West Palm Beach City family court records are court files that hold details about divorce, custody, support, and other family law cases filed by people who live in the city. These records sit in one main place: the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court office.
The city of West Palm Beach does not run its own family court. Instead, every family law case for city residents goes through the county court system in the 15th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Anyone can look at most of these records because Florida law treats court files as public papers. Some parts stay sealed by a judge’s order, like social security numbers, bank details, or records involving minors in certain sensitive cases. This page explains how to find, read, and request these records using online tools, mail, or in-person visits to the county clerk’s office.
Who Holds West Palm Beach City Family Court Records
Family court records for West Palm Beach residents live at the county level, not the city level. The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court keeps all family law files for cities inside the county, including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Jupiter, and Boynton Beach. The West Palm Beach City Clerk only handles city government papers, like council meeting minutes, permits, and local contracts. Court records never sit in the city clerk’s office. Knowing this saves time because people often call the wrong office first. The county clerk is the only source for any family court file in this area.
Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Office
The main county clerk office sits at 301 North Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. This building stands in the downtown area and serves as the central hub for court records across the 15th Judicial Circuit. Mike Caruso serves as the elected Clerk of Court. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closes on weekends and court holidays. Staff at the front desk help visitors search by name, case number, or filing date. Public computers also sit inside the lobby for people who want to run their own searches without waiting in line.
| Office Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Palm Beach County Clerk of Court |
| Clerk Name | Mike Caruso |
| Street Address | 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| Main Phone | (561) 355-2996 |
| Family Court Phone | (561) 355-4381 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Official Website | www.mypalmbeachclerk.com |
West Palm Beach City Clerk Office
The City of West Palm Beach also has a clerk office, but it handles only city business. That office sits at 401 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, and its phone number is (561) 822-1200. Staff at the city clerk process local election paperwork, city contracts, council resolutions, and permit records. Family court files do not pass through this office at any point. People who call the city clerk asking for a divorce record or custody order will be told to contact the county clerk instead. Treating the city clerk as a wrong door for family court matters helps visitors reach the right place faster.
Types of Family Court Records in West Palm Beach
Family court covers a wide range of legal matters that touch the home. Each case type creates its own set of records, and most of these records stay open to the public. The clerk’s office groups cases by category, which makes search and retrieval easier. Below are the main case types a person might want to look up through the Palm Beach County court system.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce cases make up the largest share of family court filings in Palm Beach County. The clerk keeps the original petition, the financial affidavit from each spouse, settlement agreements, parenting plans for children, and the final judgment that ends the marriage. Anyone can look at the basic case file, but some financial documents may stay sealed if a judge orders it. Divorce records often serve as proof that a marriage ended, which matters for name changes, remarriage, or financial matters.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Custody cases create records that include parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and any court orders about decision-making for a child. The clerk stores these orders, along with motions filed by either parent and the judge’s final ruling. Custody files stay open unless a judge seals them for child safety reasons. Many parents, family law attorneys, and other courts pull these records to check on prior custody rulings in Florida or other states.
Child Support Records
Child support cases generate income information, payment orders, payment history, and any contempt motions when payments fall behind. The Department of Revenue often files these cases, but private parents can also file them. Support records stay public, though personal financial details may be redacted. The clerk’s office also stores orders that raise or lower support amounts based on changes in income or custody.
Paternity Records
Paternity cases legally establish who the father of a child is. The clerk keeps DNA test results, affidavits, court orders, and any related support filings. These records matter for child support, custody, inheritance, and benefits. After a judge signs a paternity order, the file stays on record permanently and remains open to the public unless sealed for a specific legal reason.
Adoption Records
Adoption files work differently from other family court records. In Florida, most adoption files stay sealed once a judge closes the case. Only the adoptive parents, the adult adoptee, or a court order can open them. The clerk’s office processes adoptions but keeps the files under stricter privacy rules. People looking for pre-adoption birth records or original birth certificates must work through the Florida Department of Health.
