Lee County Family Court Documents and Case Lookup

Finding Lee County family court records starts with the Clerk of Court in Fort Myers. This large coastal county sits on Florida's southwest Gulf Coast. It is part of the 20th Judicial Circuit. The clerk keeps all records for family law cases. These include divorce filings, custody disputes, and domestic violence petitions. Fort Myers serves as the county seat. The main courthouse handles thousands of cases each year. You can search records in person or online. The clerk provides modern tools for record access. The staff are trained to help with all requests.

Lee County Clerk of Court Office

The Lee County Clerk of Court manages all family court records under the leadership of Kevin C. Karnes, who serves as the current Clerk. The main office is located at 32075 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in Fort Myers, serving as the primary records repository for this populous southwest Florida county. This modern facility houses comprehensive records for the 20th Judicial Circuit, maintaining detailed documentation of thousands of family law cases filed annually. Staff members are available to assist with searches every weekday, bringing their professional training to help visitors efficiently locate case files using various search criteria including party names, case numbers, or date ranges.

Phone support is available at (239) 533-5000 for individuals who wish to gather information before visiting in person. When you call, knowledgeable staff will explain the search process and identify what documentation you need to bring, as some files require proof of identity and direct relationship to the parties while others remain open to public inspection. The clerk's website features sophisticated search tools for preliminary research. You can also access My Florida Court Access for comprehensive online case lookups across all Florida counties, providing valuable context for your search.

Visiting the office is necessary when you require certified copies of documents for legal proceedings or official purposes. Bring a valid photo ID, as identification verification is mandatory. Staff can print most records while you wait, though extensive requests may need additional processing time. The clerk accepts cash and credit cards for payment. The courthouse maintains full security screening, so arriving early ensures adequate time to clear security and complete your request. On-site parking is available for visitors.

Types of Lee County Family Court Records

Lee County maintains an extensive collection of family court records spanning multiple categories, each serving important legal purposes for the community. The clerk's office organizes these records systematically by case type to facilitate efficient retrieval. The primary categories include dissolution of marriage records documenting divorce proceedings, custody orders establishing parental rights and responsibilities, domestic violence cases involving protective injunctions, and paternity matters determining legal fatherhood. Each category contains comprehensive documentation that provides a complete picture of the legal proceedings and their outcomes.

Dissolution of marriage records contain the complete file of divorce proceedings, including the original petition, responsive pleadings, financial affidavits, and the final decree that legally terminates the marriage. These documents specify property division terms, allocation of assets and debts, and any spousal support arrangements. Child custody records include detailed parenting plans and time-sharing schedules that establish when each parent has physical custody, as well as support orders determining financial obligations. Domestic violence records contain injunctions designed to protect victims from harm, with access potentially restricted to safeguard vulnerable parties. Paternity cases formally establish legal fatherhood, typically resulting in child support orders and custody arrangements. Adoption records remain sealed under Florida law to protect the privacy of children, birth parents, and adoptive families.

How to Search Lee County Family Court Records

Searching for Lee County family court records provides two primary pathways depending on your research needs and preferences. You can conduct your search online using digital resources, or you can visit the courthouse in person for direct access to complete files. Both methods offer distinct advantages suited to different situations. Online searches provide rapid results for case verification and status updates, while in-person visits grant access to full documentary records including exhibits and detailed filings. Consider your specific requirements when choosing the approach that best serves your needs.

The My Florida Court Access portal serves as the primary online resource for Lee County case information. This state-maintained system allows searching by party names, business entities, or specific case numbers. The platform displays comprehensive case status information, party details, scheduled hearings, and judgments entered. While some documents are available for immediate online viewing, others require an office visit due to privacy restrictions or scanning limitations. Basic search functionality is provided free of charge.

In-person searches take place at the clerk's office on MLK Boulevard in Fort Myers. Bring proper identification and any case information you've gathered through preliminary research. Experienced staff can locate files by party name, case number, or date range depending on available information. Extensive searches may require additional processing time. The office provides public access computers for self-directed searching, with staff available to assist with complex queries or explain unfamiliar legal terminology.

20th Judicial Circuit for Lee County Family Cases

Lee County is one of five counties comprising Florida's 20th Judicial Circuit, which serves southwest Florida's coastal communities. The circuit includes Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties alongside Lee, creating a unified judicial system that handles family law matters across this diverse geographic region. The circuit court exercises jurisdiction over all family law cases, with judges presiding over divorces, custody disputes, domestic violence petitions, and related matters. This structure ensures consistent legal standards while allowing judicial expertise to develop in complex family law issues.

The 20th Judicial Circuit website provides valuable resources including current listings of all active judges with their biographical information and courtroom assignments, detailed courthouse locations throughout the circuit, filing procedures for various family case types, and downloadable forms with instructional guides. The circuit administrative office coordinates closely with county clerks to maintain uniform records standards.

Family court hearings primarily occur in Fort Myers at 32075 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, though some cases may be scheduled at other circuit locations. Always verify exact details in your court papers. The circuit maintains consistent rules across all counties to ensure fairness and predictability.

Online Tools for Lee County Family Court Records

Modern technology has made finding Lee County family court records increasingly accessible, with numerous online tools available to assist researchers. Each resource offers unique features that serve different research needs. Using multiple sources in combination often yields the most complete information. For best results, begin with official government sources.

The Lee County Clerk website serves as your primary local resource, providing links to search tools, downloadable forms, contact information, and regularly updated case information. Records online typically reflect new filings quickly, keeping the public informed of recent court activity.

State-level tools complement local resources. My Florida Court Access covers all 67 counties, placing Lee County cases within statewide context. This enables tracking cases across county lines when necessary. The system works well for comprehensive searches, with basic facts available free of charge.

Note: Online tools display case summaries and docket entries. Full document copies often require in-person visits or formal mail requests.

Lee County Family Court Records Image

The Lee County Clerk of Court provides access to their e-filing portal for electronic document submission.

The e-filing portal allows attorneys and self-represented parties to file family court documents online.