Brevard County family court records cover all legal cases that touch families in this Florida region. These records include divorce files, child custody orders, child support data, paternity cases, adoption files, and domestic violence injunctions.
The Clerk of Court office in Titusville keeps these records safe. Anyone can look at most family court files through online tools or by visiting the office. This page explains each step, fee, and tool you need to find the records you want.
How Brevard County Family Court Records Work
Family court records in Brevard County follow a clear system. The Clerk of Court stores every file. Court judges create the orders inside each file. The system makes sure records stay public but also keeps some private. Most records stay open for public view. Some stay sealed by law.
The Clerk of Court Role
The Brevard County Clerk of Court runs the records office. Scott Ellis leads this office as Clerk. The office sits at 400 S. Street in Titusville, Florida. Staff members file new papers, store old files, and help people look up case data. They also collect fees for copies and certified records. The Clerk office answers phone calls at (321) 637-5413 during work hours. The website at brevardclerk.us offers search tools that work 24 hours a day.
The 18th Judicial Circuit
Brevard County sits inside the 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit also includes Seminole County. Family court judges from this circuit hear divorce, custody, and support cases. All family cases in Brevard go through this circuit court. The circuit runs mediation programs and parenting classes for families. These services help parents settle disputes before trial.
Records Storage Systems
The Clerk office stores family court records in two ways. Paper files fill secure rooms in the Titusville building. New records since 2010 also exist in digital form. The online case search tool pulls data from the digital system. Older paper files need an in-person visit to view. The Clerk office keeps paper files for many decades based on Florida law.
Types of Family Cases in Brevard County
Family court covers many case types. Each type has its own file set. Below are the main kinds of family cases you can search in Brevard County records.
Divorce and Dissolution Cases
Dissolution of marriage cases make up a large share of family court files. These records hold the initial petition, financial forms, and the final divorce judgment. They also include settlement agreements that show how the couple split property and debt. Most divorce files stay open to the public. Sealed divorce records do exist when judges order them closed.
Child Custody Records
Child custody files include parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and decision-making rules. These records show which parent has the child on which days. They also list holiday schedules and vacation rules. Modifications to custody orders appear in the same file. Most custody records stay public, but some details may stay private to protect children.
Child Support Cases
Child support records show payment amounts, payment history, and what parents owe. These files include income information and the support order itself. The Clerk office runs a special tool called CSE Web for child support data. Parents and legal parties can sign up to view their support account online. Most child support records stay open to the parties named in the case.
Paternity Records
Paternity cases decide who the legal father is. These files include DNA test results, court orders, and support orders that follow. They also include the mother’s name and child’s name. Most paternity records stay open to the people named in the case. Some details may stay private based on court order.
Adoption Files
Adoption records stay sealed by Florida law. Only the people directly involved in the adoption can see these files. This includes adoptive parents, birth parents in some cases, and the adopted person once they reach adulthood. The Clerk office protects these files with extra security measures. The public cannot view adoption records through online search tools.
Domestic Violence Injunctions
Domestic violence files include petitions, temporary orders, and final injunctions. These records protect victims from abusers. Some details stay private to protect victim safety. Court staff can tell you if an injunction exists for a specific person, but the file itself may stay sealed. Violations of injunctions create new court records that often stay open.
Where to Search Records
You have three main ways to search family court records in Brevard County. Each method works for different needs. Choose the one that fits your case.
Online Search Portals
The Clerk office offers online search tools that work 24 hours a day. My Florida Court Access at myflcourtaccess.com covers all Brevard County cases. You can search by name or case number. The tool shows case status, party names, and filing dates. Some records let you view the actual documents online. CSE Web at the Clerk website handles child support accounts.
The Brevard County Clerk homepage sits at brevardclerk.us. This site links to all search tools and court services. You can also find forms and fee schedules there. The site works on phones and computers.
In-Person Records Requests
You can visit the Clerk office at 400 S. Street in Titusville to look at records in person. Staff will help you fill out a request form. They pull the file and bring it to a public viewing area. You can read the file and make copies using office copy machines. In-person visits work best for old paper files and detailed searches. Bring a photo ID with you.
Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on Florida state holidays. Plan to arrive before 4:30 p.m. if you need same-day service.
Phone and Mail Requests
You can call the Clerk office at (321) 637-5413 for basic case data. Staff can confirm if a case exists and share the case number. They cannot read full file contents over the phone. For copies of documents, you can mail a written request to the Clerk office. Include the case number, your contact details, and a check for copy fees.
Mail requests take longer to process. Allow 7 to 10 business days for mailed responses. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for faster return of copies.
How to Use the Clerk’s Online Search
The online search tool at myflcourtaccess.com is the fastest way to find case data. This system covers all Brevard County family cases filed in Florida courts. Below are the main search methods.
Searching by Case Number
A case number gives you the fastest and most exact search results. Case numbers look like this: 05-2023-DR-012345. The first part shows the year. DR means dissolution of marriage. Other letters show different case types. You can find the case number on old court papers, attorney letters, or court notices. Type the full case number into the search box for direct results.
Searching by Party Name
You can search by name if you do not have a case number. Type the full legal name of either party. Use last name first, then first name. Add a date of birth if you know it. This helps narrow results when many people share the same name. The tool shows all cases linked to that name. Match the case details to find the right one.
CSE Web for Child Support
The CSE Web system at vweb1.brevardclerk.us handles child support account data. Parents and legal parties can sign up for free accounts. Once signed up, you can see payment history, amounts owed, and payment dates. The system updates each business day with the previous day’s data. This tool does not show real-time data. New payments appear the next business day.
To sign up, you need a case number and personal ID details. The system checks your identity before giving access. Once approved, you can log in any time to check your account.
E-Filing System in Brevard County
Brevard County uses the Florida Courts e-filing system. This online portal accepts family court papers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The system works for both attorneys and people who represent themselves.
Who Must E-File
All attorneys licensed in Florida must file family court papers online through the e-filing portal. Self-represented parties can file online or on paper. The Clerk office still accepts paper filings from people who do not have an attorney. E-filing speeds up the process and gives you instant proof of filing.
Filing Fees and Payment
The e-filing portal accepts major credit cards and debit cards. There is a small service fee for electronic payments. Standard filing fees apply the same as paper filings. The system shows the total cost before you confirm the filing. You get a receipt by email after successful filing. The Clerk office processes electronic filings faster than paper ones.
Costs, Copies, and Certified Records
Copy fees in Brevard County follow Florida state law. The Clerk office charges set amounts for each copy. Below are the main fee types.
Standard Copy Fees
Regular copies cost $1.00 per page. You pay this fee at the copy machines in the Clerk office. Online document copies may have different fees. The fee covers paper, toner, and staff time. You can pay with cash, check, or card at the office.
Certified Copies
Certified copies cost $7.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each extra page. A certified copy has the Clerk’s stamp and signature. Courts and other agencies often need certified copies. The fee stays the same whether you order in person, by mail, or online. Certified copies prove the document is a true copy of the court record.
Payment Methods
The Clerk office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for in-person payments. Online payments use credit or debit cards only. There is a processing fee for card payments. Checks must have the right name and address to clear. The office gives a receipt for every payment.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Copy | $1.00 per page | Self-service at Clerk office |
| Certified Copy (first page) | $7.00 | Includes Clerk seal |
| Certified Copy (extra pages) | $2.00 each | Same case, same request |
| Online Search Access | Free | Basic case data |
| CSE Web Account | Free | Child support data only |
| E-Filing Service Fee | Varies | Added to filing fee |
Sealed and Confidential Records
Not all family court records stay open to the public. Florida law protects certain files. The Clerk office follows strict rules about who can see these records.
Adoption Record Sealing
Adoption files stay sealed forever under Florida law. Only the people named in the adoption can see them. Adoptive parents can view the file. Adult adopted persons can view their own file after turning 18. Birth parents have limited access in some cases. The Clerk office does not let the public view adoption records through any search method.
Domestic Violence Confidentiality
Domestic violence files balance public access with victim safety. The fact that an injunction exists may be public. The details in the petition often stay sealed. The Clerk office protects victim addresses and phone numbers. Only the people named in the case and their attorneys can see sealed details.
