Miramar City family court records cover all divorce, custody, support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence cases filed by residents of Miramar, Florida. Because Miramar sits inside Broward County, every family law file is created, stored, and released through the Broward County Clerk of Courts under the 17th Judicial Circuit.
The records are public, searchable online, and available as certified copies for a small fee. This page explains the types of files you can request, the exact offices that hold them, the search portals that work, the costs, and the contact details for live help in 2026.
What Family Court Records Cover in Miramar
Family court records are legal files created when a judge rules on a family matter. Miramar residents file these cases at the county courthouse, and the clerk assigns a unique case number to each file. Once a case is opened, every pleading, motion, order, and judgment becomes part of the public docket unless a judge orders the file sealed.
Divorce Case Files
Divorce records are the most requested family files in Miramar. A divorce docket includes the petition, the response, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, parenting plans, and the final judgment of dissolution. Each document shows a filing date, a party name, and the judge who signed the order. Most divorce files remain public forever, even after the case closes.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Orders
Child custody files list every parenting plan, timesharing schedule, and modification order issued in Miramar. These records show which parent has the child on which days, decision-making rights, and any relocation approvals. Custody orders stay public, but the Social Security numbers and home addresses of minor children are removed before public release.
Child Support and Paternity Records
Child support files include the order, the payment history, wage withholding notices, and any contempt motions. Paternity files establish the legal father of a child and often include DNA test results filed under seal. The clerk releases only the paternity judgment and case number to the public, not the test results.
Adoption and Name Change Files
Adoption records are sealed by Florida law the moment the judge signs the final order. Name change files are public, but the underlying petition may be sealed if the judge grants a confidentiality motion. Miramar residents who need to unseal an adoption file must file a separate petition in the same circuit court.
Domestic Violence Injunctions
Domestic violence records include petitions for injunction, temporary orders, and final restraining orders. The petition itself is public, but the supporting affidavit, photos, and police reports are often sealed to protect the petitioner. A Miramar resident named in an injunction can request a copy of the public order, but not the sealed exhibits.
Where Miramar Family Court Records Are Stored
All Miramar family court records are stored at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The City of Miramar does not keep any court files. The county clerk acts as the official record keeper for every case filed inside the 17th Judicial Circuit, which includes Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, and more than 30 other cities.
Broward County Clerk of Courts Headquarters
The main clerk office is located at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Brenda D. Forman serves as the Clerk of Courts. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Miramar residents can walk in, search the public terminals, request certified copies, and file new family petitions at this location. The main phone line is (954) 831-6565.
The 17th Judicial Circuit Family Divisions
Family cases in Miramar are heard by the Unified Family Court Division. Division 33 is currently led by Judge Pascale Achille, whose judicial assistant Dyana Del Ponte can be reached at (954) 831-1648. Division 36 is led by Judge Kevin P. Tynan, reachable at (954) 831-7704. Each division issues a procedures order that controls how hearings are scheduled and how Zoom appearances are handled.
Why the City of Miramar Does Not Hold Court Files
The City of Miramar runs a separate City Clerk office at 2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar, FL 33025, reachable at (954) 602-3100. The city clerk stores council minutes, ordinances, contracts, and business tax receipts. Court files fall under state law and county authority, so the city clerk does not hold them. Miramar residents who need family court records must contact the county clerk or use the online portal.
How to Search Miramar Family Court Records Online
The fastest way to find a Miramar family court record is through the Broward County Clerk web portal. The portal runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and pulls live data from the court’s case management system. Two free systems give you basic case data, and a paid system gives you full document images.
Using the Broward Clerk Web Portal
Go to browardclerk.org and click the public records search link. Choose the case type you want, such as family, and enter either a full name or a case number. The portal returns a list of matching cases with the party names, filing date, case status, and assigned judge. You can click any case to see the docket entries and any public documents uploaded by the clerk. There is no cost to search.
