Monroe County Family Court Cases and Records in Key West

Finding Monroe County family court records begins with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Key West. This office serves all of the Florida Keys. The county is part of the 16th Judicial Circuit. Clerk Kevin Madok leads the office. Records include dissolution of marriage, child custody cases, and domestic violence injunctions. The courthouse sits at 500 Whitehead Street in historic Key West. The island location makes this a unique court setting. Staff handle family cases for all island communities. You can search records online or visit the office in person.

Monroe County Clerk of Court Office in Key West

The Monroe County Clerk of Court maintains family court records under Clerk Kevin Madok, with the main office located at 500 Whitehead Street in historic Key West serving all of Monroe County. The office operates Monday through Friday from eight in the morning until five in the afternoon, with staff members available to assist with record searches and help locate specific case files. Photo identification is required for all record access to ensure proper security and verification, and visitors should be prepared for security screening at the courthouse entrance.

Contact the office at (305) 295-3653 for general inquiries about record searches, procedures, and requirements. Staff explain search procedures clearly, provide guidance on required forms, and clarify which records need proof of identity versus those open to public view. The clerk's website offers convenient online search tools that let you look up cases remotely, providing an essential service for residents throughout the Keys who may face travel challenges to reach Key West. This online access is particularly valuable given the geographic spread of the county.

The Key West courthouse location is historic, situated in the heart of Old Town with parking available nearby, and the building features security screening for visitor protection. Staff are friendly and professional, understanding both island life and the sensitive nature of family court matters. They provide courteous service while respecting privacy, recognizing that visitors seeking family records may be experiencing stressful personal circumstances requiring appropriate care and discretion.

Monroe County Family Court Record Types Available

Monroe County maintains comprehensive family court records covering several distinct case types, each serving different legal purposes for residents of the Florida Keys. Dissolution of marriage files document divorces from initial petition through final judgment, including financial affidavits disclosing assets and debts, settlement agreements resolving disputes between parties, and final judgments ending marriages under Florida law. These files may also address property division, alimony determinations, and related matters when complex financial situations exist.

Child custody records establish time-sharing arrangements through detailed parenting plans that allocate parental responsibilities, 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, include medical coverage provisions, and address dental care and extraordinary expenses. Modifications update existing orders when circumstances change significantly, with all changes documented in the case file to maintain accurate records.

Domestic violence injunctions protect victims through petitions that begin cases, temporary orders providing immediate help when warranted, final injunctions lasting for set periods, and documentation of violations. Access may be limited for safety reasons, as privacy laws protect victims from unnecessary exposure. Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood and often lead to custody and support proceedings, while name changes for adults and minors are also processed through the family court system with the clerk organizing all files professionally.

How to Search Monroe County Family Court Records

Searching for Monroe County family court records offers two main pathways, each with distinct benefits depending on your location within the Keys and the nature of your inquiry. Online searches through the My Florida Court Access portal provide convenient remote access, allowing you to enter a name or case number and view case status, party names, scheduled hearings, and final judgments without traveling to Key West. This statewide system is particularly valuable for Monroe County residents given the geographic challenges of island living, enabling residents from Key Largo to Key West to check case information conveniently.

In-person searches at the Whitehead Street courthouse provide comprehensive access to all family court records, with staff available to search by party name, case number, or date range depending on available information. Public computers are available for self-directed searches, and staff help with difficult searches or complex requests. For effective searches, preparation is essential: know full legal names, have approximate dates ready, and gather any case numbers from previous documents or attorney correspondence. Case numbers provide the most efficient search path when available.

Strategic preparation significantly improves search results. The clerk's website provides helpful information about search procedures, and staff are available to answer questions and provide guidance. Given the unique geographic challenges of the Florida Keys, the clerk has developed efficient remote access options and provides courteous assistance to all visitors, whether local residents or those traveling from elsewhere.

16th Judicial Circuit Court Information

Monroe County is part of Florida's 16th Judicial Circuit, which is unique in that it serves the entire Florida Keys region exclusively, with the circuit court handling all family law matters that arise within this distinctive geographic area. Circuit judges preside over cases involving divorces, custody disputes, and domestic violence matters, issuing binding decisions that affect families throughout the Keys. The circuit maintains standardized record-keeping procedures while understanding and accommodating the unique challenges that island living presents for court access and participation.

Family court hearings occur at the Key West courthouse at 500 Whitehead Street, with court notices specifying exact locations, times, and any special requirements for appearances. Arrive early for security screening, bring required identification, and dress appropriately for court proceedings. The 16th Circuit serves a truly unique area and has developed particular expertise in handling cases that reflect the Keys' distinctive community character and geographic realities.

Monroe County Clerk Website and Records Images

The Monroe County Clerk of Court provides online access to their clerk page and resources.

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

The county homepage provides comprehensive government information.

Users can find links to court services and record access options.

The 16th Judicial Circuit page provides court information.

The circuit page helps residents understand the court system.

The court records search system allows detailed case lookups.

The search system helps locate family court documents.

Serving the Florida Keys Community

Monroe County covers a unique geographic area stretching from Key Largo to Key West, with the clerk serving all island communities throughout this 110-mile span. Marathon has a branch office where some services are available, though main records remain in Key West. The island location presents distinctive operational challenges, particularly during hurricane season when court operations may be affected by severe weather. The clerk has developed comprehensive disaster plans to ensure records are backed up securely and electronic access remains available even when physical courthouse access is limited.

The staff know the Keys community intimately because they live and work here, understanding local concerns and the unique aspects of island life that affect family court matters. Family matters are handled with appropriate care and sensitivity, with privacy always protected throughout all interactions. The clerk serves with professionalism and dedication, recognizing the importance of maintaining accessible court services for all residents regardless of which island they call home.