Hollywood City family court records are official court files from divorce, custody, child support, paternity, and adoption cases filed by Hollywood, Florida residents. These records live at the Broward County Clerk of Courts office in Fort Lauderdale because Hollywood sits inside the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Anyone can view most of these records online, by mail, or in person. The clerk keeps the files safe, updates them as cases move forward, and gives copies to people who need them for legal, personal, or business reasons. This page explains how the system works, where to search, and what you can do with the records once you locate them.
Hollywood Family Court System Explained
Hollywood families use the same court system as every other city in Broward County. The court handles all family law matters under Florida state law. The clerk stores every document filed in each case, from the first petition to the final judgment.
17th Judicial Circuit Coverage
Hollywood sits inside the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers all of Broward County, including more than 30 cities and towns. The main courthouse stands at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale, about 12 miles north of downtown Hollywood. Family cases for Hollywood residents get assigned to specific family court divisions within this circuit. Each division has its own judge, judicial assistant, and case manager who handle cases from start to finish. The 17th Judicial Circuit uses the same Florida family law rules and procedures as every other circuit in the state.
Types of Family Cases Filed
Hollywood residents file many types of family cases each year. The most common case is dissolution of marriage, also called divorce. Other common cases include petitions for child custody, time-sharing schedules, and child support amounts. Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood for children born to unmarried parents. Domestic violence cases seek protective injunctions for victims. Adoption cases create new legal parent-child bonds. Guardianship cases appoint adults to care for minors or incapacitated people. Name change petitions for adults and minors also pass through family court. All these cases generate public records unless a judge orders them sealed.
Where to Find Hollywood Family Court Records
All Hollywood family court records sit at the county level. The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs the record system. Three main locations serve Hollywood residents who need court documents.
Broward County Clerk Main Office
The main clerk office sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The phone number is (954) 831-6565. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Brenda D. Forman serves as the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Her office stores all family court records for Hollywood and the rest of Broward County. The main office handles all family law filings, record requests, certified copies, and marriage license services. Visitors can use public computer terminals inside the lobby to search the case database at no charge.
City of Hollywood Clerk Office
The City of Hollywood has its own city clerk at 2600 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33020. The city clerk phone number is (954) 921-3211. This office keeps city records like council meeting minutes, local ordinances, contracts, and city commission documents. The city clerk does not keep family court records. People who call the city clerk about a divorce or custody case get directed to the Broward County Clerk of Courts office instead. Knowing the difference between city records and county court records saves time when looking for specific documents.
Satellite Locations in Broward
Broward County runs satellite clerk offices in different parts of the county for easier access. These satellite locations handle passport applications, marriage licenses, and some record requests. The satellite offices may not have all family court files on site. Hollywood residents who need older archived files often must visit the main Fort Lauderdale courthouse. Call the main clerk office at (954) 831-6565 before visiting any satellite to confirm they can help with your specific request.
Online Search Tools and Portals
Three main online tools let people search Hollywood family court records from home. Each tool serves a slightly different purpose. Using the right tool saves time and gives better results.
Broward Clerk Case Search System
The Broward Clerk Case Search Portal sits on the official county website at browardclerk.org. Users can search by party name, business name, case number, or citation number. The portal covers criminal, civil, probate, family, traffic, and county court records. Family case searches show case type, filing date, current status, judge assignment, and hearing schedule. The basic search function is free for all users. Viewable document images cost a small fee per page.
Florida Statewide Court Access Portal
MyFloridaCourtAccess.com is the statewide court records portal built by the Florida Legislature. This portal connects to case databases from every Florida county. The site works well for searching cases across multiple counties. The statewide portal also serves as the e-filing system for attorneys and self-represented parties. Users create one account and use the same login to access all Florida courts. The portal shows the same case data as the county system but adds statewide search features.
courtMAP Management Platform
The courtMAP system runs on technology built from Broward County’s court management system. CourtMAP shows court events, hearing schedules, and case timelines in a calendar format. The platform helps attorneys, case managers, and self-represented parties track upcoming deadlines. CourtMAP connects to the case search system, so users can click from a hearing notice straight to the full case file. The system sends automatic reminders about scheduled events and document deadlines.
Step-by-Step Search Process
Searching for Hollywood family court records takes a few minutes when you have the right details. Follow these steps to get the best search results.
What You Need Before Searching
Good search results start with the right details. Gather as much of this as possible before opening any search portal.
- Full legal name of at least one party in the case
- Case number if you already have one from a lawyer or court notice
- Approximate year the case was filed
- Type of case (divorce, custody, support, paternity, or other)
More details give better search results. A full name with the correct spelling and the year of filing almost always locates the case. Searching with only a last name and no year may pull up too many results to sort through.
Reading Search Results
After you run a search, the portal shows a list of matching cases. Each row shows the case number, party names, filing date, case type, judge, and current status. Click any case number to see the full docket. The docket lists every document filed in the case in date order. Each entry shows the document title, filing date, and the name of the attorney or party who filed it. You can read the docket without paying any fee. Viewing the actual document images costs money per page.