Required Details for a Successful Search
The portal works best when you provide three pieces of data. A full name is the most common search term, and you should include the middle name when possible. A case number returns the exact file if the format is correct. The approximate filing year narrows the results and helps the system skip archived files that take longer to load.
courtMAP and MyFloridaCourtAccess
courtMAP is the official online Management and Access Platform for the 17th Judicial Circuit. It shows upcoming hearing dates, party contacts, and service status for every family case. MyFloridaCourtAccess is the statewide e-filing portal at myflcourtaccess.com. Attorneys must e-file through this portal, and self-represented Miramar residents can also use it to upload petitions and pay filing fees online. courtMAP shows the results; MyFloridaCourtAccess accepts the new filings.
Filing a New Family Case in Miramar
Miramar residents open a new family case by filing a petition with the Broward County Clerk. The clerk assigns a judge, sets the first hearing, and opens the public docket. Florida Rules of Family Law Procedure 12.015 require the use of approved forms from the 12.900 series for every petition. These forms are free and available on the Florida Courts website.
Filing Fees and Court Costs
The filing fee for a divorce in Florida is $408, set by Florida Statute 28.241. An extra $10 fee applies for the summons, which totals $418 in initial court costs. Paternity, custody modification, and support enforcement actions carry similar base fees. Miramar residents who cannot pay the fee may apply for a fee waiver using the approved indigency form.
E-Filing Through the State Portal
Attorneys must e-file every family pleading through MyFloridaCourtAccess. Self-represented Miramar residents can choose e-filing or paper filing at the clerk’s office. E-filing lets you upload a PDF, pay the fee by credit card, and receive a file-stamped copy by email. Most filings are accepted within one business day, and rejected filings come back with a clear reason for rejection.
Standard 12.900 Series Forms
The Florida Supreme Court has approved a full set of family law forms under the 12.900 series. These include the Petition for Dissolution, the Answer, the Financial Affidavit, the Notice of Social Security Number, and the Parenting Plan. Each form is available in both PDF and fillable RTF format. Miramar residents can also use SOFIA, the State Of Florida Interactive Access tool, which walks the user through plain language questions and builds the form automatically.
Getting Certified and Plain Copies
Miramar residents often need a copy of a court order for a job, a passport application, a name change, or a remarriage. The clerk offers two types of copies. Plain copies cost $1 per page and are suitable for personal reference. Certified copies carry the clerk’s raised seal and cost $7 for the first page plus $1 for each additional page. Certified copies are accepted by government agencies as legal proof.
In-Person Requests
Walk in to the clerk’s office at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Use the public terminals to pull the document, pay at the cashier window, and receive the certified copy the same day. Bring a photo ID and the case number to speed up the search. The clerk staff cannot give legal advice, but they can help you find the correct file.
Mail and Online Requests
Miramar residents who live out of state can request copies by mail. Send a written request that lists the case number, the names of both parties, the specific documents you need, and a check or money order for the exact amount. Mail the package to the Broward County Clerk of Courts at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Call (954) 831-6565 before mailing to confirm the fee and the current processing time.
Fees and Processing Time
Plain copies are printed the same day. Certified copies are sealed and signed by the deputy clerk on the same day for in-person requests. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days, depending on postal delivery and workload. Records filed before 1990 may be archived offsite and require an extra 3 to 5 business days to retrieve.
Sealed and Restricted Family Court Records
Florida law protects certain family files from public view. A judge may seal a record to protect a child, a victim of domestic violence, or a trade secret. The clerk marks the file as sealed, removes it from the public search portal, and stores it in a restricted area. Only the parties named in the case, their attorneys, and court staff can view a sealed file.
Adoption File Restrictions
Adoption files are sealed automatically when the judge signs the final order of adoption. The original birth certificate is sealed, and a new birth certificate is issued by the Florida Department of Health. Adult adoptees can request a non-identifying medical history through the court. A complete unsealing requires a separate petition and a judge approval, and is granted only for cause.
Domestic Violence Confidentiality
Domestic violence petitions and supporting affidavits are often sealed to protect the petitioner’s location. The public docket shows only the case number, the names of the parties, the date of the final hearing, and a redacted version of the final injunction. Miramar residents named as respondents in a sealed injunction can still view the public order through the clerk’s portal.
How to Request Unsealing
A party who needs a sealed file opened must file a Motion to Unseal. The motion must state the legal basis and the specific documents requested. The judge reviews the motion and may hold a hearing before ruling. Miramar residents who cannot afford an attorney can use the self-help center at the courthouse to prepare the motion using approved forms.
