Normally, failing to pay the fee without a fee waiver results in the action being dismissed. You should consult a family law attorney to review the file and determine the current status of the case.
If a Decree was entered, your divorce is final. Owing money to the clerk does not make it not final, but they could pursue the money from you or at least have a judgment against you for it.
You had to file and answer and/or an appearance, which is accompanied by a fee. If you did not file your answer or appearance then you were found to be in default and the divorce was granted based upon the language in the petition you received.
Default means one party did not respond. If the fee wasn't paid the court may require you to pay the current fee before they will accept your paperwork.
Your question is a little unclear. If you are asking whether the Decree of Dissolution entered by default 16 years ago is invalid because you did not pay a fee to the clerk, I think not. But perhaps you should write a check to the clerk now.
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