Union County Family Court Cases and Files

Accessing Union County family court records starts with the right approach. The Clerk of Court maintains all documents for family law matters in this small north Florida county. Cases include dissolution of marriage, child custody disputes, domestic violence injunctions, and paternity actions. Lake Butler serves as the county seat and hosts the main courthouse. Residents from the area file cases here each year. You can search for records online or in person. The process helps you obtain documents for legal needs or personal reference. Staff provide personal service to all who visit.

Union County Clerk of Court Office

The Union County Clerk of Court manages all family court records for this small north Florida community, with Kellie Hendricks Rhoades, CPA serving as the current Clerk. The main office is located at 55 W. Main Street, Room 103 in Lake Butler, a facility that houses records for the 8th Judicial Circuit while providing personalized service to residents throughout Union County. Staff members help with record searches each weekday, guiding you to specific case files with the attentive service characteristic of smaller counties. The office operates during standard business hours, opening at eight in the morning and closing at five in the afternoon, Monday through Friday.

Phone support is available at (386) 496-3711 for questions about records, search procedures, and document availability. Staff explain the search process in detail, 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 required for legal proceedings, visit the office with a valid photo ID and allow time for security screening at the courthouse entrance.

Union County Family Court Records Types

Union County maintains a comprehensive collection of family court records, with each type serving different legal purposes and requiring specific access procedures. Understanding these various record categories helps you locate the appropriate documents efficiently while respecting privacy protections. The main categories include dissolution of marriage proceedings that document divorces from initial petition through final judgment, child custody cases that establish parenting plans and support obligations, 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 property division, and final judgments. Child custody records detail court-approved parenting plans with 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.

How to Search Union County Family Records

Searching for family court records in Union 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 without traveling to the courthouse. 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 Union County as part of this statewide judicial information system. Enter a name or case number to begin your search, and the system displays case status, party names, hearings, and final judgments. While some documents are viewable online, others require an in-person visit for security verification. The basic search is free to use.

For in-person searches, visit the clerk's office on Main Street with proper identification and any case details you've gathered. Staff can search by party name, case number, or date, though extensive searches may take extra time. Public access computers are available, and staff help with difficult searches. Gather as much information as possible before visiting, including full names, date ranges, and case numbers if available.

8th Judicial Circuit Information

Union County is part of Florida's 8th Judicial Circuit, a judicial district encompassing six counties that work together under unified administration. Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, and Levy counties join Union in this circuit, creating a coordinated system for handling all family law matters consistently. Circuit judges preside over family cases, holding authority over divorces, custody disputes, and domestic violence matters.

The 8th Judicial Circuit website provides helpful resources including listings of active judges, courthouse locations, and filing procedures. You can find forms, guides, and administrative information online. The circuit office supports the clerk's work, ensuring records are kept properly. Family court hearings typically take place at the Lake Butler courthouse on Main Street, though some proceedings may occur at other locations.

Online Resources for Union County Family Court Records

Modern tools make finding Union 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 Union County Clerk website is your primary resource, linking to case search systems, providing forms and contact info. Statewide systems like My Florida Court Access cover all Florida counties, allowing you to track cases across county lines. The basic services are free, though full document copies often require an office visit.

Union County Clerk Website Image

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

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