Gainesville Family Court Records and Clerk Services
Gainesville family court records are kept at the Alachua County Clerk of Court. The city is in the 8th Judicial Circuit of Florida. All family law cases for Gainesville go through the county court. The clerk maintains divorce, custody, support, and other family case files. You can access these records online or at the courthouse. The city has over 148,000 residents and hosts the University of Florida, with all family legal matters handled at the county level in Alachua County.
Gainesville Quick Facts
Where to Access Gainesville Family Court Records
Gainesville serves as the county seat of Alachua County, which means all family court records are maintained at the Alachua County Clerk of Court office. The courthouse is located at 201 E. University Avenue in downtown Gainesville, providing convenient access for residents throughout the county. You can visit the clerk's office to get copies of records, file new cases, or request certified documents. J.K. "Jess" Irby serves as the Alachua County Clerk of Court, and his office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can reach them at (352) 374-3636 with questions about record access or filing procedures.
| Office | Alachua County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk | J.K. "Jess" Irby |
| Address | 201 E. University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 |
| Phone | (352) 374-3636 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | alachuaclerk.org |
The City of Gainesville maintains a City Clerk office at 200 E. University Avenue, reachable at (352) 334-5015. It is important to understand that city clerks do not keep or maintain court records. They handle city council minutes, local ordinances, and municipal business only. All family court papers are filed and stored at the county level through the Alachua County Clerk of Court.
Online Access to Gainesville Family Court Records
You can search Gainesville family court records online through the Alachua County Clerk's case search system. The state portal at MyFloridaCourtAccess also provides access to cases filed in the 8th Judicial Circuit. Both systems allow you to look up cases by party name or case number from any computer with internet access. The online system displays case details including party names, filing dates, and current case status. Some documents are available to view directly through the portal, though you will pay fees for document access. Certified copies still require an in-person visit to the clerk's office.
Go to alachuaclerk.org and click on the court records link. Enter a name or case number to begin your search. The search is free, and you only pay if you want to view or download documents.
To search online, you need:
- Full name of at least one party
- Case number if you have it
- Approximate filing year
- Payment method for documents
Filing Family Court Cases in Gainesville
Gainesville residents file family cases at the Alachua County Courthouse through the county clerk's office. The 8th Judicial Circuit hears divorce, custody, support, and paternity matters. The filing fee for divorce is $408 in Alachua County, which represents the state base fee. You may have additional costs for service of process, which is required to notify the other party about the case.
E-filing is available through the Florida portal at myflcourtaccess.com. You create an account, upload PDF files, and pay fees by credit card. The 8th Circuit has family court divisions with judges who specialize in family law. Family case managers assist with settlement talks, and mediation is often required to help parties reach agreements before trial.
Types of Family Court Records in Gainesville
The Alachua County Clerk maintains many types of family court records, and Gainesville residents can get copies of most records upon request. Some files are sealed by court order and require special permission to access. Divorce records are the most requested type, including petitions, answers, final judgments, and property settlements.
Child custody records show parenting plans and time-sharing schedules. Child support records include orders, payment logs, and wage garnishment papers. Paternity records establish legal father status. Domestic violence records contain injunctions for protection. Guardianship records name legal guardians for minors or adults.
Adoption records are sealed and cannot be viewed without a court order. Name change records are public and show the court-approved name change.
Getting Copies of Gainesville Family Court Records
You have several options for obtaining copies of family court records. Visiting the clerk's office in Gainesville provides same-day service for most requests. Online services allow you to view some records from home. Mail requests work well if you plan ahead and are not in a hurry.
Plain copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $7 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Certification proves the copy is true and accurate, and many legal uses require certified copies. To order by mail, write to the Alachua County Clerk with case details and document names. Enclose payment for fees and call (352) 374-3636 to confirm the amount.
Older cases may be in storage. Records from before 1990 may take longer to retrieve. Call ahead to ask about these files, and the clerk will tell you where they are kept.
Legal Help for Gainesville Family Court Cases
Family court can be complex. Many Gainesville residents seek legal help from qualified attorneys. The Florida Bar can refer you to a family law attorney. Call 1-800-561-2808.
Free legal aid is available through Three Rivers Legal Services. They serve Gainesville and help with divorce, custody, and domestic violence. Call (352) 372-0519 to apply.
Alachua County has a self-help center at the courthouse where staff help with forms and court process. They do not give legal advice but guide you to helpful resources. Free forms are at flcourts.org along with guides and videos.
Alachua County Family Court Records
Gainesville is in Alachua County, and all family court records are at the county clerk's office. The county serves several cities and towns. For more about the county court system, visit the Alachua County page.