Melbourne City family court records sit with the Brevard County Clerk of Court, not with the Melbourne city clerk office. This page shows how to look up divorce files, custody cases, child support orders, paternity records, and adoption papers for people who live in Melbourne, Florida.
All family law cases for Melbourne residents move through the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, which covers Brevard County. The county clerk serves as the record keeper for every family case filed in the Melbourne area. You can search these records online, by phone, or in person at the courthouse in Viera.
Brevard County Clerk of Court Manages Records
The Brevard County Clerk of Court keeps all family court records for Melbourne residents. The office stores divorce decrees, custody orders, support judgments, paternity tests, and adoption decrees. These records form the official court file for the 18th Judicial Circuit. Melbourne sits inside this circuit, so every family law case that involves a Melbourne address ends up in the county clerk system. The clerk staff index every paper so the public can pull the file by name or case number.
Scott Ellis and the 18th Judicial Circuit
Scott Ellis serves as the elected Clerk of Court for Brevard County. His office runs the records system for the 18th Judicial Circuit, which covers Brevard and Seminole counties. Melbourne sits in Brevard, so every family law case with a Melbourne party falls under his office. The clerk staff process new petitions, file motions, index orders, and issue certified copies of court papers. They also run the online search portal that lets the public view case dockets from home.
Main Office Location and Hours
The main Brevard County Clerk office sits at 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940. The office takes up the first floor of the Brevard County Government Center. Public terminals sit near the entrance so visitors can search the case index without waiting in line. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Parking is free in the garage next to the building.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Office | Brevard County Clerk of Court |
| Clerk Name | Scott Ellis |
| Address | 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940 |
| Phone | (321) 637-5413 |
| Website | www.brevardclerk.us |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
How to Search Melbourne Family Court Records
You can search Melbourne family court records three ways: online, by phone, or in person. Each method works for different needs. Online search works best for quick docket checks. Phone requests help when you need a specific file pulled. In-person visits are required for certified copies and sealed records. Pick the method that fits your goal and the time you have.
Online Search Through CSE Web Access
The Brevard Clerk runs a free online tool called Court Service Electronic Web Access, or CSE Web Access. This system lets you look up family cases by party name, case number, or filing date. Go to www.brevardclerk.us and click the case search link. Type the full legal name of either party in the case. The system shows the case number, filing date, current judge, and a list of docket entries.
The docket list shows every paper filed in the case. You can view motions, orders, and judgments. Some files have PDF documents attached for download. These PDFs may have fees attached for printing. The search covers all family case types filed since 1986. Older files from before 1986 sit on microfilm and need an in-person visit to view.
Florida Statewide Court Access Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com covers all 67 counties in the state. You can search this portal for Melbourne family cases as well. The statewide system shows basic docket data and party names. It links to the Brevard Clerk system for full document access. Use the statewide portal when you need to check cases across multiple counties or when the Brevard site goes down for maintenance.
In-Person Records Request Process
Visit the Viera courthouse to view paper files in person. Bring a valid photo ID. Tell the clerk staff the case number or the full legal names of both parties. Staff pull the physical file from storage and bring it to a review table. You can read the documents and take notes. Photo copying is allowed for a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more and come with a raised clerk seal.
Types of Family Court Cases Filed in Melbourne
Melbourne family courts handle many case types. Each type creates its own set of records. The main case types are divorce, custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence. All these cases are public records unless a judge seals them. Sealed cases stay hidden from the public index.
Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage
Divorce cases are the most common family filings in Melbourne. A divorce case starts with a petition for dissolution of marriage. The clerk files the petition and assigns a case number. Both parties then file financial affidavits, which list income, assets, and debts. Settlement agreements detail how the couple splits property and debt. Final judgments end the marriage. All these papers stay in the court file forever.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing
Custody cases create parenting plans. A parenting plan shows which parent has the child on which days. It lists holiday schedules, school break schedules, and decision-making rights. The clerk files the parenting plan with the court. The judge signs an order that makes the plan a court order. Time-sharing modifications also get filed as new entries in the same case.
Child Support Orders
Child support cases create income records and payment orders. The clerk files the child support guidelines worksheet, which shows how the court calculated the payment amount. The order itself lists the monthly payment, the payment due date, and where to send payments. Income deduction orders tell the employer to take the money out of the paycheck. All these documents are public record.
Paternity Establishments
Paternity cases legally establish who the father of a child is. The clerk files the petition to determine paternity, the DNA test results, and the final order. The order adds the father’s name to the birth certificate. It also creates child support obligations. These records are public unless the mother or child requests a seal from the court.
Adoption and Guardianship
Adoption cases add a new legal parent to a child. The clerk files the adoption petition, the home study report, the consent forms, and the final adoption decree. The original birth certificate gets sealed and a new one is issued. Adoption records are sealed by law in Florida. Only the adoptive parents, the adopted child after turning 18, and certain agencies can view the file. Guardianship cases work in a similar way for adults who need a legal guardian.
Domestic Violence Injunctions
Domestic violence cases involve injunctions for protection. The clerk files the petition, the temporary injunction, and the final injunction after a hearing. These records are public. Police use them to enforce no-contact orders. The records show the protected party, the respondent, and the terms of the order. Violations of the order create new criminal case files in the county system.
Melbourne City Clerk vs County Clerk
Melbourne has two clerk offices that handle different types of records. The Melbourne City Clerk handles city government records. The Brevard County Clerk handles court records. You need the county clerk for any family court file. The city clerk cannot help with court cases. Knowing this saves time and stops trips to the wrong office.
The Melbourne City Clerk sits at 900 East Strawbridge Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901. The phone number is (321) 608-7000. This office keeps city commission meeting minutes, city contracts, and city permits. They do not store divorce decrees, custody orders, or any other court document. Always call the county clerk for family court records. The city clerk office does not have access to the court system.
