Palm Bay Family Court Records and Case Files
Palm Bay family court records are kept by the Brevard County Clerk of Courts. The city is in the 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida. All family law cases for Palm Bay go through the county court system. The clerk maintains divorce, custody, support, and other family case files. You can access these records online or in person. The city has over 142,000 residents and is part of Florida's Space Coast, with all family court matters filed at the county level in Brevard County.
Palm Bay Quick Facts
Where to Access Palm Bay Family Court Records
Palm Bay is located in Brevard County, which means all family court records are maintained at the Brevard County Clerk of Courts office. The main office is in Titusville at 400 S. Street, serving as the central location where you go to get copies or file new cases. Scott Ellis serves as the Brevard County Clerk of Courts, and his office serves all of Brevard County including Palm Bay and other coastal cities. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
| Office | Brevard County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Scott Ellis |
| Address | 400 S. Street Titusville, FL 32796 |
| Phone | (321) 637-5413 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | brevardclerk.us |
The City of Palm Bay has a City Clerk office at 120 Malabar Road SE, reachable at (321) 952-3414. City clerks do not keep court records. They handle city documents only. All family court papers are filed at the county level through the Brevard County Clerk of Courts.
Online Access to Palm Bay Family Court Records
You can search Palm Bay family court records online through the Brevard County Clerk's case search system. The state portal at MyFloridaCourtAccess also provides access to cases in the 18th Judicial Circuit. Both systems allow you to look up cases from any computer with internet access. The online system shows case details including party names, filing dates, and current status. Some documents are viewable online for a fee. Certified copies require a visit to the clerk's office.
Go to brevardclerk.us and click on the court records link. Enter a name or case number to search. Searches are free, and you pay only to view documents.
To search online, you need:
- Full name of at least one party
- Case number if you have it
- Year range for the case
- Payment method for documents
Filing Family Court Cases from Palm Bay
Palm Bay residents file family cases at the Brevard County Courthouse through the county clerk's office. The 18th Judicial Circuit hears divorce, custody, support, and paternity matters. The filing fee for divorce is $408, which is the state base fee. You may have extra costs for service of process to notify the other party, which can be done by the sheriff or a process server.
E-filing is available for most cases through the Florida portal at myflcourtaccess.com. You create an account, upload PDF files, and pay by credit card. The 18th Circuit has family court divisions with specialized judges. Family case managers help with settlements, and mediation is often required before trial.
Types of Palm Bay Family Court Records
The Brevard County Clerk maintains many record types, and Palm Bay residents can get copies of most records. Some files are sealed by court order. Divorce records are the most common request, 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 have 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 Palm Bay Family Court Records
You have options for getting copies. Visit the clerk's office in Titusville for same-day service. Use online services for some records. Send a request by mail if you plan ahead.
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 true and accurate, and many legal uses need certified copies. To order by mail, write to the Brevard County Clerk with case details and document names. Enclose payment for fees and call (321) 637-5413 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 Palm Bay Family Court Cases
Family court can be complex. Many Palm Bay residents seek legal help. The Florida Bar can refer you to an attorney. Call 1-800-561-2808.
Free legal aid is available through Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida. They serve Brevard County and help with divorce, custody, and domestic violence. Call (321) 723-9595 to apply.
Brevard County has a self-help center at the courthouse where staff help with forms and court process. They do not give legal advice. Free forms are at flcourts.org along with guides and videos.
Brevard County Family Court Records
Palm Bay is in Brevard County, and all family court records are at the county clerk's office. The county serves many cities along the Space Coast. For more about the county court system, visit the Brevard County page.