Domestic Violence and Injunction Records
Domestic violence cases create records for restraining orders, injunctions for protection, and repeat violence injunctions. The clerk keeps the petition, the temporary order, and the final order after a full hearing. These files stay open to the public in most cases, but the petitioner’s address may be sealed. Law enforcement and background check services often pull these records.
Online Access to West Palm Beach Family Court Records
The Palm Beach County Clerk runs a free online search tool that lets anyone look at family court records from a phone or computer. This tool works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and covers most case types filed in the county. Users can search by full name, business name, case number, or citation number. The system shows case status, party names, hearing dates, and the docket of filed documents. Some files allow direct download, while others need an in-person request for certified copies.
How to Use the MyPalmBeachClerk Portal
The main search portal lives at www.mypalmbeachclerk.com. A visitor clicks the “Case Search” link on the home page, then picks the search type. Name search needs a last name and first name. Case number search needs the full uniform case number, which looks like a 2-letter year code, a 2-letter court type code, a 4-digit sequence number, and a 2-letter branch code. Results show on a results page with links to the case detail. From there, users can view the docket, party list, and charges or filings.
Follow these steps to search online:
- Go to www.mypalmbeachclerk.com.
- Click “Case Search” from the top menu.
- Choose a search type from the dropdown menu.
- Type a last name and first name, or a full case number.
- Select the date range if known.
- Click “Search” to see results.
- Click a case number to open the full record.
- Use the “View Documents” option to see filed papers, if available.
Florida E-Filing Portal for Statewide Records
Florida also runs a statewide e-filing portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com. This portal covers all 67 Florida counties, including Palm Beach County. It works for both filing new papers and searching existing records. Lawyers must use this portal for all electronic filings, but self-represented people can also create an account and file or search. The portal accepts PDF, DOC, and DOCX file formats. Each filing gets a time stamp and a confirmation email, which serves as proof of submission.
How to Request West Palm Beach Family Court Records
There are three main ways to request family court records from the Palm Beach County Clerk. Each way has its own process, cost, and speed. The right choice depends on how fast a person needs the records, how many pages they need, and whether they need certified copies for court or legal use.
In-Person Record Requests
Visiting the clerk’s office in person gives the fastest results. The office sits at 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Visitors go through a security screening at the front door, so bags and metal items slow entry. After clearing security, they head to the family court records window on the first floor. Staff search the file, pull the needed documents, and make copies on the spot. Plain copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee. Most requests finish in 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the case size.
Mail-In Record Requests
Mail requests work for people who live far away or cannot visit during business hours. The request must include the case number, party names, a list of needed documents, a return address, a phone number, and a check or money order for the copy and search fees. Mail the request to the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court, Attention: Family Court Records, 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days to process, plus return mail time. Certified copies sent by mail cost the same as in-person copies, plus postage.
Email and Phone Record Requests
For simple questions about a case, the clerk’s office answers phone calls at (561) 355-4381 during business hours. Email requests for record searches also work for people who do not need certified copies. The clerk can confirm whether a case exists, share hearing dates, and point callers to the right file. Email requests for actual document copies usually require payment through the online portal or a follow-up mail step.
Filing New Family Court Cases in West Palm Beach
People who want to start a new family law case in West Palm Beach must file papers with the clerk’s office. The most common filings include petitions for dissolution of marriage (divorce), petitions for custody and support, and petitions for injunction for protection. Each filing has its own set of required forms, which sit on the Florida Courts website and the clerk’s website. Filing fees apply, though fee waivers exist for people who meet income limits. Self-represented filers can also ask the clerk for help picking the right forms, though staff cannot give legal advice.
