Palm Beach County family court records are official files from the 15th Judicial Circuit family court. These records cover divorce, custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence cases.
The Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller keeps these records at the main office in West Palm Beach, Florida. Anyone can look at most of these records online or in person. This page explains how to search for records, what types of files exist, and how to get official copies.
About the Palm Beach County Clerk Office
The Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller is the main office that keeps family court records. Mike Caruso, CPA serves as the current clerk. The office stores thousands of family law files each year. These files come from cases filed in the 15th Judicial Circuit Court. The clerk’s office makes most records open to the public. This helps lawyers, researchers, and regular people find the files they need.
Office Location and Contact Details
The main clerk’s office sits in downtown West Palm Beach. The address is 301 North Olive Avenue, 9th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. You can call the office at (561) 355-2996. The official website is mypalmbeachclerk.com. This website lets you search records, file documents, and pay fees online. The office also has branch locations across the county for your convenience.
| Contact Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller |
| Street Address | 301 N. Olive Avenue, 9th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| Phone Number | (561) 355-2996 |
| Website | www.mypalmbeachclerk.com |
| Main Court | 15th Judicial Circuit Court |
| Clerk Name | Mike Caruso, CPA |
Hours, Services, and Walk-in Options
The clerk’s office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office closes on state and federal holidays. You can visit in person to search records at public computers. Staff can help you find files if you bring a photo ID. Many people save time by using the online search tools before visiting. Self-help centers at the courthouse also offer free help for people who file without a lawyer.
How to Search Online for Family Records
The clerk’s office runs an online search system called eCaseView. This tool lets you look up family court records from any computer or phone. You can search by name, case number, or court date. The system shows case details, party names, and hearing dates. Most records from 1986 to today are available online. Older files may need an in-person visit or a written request.
Searching by Party Name in eCaseView
To search by name, go to mypalmbeachclerk.com and click the court records link. Enter the last name first, then the first name. Use the drop-down menu to pick the family court division. You can also add a date range to limit your results. The system will show all matching cases. Click on a case number to see the full file details. Always try both maiden and married names when searching.
Searching by Case Number or Docket
A case number search gives you the most exact results. Family case numbers in Palm Beach County start with letters like “DR” for dissolution of marriage, “IN” for injunction, or “AD” for adoption. Enter the full case number, including the year, in the search box. The system will pull up only that specific case. This method works best when you already have a case number from a lawyer or old document.
Searching by Date Range and Filters
Date filters help you find cases from a specific time period. Enter a start date and end date in the search form. You can also filter by case type, such as divorce, custody, or support. The system lets you sort results by filing date or hearing date. Use these filters to cut through thousands of old cases. This saves you time when looking for recent files.
Types of Family Court Records Available
The clerk’s office keeps many kinds of family court records. Each type of case creates its own set of documents. The main types include divorce, custody, support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence. You can see most of these files online. Some sealed records stay hidden from the public for privacy reasons. Below are the most common record types you can search.
Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage
Divorce records show every step of a marriage ending. These files include the petition, financial papers, settlement deals, and the final judgment. You can see how the court split property, money, and debts. The records also note if one spouse asked for alimony. Both contested and uncontested divorces appear in the system. Most divorce files become public once the court signs the final judgment.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Custody records show how parents share time with their children. These files include parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and holiday arrangements. They also list who makes decisions about school, health, and religion. The court keeps track of all changes to custody orders over time. You can see the current status of any custody case. Sealed parts of custody files often include the children’s full names and addresses.
Child Support and Paternity Records
Child support files show how much money one parent must pay the other. These records include the support order, payment history, and any changes over time. Paternity cases prove who the legal father is. Paternity files often include DNA test results and birth certificate changes. The Department of Revenue also files child support cases. These files are public unless sealed by a judge.
Adoption and Name Change Records
Adoption records create a legal link between adoptive parents and a child. Most adoption files in Florida stay sealed forever. Only the people named in the adoption can see these records. You need a court order to open a sealed adoption file. Name change records show legal name changes for adults or minors. These files become public after the court signs the final order.
Domestic Violence and Injunction Records
Injunction records protect people from harm or threats. These files include petitions, temporary orders, and final injunctions. You can see who filed for protection and against whom. The records list any violations of the order. Domestic violence cases move through court quickly. Most injunction files are public, but some parts stay sealed to protect victims.
Fees for Copies and Certified Documents
The clerk’s office charges fees for copies of court records. The cost depends on the type of copy you need. Regular copies cost less than certified copies. Certified copies have the clerk’s seal and count as legal proof. You need certified copies for name changes, immigration, and most legal filings. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards.
Standard Copy and Certification Costs
Regular copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost an extra $7.00 per document. Some records also have a search fee of $2.00 per name per year. You can pay these fees at the counter or online. Rush service costs more and takes about 24 hours. Standard requests take 3 to 5 business days. Prices may change, so always check the website for current rates.
| Service Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Regular Copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified Copy (per document) | $7.00 |
| Record Search (per name per year) | $2.00 |
| Rush Service (additional fee) | Varies |
| Online Payment Processing Fee | $1.50 to $3.50 |
Payment Methods and Online Payments
You can pay fees in person at the clerk’s office. The office accepts cash, personal checks, and major credit cards. Online payments use a secure portal on the website. Credit and debit card payments add a small processing fee. Money orders must be made out to the Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts. You will get a receipt for every payment you make.