Court Ordered Sealing
Judges can seal any family court file for good cause. The person asking for sealing must file a motion. The judge holds a hearing to decide. If the judge grants sealing, the file moves to a secure location. The Clerk office cannot let anyone view a sealed file without a new court order. The sealing applies to both paper and digital records.
Contact and Location Details
The main Clerk office for family court records sits in Titusville. This office holds the complete collection of family court files. The address and contact details appear below.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Brevard County Clerk of Court |
| Clerk | Scott Ellis |
| Street Address | 400 S. Street, Titusville, FL 32796 |
| Phone Number | (321) 637-5413 |
| Website | brevardclerk.us |
| Office Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Judicial Circuit | 18th Judicial Circuit |
| Online Case Search | myflcourtaccess.com |
| Child Support System | vweb1.brevardclerk.us/cse |
Common Questions About Brevard Family Records
Many people have similar questions about family court records in Brevard County. The answers below address the most common concerns. Each answer gives clear, direct data you can use right away.
Can I see adoption records in Brevard County?
No, adoption records stay sealed by Florida state law. The Clerk office cannot show these files to the public. Only the people directly involved in the adoption can see the file. Adoptive parents have full access. Adult adopted persons can request their own file after turning 18. Birth parents have limited access rights in some cases. The Clerk office will ask for ID to confirm you have a right to view the file. The process for unsealing an adoption file requires a court order, not just a request to the Clerk. Florida law keeps these files private to protect all parties. If you need adoption data for legal reasons, talk to an attorney about the proper steps.
How do I find a divorce record from 20 years ago?
You can search the My Florida Court Access system at myflcourtaccess.com. The tool has data going back many years. If the case appears in the online tool, you can view the basic case data. For full file contents of old cases, you may need to visit the Clerk office in person. Old paper files still exist for decades under Florida record retention rules. Bring a case number if you have one. If you do not have a case number, search by full name and year. The Clerk staff can help you locate old files. There may be a small copy fee for old documents.
Is the CSE Web system the same as My Florida Court Access?
No, these are two different systems. My Florida Court Access covers all case types and courts in Florida. It shows basic case data, party names, and filing dates. The CSE Web system only handles child support account data. It shows payment history, balances, and disbursement details. CSE Web requires a free account signup. My Florida Court Access lets you search without an account. For full family court data, use My Florida Court Access. For child support payment data, use CSE Web. Both systems are free to use.
What does it cost to get a certified copy of a divorce judgment?
A certified copy of a divorce judgment costs $7.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each extra page. Most divorce judgments are short, so the cost is often $7.00 to $11.00. The certified copy has the Clerk’s seal and signature. Courts, agencies, and other states often need certified copies. You can order certified copies in person at the Clerk office, by mail, or online through the Clerk’s website. Online orders may have an extra service fee. The certified copy proves the document is real and accurate.
Can I remove my name from public family court records?
It is hard but not impossible. You must file a motion with the court asking to seal the records. The judge will hold a hearing. You will need to show good cause for sealing. The other party has the right to object. Common reasons for sealing include safety concerns, personal data, or harm to children. The judge weighs your need for privacy against the public’s right to know. If the judge grants the motion, the Clerk office seals both paper and digital records. Without a court order, the Clerk office cannot remove records from public view. Sealing is permanent unless a later court order unseals the file.
How long does the Clerk keep old family court files?
Florida law sets retention rules for court records. Most family court files stay in the Clerk office for many years. Divorce and custody cases often stay for 20 years or more. Adoption files stay forever. Domestic violence files also stay for decades. The Clerk office keeps both paper and digital records. Very old paper files may get scanned into the digital system over time. The retention rules protect historical court data. The Clerk office follows the Florida Records Retention Schedule for all file types.
Can I get family court records from another Florida county through the Brevard Clerk?
No, you must contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed. Each Florida county keeps its own court records. The Brevard County Clerk only has records for cases filed in Brevard County. If you need records from another county, visit that county’s Clerk website. Many Florida counties use the same My Florida Court Access system, so you can search for cases across the state. You can also contact the other county’s Clerk office by phone or mail. The Florida court system makes it easy to find the right office for each case.