - Participate in mediation (required in Pasco County)
  - Attend pretrial conference if no settlement
  - Proceed to trial if necessary

Where to File

Divorce petitions may be filed at either Pasco County Courthouse location:

East Pasco Government Center
38053 Live Oak Avenue
Dade City, FL 33523
(352) 521-4542

West Pasco Judicial Center
7530 Little Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 847-8186

Legal Assistance Resources

Self-represented litigants can access forms and instructions through the Florida Courts Family Law Forms website
The Pasco County Clerk's office provides a Self-Help Center with limited procedural assistance
Bay Area Legal Services offers assistance to qualifying low-income residents
The Pasco County Bar Association can provide referrals to family law attorneys

The divorce process in Pasco County typically takes between 30 days (for simplified dissolutions) to several months or longer (for contested cases), depending on case complexity and court scheduling.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Pasco County

Obtaining divorce papers in Pasco County involves accessing the appropriate legal forms required to initiate or respond to a dissolution of marriage proceeding. Multiple resources are available to assist individuals in securing these documents, whether they plan to represent themselves or work with an attorney.

Sources for Divorce Forms

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms
- Access online through the Florida Courts website
- Forms are categorized by purpose and include detailed instructions
- Available at no cost in PDF format
- Forms include:
  - Petitions for dissolution (regular and simplified)
  - Financial affidavits (short and long form)
  - Parenting plans
  - Child support worksheets
  - Final judgment forms
Pasco County Clerk's Self-Help Center
- Located at both courthouse locations:
  - East Pasco Government Center
    38053 Live Oak Avenue, Room 131
    Dade City, FL 33523
    (352) 521-4542
  - West Pasco Judicial Center
    7530 Little Road, Room 106
    New Port Richey, FL 34654
    (727) 847-8186
- Services provided:
  - Form packets for various divorce situations ($3.50-$20.00 per packet)
  - Notary services
  - Limited procedural information (staff cannot provide legal advice)
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Pasco County Law Library
- Located at:
  - West Pasco Judicial Center
    7530 Little Road
    New Port Richey, FL 34654
    (727) 847-8110
- Resources available:
  - Reference materials on family law
  - Computer access to legal research databases
  - Form books with sample pleadings
  - Photocopiers (fee per page)
Online Legal Service Providers
- Commercial websites offer Florida-specific divorce forms
- Typically charge fees for document preparation
- May provide additional guidance beyond basic forms

Required Forms for Different Divorce Types

Simplified Dissolution
- Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.901(a))
- Financial Affidavit (Form 12.902(b) or 12.902(c))
- Marital Settlement Agreement (Form 12.902(f)(3))
- Final Judgment of Simplified Dissolution (Form 12.990(a))
Regular Dissolution (No Children)
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.901(b)(1))
- Financial Affidavit (Form 12.902(b) or 12.902(c))
- Notice of Social Security Number (Form 12.902(j))
- Marital Settlement Agreement (if uncontested) (Form 12.902(f)(2))
Dissolution with Minor Children
- Petition for Dissolution with Dependent or Minor Children (Form 12.901(b)(1))
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Affidavit (Form 12.902(d))
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (Form 12.902(e))
- Parenting Plan (Form 12.995(a) or 12.995(b))
- Additional forms related to child support and parenting arrangements

All forms must be completed accurately, notarized when required, and filed with the appropriate filing fees. For individuals unable to afford filing fees, an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status (Form 12.915) may be submitted to request a fee waiver.

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