Family Court Filing Fees
Florida sets most family court filing fees by statute. The standard filing fee for a dissolution of marriage case is $409.00. A petition for custody or support costs $301.00. A petition for injunction for protection has no filing fee. These fees change over time, so visitors should check the clerk’s website or call ahead before filing. Payment methods include cash, money order, credit card, and debit card. Personal checks are accepted in some cases but not all.
| Filing Type | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) | $409.00 |
| Custody / Time-Sharing Petition | $301.00 |
| Child Support Petition | $301.00 |
| Paternity Petition | $301.00 |
| Petition for Modification | $50.00 to $301.00 |
| Injunction for Protection | No fee |
| Simplified Dissolution | $409.00 |
Steps to File a New Family Court Case
Filing a new case follows a clear path. The filer fills out the correct petition form, signs it, and brings it to the clerk’s office along with the filing fee. The clerk stamps the petition, assigns a case number, and gives the filer a hearing date for temporary matters. The filer must then serve the other party with a copy of the petition and a summons. Service can happen through the sheriff’s office, a private process server, or by mail in some cases. After service, the case moves forward through hearings, mediation, and, if needed, trial.
Sealed and Confidential Family Court Records
Not all family court records stay open to the public. Florida law lets judges seal parts of a case or an entire file when privacy or safety reasons call for it. Sealed records may include mental health evaluations, certain financial details, adoption files, and records involving minors in sensitive cases. Adoption records are sealed by default under Florida law. The clerk’s office stores sealed records in a separate system, and only people named in a court order can view them. A person who wants to open a sealed record must file a motion with the court and show good cause for access.
How to Request Access to a Sealed Record
To open a sealed file, the requester must file a written motion that explains the reason for the request. The motion goes to the judge who handled the original case. The judge reviews the motion, may hold a hearing, and then decides whether to unseal the file. Approval is not automatic. Common reasons that succeed include criminal investigations, child custody disputes, and adult adoptees seeking their own birth records. The clerk cannot grant access without a signed court order.
Cost of West Palm Beach Family Court Records
Costs vary based on the type of record and how the request is made. Online searches through the clerk’s portal are free, but downloading certain documents costs $0.10 per page. Plain paper copies at the counter cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee. A full case file for a complex divorce may include 200 to 500 pages, which means the cost can reach several hundred dollars. Mail requests add postage. Credit card payments carry a small processing fee based on the amount charged.
| Record Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Online Case Search | Free |
| Online Document Download | $0.10 per page |
| Plain Paper Copy (In-Person) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified Copy (In-Person) | $2.00 per page + $1.00 fee |
| Mail Request Copy | $1.00 per page + postage |
| Certified Mail Copy | $2.00 per page + $1.00 fee + postage |
| Credit Card Processing Fee | 2.5% of charge |
Why People Search West Palm Beach Family Court Records
Many different groups look at family court records for many different reasons. Knowing who looks and why helps a searcher pick the right tools and avoid mistakes. Below are the most common reasons people pull these files.
Background Checks and Safety Research
Employers, landlords, and new partners often run family court searches to check for prior cases of domestic violence, restraining orders, or child support issues. Florida law allows the public to pull these records for safety reasons. Most background check services pull data directly from the Palm Beach County Clerk’s database.
Legal Research and Case Preparation
Family law attorneys research prior rulings in Palm Beach County to build arguments for their own clients. Judges also review past cases when handling motions. Legal aid groups and self-represented litigants look at similar cases to learn what to expect in court and what paperwork they need.
Genealogy and Personal History
Adopted adults often search family court files to learn about their biological parents, though adoption files stay sealed. Other family members search divorce and paternity records to build a family tree or settle inheritance issues. The clerk’s office supports genealogy searches but follows all sealing rules.
Business and Property Research
Title companies, lenders, and real estate attorneys search family court files as part of property title searches. A divorce decree, for example, may affect how a former spouse’s name appears on a deed. These searches often run through the same online portal used by the public.
Common Mistakes When Searching West Palm Beach Family Court Records
Searches fail for a few common reasons. Knowing these mistakes ahead of time saves time and frustration. The most common errors include using the wrong case number format, misspelling names, mixing up the city clerk with the county clerk, and expecting adoption files to be open.
Wrong Case Number Format
Florida case numbers follow a strict format. A typical family court case number looks like “50-2023-DR-004567-XX.” Each part matters. Dropping a digit or a letter breaks the search. The first two digits are the county code (50 for Palm Beach). The next four digits are the year. The two letters after the year show the case type (DR for dissolution, IN for injunction, etc.). The sequence number comes next, followed by the branch code. When a searcher is unsure, using the name search is often easier.
