Jacksonville Family Court Case Records
Jacksonville family court records are maintained by the Duval County Clerk of Court, not the city clerk. All divorce, custody, and support cases for Jacksonville residents are filed at the county level. The 4th Judicial Circuit Court handles these matters at the Duval County Courthouse. The city clerk manages city business records only. Family law cases stay with the county system.
Jacksonville Quick Facts
Duval County Clerk Maintains Jacksonville Family Court Records
Family court records for Jacksonville are kept by the Duval County Clerk of Court, not the Jacksonville City Clerk. Jody Phillips serves as the elected Duval County Clerk, and her office manages all court records for the 4th Judicial Circuit, including cases from Jacksonville and all other municipalities within Duval 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 501 W. Adams Street in downtown Jacksonville, serving as the primary hub for family court records access. 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 Duval County Clerk office in Jacksonville maintains all family court records for city residents.
| Office | Duval County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Jody Phillips |
| Address | 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
| Phone | (904) 255-2000 |
| Website | www.duvalclerk.com |
The Jacksonville City Clerk's office is located at 117 W. Duval Street and can be reached at (904) 255-8100. 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 county clerk. For all court document needs, contact the Duval County Clerk at (904) 255-2000 or visit their downtown location.
Online Access to Jacksonville Family Court Records
You can search Jacksonville family court records remotely using online tools provided by the Duval County Clerk of Court. The official website at www.duvalclerk.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 the courthouse.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com provides statewide access to court records and also serves Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
Jacksonville family courts within the 4th Judicial Circuit handle a comprehensive range of case types, each generating detailed records maintained by the Duval 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 Jacksonville 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.
Jacksonville City Clerk vs County Clerk
Many Jacksonville residents experience confusion about where to find family court records because the city and county maintain separate clerk offices with distinctly different responsibilities. The Jacksonville City Clerk operates as part of the municipal government structure, handling administrative functions for the consolidated city-county government. In contrast, the Duval 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 Jacksonville City Clerk's office is located at 117 W. Duval Street with a contact number of (904) 255-8100. 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 Duval County Clerk of Court operates from 501 W. Adams Street and can be reached at (904) 255-2000. This office maintains all court records for the 4th Judicial Circuit, including every family law case filed by Jacksonville residents, regardless of where they live within the county boundaries.
Both offices are conveniently located in downtown Jacksonville within walking distance of each other, but make certain you have the correct address before your visit. 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.
How to Request Jacksonville Family Court Records
You have three primary methods for obtaining family court records in Jacksonville, each offering different advantages depending on your specific needs and timeline. In-person visits to the Duval County Clerk's office at 501 W. Adams Street 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 Duval 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.
Duval County Family Court Records
As the largest city in Duval County and one of the most populous municipalities in Florida, Jacksonville's family court records are fully integrated into the Duval County court system. The Duval County Clerk maintains comprehensive files for all family law matters originating from Jacksonville as well as the smaller coastal communities of Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Neptune Beach. Because Jacksonville operates under a consolidated city-county government structure, understanding the relationship between municipal and county record-keeping is particularly important for residents seeking access to court documentation.