Citrus Public Records /Citrus County Divorce Records

Citrus County Divorce Records

What Are Citrus County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Citrus County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.043, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings throughout the state. Divorce records, officially termed "dissolution of marriage" records in Florida, document the legal termination of marital relationships as adjudicated by the Citrus County Circuit Court.

These records typically consist of several components:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Financial affidavits from both parties
Marital settlement agreements
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Child custody and support arrangements (when applicable)
Property division determinations

Divorce records serve multiple important functions for individuals and society. They provide legal proof of marital status change necessary for:

Remarriage eligibility verification
Legal name change documentation
Social Security benefits claims
Loan and credit applications
Immigration proceedings
Estate planning and inheritance matters
Insurance coverage modifications

The Citrus County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains these records as part of its official duties under Florida law. The records document not only the fact that a divorce occurred but also the specific terms and conditions established by the court regarding the dissolution of the marriage.

Are Citrus County Divorce Records Public?

Access to divorce records in Citrus County follows a nuanced framework established by Florida's public records laws and family law statutes. Under Florida Statutes § 119.01, the state maintains a strong presumption of openness for government records. However, this general principle is subject to specific limitations regarding divorce proceedings.

The public accessibility of divorce records in Citrus County is categorized as follows:

Court Case Files: Most divorce court files are considered public records and may be accessed by any member of the public. These files contain pleadings, motions, and the final judgment of dissolution. However, certain sensitive information within these files may be redacted or sealed.
Financial Disclosures: Financial affidavits and related documents containing detailed financial information may have restricted access pursuant to Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285.
Divorce Certificates: Certified divorce certificates, which provide basic information about the divorce, have restricted access. According to the Florida Department of Health, these certificates are available only to:
- The individuals named on the record
- Their legal representatives
- Parties with a court order
- Agencies authorized by statute
Child-Related Information: Records containing information about minor children, including custody arrangements and support obligations, may have additional privacy protections under Florida Statutes § 61.13.

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners acknowledges that openness in government records leads to better-informed citizens and improved governance. However, this transparency is balanced against privacy interests, particularly in family law matters.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Citrus County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Citrus County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing divorce records:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Citrus County Clerk of Circuit Court office during regular business hours.
Complete a records request form, providing the names of the parties and approximate date of divorce.
Present valid photo identification if requesting records with restricted access.
Pay applicable search and copy fees as established by Florida Statutes.

Clerk of Circuit Court - Citrus County
110 North Apopka Avenue
Inverness, Florida 34450
(352) 341-6424
Citrus County Clerk of Circuit Court

Mail Requests:

Prepare a written request including:
- Names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce
- Your contact information
- Copy of valid photo identification (for restricted records)
Include a check or money order for applicable fees.
Mail the request to the Clerk's office at the address provided above.

For Certified Divorce Certificates:

Contact the Florida Department of Health's Office of Vital Statistics or the Citrus County Health Department.
Complete the application for certified divorce certificate.
Provide proof of eligibility to receive the record.
Submit required identification and payment.

Florida Department of Health in Citrus County
3700 W. Sovereign Path
Lecanto, FL 34461
(352) 527-0068
Florida Department of Health in Citrus County

For divorce records dating back more than five years, requestors may need to contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics directly:

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231
(904) 359-6900
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Citrus County Online?

Citrus County provides several digital options for accessing divorce records, though the level of detail available varies by platform. The following online resources are currently available:

Citrus County Clerk's Online Records Search:

Navigate to the Citrus County Clerk of Court's official website.
Select the "Court Records Search" or similar option.
Create a user account if required (some basic searches may be available without registration).
Select "Family Law" or "Dissolution of Marriage" as the case type.
Enter search criteria such as:
- Party names (last name, first name)
- Case number (if known)
- Date range of filing
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case status
- Judge assigned
For most cases, basic docket information is viewable online, but complete documents may require in-person retrieval.

Florida Department of Health VitalChek: For certified divorce certificates, the Florida Department of Health offers online ordering through VitalChek:

Visit the VitalChek portal through the Florida Department of Health website.
Select "Divorce Certificate" as the record type.
Provide required information about the divorce record being requested.
Submit proof of eligibility to receive the record.
Pay the required fees plus an additional processing fee for online service.
Choose delivery method (standard mail or expedited shipping).

Florida Courts E-Filing Portal: Attorneys and registered users can access certain divorce records through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal:

Register for an account on the portal.
Log in and navigate to the records search function.
Search by case number or party name.
Access available documents according to user authorization level.

It is important to note that online access to divorce records may be limited due to privacy restrictions, and some documents may only be available through in-person requests at the Clerk's office.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Citrus County?

