Pembroke Pines Family Court Records Directory
Pembroke Pines family court records are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The city is in the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. All family law matters for Pembroke Pines residents go through the county court system. The clerk maintains files for divorce, custody, support, and other family cases. Records are open to the public with some limits. The city has over 179,000 residents and is one of the largest communities in Broward County served by the county court system.
Pembroke Pines Quick Facts
Where to Access Pembroke Pines Family Court Records
Pembroke Pines is located in Broward County, which means all family court records for city residents are maintained at the Broward County Clerk of Courts office. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale at 201 SE 6th Street, where you can access records and file new cases. The clerk also operates a west regional office in Plantation that provides some services for residents in the western part of the county. Brenda D. Forman serves as the Broward County Clerk of Courts, and her office handles records for all of Broward County including Pembroke Pines and over 30 other cities.
| Office | Broward County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Brenda D. Forman |
| Main 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 Pembroke Pines maintains a City Clerk's office at 10100 Pines Boulevard, reachable at (954) 450-1046. It is essential to understand that city clerks do not keep or process court records of any kind. They handle city business, council minutes, and municipal ordinances only. All family court papers must be filed at the county level through the Broward County Clerk of Courts.
Online Access to Pembroke Pines Family Court Records
You can search Pembroke Pines family court records from home using the Broward County Clerk's online case search system. The state portal at MyFloridaCourtAccess also provides access to cases filed in the 17th Judicial Circuit. Both systems allow you to look up cases by party name or case number from any computer or mobile device. The online search displays basic case details including who filed the case, the filing date, and current case status. Some records allow you to view documents directly through the portal, though you will pay fees for document access. Certified copies still require a visit to the clerk's office for authentication.
Go to browardclerk.org and click on the case search link. Enter a name or case number to begin your search. The search itself is free, and you only pay if you want to view or download documents. This makes it easy to check case status without any upfront costs.
To search Pembroke Pines family court records, 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 Pembroke Pines
Pembroke Pines residents file family cases at the Broward County Courthouse through the county clerk's office. The 17th Judicial Circuit hears all family law matters including divorce, paternity, custody, and support cases. The filing fee for divorce is $408 in Broward County, which represents the state base fee. You may have additional costs for service of process, which is required by law to notify the other party about the case. You can use the sheriff's office or hire a private process server to deliver the papers.
E-filing is available for most cases through the Florida e-filing portal. You need to create an account, upload PDF files of your court papers, and pay fees with a credit card. The court has family case managers who help parties settle issues and reach agreements, which can save both time and money. You may be sent to mediation before trial, which is common in custody disputes and helps parents reach parenting agreements without going before a judge.
Types of Family Court Records in Pembroke Pines
Broward County keeps many types of family court records, and Pembroke Pines residents can get copies of most records upon request. Some files are sealed by court order and require special permission to access. Divorce records are the most common request, containing the petition, answer, and final judgment along with any property settlement agreements reached by the parties.
Child custody records include parenting plans that show time-sharing schedules and decision-making rights. Child support records contain orders, payment logs, and wage garnishment papers. Paternity records establish legal father status. Domestic violence records include injunctions for protection. Guardianship records name caregivers for minors or adults who cannot care for themselves. Adoption records are sealed and cannot be obtained without a court order. Name change records are public and show the court order establishing a new legal name.
Getting Copies of Pembroke Pines Family Court Records
You have several options for obtaining copies of family court records. You can visit the clerk's office in Fort Lauderdale for same-day service on most requests. The online system allows you to view and print some documents from home. Mail requests work well if you plan ahead and are not in a hurry.
Plain copies cost $1 per page at the clerk's office. Certified copies cost $7 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. The certification proves the copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original record, and many legal uses require certified copies. To mail a request, write to the Broward County Clerk with the case number, party names, and a list of documents you want. Include payment for the fees, and call (954) 831-6565 to confirm the fee amount before mailing.
Old records may be stored in archives. Cases from before 1990 can take longer to retrieve, so call ahead to ask about these files. The clerk can tell you whether the records are immediately available or stored off-site.
Legal Help for Pembroke Pines Family Court Cases
Family court can be complex and emotionally difficult to navigate. Many Pembroke Pines residents seek legal help from qualified attorneys. The Florida Bar can refer you to a family law attorney in your area. Call 1-800-561-2808 for a referral.
Free legal aid is available for people who meet income requirements. Coast to Coast Legal Aid serves Broward County and helps with divorce, custody, and abuse cases. Call (954) 736-2400 to apply and learn about eligibility.
Broward County has a self-help center at the main courthouse where staff can help you understand forms and court procedures. They cannot give legal advice, but they point you to helpful resources. The Florida Courts website at flcourts.org provides free forms, step-by-step guides, and videos that explain court rules.
Broward County Family Court Records
Pembroke Pines is part of Broward County, and all family court records are maintained at the county clerk's office. The county serves over 30 cities with the same centralized court system. For more information about the county court system, visit the Broward County family court records page.