Boca Raton Family Court Case Records
Boca Raton family court records are maintained by the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court, not the city clerk. All divorce, custody, and support cases for Boca Raton residents are filed at the county level in West Palm Beach. The 15th Judicial Circuit Court handles these matters at the Palm Beach County Courthouse. The city clerk manages city business records only. Family law cases stay with the county system.
Boca Raton Quick Facts
Palm Beach County Clerk Maintains Boca Raton Family Court Records
Family court records for Boca Raton are kept by the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court, not the Boca Raton City Clerk. Mike Caruso serves as the elected Palm Beach County Clerk, and his office manages all court records for the 15th Judicial Circuit, including cases from Boca Raton and all other municipalities within Palm Beach County. This distinction is crucial because many residents mistakenly visit city offices when they actually need county records. The county clerk's office is the official custodian of all family law documentation, including divorce proceedings, child custody determinations, child support orders, and domestic violence injunctions that are filed within the jurisdiction.
The county clerk's office is located at 301 N. Olive Avenue in downtown West Palm Beach, serving as the primary hub for family court records access for Boca Raton residents. You can visit this location in person to request files, and the staff can assist you with searches using either party names or specific case numbers. They provide both plain and certified copies of documents, with certified copies carrying an additional fee for official use. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and it is important to arrive with proper identification and allow time for security screening at the courthouse entrance.
The City of Boca Raton municipal building houses local government offices, but court records are maintained at the county level in West Palm Beach.
| Office | Palm Beach County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Mike Caruso |
| Address | 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| Phone | (561) 355-2996 |
| Website | palmbeachclerk.com |
The Boca Raton City Clerk's office is located at 201 W. Palmetto Park Road and can be reached at (561) 393-7700. This office handles city council records, local permits, and municipal contracts, but they do not maintain or provide access to court files. Residents seeking family court records should not visit this location, as all divorce, custody, and family law documentation is exclusively managed by the Palm Beach County Clerk. For all court document needs, contact the Palm Beach County Clerk at (561) 355-2996 or visit their downtown West Palm Beach location.
Online Access to Boca Raton Family Court Records
You can search Boca Raton family court records remotely using online tools provided by the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court. The official website at palmbeachclerk.com offers case search functionality that allows you to look up family law matters by party name or case number. Basic case details and docket information are often available free of charge, making this a convenient first step for residents who need to verify case existence or check current status without traveling to West Palm Beach.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com provides statewide access to court records and also serves Boca Raton residents. This system covers all 67 Florida counties and is particularly useful when you are uncertain about which county holds specific records or when you need to search across multiple jurisdictions. While online searches reveal case status, party names, and some document availability, complete file access may still require an in-person visit to the courthouse, and certified copies must be obtained directly from the clerk's office.
Types of Family Court Records in Boca Raton
Boca Raton family courts within the 15th Judicial Circuit handle a comprehensive range of case types, each generating detailed records maintained by the Palm Beach County Clerk. Divorce cases represent the most common filings, creating extensive documentation including initial petitions, financial affidavits, marital settlement agreements, and final judgments of dissolution. Child custody proceedings produce parenting plans that establish time-sharing schedules and detail parental rights and responsibilities. Child support records contain payment orders, income calculations, and modification proceedings, with enforcement handled through the Florida Department of Revenue. Domestic violence cases often move quickly through the system, with temporary injunctions sometimes granted within 24 hours, and all associated documentation becomes part of the permanent court record.
Most family court records in Boca Raton are considered public documents under Florida law, though certain sensitive information is protected from general disclosure. Social security numbers, bank account details, and other financial identifiers are automatically redacted from public view. In some situations, entire case files or specific documents may be sealed by court order, requiring a judge's approval for access. If you discover unredacted private information in publicly accessible records, you should notify the clerk's office immediately to request appropriate redaction and protect sensitive personal data from public exposure.
Boca Raton City Clerk vs County Clerk
Many Boca Raton residents experience confusion about where to find family court records because the city and county maintain separate clerk offices with distinctly different responsibilities. The Boca Raton City Clerk operates as part of the municipal government structure, handling administrative functions for the city. In contrast, the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court serves the judicial system and is responsible for maintaining all court-related documentation. Understanding this fundamental distinction will save you significant time and prevent unnecessary trips to the wrong office when you need access to family law records.
The Boca Raton City Clerk's office is located at 201 W. Palmetto Park Road with a contact number of (561) 393-7700. This office maintains city council minutes, municipal contracts, business permits, and various local government records. However, they do not possess, manage, or provide access to any court records, including family law files, divorce proceedings, or custody documentation. The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court operates from 301 N. Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach and can be reached at (561) 355-2996. This office maintains all court records for the 15th Judicial Circuit, including every family law case filed by Boca Raton residents, regardless of where they live within the county boundaries.
The county clerk's office at the courthouse requires photo identification for record requests and has mandatory security screening at the entrance. Plan to arrive early to allow sufficient time for parking and security procedures, especially during busy morning hours when the courthouse typically experiences higher visitor volumes. The drive from Boca Raton to West Palm Beach takes approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
How to Request Boca Raton Family Court Records
You have three primary methods for obtaining family court records as a Boca Raton resident, each offering different advantages depending on your specific needs and timeline. In-person visits to the Palm Beach County Clerk's office at 301 N. Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach provide the fastest results, allowing you to speak directly with staff, view files on-site, and receive copies during your visit. This method is ideal when you need certified copies for legal proceedings or when you require immediate access to case documentation. Staff members can assist with searches using party names or case numbers, and both plain and certified copies can be produced while you wait.
Online searches offer convenience for residents who cannot visit the courthouse in person. The Palm Beach County Clerk's website provides case lookup tools that display basic case information and some document availability. For comprehensive statewide searching, the Florida E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com covers all 67 Florida counties. Mail requests are also accepted for those who prefer written correspondence or need documents sent to a specific address. Submit a detailed request letter including case information and your contact details along with appropriate payment for copies, though this method requires additional processing time compared to in-person visits.
Palm Beach County Family Court Records
As one of the largest cities in Palm Beach County, Boca Raton's family court records are fully integrated into the Palm Beach County court system. The Palm Beach County Clerk maintains comprehensive files for all family law matters originating from Boca Raton as well as other municipalities throughout the county. Because court records are maintained at the county level rather than the city level, understanding the relationship between municipal and county record-keeping is particularly important for Boca Raton residents seeking access to court documentation.