Duval County Family Court Records Search
Duval County family court records document all family law cases filed in Jacksonville. The 4th 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.
Duval County Quick Facts
Duval County Clerk of Court Office
The Clerk of Court maintains all family court records in Duval County as the official record keeper for the 4th Judicial Circuit. This elected office handles case filings and public record requests with professional staff who assist residents needing copies of court documents. You can visit the clerk's office in person to request family court records by bringing identification and case information if available. Staff can help you locate files by name or case number, and the office provides certified copies for legal purposes. Many records are available through online search portals as well, providing convenient access for residents throughout the Jacksonville metropolitan area.
The Duval County Clerk's Office serves nearly one million residents with comprehensive record-keeping services and modern technology infrastructure. The office processes a high volume of family court filings and has invested in robust digital systems to provide efficient public access while maintaining security for sensitive documents. Staff members are well-trained in Florida public records law and family court procedures.
| Clerk of Court | Jody Phillips |
|---|---|
| Address | 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
| Phone | (904) 255-2000 |
| Website | www.duvalclerk.com |
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 Duval County family court records online through the clerk's comprehensive digital portal for case searches from any location. Visit www.duvalclerk.com to begin your search using the available tools for searching cases by name or number. The clerk's website provides extensive access to case information and document images when available. Family court services in Duval County include case filing and record retrieval through both online and in-person channels. The clerk's office handles all family law matters with professional staff who can guide you through the record request process.
Visit the clerk's office during business hours for in-person assistance with family court records. The online system provides convenient 24/7 access to basic case information from any computer or mobile device.
Types of Duval County Family Court Records
Family courts in Duval County handle several types of cases, and each creates records that become part of the public file. These documents detail the legal proceedings and court orders that resolve family disputes. Understanding what records exist helps you know what to request when conducting research or gathering documents for legal proceedings. Dissolution of marriage records are the most common family court files in Duval County given the large population. These include petitions for divorce, financial affidavits, and settlement agreements between spouses. The final judgment ends the marriage and divides assets according to Florida law. Chapter 61 of Florida Statutes governs divorce proceedings, 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. Child support records include financial calculations and payment orders established under Florida guidelines. The Florida Department of Revenue handles enforcement statewide when payments are not made. 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 handling. 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 ensure victim access to protection.
Adoption and paternity cases also fall under family court jurisdiction in Duval County. These establish legal parent-child relationships through formal court processes. Records include petitions, home studies for adoptions, and final judgments. Each case type has specific filing requirements and procedures.
Post-judgment modifications are common in Duval County family court when circumstances change significantly after the original order. These may involve changes to custody arrangements, support amounts, or other terms based on new evidence.
How to Request Family Court Records
You have several options for obtaining family court records in Duval County depending 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.
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.
In-person requests provide immediate access to records and allow direct interaction with clerk staff who can assist with complex searches. Visit the Clerk of Court office at the courthouse 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 required for legal proceedings.
Mail requests are accepted for record copies when you cannot visit in person. Send a written request to the clerk's office including case numbers and document descriptions with your contact information and return address. Include payment with your request, and processing typically takes several business days.
4th Judicial Circuit Information
Duval County is part of Florida's 4th Judicial Circuit, which serves multiple counties in Northeast Florida 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. 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 Duval County courthouse in Jacksonville. 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 Duval County provides extensive resources to support self-represented litigants. The Florida Courts website provides approved family law forms at no cost that meet all legal requirements for formatting and content. These forms guide you through the proper procedures 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 Duval 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.
Important Links for Duval 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 Duval County
Family court records from all cities in Duval 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 Duval County, check these neighboring counties. Cases may have been filed in adjacent jurisdictions.