Hollywood Florida Family Court Records Access
Hollywood family court records are filed with the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The city is in the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. All divorce, custody, and family law cases for Hollywood go through the county court. The clerk keeps these records and gives public access. You can search online or visit the clerk's office. The city has over 159,000 residents and shares the same county court system as other Broward County communities for all family legal matters.
Hollywood Quick Facts
Where to Find Hollywood Family Court Records
Hollywood is located in Broward County, and all family court records for city residents are maintained at the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The main courthouse is in Fort Lauderdale at 201 SE 6th Street, with satellite offices providing some services throughout the county. You can visit the clerk's office to get copies of records, file new cases, or request certified documents. Brenda D. Forman serves as the Broward County Clerk of Courts, and her office maintains records for Hollywood and over 30 other cities in Broward County.
| Office | Broward County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Brenda D. Forman |
| Address | 201 SE 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | browardclerk.org |
The City of Hollywood has a City Clerk office at 2600 Hollywood Boulevard, reachable at (954) 921-3211. City clerks handle city records such as council minutes and local ordinances. They do not keep court files or family law records. All family court records are filed and stored at the county level.
Online Search for Hollywood Family Court Records
You can search Hollywood family court records online through the Broward County Clerk's case search system. The state portal at MyFloridaCourtAccess also provides access to cases in the 17th Judicial Circuit. Both systems are open to the public and available 24 hours a day. The online system shows case information including party names, filing dates, and current case status. Some documents are viewable online for a fee. Certified copies still require an in-person visit to the clerk's office.
Visit browardclerk.org and look for the public records search link. Enter a name or case number to search. Searches are free, and you only pay if you want to view documents.
You will need the following to search:
- Full name of a party to the case
- Case number if known
- Approximate filing year
Filing Family Cases for Hollywood Residents
Hollywood residents file family cases at the Broward County Courthouse through the county clerk's office. The 17th Judicial Circuit hears divorce, custody, support, and paternity cases. The filing fee for a new divorce is $408 as set by Florida statute. You also pay service fees to have papers delivered to the other party, which is required by law.
E-filing is required for attorneys and available to self-represented parties. The Florida e-filing portal at myflcourtaccess.com lets you upload PDF files and pay fees online. The court has family divisions with specialized judges. Family case managers help parties settle, and mediation is often required before trial.
Types of Hollywood Family Court Records
The Broward County Clerk keeps many record types, and Hollywood residents can access most of them. Some files are sealed by court order. Divorce records are most often requested, including petitions, answers, and judgments along with settlement agreements.
Child custody records show parenting plans and time-sharing orders. Child support records include payment orders, wage garnishment notices, and payment history. Paternity records establish legal fatherhood. Domestic violence records have injunctions and protective orders. Guardianship records name legal guardians for minors or incapacitated adults.
Adoption records are sealed in Florida and require a court order to view. Name change records are public and show the legal change of name approved by the court.
Getting Copies of Hollywood Family Court Records
You can get copies in several ways. Visit the clerk's office in Fort Lauderdale for same-day service. Use online services for some records. Send a mail request if you are not in a hurry.
Plain copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $7 for the first page and $1 for each extra page. Certification proves the copy is accurate, and many legal uses need certified copies. To request by mail, write to the Broward County Clerk with case details and document names. Send payment for the fees. Call (954) 831-6565 to confirm fees first.
Older cases may be archived. Records from before 1990 can take longer. Call ahead to ask about these files, and the clerk will tell you where they are.
Legal Help for Hollywood Family Court Cases
Many Hollywood residents need legal help with family matters. The Florida Bar can refer you to a family law attorney. Call 1-800-561-2808.
Free legal aid is available through Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida. They serve Broward County and help with divorce, custody, and domestic violence. Call (954) 736-2400 to apply.
Broward County has a self-help center at the courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Staff help with forms and process but do not give legal advice. Free forms are at flcourts.org, along with guides and videos.
Broward County Family Court Records
Hollywood is in Broward County, and all family court records are at the county clerk's office. The county serves over 30 cities. For more about the county court system, visit the Broward County page.