Escambia County Family Court Files
Escambia County family court records document all family law cases filed in Pensacola. The 1st 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.
Escambia County Quick Facts
Escambia County Clerk of Court Office
The Clerk of Court maintains all family court records in Escambia County as the official record keeper for the 1st 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 Pensacola metropolitan area.
The Escambia County Clerk's Office serves the Florida Panhandle community with comprehensive record-keeping services and modern technology infrastructure. The office has a long history of serving the public and has continuously updated its systems to provide efficient access to court records while maintaining strict security for sensitive family court documents. Staff members are well-trained in Florida public records law.
| Clerk of Court | Pam Childers |
|---|---|
| Address | 190 W. Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 |
| Phone | (850) 595-4310 |
| Website | www.escambiaclerk.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 Escambia County family court records online through the clerk's comprehensive digital portal for convenient case searches from any location. Visit www.escambiaclerk.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 Escambia 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 Escambia County Clerk maintains detailed court records containing case documents from all family law proceedings. You can view most records online or request copies in person depending on your needs.
Records date back several decades and are updated daily to ensure accuracy. Electronic filing is available in Escambia 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 and other documents from their computers. Create an account to file documents electronically with the court and receive confirmation of your filings.
Types of Escambia County Family Court Records
Family courts in Escambia 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 Escambia County. 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 Escambia 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.
How to Request Family Court Records
You have several options for obtaining family court records in Escambia County depending on your specific needs and timeline. Some requests can be completed online instantly, while others require a visit to the courthouse.
For online access, use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. This system provides case information from courts across the state. You can search by party name or case number to locate relevant files. 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.
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.
1st Judicial Circuit Information
Escambia County is part of Florida's 1st Judicial Circuit, which serves multiple counties in the Florida Panhandle 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.
The circuit maintains standards for court procedures across all counties while allowing for local variations. Check the circuit website for specific filing requirements.
Family court hearings take place at the Escambia County courthouse in Pensacola. Some cases may be heard at satellite locations depending on case type. Confirm the hearing location before your court date and plan to arrive early for security screening.
Self-Help Resources for Family Court
Many people handle family court matters without an attorney, and Escambia County provides resources to support self-represented litigants. The Florida Courts website provides approved family law forms at no cost that meet all legal requirements.
The Family Law Self-Help Program offers guidance for pro se litigants. Staff cannot give legal advice but can explain procedures and help with form completion. Contact the courthouse to learn about self-help services in Escambia County.
Legal aid organizations serve low-income residents who qualify for free or low-cost legal assistance. Call the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service for attorney recommendations. Note that court staff cannot recommend specific attorneys.
Important Links for Escambia 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 Escambia County
Family court records from all cities in Escambia 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 Escambia County, check these neighboring counties. Cases may have been filed in adjacent jurisdictions.