Boca Raton city family court records are public files held by the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court, not the Boca Raton City Clerk. Every divorce, custody, and support case filed by a Boca Raton resident is recorded at the county level in West Palm Beach.
The 15th Judicial Circuit Court processes all family law cases for Boca Raton and every other city inside Palm Beach County. Local city offices only handle municipal business and do not store court documents. Knowing which office holds the records saves time and prevents trips to the wrong building.
Which Office Maintains Boca Raton Family Court Records
Family court files for Boca Raton residents are kept at the county level. The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court serves as the official record keeper for the entire 15th Judicial Circuit. Boca Raton city offices manage local permits, council records, and municipal contracts only.
Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Role
The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court stores every family law document filed by Boca Raton residents. The current clerk, Mike Caruso, oversees all record operations for the 15th Judicial Circuit. His office maintains divorce decrees, custody orders, child support judgments, and domestic violence injunctions. Residents who need certified copies of any family court file must request them through this office. The clerk’s office also handles electronic filing, docket updates, and public access terminals.
15th Judicial Circuit Court Coverage
The 15th Judicial Circuit Court covers Palm Beach County in its entirety. Boca Raton sits inside this circuit, so all family law cases from the city move through the same court system. Cases are heard at the main Palm Beach County Courthouse located at 205 N. Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. The courthouse also operates a satellite location at 3880 S. Military Trail in Lake Worth for some family law hearings. Every family case file generated from a Boca Raton address is indexed under Palm Beach County, never under the city name.
Boca Raton City Clerk Office Functions
The Boca Raton City Clerk’s office is located at 201 W. Palmetto Park Road and can be reached at (561) 393-7700. This office keeps city council meeting minutes, local ordinances, business tax receipts, and building permits. It does not hold any court records, including family law files. Residents who visit the city clerk by mistake will be redirected to the county office in West Palm Beach. Calling the county clerk first at (561) 355-2996 is the fastest way to confirm the right location.
| Office | Palm Beach County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Mike Caruso |
| Address | 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| Phone | (561) 355-2996 |
| Website | palmbeachclerk.com |
How to Search Boca Raton Family Court Records
Three main search options exist for Boca Raton family court records. Each method works for a different purpose, from quick status checks to certified document requests. Choosing the right method depends on what you need and how fast you need it.
Online Search Through County Clerk Portal
The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court website at palmbeachclerk.com offers a free public search tool. Users can look up family cases by party name, case number, or filing date. The portal shows case status, hearing dates, party names, and a list of filed documents. Basic case data is free to view, but downloading or printing full documents may carry a small fee. This method works well for status checks and verifying whether a case exists.
Florida Statewide Court Records Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com covers all 67 counties in the state. Boca Raton residents can use this portal to search family cases across multiple counties at once. The system is helpful when a case was transferred, filed in another county, or when someone is unsure about the exact jurisdiction. Search results display party names, case type, filing date, and current status. Registered users can also e-file new family court documents through the same portal.
In-Person Record Requests at Courthouse
Visiting the Palm Beach County Courthouse in person is the best option for certified copies. The clerk’s office at 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors must pass through security screening and present a valid photo ID. Public access terminals are available inside the clerk’s office for self-service searches. Staff members can pull physical files and produce certified copies on the spot for a fee.
Types of Family Court Cases Filed in Boca Raton
The Palm Beach County family court system handles a wide range of case types. Each case type produces its own set of records and documents. Below are the most common family law cases filed by Boca Raton residents.
Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage
Divorce cases form the largest share of family court filings in Boca Raton. Records include the original petition, financial affidavits, marital settlement agreements, and the final judgment of dissolution. The court also files parenting plans for couples with minor children. Simple divorces without children can be finalized in 30 to 90 days, while contested divorces may take a year or longer. Every document filed during the case becomes part of the permanent court record.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing
Child custody cases produce detailed parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and custody evaluations. Records may include home study reports, psychological evaluations, and guardian ad litem recommendations. Florida courts use the term “time-sharing” instead of custody. All custody orders are filed with the Palm Beach County Clerk and remain accessible unless sealed by a judge. Modifications to existing custody orders also generate new filings and hearing records.