Free and Low-Cost Legal Help
Family court cases involve legal rules, deadlines, and forms that can confuse first-time filers. Several local programs give Miramar residents free or low-cost help with divorce, custody, support, and protection orders. The clerk staff cannot give legal advice, but the agencies below can.
Coast to Coast Legal Aid
Coast to Coast Legal Aid serves Broward County residents with free legal help in family law, housing, and public benefits. Miramar residents can apply by calling (954) 736-2400. The agency helps with divorce petitions, custody modifications, and domestic violence injunctions. Eligibility is based on income and household size, and the application is free.
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral
The Florida Bar runs a statewide Lawyer Referral Service that connects residents with licensed family law attorneys. Call 1-800-561-2808 to request a referral in Broward County. The service charges a small fee for the initial 30-minute consultation, and the attorney can quote a flat fee or hourly rate after that meeting.
Self-Help Centers and SOFIA
The Broward County Courthouse runs a self-help center that helps Miramar residents fill out family law forms, file motions, and prepare for hearings. Staff do not give legal advice, but they walk users through the process step by step. The Florida Courts website also hosts SOFIA, the State Of Florida Interactive Access tool, which generates court-ready forms from plain language questions for free.
Contact Details and Office Hours
Use the details below to reach the right office for Miramar family court records. The county clerk handles all records and filings. The state court runs the e-filing portal. The legal aid agencies provide free help. The court interpreter office supports residents with limited English.
Official website: browardclerk.org
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Address: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
E-filing portal: myflcourtaccess.com
Court Interpreter Office: (954) 831-7290 (request at least 7 days before the hearing)
Division 33 Judicial Assistant: (954) 831-1648
Division 36 Judicial Assistant: (954) 831-7704
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common search, filing, and copy requests that Miramar residents send to the Broward County Clerk. Each answer is based on the rules, fees, and procedures in effect in 2026. If your case involves an emergency such as domestic violence, contact local law enforcement or a legal aid agency right away.
Can I view Miramar family court records for free?
Yes, the basic case search on the Broward County Clerk web portal is free. You can see party names, filing dates, case status, and the assigned judge. You can also view the docket sheet, which lists every motion and order filed in the case. Document images cost a small fee per page, and certified copies cost $7 for the first page and $1 for each extra page.
How long does the clerk keep family court records?
The clerk keeps active family case files in the main system for the life of the case. After the case closes, the file is archived but remains available through the public portal. Files older than 10 years are sometimes moved offsite and may take a few extra days to retrieve. Adoption and sealed files follow a different retention schedule under Florida law.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Miramar?
Florida law does not require a lawyer for a divorce, and many Miramar residents file on their own. Self-represented filers must use the approved 12.900 series forms and follow the same rules as attorneys. The self-help center at the courthouse and the SOFIA online tool help filers complete the paperwork correctly. A lawyer is recommended for contested cases that involve children, property, or support.
Are Miramar divorce records public after sealing?
Divorce records are public by default and remain public after the case closes. A judge can seal part of a divorce file only for cause, such as to protect a child’s identity or a trade secret. The final judgment of dissolution, which is the document most people need, is rarely sealed. Miramar residents can request a certified copy of the final judgment at any time.
How do I find a Miramar child support order online?
Search the Broward County Clerk portal by the case number or by the full name of either parent. The child support order appears in the docket entries. The Florida Department of Revenue also runs a statewide child support payment portal that shows the current balance, recent payments, and disbursement history. Both portals are free to search.
Can I get a Miramar court interpreter for my hearing?
Yes, the 17th Judicial Circuit Court Interpreter Office provides spoken language interpreters in Spanish, Haitian Creole, and other languages. Miramar residents who need an interpreter must notify the judicial assistant at least 7 days before the hearing. The interpreter service is free for family law cases, and the request can be made by phone or email.
What happens if my family case file is lost or damaged?
The clerk maintains backup records for every family case filed in the 17th Judicial Circuit. If a file is lost or damaged, the clerk can rebuild it from the digital docket, the scanned pleadings, and the court reporter’s transcript. Miramar residents who notice a missing document should contact the clerk’s office at (954) 831-6565 and request a records reconstruction. A small fee may apply for certified rebuilt copies.