Charlotte County family court records cover all legal matters handled by the Family Division of the Circuit Court in Punta Gorda, Florida. These records include divorce filings, child custody orders, child support judgments, paternity actions, adoption decrees, and domestic violence injunctions.
The Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the official record keeper for every family case filed in the 20th Judicial Circuit. Residents, attorneys, and other parties can review these records through the clerk’s office, the My Florida Court Access portal, or by submitting a written request. This page explains how the system works, what documents are available, and how to get the records you need.
Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
The Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps all family court records for the county. The clerk’s office stores original filings, court orders, hearing transcripts, and other case documents. Staff at the counter help visitors look up cases, pull files from storage, and make certified copies for legal use. The office sits in the historic downtown courthouse and handles thousands of family law filings each year.
Location and Contact Details
The clerk’s office sits at 350 E. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. The main phone number is (941) 637-2245. The official website at charlotteclerk.com provides online search tools, downloadable forms, and fee schedules. Email support is available through the website’s contact form for general questions that do not require immediate answers.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 350 E. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 |
| Phone | (941) 637-2245 |
| Website | charlotteclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Office Hours and Access Rules
The clerk’s office opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The office stays closed on federal holidays, state holidays, and weekends. Visitors must pass through security screening at the building entrance. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to give staff time to pull records from storage.
Payment Options and Fee Schedule
The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for most services. A convenience fee applies to credit and debit card transactions. Certified copies cost more than standard copies. The current fee schedule is posted on the clerk’s website and updated each year. Call the office before visiting to confirm exact fees for the records you need.
Types of Family Court Records Available
Charlotte County maintains a wide range of family court records covering every type of case heard in the Family Division. Each case type produces specific documents that become part of the public record. Some records stay open to public view, and others get sealed by court order. The sections below list the main categories of family court records you can request.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce records include the original petition for dissolution of marriage, the financial affidavit from each spouse, the marital settlement agreement, and the final judgment of divorce. These documents show how the court divided property, assigned debts, and handled spousal support. Dissolution of marriage cases stay on file at the clerk’s office and remain open to public inspection unless a judge orders the file sealed.
Child Custody and Support Records
Child custody and child support records include the parenting plan, time-sharing schedule, child support worksheets, and any modification orders. The parenting plan covers holiday schedules, decision-making authority, and day-to-day care arrangements. Child support orders list the amount owed, payment frequency, and the method of payment. The clerk stores every document filed in these cases from the first petition through the final order.
Paternity and Adoption Records
Paternity records contain the petition to establish paternity, DNA test results, and the final order naming the legal father. These orders set child support and grant parental rights. Adoption records follow a different process. Most adoption files stay sealed under Florida law. The clerk can only release adoption records to the adoptive parents, the adopted person after reaching adulthood, or by court order.
Domestic Violence Injunction Records
Domestic violence records include the petition for injunction, the temporary injunction issued before the final hearing, and the final injunction lasting a set period. These documents list the protected party, the restrained party, and the terms of protection. Some information in these files may be redacted to protect the safety of the person who filed the petition. Violation reports also get attached to the case file.
Name Change and Guardianship Cases
Name change records show the petition, the final judgment, and any supporting documents. The clerk keeps these records for public review. Guardianship cases filed in the Family Division cover minor guardianship and emergency custody matters. These records include the petition, the order appointing a guardian, and the letters of guardianship issued to the appointed person.
How to Search Family Court Records
Charlotte County offers three main ways to search family court records: online through the state portal, in person at the clerk’s office, or by mail. Each method works for different situations. Online searches give quick access to basic case data. In-person searches allow you to view the full paper file. Mail requests work for people who cannot visit the office in person.
My Florida Court Access Portal
The My Florida Court Access portal at myflcourtaccess.com covers Charlotte County and every other Florida county. The portal lets you search by name, case number, or party type. Search results show the case status, filing date, judge assigned, and a list of parties. Some documents are viewable online as PDF images. Other documents require an in-person visit to the clerk’s office to view the original file.
In-Person Records Search
Walk-in visitors can search family court records at the clerk’s office in Punta Gorda. Fill out a record request form at the counter with the case number or party names. Staff pull the file from the active records area or the archive storage. Review terminals let you read the documents on screen. Copy machines are available, and staff can make certified copies for a fee.
Mail and Remote Records Requests
Mail requests work for certified copies of specific documents. Send a written request to the clerk’s office that includes the case number, party names, the documents you need, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include a check or money order for the copying fees. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days to process, plus mail delivery time in both directions.
Information Needed for Records Search
Bring as much detail as possible to speed up your search. The clerk’s staff need at least one key piece of data to locate a file in the system.
- Full legal name of at least one party to the case
- Case number if you have it from a prior court document
- Approximate filing date or year the case started
- Case type such as divorce, paternity, or custody
- Attorney name if a lawyer represented one of the parties
20th Judicial Circuit Court System
Charlotte County sits within the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit court hears all family law cases that fall under Florida’s domestic relations statutes. Circuit judges preside over divorce trials, custody hearings, and support enforcement actions. The circuit also runs family court services that help families resolve disputes without going to trial.
Circuit Coverage and Structure
The 20th Judicial Circuit covers five counties: Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee. Each county has its own clerk of court and courthouse. Family court hearings in Charlotte County take place at the main courthouse in Punta Gorda. The chief judge assigns cases to judges based on docket rotation and case type. The circuit’s website at 20thcircuit.org lists all judges, court calendars, and local rules.
