Find Bradford County Family Court Files
Bradford County family court records are available through the Clerk of Court in Starke. The office maintains documents related to divorce, child custody, and other family matters. Residents can access these records through several methods. The county is part of the 8th Judicial Circuit. The clerk's office provides both in-person and online access options. Records are maintained according to Florida law. Public access is balanced with privacy protections.
Bradford County Clerk of Court Information
The Bradford County Clerk of Court office is located at 945 N. Temple Avenue in Starke, where all family court records for the county are housed and maintained by trained staff members. The office is open Monday through Friday to assist with public record requests, maintaining files dating back many years with both recent and historical records available for qualified requesters. Phone contact is available at (904) 966-6280 for general questions, though staff can only provide basic guidance over the phone and detailed searches require an office visit to review documents in person. The clerk's website has additional resources including online forms for some requests, helping residents prepare before they visit.
The courthouse is in downtown Starke with parking available near the building and security screening at the entrance. Bring valid photo identification as this is required for record access, and be prepared to explain your relationship to the case if requesting documents with privacy restrictions. The office accepts various payment types with cash working for all transactions and checks accepted for most services, though you should call to confirm other payment methods before your visit.
| Address | 945 N. Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (904) 966-6280 |
| Website | bradfordcountyfl.gov/clerk-of-court |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Family Court Records in Bradford County
Bradford County maintains several categories of family court records that document the full range of family law matters heard in the 8th Judicial Circuit. Dissolution of marriage cases are common, with files containing divorce petitions and responses, financial affidavits showing asset details, parenting plans addressing child custody arrangements, and final judgments that officially end the marriage. All these documents become part of the permanent record, providing a complete picture of how the marriage was dissolved and what arrangements were made for property division, support, and any minor children involved.
Child custody cases generate extensive documentation with parenting plans serving as central documents that show where children will live and how time will be shared between parents. These records include detailed time-sharing schedules specifying holiday arrangements, child support worksheets calculating payment amounts, and modifications that update original orders as circumstances change. Domestic violence cases have specific records beginning with petitions for injunction, temporary orders providing immediate protection, final judgments making protection permanent, and documentation of any violations that occur. Other family matters include paternity actions establishing legal fatherhood, name changes processed through family court, and some juvenile matters connected to family records, each with specific filing requirements that the clerk ensures are properly organized.
How to Access Bradford County Family Records
Accessing family court records in Bradford County follows established procedures that depend on your specific needs and the type of records you seek. Online access works for basic information through the My Florida Court Access portal, a statewide system that shows case information when you enter party names or case numbers. The system displays case status and party names, with some documents viewable online and others requiring an office visit for complete access. In-person searches provide full access at the clerk's office where request forms are available at the counter, staff retrieve files from storage, and you can review documents in the public area with copy machines and staff assistance available.
Mail requests serve those who cannot visit in person, requiring you to write to the clerk's office with specific case information including names and dates, a list of needed documents, payment for fees, and a self-addressed envelope for return mailing. Processing takes several days with complex requests taking longer, so call for current fee amounts before sending your request.
Arrive early to allow time for security screening.
8th Judicial Circuit Information
Bradford County is part of the 8th Judicial Circuit, which includes six North Florida counties: Alachua, Baker, Gilchrist, Levy, Union, and Bradford. The circuit court hears family law cases with circuit judges deciding these matters and applying Florida family law statutes consistently across all six counties. The circuit provides shared resources that benefit smaller counties, with specialized programs serving the entire circuit including family mediation and required parenting courses that help families resolve disputes and transition through difficult changes.
Court hearings occur at the Starke courthouse at 945 N. Temple Avenue, with notices specifying hearing times and locations. Arrive early for security, bring required documents, and be prepared for the judge to hear the case and issue orders that are filed with the clerk.
Bradford County Online Resources
The Bradford County website provides access to clerk resources through an intuitive interface.
The site connects residents to court services and public record information.
E-filing is available for court documents through the Florida e-filing portal serving Bradford County.
Attorneys and self-represented parties can submit documents electronically through this system.
The portal requires registration with training resources and technical support available. Documents upload in PDF format with filing fees paid online and receipts confirming receipt. This speeds up case processing and reduces paper handling for all parties involved.
Search Tips for Bradford County Records
Effective searches in Bradford County start with good information that helps staff locate the exact records you need. Accurate names produce better results, so include middle names when known and try name variations if needed, recognizing that women may be listed under different last names and checking both maiden and married names ensures thorough results. Dates narrow search results by helping staff locate files from specific time periods, with date ranges working better than single dates when you are unsure of exact filing dates. Case numbers are the best search tool, obtainable from court papers or attorneys and worth keeping for future reference.
Be patient with the process as staff handle many requests and work to find your records. Older files may need retrieval from archives, taking additional time, so plan accordingly for your needs and understand that the clerk's office wants to help you obtain the documents you seek.