Members of the public seeking to access divorce records in Citrus County without incurring fees have several limited options available. While most official copies and certified records require payment of statutory fees, the following methods may provide free access to basic divorce record information:

Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse:

Visit the Citrus County Courthouse during regular business hours.
Use the public access computer terminals located in the Clerk's office.
Search the court's database for basic case information.
View docket entries and certain non-confidential documents.

Citrus County Clerk of Circuit Court
110 North Apopka Avenue
Inverness, Florida 34450
(352) 341-6424
Citrus County Clerk of Circuit Court

Public Library Resources:

Visit the Citrus County Library System.
Use public computers to access the Clerk's online records portal.
Search for basic case information that is publicly available.
Note that document viewing may be limited without payment.

Citrus County Library Services
425 W. Roosevelt Boulevard
Beverly Hills, FL 34465
(352) 746-9077
Citrus County Library System

Court Docket Review:

Attend the Citrus County Courthouse during business hours.
Review public court calendars and dockets posted in the courthouse.
Identify cases of interest for further research.

Legal Aid Services: Individuals who qualify for legal aid services may receive assistance in obtaining divorce records relevant to their cases without direct cost:

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
106 N. Osceola Avenue
Inverness, FL 34450
(352) 726-6592
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida

It is important to note that while basic information may be accessible without fees, obtaining official copies, certified records, or complete case files typically requires payment of statutory fees as established by Florida Statutes § 28.24.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Citrus County

Divorce records in Citrus County contain comprehensive documentation of the dissolution process. The content of these records varies based on the complexity of the case and whether the divorce was contested or uncontested. Typically, a complete divorce record file includes:

Initiating Documents:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Summons and proof of service
Answer and/or Counter-Petition from the responding spouse
Financial Affidavits from both parties

Procedural Documents:

Notices of hearings
Motions filed by either party
Court orders on temporary matters
Mediation reports and agreements
Depositions and discovery materials

Financial Information:

Sworn financial statements
Asset and liability disclosures
Income verification documents
Tax returns (when submitted as evidence)
Pension and retirement account information
Real estate appraisals and valuations

Child-Related Documents (when applicable):

Parenting plans
Child support guidelines worksheets
Custody evaluations
Guardian ad litem reports

Final Documents:

Marital Settlement Agreement
Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
Property distribution orders
Alimony determinations
Child support orders
Name change orders (if requested)

Post-Judgment Documents:

Motions for modification
Enforcement proceedings
Appeals documentation
Contempt proceedings

A certified divorce certificate, as issued by the Florida Department of Health, contains more limited information, typically including:

Names of both parties
Date of divorce
County where divorce was granted
Case number
Date of marriage (in some instances)

The level of detail available to the public may be limited by confidentiality provisions under Florida law, particularly regarding financial information and matters involving minor children.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Citrus County?

Individuals seeking official proof of divorce in Citrus County have several options for obtaining documentation that verifies the dissolution of marriage. The type of proof needed often depends on the purpose for which it will be used.

For Certified Divorce Certificate:

The Florida Department of Health issues certified divorce certificates, which serve as official proof of divorce for most purposes. To obtain this document:

Submit a request to the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County or directly to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Complete the application form, providing:
- Full names of both parties
- Date of divorce
- Place of divorce
- Purpose for requesting the certificate
Provide proof of eligibility (certificates are available only to the individuals named on the record, their legal representatives, or those with a court order).
Submit valid identification.
Pay the required fee ($5.00 per certificate plus service charges).

Florida Department of Health in Citrus County
3700 W. Sovereign Path
Lecanto, FL 34461
(352) 527-0068
Florida Department of Health in Citrus County

For Certified Copy of Final Judgment:

For certain legal purposes, a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage may be required. This document provides more detailed information about the terms of the divorce. To obtain this:

Visit or contact the Citrus County Clerk of Circuit Court.
Provide the case number or names of the parties and approximate date of divorce.
Request a certified copy of the Final Judgment.
Pay the applicable certification fee ($2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page).

Clerk of Circuit Court - Citrus County
110 North Apopka Avenue
Inverness, Florida 34450
(352) 341-6424
Citrus County Clerk of Circuit Court

Expedited Options:

For urgent needs, the following expedited services are available:

VitalChek Online Ordering: The Florida Department of Health partners with VitalChek to provide expedited processing of certificate requests for an additional fee.
Same-Day Service: The Clerk of Court offers same-day certified copies of court documents when requested in person before 4:00 PM on business days.
Attorney Services: Licensed attorneys can obtain certified copies through the e-filing portal or by submitting requests on behalf of clients.

It is advisable to verify which type of proof is required for your specific needs, as different agencies and purposes may require different forms of documentation.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Citrus County?