Viewing Document Images Online
Most family court documents are viewable as scanned images online. After clicking a docket entry, the system asks if you want to view the document. A fee applies for each page you view. Payment happens through a secure portal with a credit or debit card. The system keeps a record of documents you view during your session. You can print or save the images to your own computer for personal use. Some sensitive documents stay sealed and never appear online, even with payment.
Types of Records Available
Hollywood family court records cover many different case types. Each case type has its own set of standard documents.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are the most requested family court files. These records include the original petition for dissolution of marriage, the response or answer from the other spouse, financial affidavits, and the final judgment of divorce. Settlement agreements, parenting plans for minor children, and property division orders also appear in divorce files. Court orders about alimony, attorney fees, and case costs appear in the same file. Marriage certificates and prenuptial agreements may be attached as exhibits.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing
Child custody records show the legal and physical custody arrangement between parents. The parenting plan is the main document. It covers the time-sharing schedule, holiday schedules, decision-making rights, and communication rules. Court orders that modify an existing parenting plan also appear in the case file. Emergency custody orders, pickup orders, and contempt filings show enforcement actions between the parents. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by the court.
Child Support Records
Child support records include the petition to establish or modify support, the financial affidavit from each parent, and the support order itself. The Department of Revenue often files these cases on behalf of custodial parents. Payment history, income withholding orders, and contempt motions for unpaid support all show up in the file. Modifications based on changed income or job loss create new entries in the docket. The State Disbursement Unit handles actual payment processing and keeps its own separate records.
Paternity Case Files
Paternity cases establish the legal father of a child. The file includes the petition to establish paternity, DNA test results, and the final order of paternity. Once paternity is established, the same case may continue with custody and support orders. Acknowledgments of paternity signed at the hospital become part of the court record. Legitimation petitions that allow a father to add his name to the birth certificate also appear in family court files.
Domestic Violence Injunctions
Domestic violence cases seek protective injunctions for victims. The petition describes the alleged violence, threats, or stalking. The file includes the temporary injunction issued at the first hearing and the final injunction after the full trial. Police reports and witness statements often appear as exhibits. Violation of injunction reports create new entries in the file. Some injunction records are sealed to protect the victim.
Adoption and Sealed Records
Adoption records in Florida are sealed by law. The final adoption decree is the only public document, and it shows the new name and date of adoption, not the birth parents. Old birth certificates and original birth names stay sealed. Adult adopted children may request a copy of their original birth certificate through a court order. Stepparent adoptions, relative adoptions, and agency adoptions all follow the same sealing rules.
Filing New Family Cases
Hollywood residents who need to start a new family case must file the right papers with the clerk. The filing process is the same for every family law matter in Broward County.
Filing Fees and Costs
The filing fee for a new divorce in Florida costs $408. Petitions for custody, support, and paternity have separate fee schedules. A fee waiver is available for people with low income who cannot afford the filing cost. Service of process fees apply when the sheriff or a private process server delivers papers to the other party. Certified copy fees, mediation costs, and court reporter fees add to the total cost of a case. Payment is accepted by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the clerk window.
E-Filing Requirements
Attorneys must e-file all family court documents in Florida. Self-represented parties may e-file or file paper copies. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal works for both groups. Filers create an account, upload PDF documents, and pay fees online. The portal accepts new cases, motions, responses, and proposed orders. E-filed documents reach the judge faster than paper filings. Most Hollywood family lawyers now file everything electronically.
Required Forms and Documents
Florida family court cases use approved Supreme Court forms. The most common forms include the petition, summons, financial affidavit, and uniform child custody jurisdiction affidavit. Self-represented parties can download these forms for free at flcourts.org. Local rules in the 17th Circuit may require additional forms or cover sheets. The clerk reviews new filings for completeness before assigning a judge and case number. Incomplete filings get rejected and returned to the filer.
Getting Certified Copies
Certified copies of Hollywood family court records carry the clerk’s official seal and signature. Banks, insurance companies, and other courts often require certified copies. Three ways exist to request certified copies.
In-Person Requests
Visit the Broward County Clerk main office at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number or party name. Staff at the public counter pull the file and make the certified copy while you wait for most requests. Same-day service is normal for files stored on site. Older archived files may need a few business days to retrieve. Payment happens at the counter by cash, check, or card.
Mail Request Procedure
Mail requests work for people who do not live near the courthouse. Write a letter that includes the case number, party names, type of case, and the specific documents you need. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the correct fee. Mail the request to the Broward County Clerk of Courts at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Allow two to three weeks for mail requests to come back. Call (954) 831-6565 to confirm the exact fee before mailing payment.
Copy and Certification Fees
Plain (non-certified) copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $7 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Certification proves the copy is a true copy of the original court document. Many legal uses require certified copies. Faxed or emailed copies are not certified and cannot be used for most legal purposes. Additional fees apply for document searches when the request does not include a case number.
Legal Help and Self-Help Resources
Hollywood residents who need help with family court cases have several options. Free and low-cost help is available for people who qualify.
