Pompano Beach City family court records cover all divorce, custody, support, paternity, and adoption cases filed by residents of Pompano Beach, Florida. These records live at the county level under the Broward County Clerk of Court, not the City of Pompano Beach clerk’s office.
Any person who needs to view, copy, or request a family court file for a Pompano Beach case must work through the Broward County court system. The 17th Judicial Circuit processes these cases, and the clerk’s office in Fort Lauderdale keeps the official copies of every family court file generated in the city.
The records system serves residents, attorneys, researchers, and other parties with a legal interest in a case. Florida law makes most family court records public, which means anyone can search for case details using basic facts like a name, case number, or filing date. The Broward County Clerk runs both an online portal and physical offices for in-person requests. This page covers every part of the records process for Pompano Beach family court cases, from the first search step to certified copies and sealed record rules.
Who Keeps Pompano Beach Family Court Records
Family court records for Pompano Beach are managed at the county level by the Broward County Clerk of Court. The clerk’s office runs under Brenda D. Forman, the elected clerk for Broward County. Her office holds full responsibility for receiving, storing, indexing, and producing all family court files from cities within the county, including Pompano Beach. The county clerk also processes new filings, manages dockets, and issues certified copies to parties who need them for legal use.
Broward County Clerk of Court Role
The Broward County Clerk of Court acts as the sole record keeper for all family law cases in Pompano Beach. Family court cases differ from municipal matters, which the city clerk handles. Divorce, custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence filings all land in the county clerk’s records system. Anyone searching for these files must go through the county office, either online at browardclerk.org or in person at one of the clerk’s service locations.
The clerk’s office processes filings from judges in the 17th Judicial Circuit, which serves Broward County. After a judge signs an order, the clerk’s office files the order and makes it part of the public record. This system creates a permanent history of every family court case that runs through Pompano Beach courts. Records can include petitions, motions, financial statements, parenting plans, final judgments, and post-judgment modifications.
17th Judicial Circuit Coverage
The 17th Judicial Circuit covers all of Broward County, so Pompano Beach falls under this circuit along with Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Coral Springs, Miramar, Davie, and other cities. Family court judges in this circuit hear cases at courthouses in Fort Lauderdale, which serves as the main family court hub. The clerk’s office has satellite locations across the county, yet all family court files are stored and managed from the main Fort Lauderdale courthouse complex.
Cases filed by Pompano Beach residents follow the same rules and procedures as cases from other Broward County cities. There is no separate Pompano Beach family court. The city operates as part of the larger county court system. Records from all 17th Circuit family cases go into a single searchable database, which makes county-wide searches possible for legal professionals and members of the public.
How to Search Pompano Beach Family Court Case Records
Searching for Pompano Beach family court case records starts with the Broward County Clerk’s online case search tool. The system lets users enter a party name, case number, or filing date range to pull up matching family court cases. The search results show the case type, party names, judge, hearing dates, and docket entries. Some documents are available for direct download, yet many require a formal copy request through the clerk’s office.
The case search screen works for both family and non-family cases. Users should select the family court division in the system filter to narrow results to divorce, custody, support, paternity, and other family law matters. This filter cuts out unrelated traffic, criminal, and civil cases that share party names. Most users complete a basic name search in under two minutes using the online portal.
Required Search Details
To run an accurate search, the user needs at least one of the following pieces of data: a full legal name of a party, a case number, or a date range. The more details a person enters, the narrower the search results become. A full name and a birth year produce the cleanest results, yet the system can also work with a last name and a broad date range. Case numbers give the fastest, most exact match when the user has one in hand.
- Full legal name of a party (first and last name)
- Case number, formatted like 17-2024-FC-012345
- Filing date range (start date and end date)
- Party role filter (petitioner or respondent)
- Case type filter (divorce, custody, support, paternity)
Search by Party Name
Searching by party name returns cases linked to a specific person. The clerk’s system indexes parties by their full legal name at the time of filing. A search for a person who changed their name through marriage or court order may require searches under both names. Results list every matching case, and each case shows the case number, type, filing date, and current status. Users can click on a specific case to see the full docket and available documents.
