Martin County Family Court Cases and Records Access

Finding Martin County family court records is possible through the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Stuart. The county lies within Florida's 19th Judicial Circuit. Records include dissolution of marriage, child custody cases, and domestic violence injunctions. The courthouse sits at 100 E. Ocean Boulevard. This location serves all of Martin County. Staff process thousands of family cases annually. You can search records online or visit in person. This guide shows you how to find what you need.

Martin County Clerk of Court Office in Stuart

The Martin County Clerk of Court maintains family court records at 100 E. Ocean Boulevard in Stuart, serving as the primary access point for all court documents related to family law matters throughout the county. The office operates Monday through Friday from eight in the morning until five in the afternoon, with staff members available to provide record search assistance and help locate specific case files upon request. Photo identification is required for all record access, ensuring proper security and verification of requestors. The Stuart location is conveniently situated in the heart of downtown, accessible via public transportation with parking available nearby to accommodate visitors from throughout Martin County and surrounding areas.

Contact the office at (772) 288-5576 for general inquiries about record searches, procedures, and requirements. Staff members can explain search procedures in detail, provide guidance on required forms, and clarify which records need proof of identity versus those open to public view. The clerk's website offers comprehensive online search capabilities that allow you to look up cases from your home, providing a convenient alternative to in-person visits for many types of record inquiries. Security screening is required at the building entrance, so visitors should arrive early to allow time for this process before their scheduled appointments or record requests.

The staff at the Martin County Clerk's office are professional, helpful, and understanding of the sensitive nature of family court matters. They recognize that individuals seeking family records are often experiencing stressful life circumstances, and they approach each interaction with appropriate care and discretion. Whether you need assistance locating a specific document, understanding court procedures, or accessing online resources, the staff are committed to providing courteous service while respecting your privacy and ensuring you receive the information you need.

Martin County Family Court Record Types Available

Martin County maintains comprehensive records for various types of family court cases, each serving distinct legal purposes and containing specific documentation relevant to particular proceedings. Dissolution of marriage files document divorces from initial petition through final resolution, including financial affidavits that disclose assets and debts, settlement agreements that resolve disputes between parties, and final judgments that officially terminate the marriage under Florida law. These files may also contain parenting plans when children are involved, property settlement agreements dividing marital assets, and alimony determinations when spousal support is awarded by the court.

Child custody records are particularly comprehensive, containing detailed parenting plans that allocate time-sharing between parents, visitation schedules that specify when each parent has physical custody, and decision-making authority assignments regarding education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Child support orders specify payment amounts, frequency, and duration, while also addressing medical and dental coverage provisions and extraordinary expense allocations. When circumstances change substantially, modification petitions update existing orders to reflect new realities such as income changes, relocation, or evolving children's needs, with all modifications documented in the case file.

Domestic violence injunction cases create protective records that include petitions for injunction, temporary orders providing immediate protection when warranted, and final injunctions that establish longer-term safeguards for victims. Violations are documented and may result in criminal prosecution. Access to these records may be limited for safety and privacy reasons, as laws protect victims from unnecessary exposure. Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood and often lead to related custody and support proceedings, while name change petitions for both adults and minors are also processed through the family court system, with the clerk organizing all files professionally according to established protocols.

How to Search Martin County Family Court Records

Searching for Martin County family court records offers two main pathways, each with distinct advantages depending on your specific needs and the nature of your inquiry. Online searches through the My Florida Court Access portal provide convenient remote access to case information, allowing you to enter a name or case number and view case status, party names, scheduled hearings, and final judgments from any location with internet access. This statewide system covers Martin County comprehensively, displaying basic case information that is often sufficient for status checks and preliminary research, though some documents may require in-person visits for viewing or copying.

In-person searches at the courthouse on Ocean Boulevard provide the most comprehensive access to family court records, with clerk staff available to assist by searching party names, case numbers, or date ranges depending on what information you have available. Public computers are available for self-directed searches, and staff members are ready to help with difficult searches or complex requests. For effective searches, preparation is essential: know the full legal names of all parties involved, have approximate dates ready, and gather any case numbers you may have from previous documents or attorney correspondence. Case numbers are particularly valuable as they provide the most direct path to specific records.

Strategic search approaches significantly improve results. Start with complete legal names, including any variations if known, particularly for women who may have changed names during or after marriage. Check both maiden and married names when applicable. Date ranges help narrow results to relevant years, making review more manageable, while case numbers obtained from court documents, attorneys, or previous orders provide the most efficient search path when available. The clerk's staff are knowledgeable and genuinely want to help you succeed in locating the records you need, so don't hesitate to ask questions when clarification would be helpful.

19th Judicial Circuit Court Information

Martin County is part of Florida's 19th Judicial Circuit, which encompasses four counties: Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie, with the circuit court handling all family law matters that fall within its jurisdiction. Circuit judges preside over these cases, managing divorces, custody disputes, and domestic violence matters with the authority to issue binding decisions that affect families throughout the circuit. The circuit maintains standardized record-keeping procedures across all counties, ensuring consistency that helps when cases involve parties from multiple jurisdictions or when records need to be coordinated between courthouses.

Family court hearings occur at the Stuart courthouse located at 100 E. Ocean Boulevard, with court notices specifying exact locations and times for all proceedings. Visitors should arrive early for security screening and bring required identification to all court appearances, with appropriate dress expected as a sign of respect for the judicial process. The 19th Circuit serves the Treasure Coast region, handling a significant caseload with family law divisions staffed by experienced judges and support personnel who understand the complex emotional and legal dynamics involved in family court matters.

Martin County Clerk Website and Records Images

The Martin County Clerk of Court provides online access to their homepage and resources.

The website offers tools for searching family court cases and accessing public records.

The court services page provides detailed information about available resources.

Users can find information about court procedures and record access options.

The court records search system allows detailed case lookups.

The search system helps locate family court documents by name or case number.

Tips for Martin County Record Searches

Effective searches for Martin County family court records employ specific strategies that significantly improve your chances of locating the documents you need efficiently and accurately. Start with complete legal names, including any variations if known, particularly for women who may have changed names during or after marriage, checking both maiden and married names when applicable. Date ranges help narrow results to relevant years, making review much more manageable, while case numbers provide the most direct and efficient search tool when available from court documents, attorneys, or previous orders.

The clerk's staff are knowledgeable professionals who want to help you succeed in your record search, so don't hesitate to ask questions when you need clarification or assistance. They explain the process clearly and patiently, understanding that many visitors are unfamiliar with court procedures and may be experiencing stressful personal circumstances. Your privacy is always protected during interactions, and family matters are handled with appropriate care and sensitivity throughout the process.