While Florida maintains a strong public records tradition under Florida Statutes § 119.01, certain aspects of divorce proceedings in Citrus County may be kept confidential under specific circumstances. The confidentiality provisions balance the public's right to access court records with privacy concerns in sensitive family matters.

Automatic Confidentiality Protections:

Certain information in divorce records is automatically protected from public disclosure:

Social Security numbers
Bank account numbers
Credit card numbers
Children's birth dates
Names of minors in certain contexts
Victim information in cases involving domestic violence

Sealing Specific Documents:

Parties may petition the court to seal specific documents within a divorce file under Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420. The court may grant such requests when:

The party demonstrates that confidentiality is required to:
- Protect trade secrets
- Prevent serious and imminent threat to public safety
- Avoid substantial injury to innocent third parties
- Protect sensitive personal information with no legitimate public purpose
No reasonable alternative exists to protect the interests at stake.
The degree of confidentiality does not exceed what is necessary.

Complete File Sealing:

In rare circumstances, an entire divorce case file may be sealed. This requires:

Filing a motion demonstrating compelling circumstances.
A hearing before a judge.
A court order specifically finding that:
- Substantial harm would result from public access.
- No less restrictive measures would adequately protect the interests involved.
- The harm outweighs the public policy favoring access.

Confidential Filing:

For cases involving domestic violence, parties may file under Florida Statutes § 741.30, which provides enhanced confidentiality protections.

Mediated Settlements:

Divorce settlements reached through mediation may remain more private than litigated cases, as:

Mediation proceedings themselves are confidential under Florida law.
The resulting settlement agreement, once filed with the court, becomes part of the public record but may contain less detailed information than would emerge through trial testimony.

Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel early in the divorce process to develop appropriate strategies for protecting sensitive information while complying with Florida's public records requirements.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Citrus County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Citrus County varies significantly based on several factors. The Florida judicial system categorizes divorces as either simplified, uncontested, or contested, with each following different timelines.

Simplified Dissolution of Marriage: This expedited process is available to couples meeting specific criteria:

No minor children or dependent adults
No pregnancy
Agreement on property division
Neither party seeking alimony
Both parties agreeing to the simplified procedure

Timeline: Approximately 30 days from filing to finalization

Initial filing and payment of fees
20-day waiting period required by Florida law
Final hearing scheduled approximately 10 days after waiting period

Uncontested Divorce: When parties agree on all issues but don't qualify for simplified dissolution:

Timeline: Approximately 60-90 days

Filing of petition and service to respondent
20-day period for respondent to file answer
Mandatory financial disclosure period
Submission of marital settlement agreement
Final hearing scheduling (typically 30-45 days after all documents filed)

Contested Divorce: When parties disagree on one or more substantive issues:

Timeline: 6 months to over 1 year

Initial filing and response (30-45 days)
Discovery period (2-6 months)
Mediation (required in Citrus County before trial)
Pre-trial motions and hearings
Trial scheduling (may take 3-6 months to get court date)
Post-trial motions and possible appeals

Factors Affecting Timeline:

Court Congestion: According to the Florida Courts, the Fifth Judicial Circuit, which includes Citrus County, experiences varying caseload volumes that can impact scheduling.
Complexity of Assets: Cases involving business valuations, pension divisions, or substantial property require longer discovery periods.
Child-Related Issues: Disputes over custody, visitation, and support typically extend the timeline.
Judicial Assignments: Case progression may depend on the assigned judge's calendar and procedures.
Party Cooperation: Willingness to exchange information and negotiate in good faith significantly impacts duration.

According to Florida court statistics, the median time from filing to disposition for dissolution of marriage cases in the Fifth Judicial Circuit is approximately 120 days for uncontested cases and 230 days for contested matters, though individual cases may vary substantially from these averages.

How Long Does Citrus County Keep Divorce Records?

Citrus County maintains divorce records according to retention schedules established by Florida law and administrative rules. The duration of record retention varies based on the type of record and its historical significance.

Court Case Files:

Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.430, divorce case files are retained as follows:

Basic Case Files: Court dockets, judgments, and orders are retained permanently.
Supporting Documents: Pleadings, motions, depositions, and exhibits are retained for a minimum of 10 years after the final judgment.
Financial Affidavits and Disclosures: These documents may be retained for 3 years after the final judgment, though they remain part of the permanent record if incorporated into the final judgment.

Divorce Certificates:

The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, operating under the Florida Department of Health, maintains divorce certificate records permanently. These records date back to June 1927 when the state began centralized recording of divorces.

Electronic Records:

As Citrus County has transitioned to electronic record-keeping:

Records created or converted to electronic format are maintained indefinitely in the Clerk's electronic case management system.
Physical records may be destroyed after proper conversion to electronic format, pursuant to Florida's records management guidelines.
Backup systems ensure the preservation of electronic records against data loss.

