West Palm Beach Family Court Case Records Access
West Palm Beach family court records are kept at the county level by the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court. The city clerk does not hold these files. All divorce, custody, and support cases for West Palm Beach residents flow through the county court system. The 15th Judicial Circuit serves this area. Records are public but some details stay sealed.
West Palm Beach Quick Facts
Palm Beach County Clerk Maintains West Palm Beach Family Court Records
Family court records for West Palm Beach are kept by the Palm Beach County Clerk. Mike Caruso serves as the elected clerk, and his office manages all court records for the 15th Judicial Circuit, including cases from West Palm Beach and all other cities in Palm Beach County. The city clerk handles municipal records only, which means any family court-related documentation must be obtained through the county system rather than city offices.
The county clerk's main office is located at 301 N. Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach, right in the downtown area. This facility houses all family court records and provides comprehensive services to the public. When you visit, staff members are available to help you search by party name or case number, and the office provides certified copies for legal use. Operating hours are weekdays from eight to five, making it accessible for most working schedules.
The City of West Palm Beach is served by the Palm Beach County Clerk for all family court records.
| Office | Palm Beach County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Mike Caruso |
| Address | 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| Phone | (561) 355-2996 |
| Website | www.mypalmbeachclerk.com |
The West Palm Beach City Clerk operates from 401 Clematis Street and can be reached at (561) 822-1200. Their responsibilities include maintaining city commission records, managing city contracts, and handling permits, but they do not possess family court files. It is essential to contact the county clerk directly for any court-related records to ensure you receive the proper documentation.
Online Access to West Palm Beach Family Court Records
You can search West Palm Beach family court records through the digital tools provided by the Palm Beach County Clerk. By visiting www.mypalmbeachclerk.com, you gain access to a comprehensive case search feature that allows you to look up cases by name or case number. This online system displays case status, party names, and hearing dates, with some documents available for immediate download while others may require an in-person request. The system is free to use once you create an account.
The e-filing portal allows West Palm Beach residents to access family court records and file documents online.
The Florida E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com also serves West Palm Beach residents with statewide records access covering all Florida counties. Online access provides convenience for checking case status from home, though some records require fees to view and full case files may still need an in-person visit. Certified copies must be obtained directly from the courthouse, so calling the clerk with questions about access is always recommended.
Types of Family Court Records in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach family courts handle a diverse range of case types, each creating records that are generally available for public viewing. Divorce cases are among the most frequently filed, including petitions, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and final judgments that officially end marriages. All these documents are maintained on file and can be accessed through the proper channels. Additionally, child custody cases generate detailed parenting plans that outline time-sharing schedules and specify parental rights and duties.
Child support records contain payment orders and income information, while 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 for those situations. While most records are public, some may be sealed by court order, and personal data such as social security numbers and bank account information remain protected from public disclosure.
West Palm Beach Family Court E-Filing Portal
West Palm Beach residents can file family court cases online through the e-filing portal, which allows document submission from home and eliminates unnecessary trips to the courthouse. Both attorneys and self-represented parties can utilize this system, though attorneys are required to use it while it remains optional for individuals without legal representation. To begin, you need to create an account on the e-filing website and follow the step-by-step process to submit papers for new cases or add documents to existing ones.
The portal accepts multiple file types with PDF being the most common format. It is crucial to ensure your files are clear and follow the established naming conventions to avoid processing delays. The system confirms receipt of all submissions and maintains a permanent record of what you have filed. Should you encounter any difficulties or have questions about the technical requirements, the clerk's office is available to provide assistance and guidance.
West Palm Beach City Clerk vs County Clerk
West Palm Beach maintains two separate clerk offices that serve distinctly different roles, and understanding which one to use can save significant time and effort. The city clerk works exclusively for West Palm Beach municipal government and is located on Clematis Street in the downtown area, where they manage city commission minutes, contracts, and permits. The Palm Beach County Clerk operates from Olive Avenue, also downtown, and maintains all court records including family law cases, divorce files, custody documentation, and support orders.
Both offices require photo identification for access, and security screening at the courthouse necessitates arriving early to allow adequate time. Parking is available near both locations, with public transit serving both areas effectively. 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 for your family court documentation needs.
How to Request West Palm Beach Family Court Records
You have multiple options for obtaining West Palm Beach family court records, each with distinct procedures and varying speeds of delivery. In-person visits typically yield the quickest results and can be conducted at 301 N. Olive Avenue with proper photo identification. Staff will locate the case, allow you to view the file, and provide copies with certified versions available at an additional cost.
Online searches offer convenience from home through the Palm Beach County Clerk website, where you can use the case search tool to enter names or numbers and view case details. Some documents are available for immediate download. Mail requests are also accepted by writing to the clerk's office with case information, contact details, and payment enclosed, though this method requires additional processing time.
Palm Beach County Family Court Records
West Palm Beach serves as the county seat of Palm Beach County, and all family court records for the city are integrated into the broader county system. The county clerk maintains files for West Palm Beach along with over 30 other municipalities including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Jupiter. For comprehensive information about the county court system and additional resources, visit the Palm Beach County family court records page.