Search by Case Number
A case number search gives the fastest, most direct route to a specific file. Case numbers in Broward County family court follow a format that includes the year and a sequence number. The user enters the full case number, and the system pulls up the exact file with no extra results. This search method works best for attorneys, parties to a case, and people who already know the case number from a prior court action.
Types of Family Court Records Available
Family court records in Pompano Beach cover many case types. Each type creates a unique set of documents that the clerk’s office stores and makes public. Below is a breakdown of the main family court record categories available through the Broward County Clerk system.
Divorce Records
Divorce records include the petition for dissolution of marriage, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, parenting plans for minor children, and the final judgment of divorce. These files show how the court divided marital property, debts, and time-sharing with children. A final judgment of divorce contains the binding orders that end the marriage and outline each party’s rights going forward. Certified copies of a divorce judgment are often needed for name changes, remarriage, and retirement account transfers.
Child Custody Records
Child custody records include petitions to establish or modify custody, parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and court orders on parental responsibility. These files show how a court divided decision-making power and time with the children between parents. Parenting plans detail weekday schedules, holiday rotations, and transportation duties. The clerk’s office stores all custody documents from initial filings through final orders and any post-judgment modifications.
Child Support Records
Child support records include petitions to establish or modify support, financial affidavits, income information, child support worksheets, and support orders. These files contain payment terms, payment amounts, and the schedule for medical and dental support. The Florida Department of Revenue also plays a role in enforcing support orders, so records may show payment history and enforcement actions.
Paternity Records
Paternity records cover cases that establish the legal father of a child. These files include petitions to establish paternity, DNA test results, voluntary acknowledgments of paternity, and court orders that name the legal father. Paternity cases also create orders for child support and custody once fatherhood is confirmed. Paternity records are critical for inheritance rights, child support claims, and access to benefits like Social Security or military benefits.
Adoption Records
Adoption records include petitions for adoption, consent forms from birth parents, home study reports, and final adoption decrees. Florida law seals most adoption records once a case closes, so public access to adoption files is limited. The clerk’s office holds the original file, yet the contents are restricted to the adoptive parents, the adult adoptee under specific conditions, and court order. Sealed adoption records require a formal motion to unseal them.
Domestic Violence Records
Domestic violence records include petitions for injunctions, sworn statements, hearing transcripts, and court orders granting or denying protection. These cases move quickly through the court system, and the clerk’s office often processes emergency filings within days. Injunction orders are public, yet some supporting documents may be sealed to protect the petitioner’s safety. The clerk’s office follows strict access rules for sealed or confidential portions of these files.
Online Access and E-Filing for Pompano Beach Cases
Online access to Pompano Beach family court records runs through the Broward County Clerk’s website and the statewide Florida court access portal. Both systems give users 24/7 access to case data from any device with an internet connection. The clerk’s website serves as the main hub for Broward County records, and the statewide portal covers cases across all Florida counties.
Broward County Clerk Website
The Broward County Clerk website at browardclerk.org hosts the case search tool for Pompano Beach family court records. The site runs a public-facing search engine that does not require an account. Users can look up cases by name, number, or date range. The system displays docket entries, party details, hearing dates, and case status. Document images appear for many cases, and users can view or download them at no charge for standard copies.
The clerk’s website also has a self-service section for ordering certified copies, paying fees, and checking the status of pending requests. Account holders can save searches, set up case alerts, and store payment methods for faster transactions. Attorney accounts unlock extra features like e-service of documents and access to internal court records that are not visible to the public.
MyFlCourtAccess Portal
MyFlCourtAccess at myflcourtaccess.com is the statewide portal for Florida court records. Pompano Beach family court cases appear in this portal along with cases from every other Florida county. The portal works well for users who need to search multiple counties at once or verify a record from another Florida jurisdiction. The same search filters apply: name, case number, date range, and case type.