Court Services and Programs
The 20th Judicial Circuit runs several programs that help families in transition. The mediation program helps parents reach agreements on custody and time-sharing without a trial. The parenting course is required for all parents in custody disputes. The self-represented party program offers help with court forms and basic procedures. Each program has its own contact number listed on the circuit website.
E-Filing System and Online Services
Charlotte County uses Florida’s statewide e-filing system for all family court filings. Attorneys must file electronically. Self-represented parties may file electronically or submit paper documents at the clerk’s office. The e-filing portal accepts new cases, motions, responses, and supporting documents in PDF format.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts e-filing portal handles all electronic submissions for Charlotte County. Create a user account with a valid email address. Select Charlotte County as the filing location and Family Division as the case category. The system accepts credit card payments for filing fees and sends a confirmation email once the clerk accepts the filing. Rejected filings come back with a reason code so you can fix errors and resubmit.
Document Requirements and Processing
All e-filed documents must be in PDF format. Each file cannot exceed the size limit set by the portal. Court forms must use the current version posted on the Florida Courts website. The clerk reviews e-filed documents during business hours and enters them into the case system the same day in most cases. You will receive a stamped copy of the filing by email once the clerk processes the submission.
Obtaining Certified Copies of Records
Certified copies of family court records carry the clerk’s seal and signature. These copies serve as proof of the court’s order for other legal matters. Many agencies, employers, and courts require certified copies rather than standard photocopies. The clerk’s office produces certified copies in person, by mail, or through the online ordering system for some document types.
Standard vs Certified Copy Differences
A standard copy shows the document content but lacks the clerk’s certification. A certified copy includes an attached cover sheet with the clerk’s seal, signature, and date. The certification confirms the copy matches the original document on file. Courts, immigration offices, and government agencies usually require certified copies for official transactions. Standard copies work for personal reference and informal review.
Fees and Processing Times
Standard copies cost a set fee per page. Certified copies cost more per document. The clerk’s website lists the current fees. Same-day service is available for in-person requests received before 4:00 PM. Mail orders take 5 to 10 business days plus mail delivery. Online certified copy orders through the clerk’s vendor take 3 to 5 business days for processing.
Record Sealing and Privacy Rules
Florida law allows judges to seal certain family court records to protect privacy. Sealed records stay in the clerk’s files but cannot be viewed by the public. Adoption records, juvenile dependency records, and cases involving sensitive personal information may get sealed by court order. The sections below explain when sealing happens and how to request access to a sealed file.
When Court Records Get Sealed
A party to a family case can file a motion to seal records. The judge reviews the motion and decides whether to grant the request. Common reasons for sealing include protecting children from public exposure, shielding financial details, and keeping sensitive personal data private. Sealed records keep their existence on the docket but remove the document content from public view.
Accessing Sealed Records
Only the parties to the case, their attorneys, and people named in a court order can view sealed records. To view a sealed file, submit a written request to the clerk’s office along with proof of your connection to the case. The clerk verifies your identity and your standing in the case before releasing the documents. A judge can also order the clerk to release sealed records to other parties for good cause.
Contact and Location
Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
350 E. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: (941) 637-2245
Website: charlotteclerk.com
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common issues people face when searching Charlotte County family court records. Each answer gives clear steps and current rules based on Florida law and local clerk policies as of 2026. Use these answers as a starting point, and contact the clerk’s office for case-specific help.
How do I find a divorce record in Charlotte County?
Search the My Florida Court Access portal using the full legal name of either spouse and the county name. Divorce cases filed since 1972 appear in the online system. Older divorce records may only exist as paper files at the clerk’s office. You can request a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce through the clerk’s office in person, by mail, or through the online ordering system. Bring a valid photo ID and pay the certified copy fee at the time of request.
Are child custody records available to the public?
Most child custody records stay open to public inspection. You can view the parenting plan, time-sharing schedule, and custody orders through the My Florida Court Access portal or at the clerk’s office. Some sensitive information may get redacted to protect the children. Financial documents related to custody disputes may also get sealed by court order. A party to the case can always view the full file, and other requesters can ask the clerk for access to specific documents.
Can I view sealed family court records?
Only parties to the case, their attorneys, and people with a court order can view sealed records. Submit a written request to the clerk’s office with proof of your role in the case. The clerk will verify your identity before granting access. A judge can also order the release of sealed records to a third party for good cause shown in a written motion.
What is the cost to get a certified copy of a family court order?
Certified copies cost a set fee per document, plus an additional certification fee. The current rate is listed on the clerk’s website and updated each year. Payment can be cash, check, money order, or credit card. Credit card payments carry a small convenience fee. Mail requests must include a check or money order for the total amount plus return postage.
How do I search for a paternity case in Charlotte County?
Use the My Florida Court Access portal and search by the full name of the child, the mother, or the alleged father. Paternity cases filed in the Family Division show up in the search results. The case number appears on any prior court paperwork. You can also visit the clerk’s office in Punta Gorda and request a record search at the counter. Bring valid photo ID and any case details you already have.
Can I get family court records by email?
Standard email requests for records are not accepted. The clerk’s office requires mail requests, in-person visits, or online orders through approved vendors. Email support is available for general questions about the records process. Certified copies and other official documents must come through the formal request channels to maintain legal validity and chain of custody.
What happens if I cannot find a family court record online?
Older records may not appear in the online system. Visit the clerk’s office in person to search the archive files. Staff can search by name, case number, or filing date range. Some archived records need time to retrieve from off-site storage. Plan for a wait of one to three business days for off-site retrieval. The clerk can also check neighboring counties within the 20th Circuit if the case may have been filed in the wrong location.