St. Lucie County Family Court Cases and Files

Accessing St. Lucie County family court records starts with the right approach. The Clerk of Court maintains all documents for family law matters on the Treasure Coast. Cases include dissolution of marriage, child custody disputes, domestic violence injunctions, and paternity actions. Fort Pierce serves as the county seat and hosts the main courthouse. Many residents file cases here each year. You can search for records online or visit in person. The process helps you get the documents you need. Staff are ready to guide your search efforts.

St. Lucie County Clerk of Court Office

The St. Lucie County Clerk of Court manages all family court records for the Treasure Coast region, with Michelle R. Miller serving as the current Clerk. The main office is located at 201 S. Indian River Drive in Ft. Pierce, a facility that houses records for the 19th Judicial Circuit while serving residents across this vibrant coastal community. Staff members help with record searches each weekday, providing personalized assistance to point you toward specific case files among the thousands processed annually. The office maintains standard business hours, opening at eight in the morning and closing at five in the afternoon, Monday through Friday, ensuring accessibility for working families.

Phone support is available at (772) 462-6900 for questions about records, search procedures, and document availability. When you call, staff will explain the search steps, advise on what identification you should bring, and clarify which records require proof of identity versus those open to the public. The clerk's website offers convenient online search tools that let you look up cases from home, searching by name or case number to view basic case details. For certified copies needed for legal proceedings, visit the office with valid photo ID and allow extra time for security screening at the courthouse entrance.

St. Lucie County Family Court Records Types

St. Lucie County maintains a comprehensive collection of family court records, with each type serving different legal needs and requiring specific access procedures. Understanding these various record categories helps you locate the appropriate documents efficiently while respecting privacy protections. The main types include dissolution of marriage proceedings that document divorces from initial petition through final judgment, child custody cases that establish parenting plans and support arrangements, domestic violence injunctions that protect victims through restraining orders, paternity actions that establish legal fatherhood, and adoption records that are typically sealed to protect all parties involved.

Dissolution of marriage records contain detailed documentation of divorce proceedings, including original petitions, financial affidavits, marital settlement agreements showing how property is divided, and final judgments. Child custody records detail court-approved parenting plans that specify time-sharing schedules, decision-making authority, and child support orders calculated according to Florida guidelines. Domestic violence injunction records document petitions for protection, temporary and permanent restraining orders, and related court hearings, though access may be restricted for safety reasons. Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood through testing and court orders, often leading to child support obligations. Each record type follows different access rules under Florida law, with the clerk's office determining appropriate release procedures based on statutory requirements.

How to Search St. Lucie County Family Records

Searching for family court records in St. Lucie County offers two distinct pathways, each with unique advantages depending on your research needs and circumstances. Online searches work well for quick preliminary checks and verifying case existence, allowing you to review basic information from anywhere with internet access. In-person visits provide full document access, including certified copies required for legal proceedings, and offer staff assistance for complex searches or when dealing with incomplete information.

The My Florida Court Access portal covers St. Lucie County as part of this statewide judicial information system. Enter a name or case number to begin your search, and the system will display case status, party names, hearings, and final judgments. While some documents are available online, others require an in-person visit for security verification. The basic search is free, making it an accessible starting point.

For in-person searches, visit the clerk's office on Indian River Drive with proper identification and any case details you've gathered. Staff can search by party name, case number, or date, though extensive searches may require additional processing time. Public access computers are available for independent searching, with staff ready to assist with difficult cases. Gather as much information as possible before visiting, including full names, date ranges, and case numbers if available.

19th Judicial Circuit Information

St. Lucie County is part of Florida's 19th Judicial Circuit, which includes four counties working together under unified judicial administration. Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee counties join St. Lucie in this circuit, creating a coordinated system for handling all family law matters consistently. Circuit judges preside over cases, holding authority over divorces, custody disputes, and domestic violence matters.

The 19th Judicial Circuit website offers helpful resources including listings of active judges, courthouse locations, and filing procedures. You can find forms, guides, and administrative information online. The circuit office works closely with the clerk to maintain proper records and ensure efficient case processing. Family court hearings typically take place at the Ft. Pierce courthouse on Indian River Drive, though some proceedings may be scheduled at other locations.

Online Resources for St. Lucie County Family Court Records

Modern tools make finding St. Lucie County family court records more accessible than ever, with multiple online platforms serving this essential need. Each resource offers different features, and using them together helps you find complete information efficiently.

The St. Lucie County Clerk website is your primary resource, linking to case search systems, providing forms, and offering office details. Statewide systems like My Florida Court Access cover all Florida counties, allowing you to track cases across county lines for multi-county searches. The basic services are free, though full document copies often require an office visit.

St. Lucie County Clerk Website Image

The St. Lucie County Clerk of Court provides online access to their e-filing portal for convenient case submissions.

This system allows attorneys and self-represented parties to file family court documents electronically, streamlining the filing process.