The statewide portal also serves as the e-filing hub for new family court cases. Attorneys must use this portal to file new cases, motions, and supporting documents. Self-represented parties can use the portal as well, though they may also file paper documents at the courthouse. E-filing cuts processing time, generates automatic filing receipts, and keeps a digital record of every submission.
E-Filing for New Cases
E-filing is the standard method for attorneys to submit family court documents in Pompano Beach cases. The Florida E-Filing Portal accepts new petitions, motions, responses, and supporting documents. Filers create an account, select the court and case type, upload the documents in PDF format, and pay the filing fee online. The portal confirms receipt with a timestamp and sends the documents to the clerk’s office for processing.
Self-represented filers can use the e-filing portal, but they may also submit paper documents at the courthouse. Paper filings require a trip to the clerk’s office during business hours. Self-filers who use the e-filing portal save time and get faster confirmation. The portal accepts credit card payments for filing fees, and the fee amount depends on the type of document being filed.
Requesting Records In Person at the Courthouse
In-person requests remain a strong option for users who need certified copies, want to view original documents, or prefer face-to-face help. The main Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale houses the family court records division. Satellite offices also serve the public, yet the main courthouse holds the most complete set of files. Users should bring a valid photo ID and any case details they have, such as a name or case number.
Main Courthouse Location
The main Broward County Courthouse stands at 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The family court records division operates inside this building. Visitors pass through security screening, which includes a metal detector and bag check, before reaching the clerk’s office windows. The office has public terminals that let visitors search the case database and print documents on the spot.
Required Identification
Photo identification is required for all in-person record requests. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID. The clerk’s office uses the ID to verify the requester’s identity and to log the record request. Additional documentation may be required for sealed records or for records that contain confidential information like social security numbers.
Copy and Certification Fees
The clerk’s office charges fees for copies and certified copies of family court records. Standard copies cost a set fee per page, and certified copies cost more because they carry the clerk’s official seal. Fees may change yearly based on Florida statutes, so users should confirm current rates before requesting copies. The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards at most locations.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $7.00 |
| Additional pages on certified copy | $1.00 per page |
| Exemplified copy (per document) | $25.00 |
| Written record search | $2.00 per search |
Office Hours
The main Broward County Courthouse clerk’s office runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except court holidays. The office closes on state and federal holidays, and hours may change during severe weather events. Visitors should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow time for security screening, search, and document pickup. The clerk’s office serves walk-in customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pompano Beach City Clerk vs County Clerk
Pompano Beach has two separate clerk offices with very different duties. The city clerk handles municipal matters, and the county clerk handles court matters. Knowing which office holds the records you need saves time and avoids the wrong trip.
City Clerk Responsibilities
The Pompano Beach City Clerk works at 100 West Atlantic Boulevard, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060. The phone number is (954) 786-4111. The city clerk manages city commission records, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, and permits. The office does not hold family court files, divorce decrees, custody orders, or child support records. Residents who contact the city clerk about family court matters get a referral to the Broward County Clerk’s office.
County Clerk Responsibilities
The Broward County Clerk of Court manages every court record in the county, including all Pompano Beach family court cases. The county clerk’s main office sits in Fort Lauderdale at 201 Southeast 6th Street. The clerk also operates satellite offices across the county, yet the Fort Lauderdale location is the best place to request older or sealed family court files. The clerk’s office holds the original case file, all subsequent filings, and the official docket sheet for each family court case.
Fees, Costs, and Processing Times
Costs and processing times for Pompano Beach family court records depend on the request method and the type of record. Online requests are usually faster, yet in-person requests give the most flexibility for certified copies and same-day service. Below is a summary of typical costs and timelines.
Standard Copy Fees
Standard copies of public family court records cost $1.00 per page. Users can print documents at the courthouse public terminals for this fee. Online downloads of available documents are often free, yet the system may charge a small fee for premium features. The clerk’s office posts current rates on its website, and the fee schedule updates each year based on state law.