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral
The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service that connects people with family law attorneys. Call 1-800-561-2808 to get the name of a lawyer near Hollywood. The first 30-minute consultation costs a small fee. The Florida Bar website also lists certified family law specialists who have extra training and experience. Lawyer fees vary based on case complexity, but most family attorneys offer free initial phone consultations.
Coast to Coast Legal Aid
Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida provides free legal help to low-income residents of Broward County. The phone number is (954) 736-2400. Services cover divorce, custody, support, paternity, and domestic violence cases. Volunteer attorneys handle cases for clients who meet income guidelines. Help is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. The office also runs free clinics at the courthouse where people can get help filling out forms.
Self-Help Center at Courthouse
The Broward County Courthouse has a self-help center on site. Staff answer questions about forms, filing procedures, and courthouse policies. They do not give legal advice or help fill out forms. Free printed packets cover common family law topics like divorce, custody, and name change. Video guides and written instructions are also available at the center. The self-help center cuts down on costly mistakes for people who file without a lawyer.
Family Court Judges and Divisions
Hollywood family cases get assigned to specific divisions within the 17th Judicial Circuit. Each division has its own judge and procedures.
Division 33 Details
Division 33 is one of the family court divisions in Broward County. Judge Pascale Achille presides over Division 33. The judicial assistant for this division is Dyana Del Ponte. The division office sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Room 11-156, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The phone number for Division 33 is (954) 831-1648. The division procedures for Unified Family Division 33 were last updated on April 17, 2026. Hollywood family cases get assigned to this division based on filing order and case type.
Division 37 Details
Division 37 is another family court division in Broward County. Judge Kristin R. Kanner presides over Division 37. The division office sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The phone number for Division 37 is (954) 831-5895. The division procedures for Unified Family Division 37 were last updated on July 6, 2026. Each division handles the full life of a family case, from the first hearing to the final order. Knowing your assigned judge helps you prepare for hearings and follow local rules.
Official Contact and Location Details
Use the contact details below to reach the Broward County Clerk of Courts for Hollywood family court record requests. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The main courthouse address is 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The main clerk phone number is (954) 831-6565. The official website is browardclerk.org. The Florida statewide court portal is myflcourtaccess.com. The Florida Court help line is available at the official site flcourts.org. Records from older cases may be archived in off-site storage, so call ahead for files filed more than 30 years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask the same questions about Hollywood family court records. These answers cover the most common requests and concerns. The answers below use current information from the Broward County Clerk of Courts and the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Call the clerk office at (954) 831-6565 for case-specific questions that need staff lookup.
Can I view Hollywood family court records for free?
Yes, the basic case search on the Broward County Clerk website is free. You can see the docket, party names, filing dates, and current status without paying. Viewing the actual scanned document images costs a fee per page. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. Going to the clerk office and viewing files on the public terminal is also free, but you cannot print without paying the copy fee. Marriage certificates, birth certificates, and death certificates are different from court records and have their own fee schedules through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
What family court records are sealed in Hollywood?
Several types of family court records are sealed by law or by court order. Adoption records stay sealed except for the final adoption decree. Records involving minors in certain custody or abuse cases may be sealed to protect the children. Mental health records used as evidence in family court stay sealed. Trade secrets and financial account numbers in financial affidavits may be redacted. Domestic violence victims may ask the court to seal their address and contact details. Sealed records require a court order to view, and only specific people named in the order can see them.
How long does it take to get a certified copy by mail?
Mail requests for certified copies take two to three weeks on average. Simple requests with a clear case number process faster. Old archived files may take four to six weeks to retrieve. Rush service is not available for mail requests. For faster service, visit the main clerk office in person and request same-day service. Online document purchases are processed immediately after payment. Plan ahead when you need certified copies for a court deadline.
Do I need a lawyer to file a family case in Hollywood?
No, Florida law allows people to file family cases without a lawyer. These filers are called self-represented or pro se litigants. The court provides forms and self-help centers to assist pro se filers. Family law cases involve complex legal rules, so mistakes can cost time and money. Lawyers help with paperwork, court appearances, and settlement talks. Coast to Coast Legal Aid offers free help for low-income residents. The Florida Bar lawyer referral line at 1-800-561-2808 connects people with paid family law attorneys in the Hollywood area.
Can I search Hollywood family court records by case number?
Yes, the Broward County Clerk case search portal lets you search by case number. Searching by case number gives the most accurate results. The case number format is a two-digit year, a two-letter court code, a six-digit sequence number, and a four-letter case type code. The court assigns the case number when the petition is filed. Your case number appears on every court notice, order, and filing in your case. Keep your case number safe for future record requests.
Are Hollywood family court hearings open to the public?
Most family court hearings are open to the public. Anyone can sit in the courtroom and watch a divorce, custody, or support hearing. Some sensitive hearings are closed to the public to protect children or victims. Sealed hearings happen behind closed doors with only the parties, attorneys, and court staff present. Final adoption hearings are always closed. Court orders and final judgments from open hearings become public records. You can read those orders through the clerk’s case search system after the judge signs them.