Clearwater Family Court Case Records Access
Clearwater family court records are maintained by the Pinellas County Clerk of Court. The city clerk does not handle court files. All divorce, custody, and support cases for Clearwater residents go through the county system. The 6th Judicial Circuit Court serves the Clearwater area. Family law matters are filed at the county level.
Clearwater Quick Facts
Pinellas County Clerk Maintains Clearwater Family Court Records
Family court records for Clearwater are kept by the Pinellas County Clerk, with Ken Burke serving as the elected clerk. His office manages all court records for the 6th Judicial Circuit, encompassing cases from Clearwater and all other cities throughout Pinellas County. The city clerk handles city records only, which means any family court-related documentation must be obtained through the county system.
The county clerk's main office is conveniently located at 315 Court Street in downtown Clearwater, where family court records are housed and made available to the public. You can visit this facility to request case files, and staff members are trained to assist with searches by party name or case number. The office provides certified copies for legal use and operates weekdays from eight to five.
The Pinellas County Clerk office maintains all family court records for Clearwater residents.
| Office | Pinellas County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Ken Burke |
| Address | 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 |
| Phone | (727) 464-3341 |
| Website | www.mypinellasclerk.gov |
The Clearwater City Clerk operates from 112 S. Osceola Avenue and can be reached at (727) 562-4050. They maintain city council records, manage contracts and permits, but do not possess court files. Always visit the county clerk for family court records.
Online Access to Clearwater Family Court Records
You can search Clearwater family court records online through the digital tools provided by the Pinellas County Clerk. By visiting www.mypinellasclerk.gov, you gain access to case search features that allow you to look up family law cases by party name or case number. The clerk's records search system is user-friendly and enables you to enter search terms, view matching cases, and access additional details.
The Pinellas County records search system allows Clearwater residents to find family court cases online.
The Florida E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com also serves Clearwater residents with statewide access. Online searches display case details including party names and status, though full access may require an in-person visit. Certified copies come from the clerk's office, which is available to answer questions about online access procedures.
Types of Family Court Records in Clearwater
Clearwater family courts handle many case types, each creating public records. Divorce cases are common and include petitions, financial forms, settlement agreements, and final judgments. Child custody cases produce parenting plans showing where children live and detailing visitation schedules. Child support records include payment orders with income and calculations.
Clearwater family court cases generate detailed records maintained by the Pinellas County Clerk.
Domestic violence cases are filed often with temporary injunctions offering fast protection. Paternity cases establish father rights, adoption records are kept, and guardianship cases create files too. Most records are open to the public, though some may be sealed by court order. Personal information including social security numbers and bank details is protected.
Clearwater Family Court E-Filing Portal
Clearwater residents can file family court cases online through the e-filing portal, which makes submission easy and saves time and trips to the courthouse. Both attorneys and self-represented parties can use this system, though e-filing is required for attorneys while remaining optional for others.
The e-filing portal allows Clearwater residents to submit family court documents electronically.
To use the portal, create an account on the website and follow the filing steps to submit new cases or add to existing ones. The system confirms receipt and tracks your filings. PDF is the standard format, and files must be clear with proper naming. Call the clerk for help if needed.
Clearwater City Clerk vs County Clerk
Clearwater maintains separate city and county clerk offices that serve different purposes. The city clerk works for Clearwater government and is located on Osceola Avenue in downtown, managing city council minutes, contracts, and permits. The Pinellas County Clerk operates from Court Street, also downtown, and keeps all court records including family law cases, divorce files, custody documentation, and support orders.
Both offices need photo ID, and the courthouse has security screening that requires arriving early. Parking is nearby with public transit serving the area. Planning your visit in advance ensures you reach the correct office for your specific record needs.
How to Request Clearwater Family Court Records
You have multiple options for obtaining Clearwater family court records with different procedures and speeds. In-person visits give quick results at 315 Court Street with photo ID. Staff will find the case, allow file viewing, and make copies with certified versions at extra cost.
Online searches work from home through the Pinellas County Clerk website using the case search tool to enter names or numbers and view details with some documents downloadable. Mail requests are possible by writing to the clerk's office with case information, contact details, and payment, though processing takes additional time.
Pinellas County Family Court Records
Clearwater is part of Pinellas County, and all family court records for the city are integrated into the county system. The county clerk maintains files for Clearwater alongside other communities including St. Petersburg, Largo, and Palm Harbor. For comprehensive information about the county court system, visit the Pinellas County family court records page.