Lakeland Family Court Case Records Search
Lakeland family court records are kept at the county level by the Polk County Clerk of Court. The city clerk does not hold these files. All divorce, custody, and support cases for Lakeland residents are processed through the county system. The 10th Judicial Circuit serves this area. Records are public with some sealed exceptions.
Lakeland Quick Facts
Polk County Clerk Maintains Lakeland Family Court Records
Family court records for Lakeland are kept by the Polk County Clerk, with Stacy M. Butterfield serving as the elected clerk. Her office manages all court records for the 10th Judicial Circuit, encompassing cases from Lakeland and all other cities throughout Polk County. The city clerk handles municipal records only, which means family court documentation must be obtained through the county system.
The county clerk's main office is located at 255 N. Broadway Avenue in Bartow, the county seat, 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 Polk County Clerk office maintains all family court records for Lakeland residents.
| Office | Polk County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Stacy M. Butterfield |
| Address | 255 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830 |
| Phone | (863) 534-4000 |
| Website | www.polkcountyclerk.net |
The Lakeland City Clerk operates from 228 S. Massachusetts Avenue and can be reached at (863) 834-6005. They maintain city commission records, manage contracts and permits, but do not possess family court files. Always contact the county clerk for court records.
Online Access to Lakeland Family Court Records
You can search Lakeland family court records online through the digital tools provided by the Polk County Clerk. By visiting www.polkcountyclerk.net, you gain access to a case search feature that allows you to look up cases by name or case number. The online system displays case status, party names, and hearing dates, with some documents available for immediate download while others may require in-person requests.
The Polk County court records system allows Lakeland residents to find family court cases online.
The Florida E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com also serves Lakeland residents with statewide access covering all Florida counties. Online access provides convenience for checking case status from home, though some records require fees and certified copies must be obtained from the courthouse. The clerk's office is available to answer questions about access procedures.
Types of Family Court Records in Lakeland
Lakeland family courts handle a diverse range of case types, each creating records available for public viewing. Divorce cases are frequently filed and include petitions, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and final judgments. Child custody cases generate detailed parenting plans that outline time-sharing schedules and specify parental rights and duties, while child support records contain payment orders and income information.
Lakeland family law cases generate detailed records maintained by the Polk County Clerk.
Domestic violence cases are processed with urgency through temporary injunctions designed to protect victims quickly. Paternity and adoption cases establish legal parent rights, and guardianship records are also maintained. While most records are public, some may be sealed by court order, and personal data such as social security numbers and bank accounts remain protected.
Lakeland Family Court E-Filing Portal
Lakeland residents can file family court cases online through the e-filing portal, which enables document submission from home and eliminates unnecessary trips to Bartow. Both attorneys and self-represented parties can use this system, though attorneys are required to file electronically while it remains optional for individuals without legal representation. To begin, you need to create an account and follow the submission process for new cases or additional documents to existing ones.
The e-filing portal allows Lakeland residents to submit family court documents electronically.
The portal accepts multiple file types with PDF being the most common format. Files must be clear and follow naming conventions to avoid processing delays. The system confirms receipt and maintains a permanent record of filings. Technical assistance is available through the clerk's office for those needing help.
Lakeland City Clerk vs County Clerk
Lakeland maintains two separate clerk offices serving distinctly different roles. The city clerk works for Lakeland municipal government and is located on Massachusetts Avenue in the downtown area, managing city commission minutes, contracts, and permits. The Polk County Clerk operates from Bartow, the county seat, and maintains all court records including family law cases, divorce files, custody documentation, and support orders.
Both offices require photo identification, and security screening at the courthouse necessitates arriving early. Parking is available near both locations with public transit service to both areas. Planning your trip in advance by confirming which office holds the specific records you need will prevent wasted time and ensure you reach the correct destination.
Polk County Family Court Records
Lakeland is the largest city in Polk County, and all family court records for the city are integrated into the broader county system. The county clerk maintains files for Lakeland alongside other communities including Winter Haven, Haines City, and Lake Wales. For comprehensive information about the county court system and additional resources, visit the Polk County family court records page.