Searching at the Wrong Office
Many searchers call the West Palm Beach City Clerk first because they live in the city. The city clerk does not hold family court files. Always start with the Palm Beach County Clerk at 301 N. Olive Avenue or online at www.mypalmbeachclerk.com. The county clerk handles all family court records for the entire 15th Judicial Circuit.
West Palm Beach Family Court Contact Details
The fastest way to reach the family court records office is by phone or in person. Staff answer calls during regular business hours. The office also responds to emails sent through the contact form on the official website. Visitors should bring photo ID and the case number when possible.
Official website: www.mypalmbeachclerk.com
Main phone number: (561) 355-2996
Family court records phone: (561) 355-4381
Office address: 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions About West Palm Beach City Family Court Records
People who search West Palm Beach family court records often ask the same set of questions. The answers below cover the most common ones based on current rules, fees, and procedures. These answers reflect the latest information from the Palm Beach County Clerk’s office and the 15th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Anyone who needs case-specific advice should still call the clerk or speak with a licensed attorney.
Can I view West Palm Beach family court records for free?
Yes, basic case searches through the Palm Beach County Clerk’s online portal are free. Anyone can visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com and run a name search or case number search without paying. The free view shows the case docket, party names, hearing dates, and the list of filed documents. Downloading the actual documents costs $0.10 per page. Certified copies that can be used in court or for legal filings cost more and must be ordered either in person at 301 N. Olive Avenue or by mail. So, the basic search is free, but the paper copies carry a fee.
Are divorce records in West Palm Beach public?
Yes, divorce records in West Palm Beach are public records under Florida law. The final judgment of dissolution, the case docket, and most supporting documents can be viewed by anyone. Some sensitive documents, like financial affidavits, may be sealed by a judge’s order. Adoption records tied to a divorce are sealed separately and cannot be opened without a court order. Most people who need to confirm a divorce can pull the final judgment through the online portal or at the clerk’s office for a small fee.
How do I find a family court case number in Palm Beach County?
If you know the full name of either party and the approximate year the case was filed, you can find the case number through the online search at www.mypalmbeachclerk.com. Type the last name and first name into the search box, select “Family” as the case type, and click search. The result page lists all matching cases with their case numbers. If the search does not work, call the clerk’s office at (561) 355-4381 and staff can look up the case number using the party’s name and date of birth.
Can I get a certified copy of a family court order online?
No, certified copies of family court orders cannot be downloaded or emailed. The clerk must stamp and sign a physical copy to make it certified. To get one, visit the clerk’s office at 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, or mail a request with the case number, your contact details, and a check for the certified copy fee. Certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee. The clerk then mails or hands the certified copy to the requester.
How long does it take to get family court records by mail?
Mail requests for West Palm Beach family court records take 7 to 14 business days to process, plus return mail time. The clerk’s office sorts mail requests in the order they arrive. Adding a self-addressed stamped envelope with tracking speeds up the return. Certified copies sent by mail cost the same as in-person copies, plus postage. For faster service, request records in person at the downtown office.
Are West Palm Beach adoption records open to the public?
No, adoption records in Florida are sealed by law once the court closes the case. Only the adoptive parents, the adult adoptee with proper ID, or someone with a signed court order can open an adoption file. Adult adoptees seeking their original birth certificate or biological parent information must work through the Florida Department of Health’s Adoption Records Section. The Palm Beach County Clerk cannot open a sealed adoption file without a valid court order.
What is the difference between the city clerk and the county clerk for court records?
The West Palm Beach City Clerk handles city government records like council minutes, contracts, permits, and local elections. The Palm Beach County Clerk handles all court records, including family court, criminal court, civil court, and traffic court. Family court records for West Palm Beach residents sit only with the county clerk. Calling the county clerk at (561) 355-2996 or visiting www.mypalmbeachclerk.com is the right path for any family court record request. The city clerk cannot help with family court files at any point.