Citrus County Family Court Records
Citrus County family court records document all family law cases filed in Inverness. The 5th Judicial Circuit Court hears divorce, custody, and support matters here. Residents can search these public records to find case details. The Clerk of Court maintains files at the courthouse. Records include petitions, judgments, and orders from family proceedings.
Citrus County Quick Facts
Citrus County Clerk of Court Office
The Clerk of Court maintains all family court records in Citrus County as the official record keeper for the 5th Judicial Circuit. This elected office handles case filings and public record requests with trained staff who assist residents needing copies of court documents. The clerk maintains comprehensive files that include all family law proceedings, from initial petitions through final judgments. Records span many years and provide a complete history of family court actions in the county. You can visit the clerk's office in person to request family court records by bringing identification and any case information you have available. Staff can help you locate files by party name or case number, and the office also provides certified copies for legal purposes at reasonable fees. Many records are now available through online search portals as well, making it easier than ever to access information from home or office without traveling to the courthouse.
The Citrus County Clerk's Office provides essential services to residents navigating family court matters. Staff members are trained to handle sensitive family law documents with care and confidentiality while maintaining public access requirements. The office processes thousands of filings each year, from simple name changes to complex divorce proceedings involving property division and child custody. They coordinate with judges and attorneys to ensure all documents are properly filed and recorded according to Florida law.
| Clerk of Court | Angela Vick |
|---|---|
| Address | 110 N. Apopka Avenue, Inverness, FL 34450 |
| Phone | (352) 341-6424 |
| Website | www.citrusclerk.org |
Note: Office hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Online Family Court Records Access
You can access Citrus County family court records online through the clerk's digital portal for convenient case searches from any location with internet access. The clerk maintains this portal at www.citrusclerk.org, where you can begin your search using various criteria including party names, case numbers, or filing dates. The website provides comprehensive tools for searching cases and viewing document images when available. Family court services in Citrus County include case filing and record retrieval through both digital and traditional methods. The clerk's office handles all family law matters with professional staff who can guide you through the record request process whether you visit in person or use the online system.
Visit the clerk's office during business hours for in-person assistance with family court records if you need help with complex searches or certified copies. The Citrus County Clerk maintains detailed court records that contain case documents from all family law proceedings in the county. You can view most records online or request copies in person depending on your specific needs. Records date back several decades and are updated daily to ensure accuracy and completeness for public access.
Electronic filing is available in Citrus County for attorneys and self-represented parties who need to submit documents online. The e-filing portal streamlines the court process by allowing users to file motions, responses, and other documents from their computers. Create an account to file documents electronically with the court and receive confirmation of your filings.
Types of Citrus County Family Court Records
Family courts in Citrus County handle several types of cases, and each creates records that become part of the permanent public file. These documents detail the legal proceedings, court orders, and final judgments that resolve family disputes. Understanding what records exist helps you know what to request when conducting research or gathering documents for legal purposes. Dissolution of marriage records are the most common family court files in Citrus County. These include petitions for divorce, financial affidavits detailing assets and liabilities, and settlement agreements between parties. The final judgment ends the marriage and divides property according to Florida law. Chapter 61 of Florida Statutes governs divorce proceedings in Citrus County, requiring that at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing.
Child custody cases create detailed parenting plans that outline time-sharing schedules and parental responsibilities for minor children. Child support records include financial calculations and payment orders established according to Florida guidelines. The Florida Department of Revenue handles enforcement statewide when payments fall behind. Modifications to existing orders are also filed with the family court when circumstances change significantly. Domestic violence injunctions protect victims from abuse and move quickly through the court system with priority scheduling. Temporary injunctions can be granted the same day as filing in emergency situations. Florida Statute 741.30 governs these protective orders, and all domestic violence filings are free of charge to encourage victim protection.
Adoption and paternity cases also fall under family court jurisdiction in Citrus County. These establish legal parent-child relationships through formal court processes. Records include petitions, home studies for adoptions, and final judgments that create or dissolve parental rights. Each case type has specific filing requirements and procedures that must be followed precisely.
How to Request Family Court Records
You have several options for obtaining family court records in Citrus County, and the method you choose depends on your specific needs and timeline. Some requests can be completed online instantly, while others require a visit to the courthouse for certified copies or older records that may not yet be digitized.
For online access, use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. This comprehensive system provides case information from courts across the entire state of Florida. You can search by party name, case number, or other identifying information. Basic case details are often available at no cost, while document images may require payment of a nominal fee depending on the document type and age.
In-person requests provide immediate access to records and allow you to speak directly with clerk staff who can assist with complex searches. Visit the Clerk of Court office at the courthouse during regular business hours with valid identification and specific case information. Staff will locate the file and provide copies while you wait. Certified copies are available for an additional fee when needed for official purposes.
Mail requests are accepted for record copies when you cannot visit in person. Send a written request to the clerk's office that includes case numbers and document descriptions with your contact information and return address. Payment must accompany mailed requests, and processing typically takes several business days depending on request volume.
5th Judicial Circuit Information
Citrus County is part of Florida's 5th Judicial Circuit, which serves multiple counties in the region with a coordinated court system. The circuit court has jurisdiction over family law matters including divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence cases. Judges are elected to preside over cases in this circuit and bring extensive legal experience to the bench. The circuit maintains consistent standards for court procedures across all counties while allowing local rules to address specific needs.
Local rules may vary slightly between courthouses within the circuit, so check the circuit website for specific filing requirements before submitting documents. The clerk's office can answer questions about local procedures and help ensure your filings meet all technical requirements.
Family court hearings take place at the Citrus County courthouse in Inverness. Some cases may be heard at satellite locations depending on case type and judge availability. Confirm the hearing location before your court date to avoid confusion. Parking and security screening are required at all court facilities, so plan to arrive early for your scheduled proceedings.
Self-Help Resources for Family Court
Many people handle family court matters without an attorney, and Citrus County provides resources to support self-represented litigants through the process. The Florida Courts website provides approved family law forms that are available at no cost for download and completion. These forms meet all legal requirements and guide you through the proper formatting and content needed for your specific case type.
The Family Law Self-Help Program offers guidance for pro se litigants who need assistance navigating court procedures. Staff cannot give legal advice about your specific situation, but they can explain general procedures and help with form completion and filing requirements. Contact the courthouse to learn about self-help services available in Citrus County.
Legal aid organizations serve low-income residents who qualify for free or low-cost legal assistance based on income and case type. Call the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service for attorney recommendations if you need full representation. Note that court staff cannot recommend specific attorneys or predict case outcomes.
Important Links for Citrus County
These websites provide valuable information about family court records and services:
Additional resources include the Florida State Courts System and the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers association.
Cities in Citrus County
Family court records from all cities in Citrus County are filed at the county courthouse. Residents of these communities use the same clerk's office for record requests.
Nearby Counties
If you cannot find the records you need in Citrus County, check these neighboring counties. Cases may have been filed in adjacent jurisdictions.