Orlando Family Court Case Records Access
Orlando family court records are maintained by the Orange County Clerk of Court. The city clerk does not handle these files. All divorce, custody, and support cases for Orlando residents are filed with the county. The 9th Judicial Circuit Court serves the Orlando area. Family law matters are county-level cases. The city clerk manages municipal records only.
Orlando Quick Facts
Orange County Clerk Maintains Orlando Family Court Records
Family court records for Orlando are maintained by the Orange County Clerk of Court, not the Orlando City Clerk. Tiffany Moore Russell serves as the elected clerk, and her office manages all court records for the 9th Judicial Circuit, which encompasses cases from Orlando and other municipalities throughout Orange County. This centralized record-keeping system ensures that all family law documentation is housed within county facilities, requiring Orlando residents to visit county offices rather than city offices when seeking access to divorce decrees, custody orders, or support documentation.
The county clerk's office is located at 425 N. Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando, providing convenient access to family court records for city residents. This location serves as the official repository for all family law cases filed by Orlando residents, with staff available to assist with case searches using party names or specific case numbers. The office provides certified copies for legal proceedings and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors should bring valid photo identification and be prepared for security screening at the courthouse entrance.
The Orange County Clerk office maintains all family court records for Orlando residents.
| Office | Orange County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Tiffany Moore Russell |
| Address | 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 |
| Phone | (407) 836-2000 |
| Website | www.orangeclerk.com |
The Orlando City Clerk's office is located at 400 S. Orange Avenue and can be reached at (407) 246-2251. This office maintains city commission records, municipal contracts, business permits, and various local government documentation, but they do not possess any court files or family law records. Orlando residents seeking family court documentation must contact the Orange County Clerk directly.
Online Access to Orlando Family Court Records
You can search Orlando family court records remotely through the Orange County Clerk's digital case search system. The official website at www.orangeclerk.com provides user-friendly tools that allow you to look up family law cases by party name or case number. The search interface is designed for ease of use, allowing you to enter search terms, view matching cases, and access detailed case information with just a few clicks. Some documents are available for immediate viewing, while others may require formal requests depending on their sensitivity and the age of the case.
The Florida E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com provides statewide access to court records, including all cases from Orange County. This broader search capability is particularly useful when you need to verify case information across multiple jurisdictions or when you are uncertain about where specific records are maintained. While online access displays case status and party information, full document access may require an in-person visit, and certified copies must be obtained directly from the clerk's office.
Types of Family Court Records in Orlando
Orlando family courts within the 9th Judicial Circuit handle a comprehensive range of case types, each generating detailed records maintained by the Orange County Clerk. Divorce cases are the most frequent filings, creating extensive documentation that includes initial petitions, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and final judgments of dissolution. Child custody proceedings produce parenting plans that establish time-sharing schedules, define parental rights and responsibilities, and outline visitation arrangements for non-custodial parents. Child support records contain payment orders calculated according to Florida guidelines, along with modification requests when financial circumstances change.
Domestic violence cases move through Orlando's family court system with expedited processing, as temporary injunctions can be granted quickly to protect victims from immediate harm. These protective orders and any subsequent hearings become part of the permanent court record. Paternity actions establish legal parentage and associated rights, while adoption and guardianship proceedings create new family relationships under court supervision.
Orlando family law cases generate records maintained by the Orange County Clerk.
The majority of family court records in Orlando are public documents accessible to interested parties, though certain sensitive information receives protection. Social security numbers and financial account details are automatically redacted from public view, and some files may be sealed by court order when privacy interests outweigh public access rights.
Orlando Family Court E-Filing Portal
Orlando residents can file family court cases electronically through the Florida E-Filing Portal, a digital system that has streamlined the document submission process for the 9th Judicial Circuit. This platform allows both attorneys and self-represented parties to submit petitions, motions, and supporting documents from any computer with internet access, eliminating the need for routine trips to the courthouse. The portal provides confirmation receipts for every submission, creating an official record of what was filed and when, which is particularly valuable for meeting deadlines and documenting compliance with court requirements.
To begin using the e-filing system, you must create an account on the portal website and complete the registration process. Once registered, you can initiate new family law cases or add documents to existing matters by following the guided submission procedures. The system accepts PDF documents and requires proper naming conventions and file organization. While e-filing is mandatory for attorneys practicing in Orlando, it remains optional for self-represented litigants who may still file paper documents in person.
Orlando City Clerk vs County Clerk
Orlando operates two separate clerk offices with fundamentally different responsibilities, and knowing which one to contact will save you time and frustration. The Orlando City Clerk serves the municipal government and handles administrative records related to city operations, while the Orange County Clerk serves the judicial system and maintains all court-related documentation. This distinction is particularly important for family law matters because the city clerk has no access to court records regardless of where Orlando residents live or where their cases were filed.
The City of Orlando Clerk is located on Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando and maintains city commission minutes, municipal contracts, business permits, and various local government records. They do not possess family court files, divorce documentation, or any records related to judicial proceedings. The Orange County Clerk is also located on Orange Avenue near the courthouse and serves as the official custodian of all court records for the 9th Judicial Circuit. This office maintains comprehensive files for every family law case filed by Orlando residents.
Both offices require photo identification for services. The courthouse has mandatory security screening, so arrive early to allow sufficient time. Parking is available nearby, and public transit serves the downtown area effectively.
Orange County Family Court Records
As the county seat of Orange County, Orlando's family court records are fully integrated into the Orange County court system. The Orange County Clerk maintains comprehensive family law files for Orlando residents as well as residents of other communities throughout the county, including Winter Park, Apopka, Ocoee, and various unincorporated areas. Understanding this county-level record maintenance structure is essential for efficiently accessing family court documentation in Central Florida.