Tallahassee Family Court Records and Case Access
Tallahassee family court records are kept at the Leon County Clerk of Courts. The city sits in the 2nd Judicial Circuit of Florida. All family law cases for Tallahassee residents go through the Leon County court system. The county clerk keeps files on divorce, child custody, support, and other family matters. You can get copies of these records online or in person at the courthouse. The city serves as Florida's capital and has over 205,000 residents who rely on the county court for all family legal matters.
Tallahassee Quick Facts
Where to Find Tallahassee Family Court Records
Tallahassee is the county seat of Leon County, which means family court records for the city are filed and maintained at the Leon County Clerk of Courts office rather than at any municipal building. The main courthouse sits at 301 S. Monroe Street in downtown Tallahassee, serving as the central repository for all family law documentation. You can visit the clerk's office to get copies of divorce decrees, custody orders, and other family court papers. The Leon County Clerk of Courts is Gwen Marshall Knight, and her office maintains all court records for Tallahassee and the rest of Leon County. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and you can reach them at (850) 606-4000 with any questions about record access or filing procedures.
| Office | Leon County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Gwen Marshall Knight |
| Address | 301 S. Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32301 |
| Phone | (850) 606-4000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | leoncountyfl.gov |
The City of Tallahassee also has a City Clerk's office located at 300 S. Adams Street, reachable at (850) 891-8200. However, it is crucial to understand that city clerks do not keep family court records. All family law cases are filed at the county level through the Leon County Clerk of Courts. The city clerk handles municipal papers, city council minutes, and local ordinances, but never court files.
Online Access to Tallahassee Family Court Records
You can search Tallahassee family court records from your home computer through multiple online platforms. The Leon County Clerk offers online case search tools, and you can also use the state system called MyFloridaCourtAccess. Both systems allow you to look up cases by name or case number, providing convenient access to case information without visiting the courthouse. The online search displays basic case information including the case number, filing date, case type, and party names. Some records let you view documents directly through the portal, though you may need to pay a fee to see full documents. Certified copies still require an in-person visit to the clerk's office for authentication.
To search Tallahassee family court records online, visit myflcourtaccess.com. You can also go directly to the Leon County Clerk website for local searches. Creating an account allows you to save your searches and track cases over time. Keep in mind that some older cases filed before comprehensive digitization may not be available online yet, and for those you must visit the courthouse in person to access the physical files.
Here is what you need to search online:
- Full name of one or both parties
- Case number if you know it
- Year the case was filed
- Credit card for document fees
Filing Family Court Cases in Tallahassee
New family court cases in Tallahassee are filed at the Leon County Courthouse through the county clerk's office. The 2nd Judicial Circuit handles divorce, paternity, custody, support, and domestic violence cases for all Leon County residents. You must file your papers at the clerk's office to start a case, and Florida has specific rules about which forms to use for different types of family matters. The Florida Courts website provides standard forms for most family law cases, and you can also get forms directly from the clerk's office. Some cases require a filing fee while others may be filed for free if you qualify for a fee waiver based on income.
The basic filing fee for divorce in Leon County is $408. This fee does not include service costs, which are separate charges for delivering papers to the other party. The sheriff's office can serve papers for an additional fee, or you can hire a private process server. Many people in Tallahasuse the e-filing system, which lets you file papers online through the Florida e-filing portal. You upload your documents and pay fees electronically, then the clerk reviews your filing and accepts it if everything is correct. Visit myflcourtaccess.com to learn more about e-filing options.
Types of Family Court Records in Tallahassee
The Leon County Clerk keeps many types of family court records for Tallahassee residents, with each case type maintained in its own file system. You can get copies of most records upon request, though some files are sealed and require a court order to view. Divorce records are the most commonly requested type, including the petition for dissolution of marriage, final judgment, and property settlement agreements. Child custody records contain parenting plans and time-sharing schedules that outline each parent's rights and responsibilities. Child support records include payment orders, wage garnishment papers, and payment history documentation.
Domestic violence records include injunctions and restraining orders that protect victims from abuse. Adoption records are sealed in Florida and cannot be accessed without a court order protecting the privacy of all parties involved. Paternity records establish legal fatherhood and may include DNA test results and support orders. Guardianship records document cases where someone has been appointed to care for a minor child or incapacitated adult. Name change records show legal name changes approved by the court and are generally public record.
Most Tallahassee family court records are public under Florida law, but some information is protected for privacy reasons. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and other sensitive financial data are automatically redacted from public copies. Addresses may be hidden in domestic violence cases to protect victim safety. The clerk's office can help you understand what information is available and what requires special court permission to access.
Getting Copies of Tallahassee Family Court Records
You can obtain copies of family court records in Tallahassee through several methods depending on your needs and timeline. Visiting the clerk's office in person provides same-day service for most requests, allowing you to walk out with your documents. Ordering by mail works well if you are not in a rush and cannot visit the courthouse. Online services are available for some records though certified copies still require an in-person visit for authentication.
Plain copies cost $1 per page at the clerk's office, while certified copies cost $7 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Certification means the copy is a true and accurate copy of the original court record, and many legal matters such as name changes or remarriage require certified copies. To get copies by mail, send a letter to the clerk's office with the case number if you have it, the names of the parties involved, and a description of the documents you need. Enclose a check for the estimated fees, and call the clerk at (850) 606-4000 to ask for the exact fee amount before mailing your request.
For older cases, the records may be stored in an off-site archive facility. It may take extra time to retrieve these files, so plan accordingly if you need records from before 1990. Call ahead to ask about records from earlier decades, and the clerk can tell you whether the files are immediately available at the courthouse or stored in the county archives.
Legal Help for Tallahassee Family Court Cases
Family court can be complex and emotionally challenging to navigate alone. Many people in Tallahassee seek help from qualified lawyers who understand Florida family law. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a family law attorney who handles cases like yours. Call them at 1-800-561-2808 for a referral, or search online at floridabar.com to find attorneys in the Tallahassee area.
Legal aid services provide free assistance for people with low income who cannot afford private attorneys. Legal Services of North Florida serves the Tallahassee community and helps with divorce, custody, domestic violence cases, and other family law matters. Call them at (850) 385-9007 to learn about eligibility requirements. You must meet income guidelines to qualify for free legal aid services.
The Leon County Courthouse offers a self-help center for people who choose to represent themselves. Staff members can answer questions about forms and procedures, though they cannot give legal advice about your specific situation. They can point you to resources and explain how the court process works, which is helpful for people navigating the system without an attorney. The Florida Courts website at flcourts.org also provides free forms, instructional videos, and guides that help you understand the court process.
Leon County Family Court Records
Tallahassee is part of Leon County, and all family court records for Tallahassee are maintained at the Leon County Clerk's office. The county also serves other cities and towns in the surrounding area with the same court system. For more comprehensive information about the county court system, filing fees, and available services, visit the Leon County family court records page.