Child Support and Paternity Cases
Child support cases involve income documentation, support calculations, and payment orders. The Florida Department of Revenue often handles the enforcement side, but the court records stay with the Palm Beach County Clerk. Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood and may include DNA test results, which are filed under seal in most cases. Support payment histories are tracked through the Florida State Disbursement Unit, not the court system.
Adoption and Domestic Relations Filings
Adoption records are among the most restricted family court files. Most adoption files in Florida are sealed permanently once the adoption is finalized. Stepparent adoptions, relative adoptions, and adult adoptions each follow a different filing process. Domestic relations cases also include name changes, paternity actions, and petitions for injunctive relief. Every one of these case types is recorded at the county level in West Palm Beach.
What Information Appears in Public Court Records
Florida law makes most family court records public, but some details are removed before documents are released. Knowing what shows up and what stays hidden helps set the right expectations for any search.
Names, Case Numbers, and Hearing Dates
Public family court records display the full names of both parties, the case number, and the assigned judge. Hearing dates, filing dates, and case dispositions are also visible. The case type, such as “dissolution of marriage” or “custody modification,” appears at the top of every record. Attorney names and law firm details are listed when a party has legal representation. This basic data is usually free to view through the online portal.
Sealed and Redacted Records
Certain sensitive details are always redacted from public family court files. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and minor children’s personal information are removed automatically. Cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, or sexual assault may be sealed by court order. Sealed records require a judge’s permission before they can be opened. Anyone who finds unredacted private information in a public file should contact the clerk’s office right away.
Certified Copies and Authentication
Certified copies carry the clerk’s official seal and signature, which makes them valid for legal use. These copies are often required for name changes, remarriage, immigration cases, and property transfers. The fee for a certified copy in Palm Beach County is $2 per page plus a $1 certification fee per document. Plain copies cost $1 per page and are useful for personal records but cannot be used in court proceedings.
Boca Raton Family Court Record Request Methods
Beyond in-person visits, residents can request Boca Raton family court records by mail, phone, or email. Each method has its own timeline and cost structure.
Mail-In Request Procedure
Mail requests work well for those who live outside Palm Beach County or cannot visit the courthouse. The request letter should include the case number, full names of both parties, and the specific documents needed. A self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the copy fees must be included. The mailing address is Palm Beach County Clerk of Court, 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Processing time for mail requests is usually 5 to 10 business days.
Phone and Email Inquiries
Phone calls to the clerk’s general line at (561) 355-2996 can confirm whether a case exists and provide basic status updates. Email inquiries through the contact form on palmbeachclerk.com are answered within 2 business days. Phone and email support cannot release actual documents, but they help narrow down what to request. For document delivery, an in-person visit or mail request is still required.
Fees and Processing Times
Public terminal access is free. Self-service copies cost $0.25 per page when printed from courthouse terminals. Staff-assisted copies run $1 per page, with certified copies at $2 per page plus a $1 certification charge. Most in-person requests are completed the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days, and email document delivery is not available for family court files at this time.
Florida Court Records Privacy and Access Rules
Florida’s public records law gives wide access to court files, but family cases receive extra protection. Several rules govern who can view these files and what information is removed.
Who Can Access Family Court Files
Any member of the public can search basic case data for free. Full document access is also open to the public, except for sealed records. Parties to a case, their attorneys, and authorized government agencies can always see the complete file. Judges can order access expanded or restricted based on the facts of each case. Researchers, journalists, and background check services use the same public portals as private citizens.
Sensitive Information Redaction Policy
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 controls which details are redacted from public court records. The list includes social security numbers, bank account information, debit and credit card numbers, and personal identifiers of minors. The clerk’s office applies these redactions automatically when records are uploaded. If unredacted information is found in a public file, the clerk can be asked to remove it through a formal request.
Court Order to Seal Records
A judge can seal a family court case or specific documents within it. Common reasons include protecting children, safeguarding trade secrets, or shielding victims of domestic violence. The party requesting the seal must file a written motion and prove good cause. Once sealed, the records are not visible through the online portal. Unsealing requires a separate court order and is rarely granted without strong justification.
Common Boca Raton Family Court Search Issues
Several common problems can slow down a family court record search. Knowing these issues ahead of time helps avoid frustration and wasted trips.