Certified Copy Fees
Certified copies carry the clerk’s official seal and serve as legal proof of the document’s content. A certified copy of a family court document costs $7.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Exemplified copies, which carry a higher level of certification for use in foreign countries, cost $25.00 per document. The clerk’s office requires payment at the time of the request.
Processing Timeframes
Processing times vary by request method. In-person requests for standard or certified copies are often completed the same day. Online orders for certified copies take 3 to 5 business days for processing and delivery. Mail requests can take 7 to 14 business days, based on postal delivery and clerk processing time. Rush services may be available for an extra fee, and the clerk’s office can confirm rush options at the time of the request.
Contact Information and Location
The Broward County Clerk of Court serves as the primary contact for all Pompano Beach family court records. Below is the contact data and location for the main office. Users can also reach the clerk’s office by phone, email, or through the website’s contact form.
Official website: www.browardclerk.org
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Address: 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except court holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common topics that come up about Pompano Beach family court records. Each answer gives direct, factual data that helps users complete their record request. These topics also reflect the long-tail questions that show up in search results for this subject, which makes the FAQ useful both for users and for search engine snippets.
Are Pompano Beach family court records public?
Most Pompano Beach family court records are public under Florida law. Divorce decrees, custody orders, child support orders, paternity orders, and most other family court documents can be viewed by any member of the public. Some records are sealed by court order, and certain personal data like social security numbers, bank account details, and minor children’s identifying data are kept confidential. Adoption records are sealed after a case closes, and access requires a formal court order. Domestic violence case files may also be partially sealed to protect the petitioner’s safety.
Can I view Pompano Beach family court records online for free?
Yes, the Broward County Clerk’s case search tool lets users view basic case data and many documents for free. The online portal shows party names, case numbers, hearing dates, and docket entries at no cost. Some document images are also available for free download. Certified copies, exemplified copies, and full case file printouts carry a fee. The free search tool works well for quick lookups, yet formal legal use often requires a certified copy.
How do I get a certified copy of a Pompano Beach divorce decree?
To get a certified copy of a Pompano Beach divorce decree, contact the Broward County Clerk of Court. You can request the certified copy in person at the Fort Lauderdale courthouse, by mail, or online through the clerk’s website. The fee is $7.00 for the certification and $1.00 for each additional page. Bring a photo ID for in-person requests, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests. The clerk’s office processes certified copy requests in 3 to 5 business days for online and mail orders.
What is the difference between the Pompano Beach city clerk and the Broward County clerk?
The Pompano Beach city clerk manages city-level records like commission minutes, ordinances, contracts, and permits. The city clerk’s office is at 100 West Atlantic Boulevard, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060. The Broward County Clerk of Court manages all court records, including family court cases from Pompano Beach and every other city in the county. The county clerk’s main office is at 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Family court records are only available through the county clerk.
Can I search for Pompano Beach family court cases by case number?
Yes, the Broward County Clerk’s case search tool accepts case numbers. Case numbers in the 17th Judicial Circuit follow a format that includes the year and a sequence number. Entering the full case number pulls up the exact file with no extra results. This search method is the fastest way to find a specific case. The case number also appears on prior court orders, so parties to a case can find it on any old paperwork they have.
What if I cannot find a Pompano Beach family court record online?
If you cannot find a Pompano Beach family court record online, contact the Broward County Clerk of Court by phone at (954) 831-6565 or visit the Fort Lauderdale courthouse in person. The clerk’s staff can run a manual search using the details you provide. Older records may not be digitized and may require a physical search of paper files. Sealed or expunged records are not available through the public search tool and require a formal court order for access.
How long does it take to get a copy of a Pompano Beach family court record by mail?
Mail requests for Pompano Beach family court records typically take 7 to 14 business days from the date the clerk’s office receives the request. The timeline includes postal delivery to the clerk, processing time, and postal delivery back to the requester. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the correct fee. To speed up the process, users can use the online portal or visit the courthouse in person for same-day service.