E-Filing Family Court Documents
The Brevard Clerk runs an e-filing portal that lets you submit court papers online. The portal is part of the Florida Courts E-Filing System. Lawyers and self-represented parties can use it. E-filing saves a trip to the courthouse and speeds up processing. Most filings are accepted the same day if you submit before the daily cutoff time.
Attorney Filing Requirements
All attorneys must file family court papers through the e-filing portal. Email and paper filings are not accepted from lawyers. Each attorney needs a registered account with the Florida Courts E-Filing System. The account ties to the attorney’s bar number. Once registered, the attorney can file new cases, motions, responses, and exhibits. The portal charges a small convenience fee per filing.
Self-Represented Filing Steps
Self-represented parties can also use the e-filing portal. The portal lets you file without a lawyer. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Go to www.myflcourtaccess.com and click the register link.
- Pick Brevard County as the court location.
- Choose Family as the case category.
- Fill out the case type and party details.
- Upload your documents as PDF files.
- Pay the filing fee with a credit or debit card.
- Wait for the clerk to review and accept the filing.
Self-represented parties can also file paper documents at the courthouse window. The clerk will scan paper filings into the system for a small fee. This option works well for people who do not have computer access or who need help with the online system.
Fees, Certified Copies, and Payment Methods
The Brevard Clerk charges fees for copies and certified documents. Standard copies cost a small amount per page. Certified copies cost more because they carry the clerk seal. The fee schedule sits on the clerk website at www.brevardclerk.us. Most fees are set by Florida statute and change only when the state legislature acts. Call the clerk before paying to confirm the current rate.
- Standard copy: around $1.00 per page
- Certified copy: around $3.00 per document plus per-page copy fee
- Search fee: a small charge if staff need to search for a file
- E-filing convenience fee: a small percentage of the filing fee
The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards at the courthouse window. Online payments go through a secure portal. Card payments carry a small processing fee. Checks need a valid Florida ID or driver license number written on the front.
Sealed and Restricted Records
Some family court records are sealed by court order. A judge can seal a case to protect children, victims, or private business data. Sealed records are not viewable by the public. You need a court order to open a sealed file. Adoption records are sealed automatically by Florida law. Paternity records can be sealed on request. Domestic violence records stay public so police can enforce them.
Personal data like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from public records. The clerk removes this data before posting documents online. Birth dates are also restricted for minors. These redactions protect against identity theft and keep private details safe. You can ask the clerk to redact additional sensitive data by filing a written motion with the court.
Melbourne Family Court Contact and Location
Use these official contacts for Melbourne family court records. The county clerk is the only office that can help with court files.
- Office: Brevard County Clerk of Court
- Clerk: Scott Ellis
- Address: 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940
- Phone: (321) 637-5413
- Website: www.brevardclerk.us
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Melbourne City Clerk is a separate office for city government records only:
- Address: 900 East Strawbridge Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901
- Phone: (321) 608-7000
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Melbourne family court records. These cover search methods, fees, sealing rules, and access rights. The answers reflect Florida law and Brevard County clerk policy as of 2026. Call the clerk office to confirm any rules that may have changed since this page was published.
Can I view Melbourne divorce records online for free?
Yes. The Brevard Clerk CSE Web Access system shows basic docket data for free. You can see the case number, filing date, judge name, and a list of every paper filed. PDF copies of some documents are free. Certified copies and full case files cost a fee. The statewide portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com also shows free docket data for Melbourne cases. The free search works for any family case type filed after 1986.
How do I locate a Melbourne child custody case number?
Use the party name search in the Brevard Clerk online portal. Type the full legal name of either parent. The system shows the case number, the filing date, and the assigned judge. If the search returns no results, try different name spellings. The clerk also accepts in-person name searches at the Viera courthouse for a small search fee. Bring a photo ID and as much detail as you have about the parties and the filing year.
Are paternity records public in Brevard County?
Most paternity records are public. The petition, the DNA test results, and the final order are part of the public file. The clerk may seal a paternity record on written request from the mother or the child. Once sealed, the file is not viewable without a court order. Unsealed paternity records stay on the public docket forever. The names of the parents, the child, and the final judgment all appear in the index.
Can I get adoption records from Melbourne court?
Adoption records are sealed by Florida law. The original birth certificate gets replaced with a new one showing the adoptive parents. Only the adoptive parents, the adopted person after turning 18, and state agencies can request access. Adopted people over 18 can request their original birth certificate through the Florida Department of Health. Adoption case files stay sealed unless a court order opens them. Even adult adoptees need a court order in some cases.
Difference Between Public Record and Certified Copy
A public record is any document the clerk shows to people who ask. You can read it, take notes, and request a regular photocopy. A certified copy is an official copy that carries the clerk seal and a signature. Courts, agencies, and employers accept certified copies. You need a certified copy for any legal filing. The clerk charges a higher fee for certified copies because of the extra work and the official seal. Certified copies prove the document is real and unchanged.
How long does the clerk keep family court records?
The clerk keeps family court records permanently for active cases. Closed cases stay in the system forever in digital form. Paper files from closed cases get scanned into the system and stored in off-site warehouses. Microfilm records from before 1986 sit in the clerk archive. You can request access to any case, no matter how old, through the online portal or the courthouse window. Older microfilm files cost a small fee to view because of the extra retrieval work.
Can I remove my name from family court case search?
You can ask the court to seal a record, but the court rarely grants this. The judge looks at the reason for the request, the privacy needs, and the public interest. Most family court cases stay public. Paternity cases and cases involving minors get extra review. Talk to a family law attorney if you want to seal a record. The clerk cannot seal a record without a signed court order. Filing a motion to seal costs a filing fee and may need a hearing before a judge.