Missing or Old Case Files
Cases filed before 1980 may exist only in physical archives and not in the digital system. Older files are stored at the clerk’s off-site records facility. Requests for archived files take 3 to 5 business days to retrieve. Some very old files from the pre-computer era may require a manual search by name and approximate year. Calling the clerk’s office first with the full names and an estimated filing year can speed up the process.
Name Changes and Spelling Errors
Searches can fail when a party’s name is misspelled or has changed since the case was filed. Florida courts index cases by the legal name at the time of filing. A woman who remarried and changed her last name after a divorce may appear under her married name in older records. Using partial name searches or wildcard searches through the online portal can help locate files when exact spelling is unknown.
Cross-County Record Confusion
Boca Raton sits inside Palm Beach County, but people sometimes file cases in neighboring counties by mistake. Family law cases should always be filed in the county where the children live or where the divorce took place. If a case is filed in Broward or Miami-Dade County, the Palm Beach County Clerk will not have those records. The statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com lets users search across all 67 counties in one place.
Boca Raton Family Court Contact and Location
The main office for Boca Raton family court records is the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court, located in West Palm Beach. The drive from Boca Raton takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Visitors should plan for parking, security screening, and waiting time during peak hours.
Official Website: palmbeachclerk.com
Phone: (561) 355-2996
Address: 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal: myflcourtaccess.com
Main Courthouse: 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
South County Courthouse: 3880 S. Military Trail, Lake Worth, FL 33463
Frequently Asked Questions About Boca Raton Family Court Records
These questions cover the most common concerns from Boca Raton residents who need family court records. Each answer reflects current Florida law and Palm Beach County Clerk practices as of 2026.
Can I View Boca Raton Divorce Records Online for Free?
Yes, basic divorce case data is free to view through the Palm Beach County Clerk’s online portal. Party names, case numbers, filing dates, hearing dates, and case status are all visible without any charge. To download or print full documents, a small per-page fee applies. Certified copies that carry the clerk’s seal must be requested in person or by mail for an additional fee. The statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com also offers free case searches across all Florida counties.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Copy of a Boca Raton Court Record?
In-person requests for certified copies are usually completed the same day, often within 30 minutes. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days, not counting mailing time in both directions. Rush processing is not available for family court records. For faster service, visiting the courthouse with a photo ID is the best option. Payment by cash, check, money order, or credit card is accepted at the clerk’s office.
Are Boca Raton Child Custody Records Public?
Most child custody records are public, but sensitive details are redacted before the files are released. Children’s full names, social security numbers, and home addresses are removed from public view. Parenting plans and time-sharing schedules are usually available to any member of the public. A judge can seal a custody file entirely if the case involves abuse, neglect, or other serious safety concerns. Sealed files require a court order to open.
What If I Don’t Know the Case Number?
Searching by party name works just as well as searching by case number. The Palm Beach County Clerk’s online portal accepts full or partial name searches. A first name and last name combination is usually enough to pull up the right case. For common names, adding a date of birth or approximate filing year helps narrow the results. Courthouse staff can also assist with name-based searches at the public terminals.
Can I Get Boca Raton Court Records from Another State?
Yes, out-of-state residents can request Boca Raton family court records by mail. The mail request must include the case number or full party names, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copy fees. Some records can also be viewed through the Florida statewide portal from anywhere in the country. Certified copies mailed out of state are accepted by most courts and government agencies as legally valid documents.
Do Sealed Adoption Records Ever Become Public?
Adoption records in Florida are generally sealed for life and do not become public automatically. Adult adoptees can request non-identifying information from the Department of Children and Families. A court order is required to open identifying information, such as birth parent names. Adoption records from Boca Raton cases are held under the same rules as the rest of Florida. Requests to unseal adoption files are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Is There a Way to Get Notified About Future Boca Raton Court Filings?
Yes, the Palm Beach County Clerk offers a free case notification service through its online portal. Users can sign up to receive email alerts whenever a new document is filed in a specific case. This service is useful for parties who want to track their own case or for attorneys monitoring active litigation. Notifications include the filing date, document type, and a link to view the new entry. Registration requires a valid email address and a free account on the clerk’s website.