The 15th Judicial Circuit Family Division
The 15th Judicial Circuit Court handles all family cases in Palm Beach County. The family division has its own judges and courtrooms. These judges focus only on family law cases like divorce and custody. The main family courthouse sits in West Palm Beach. Some hearings happen at branch courthouses in Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Belle Glade.
Court Locations and Hearing Schedule
The main family courthouse is at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. This building has all the family court judges and hearing rooms. You can check hearing times online through the clerk’s website. Most family hearings last 15 to 30 minutes. Complex trials can last several days. Bring a photo ID and arrive 30 minutes early to clear security.
Required Programs for Family Cases
Florida law requires parents in custody and divorce cases to take a parenting class. This class teaches co-parenting skills. The class costs around $30 to $50 and takes about 4 hours. You can take it online or in person. Some cases also require mediation before going to trial. Mediation helps parents agree on issues without a judge deciding. Domestic violence cases require a separate batterer intervention program.
Sealed and Restricted Family Records
Some family court records stay sealed by court order. Sealed records hide sensitive details from the public. Judges seal records to protect children, victims, and private financial data. Common sealed files include adoption records, juvenile records, and some domestic violence files. You can ask the court to open a sealed file, but you need a good legal reason.
How to Request Access to Sealed Files
To open a sealed file, you must file a written motion with the court. The motion explains why you need to see the record. A judge reviews your request and decides whether to grant access. If approved, you can view the file at the clerk’s office. You may also need to pay a fee for copies of the sealed record. Some sealed files stay closed forever under Florida law.
Search Tips for Better Results
A good search saves you time and effort. Start with as much information as you have. Use full legal names when possible. Check for spelling errors in your search terms. Try different name formats if your first search fails. Look at the date range to narrow down results. Always read the case details carefully before requesting copies.
Using Full Legal Names and Aliases
People often change names through marriage or divorce. Always try the current legal name first. Then search maiden names and previous married names. The system also tracks alias names used in past court cases. If a person used a nickname, try that too. Business entities show up in family court when they own property in a divorce. Use the business search tool for these cases.
Narrowing Results by Date and Court
Broad searches can return hundreds of cases. Use date filters to focus on a specific year or time period. The family court filter limits results to the right division. You can also filter by case type, such as paternity or adoption. If you know the judge’s name, that helps too. Sorting results by date shows the most recent cases first.
Contact and Office Information
The Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller handles all family court records. The main office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You can reach the office by phone at (561) 355-2996. The official website is mypalmbeachclerk.com. The office address is 301 North Olive Avenue, 9th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about family court records in Palm Beach County. Below are answers to the most common questions. These cover search methods, fees, sealed records, and certified copies. If you need more help, call the clerk’s office during business hours. You can also visit the self-help center at the courthouse for free legal information.
How do I find divorce records in Palm Beach County?
You can find divorce records through the Palm Beach County Clerk’s eCaseView online system. Go to mypalmbeachclerk.com and click the court records search link. Enter the full legal name of either spouse, or the case number if you have it. Filter the results by dissolution of marriage or divorce. Most divorce files from 1986 to today are available online. For older files, visit the clerk’s office in person with a photo ID. The clerk charges $1.00 per page for regular copies and $7.00 per document for certified copies.
Can I see child custody records online?
Yes, most child custody records are public and available through the online search system. The records show parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and custody orders. You can see changes to custody over time. Some parts of the file stay sealed to protect the children, such as their full names and home addresses. The public parts include court orders, hearing dates, and party names. You do not need to be a lawyer to view these records.
Are Palm Beach County family court records free to search?
Yes, searching for family court records on the clerk’s website is free. You can look at case details, hearing dates, and party names without paying. Fees only apply when you request copies of documents. Regular copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost an extra $7.00 per document. Online searches do not need an account or login. Anyone with internet access can use the system.
How do I get a certified copy of a family court order?
You can request a certified copy at the clerk’s office or through the website. Bring a photo ID if you visit in person. Provide the case number or full party names. Pay the $7.00 certification fee plus $1.00 per page. The clerk stamps the document with an official seal. Certified copies are ready the same day for most requests. You can also order certified copies online using a credit card.
What family court records are sealed in Palm Beach County?
Florida law seals many types of family records. Adoption files stay sealed forever in most cases. Juvenile dependency records are sealed. Some domestic violence files have sealed parts to protect victims. Financial affidavits can be sealed in divorce cases. Judges can also seal records for other good reasons. To view sealed records, you must file a motion with the court and get a judge’s order.
How do I search for paternity case records?
Paternity case records are in the family court database. Use the case number or party name to search. Paternity cases show DNA test results, court orders, and birth certificate changes. The father, mother, or state agency can file these cases. Most paternity files are public. You can see the case status and hearing schedule online. The clerk’s office can help you locate specific paternity records.
Can I search family court records by case number?
Yes, a case number search gives you the most direct results. Family case numbers in Palm Beach County start with codes like “DR” for dissolution, “IN” for injunction, or “AD” for adoption. The number also includes the year and sequence. Enter the full number, including dashes, in the search box. The system will show only that specific case. This method works well when you have a case number from a lawyer or old paper.