Holmes County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Holmes County in 2026
HolmesRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Holmes County, Florida. Members of the public may use this resource to locate dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, and related court documents. Available record categories may include case numbers, party names, filing dates, final decrees, property division orders, and parenting plan documents. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking Holmes County divorce records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Holmes 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. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document copies or certified records.
2. State Court System Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal provides access to court case information across Florida jurisdictions, including Holmes County. This consolidated database allows searches across multiple counties and court divisions.
3. State Vital Records
The Florida Department of Health Vital Statistics office maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions granted in Florida. These certificates contain limited information compared to full court case files and are subject to applicable fees.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Holmes County Courthouse
Holmes County Clerk of Court
201 N. Oklahoma Street, Suite 130
Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: (850) 547-1100
Holmes County Clerk of Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final judgments and decrees
- Staff assistance for locating archived records
By Mail
Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce records to the Holmes County Clerk of Court. Written requests should be mailed to:
Holmes County Clerk of Court
201 N. Oklahoma Street, Suite 130
Bonifay, FL 32425
Requests should include:
- Full names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mailed requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on record volume and archival status.
By Phone
Limited Information Available by Phone
- Clerk of Court: (850) 547-1100
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies, or confidential information by phone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Florida may access court records on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed documents through appropriate legal motions. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with licensed attorneys for complex records matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Holmes County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Florida law, a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public should confirm the county of residence at the time of the divorce before initiating a search. Searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not appropriate unless that county was also the residence of a party.
Residency Requirement: Pursuant to § 61.021, Florida Statutes, one spouse must have been a Florida resident for at least six months prior to filing for dissolution of marriage.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Archived cases may require additional retrieval time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of search
- 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 or subject to confidentiality order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (850) 547-1100
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Florida Department of Health vital records database
- Consult a licensed Florida attorney
What Are Holmes County Divorce Records?
Holmes County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Holmes County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Holmes County Clerk of Court as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to Florida's public records law, with certain statutory exceptions.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a dissolution of marriage proceeding may include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans (if minor children are involved)
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Court hearing transcripts (if ordered)
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the official court order terminating the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support provisions, if any
- Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Name restoration, if requested
Certified copies of the final judgment are available through the Holmes County Clerk of Court.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents within the case file may include financial disclosure records, property inventories, parenting plan details, and post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title matters
- Estate planning and probate proceedings
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record verification
- Confirmation of divorce terms
Who Maintains Divorce Records
Clerk of Court
The Holmes County Clerk of Court is the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage case files. The Clerk indexes records by party name and case number and provides certified copies upon request.
State Vital Records Office
The Florida Department of Health maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions granted in Florida. These certificates contain limited identifying information and are distinct from the full court case file maintained by the Clerk.
Legal Framework
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Florida are governed by § 61.052, Florida Statutes, which establishes the grounds and procedures for dissolution. Public access to court records is governed by Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution and § 119.011, Florida Statutes, Florida's Public Records Law.
As the Florida Courts system notes, court records are presumptively open to the public, subject to specific exemptions established by general law or court rule.
Are Holmes County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Holmes County Circuit Court are public court records under Florida law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. Certain categories of information are restricted or redacted pursuant to statute and court rule.
What Is Public
The following information is accessible to the general public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (spouses)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and times
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public records)
- Bank account numbers (redacted)
- Credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be sealed or subject to limited access)
Children's Information
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools minor children attend
- Medical information about minor children
- Psychological evaluations of minor children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted)
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health records
- Substance abuse treatment information
- Personal addresses in domestic violence cases
Sealed Records
A court may seal a case or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public without a court order.
Legal Basis for Public Access
Florida's public records law establishes a presumption of public access to government records, including court filings. Restrictions require a specific statutory or constitutional basis. The balancing of transparency and privacy is addressed on a case-by-case basis by the presiding judge.
Who Can Access Records
| Requestor Category | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General Public | Public documents; redacted sensitive information |
| Parties to the Case | Full access to own case file |
| Licensed Attorneys | Access to case files; may petition for sealed records |
| Researchers and Media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law Enforcement | Statutory access to certain restricted records |
Restrictions on Use
Access to public divorce records does not authorize use of that information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or violation of protective orders. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, genealogical research, news reporting, academic research, and personal verification.
Obtaining Confidential Records
A party seeking access to sealed or confidential records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the requestor's interest against privacy and safety concerns. Certain parties, including child protection investigators and court-appointed evaluators, may have statutory access to restricted records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Holmes County?
The Holmes County Clerk of Court charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with Florida law. Under § 28.24, Florida Statutes, which governs clerk service charges, the following standard fees currently apply:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 per page + $2.00 certification fee |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies; contact Clerk |
| Record search (if applicable) | No separate search fee for in-person requests |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Certified copies of the final judgment of dissolution are the standard form of proof of divorce accepted by government agencies and financial institutions.
- Payment methods accepted by the Holmes County Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and credit or debit card; members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods directly with the Clerk's office prior to submitting a request.
- Fee waiver provisions may apply in limited circumstances; members of the public seeking a waiver must submit a written request to the Clerk demonstrating financial hardship or statutory entitlement.
- Fees for records obtained through the Florida Department of Health vital records office differ from Clerk fees and are established separately under state vital records statutes.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Holmes County
A Holmes County dissolution of marriage case file is a comprehensive collection of documents generated from the initial filing through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The contents of a case file vary depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether minor children were involved.