Historical Records:

Divorce records with historical significance, as determined by the Florida Department of State, may be transferred to state archives for permanent preservation. These typically include:

Records predating 1950
Cases involving prominent individuals
Cases establishing important legal precedents

Researchers seeking historical divorce records should note that older records may be stored off-site or archived with the State of Florida and may require additional time to retrieve. The Clerk of Court can provide guidance on accessing archived records.

How To Get a Divorce In Citrus County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Citrus County must follow procedures established by Florida law and local court rules. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is simplified, uncontested, or contested.

Residency Requirements: Before filing, at least one spouse must have been a Florida resident for a minimum of six months, as verified by:

Florida driver's license
Florida voter registration card
Affidavit from a third party confirming residency

Simplified Dissolution of Marriage: For qualifying couples (no children, agreed on property division, no alimony):

Both parties must visit the Clerk of Circuit Court together.
Complete and file the Petition for Simplified Dissolution and related forms.
Pay the filing fee (approximately $408).
Attend a brief final hearing together.

Regular Dissolution of Marriage:

Initial Filing:
- Prepare and file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Clerk of Court.
- Pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver if eligible.
- File a Financial Affidavit within 45 days of service.
Service of Process:
- Have the petition and summons served on the other spouse by:
  - Sheriff's office
  - Certified process server
  - Certified mail (if the spouse will sign a waiver of formal service)
Response Period:
- The served spouse has 20 days to file a written response.
- If no response is filed, the petitioner may request a default judgment.
Mandatory Disclosure:
- Both parties must exchange financial information pursuant to Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285.
Parenting Course:
- If minor children are involved, both parents must complete a court-approved parenting course.
Mediation:
- Mediation is required in Citrus County before a trial date will be set.
- The court provides mediation services on a sliding fee scale based on income.
Final Hearing:
- For uncontested cases, a brief hearing is scheduled to finalize the divorce.
- For contested cases, a trial is held where evidence is presented and the judge makes final determinations.

Where to File:

Citrus County Courthouse
110 North Apopka Avenue
Inverness, Florida 34450
(352) 341-6424
Citrus County Clerk of Circuit Court

Legal Assistance Resources:

Citrus County Law Library
110 North Apopka Avenue
Inverness, Florida 34450
(352) 341-6430

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
106 N. Osceola Avenue
Inverness, FL 34450
(352) 726-6592
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida

How To Get Divorce Papers In Citrus County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Citrus County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. The Florida Supreme Court has approved standardized family law forms that are accepted in all Florida counties, including Citrus County.

Sources for Divorce Papers:

Citrus County Clerk of Circuit Court:

Visit the Clerk's office in person during business hours.
Request the appropriate dissolution of marriage packet based on your circumstances (simplified, with children, without children).
Pay the nominal fee for the forms package (typically $5-20).

Clerk of Circuit Court - Citrus County
110 North Apopka Avenue
Inverness, Florida 34450
(352) 341-6424
Citrus County Clerk of Circuit Court

Florida Courts Website:

Visit the Florida Courts Self-Help website.
Navigate to the Family Law Forms section.
Download the appropriate forms for free:
- Form 12.901(a) - Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
- Form 12.901(b)(1) - Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Children
- Form 12.901(b)(2) - Petition for Dissolution of Marriage without Children
- Supporting forms as needed for your situation

Citrus County Law Library:

Visit the law library located in the courthouse.
Access reference materials and form books.
Use public computers to download and print forms.
Receive limited procedural guidance from library staff.

Citrus County Law Library
110 North Apopka Avenue
Inverness, Florida 34450
(352) 341-6430

Required Forms:

The basic forms required for most divorce cases include:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Financial Affidavit
Notice of Social Security Number
Summons
Marital Settlement Agreement (for uncontested cases)
Parenting Plan (if minor children are involved)
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if applicable)

Additional Services:

Document Preparation Services: Several businesses in Citrus County offer document preparation services. These services cannot provide legal advice but can help complete forms based on information you provide.

Legal Aid: Low-income individuals may qualify for assistance from:

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
106 N. Osceola Avenue
Inverness, FL 34450
(352) 726-6592
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida

Florida Bar Referral Service: For those seeking attorney representation, the Florida Bar offers a referral service: (800) 342-8011 Florida Bar Referral Service

It is important to note that while forms are standardized, the specific requirements and procedures may vary. Court staff cannot provide legal advice but can offer procedural information about filing requirements.

Lookup Divorce Records in Citrus County

Divorce certificates from the Florida Department of Health

Vital records certificates from the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County

Court records from the Citrus County Circuit Court

Public records requests from the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners

County court clerk information from the Florida Department of State

Other Categories in Florida

Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records