Basic Case Information
Case Caption:
- Case number assigned by the Clerk
- Court name and division (Circuit Court, Family Division)
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
Filing Information:
- Date of initial filing
- Filing fees paid
- Case type (dissolution of marriage)
- Basis for jurisdiction
Initial Pleadings
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage includes:
- Identifying information for both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Date of separation, if applicable
- Grounds for divorce (irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, as required under Florida law)
- Information regarding minor children, if any
- Property and debt claims
- Requests for spousal support, child support, and other relief
Response/Answer includes:
- Respondent's admissions or denials
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Respondent's requests for relief
Financial Affidavits from both parties include:
- All sources of income
- Monthly expenses
- Assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, personal property)
- Liabilities (mortgages, loans, credit card debt)
- Standard of living during the marriage
Property-Related Documents
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations, if applicable
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (If Applicable)
Parenting Plan includes:
- Legal custody (decision-making authority)
- Physical custody and primary residence
- Timesharing schedule (regular, holiday, summer, and vacation)
- Transportation arrangements
- Communication provisions between parents and children
- Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
- Relocation restrictions
Child Support documentation includes:
- Child support guidelines worksheet
- Income information for both parties
- Number of overnights with each parent
- Health insurance and childcare costs
- Support amount ordered and payment schedule
Custody Evaluations and Guardian ad Litem Reports, if ordered by the court, may be sealed or subject to restricted access.
Settlement Documents
Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues in the dissolution, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. The MSA is incorporated into the final judgment upon court approval.
Court Orders and Judgments
Temporary Orders, if entered, address interim custody, support, use of property, and restraining orders during the pendency of the case.
Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage is the court's definitive order ending the marriage. It includes:
- Date of dissolution
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Property and debt division
- Spousal support orders
- Child custody, timesharing, and support orders
- Name restoration, if requested
- Judge's signature and court seal
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), if applicable, are separate orders directing retirement plan administrators to divide retirement benefits between the parties.
Post-Judgment Documents (If Applicable)
- Petitions to modify custody, timesharing, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders
- Liens filed against property
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Minor children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations (restricted)
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Holmes County?
Proof of divorce in Holmes County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage, issued by the Holmes County Clerk of Court. A certified copy bears the Clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and other entities as legal proof that a marriage was dissolved.
Members of the public may obtain a certified copy through the following methods:
- In Person: Visit the Holmes County Clerk of Court at 201 N. Oklahoma Street, Suite 130, Bonifay, FL 32425, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Provide the case number or names of both parties and pay the applicable certification fee.
- By Mail: Submit a written request to the Clerk's office at the address above, including party names, approximate date of divorce, case number if known, and payment for fees.
- Online: Some records may be accessible through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal for electronic viewing; certified copies require a formal request to the Clerk.
- Through the Florida Department of Health: The Florida Department of Health Vital Statistics office issues divorce certificates for dissolutions granted in Florida. These certificates contain limited information (full names of both spouses, date of dissolution, and county where dissolution was granted) and may serve as proof of divorce for certain purposes.
Holmes County Clerk of Court
201 N. Oklahoma Street, Suite 130
Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: (850) 547-1100
Holmes County Clerk of Court
Florida Department of Health — Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Florida Department of Health Vital Statistics
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Holmes County?
Divorce proceedings in Holmes County are presumptively public, but certain records or entire cases may be made confidential under specific legal circumstances. Florida law and court rules provide mechanisms for restricting public access when disclosure would endanger a party or child, or when sensitive information warrants protection.
Circumstances under which divorce records or portions thereof may be confidential include:
- Domestic Violence Cases: Addresses and identifying information of domestic violence victims may be withheld from public records pursuant to Florida's Address Confidentiality Program and applicable court rules.
- Sealed Records: A party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy or safety interest of the affected party.
- Children's Information: Information identifying the residence, school, or medical status of minor children is subject to restriction under Florida family law rules.
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Records: Records pertaining to mental health treatment or substance abuse are protected under both state and federal law, including HIPAA.
- Mediation Records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and not part of the public court record.
- Financial Account Numbers: Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and similar identifiers are redacted from all public filings under Florida court rules.
Members of the public seeking to seal or restrict access to divorce records must file a motion with the Holmes County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legally sufficient basis for confidentiality. The Florida Courts system provides procedural guidance on family law confidentiality matters.
How Long Does Holmes County Keep Divorce Records?
Holmes County divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with Florida's court records retention schedules established by the Florida Supreme Court. Retention periods vary by record type and the nature of the case.
Current retention periods for Holmes County dissolution of marriage records include:
- Final Judgments of Dissolution of Marriage: Retained permanently. Final judgments are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely through the Holmes County Clerk of Court.
- Complete Case Files (Contested Dissolution): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the final judgment.
- Complete Case Files (Uncontested Dissolution): Retained for a minimum of 5 years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the final judgment.
- Financial Affidavits and Supporting Documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; may be archived after a set number of years.
- Post-Judgment Modification Records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule.
- Archived Records: Cases older than the active retention period may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilm. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and should be requested directly through the Clerk's office.
Florida court records retention schedules are established by the Florida Supreme Court pursuant to its administrative authority over the state court system. Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Holmes County Clerk of Court directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.