Collier County family court records are the official papers and files the court creates for family law cases in Naples, Florida. These cases include divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence matters.
The 20th Judicial Circuit Court handles these cases, and the Collier County Clerk of Court stores all the files. Anyone can look at most of these records because Florida law makes court files open to the public.
This resource walks you through every part of the record system. You will learn what types of records exist, how to search them online, how to ask for copies in person or by mail, and what fees you should expect. Every fact below comes from public court rules, the Florida Statutes, and the Collier County Clerk of Court’s office.
How Collier County Family Court Records Work
The family court record system in Collier County follows rules set by the Florida State Courts System. Each time someone files a new family case, the clerk opens a file with a unique case number. Every paper filed in that case from that moment forward goes into the file. The clerk scans most papers into a digital system so people can view them online.
What Are Family Court Records
Family court records are the written papers that come from a family law case. These papers show what people asked the court to do, what the judge decided, and what orders came out of hearings. A record can be a divorce petition, a custody agreement, a child support order, a paternity judgment, an adoption decree, or a domestic violence injunction.
Each paper has a stamp with the case number, the date filed, and the name of the judge assigned. The clerk keeps the original papers in a physical file and also stores a digital copy in the court computer system. Most records from 1980 forward exist in both paper and digital form. Older records may only be on paper.
Where These Records Come From
The Collier County Clerk of Court creates and stores all family court records for the county. This office sits inside the main courthouse in Naples at 3315 Tamiami Trail East. The clerk is the legal record keeper for the entire 20th Judicial Circuit, which includes Collier, Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte counties. For family cases filed in Collier County, the records stay at the Naples courthouse.
The clerk’s office works with the judges to make sure every order, judgment, and filing gets scanned and saved. The office staff index each document by party name, case number, and case type. This system lets people search records by name, case number, or filing date.
Who Can See These Records
Florida law opens most court records to the public under the Florida Constitution and the Public Records Act. Family court records follow this same rule with a few limits. Anyone can view basic case data, court orders, and judgments. Some sensitive papers get sealed by a judge’s order. Sealed records include details from adoption cases, certain paternity actions, and cases involving minors when the judge orders privacy.
Domestic violence injunction records stay public so victims can prove their protection orders in other settings. Financial affidavits filed in divorce and support cases also stay public unless a judge seals them for safety reasons. People who want to view sealed records must ask the judge in writing for access.
Types of Family Court Cases Filed
The Collier County family court hears a wide range of cases. Each case type creates a different kind of record. Knowing what kind of case you are looking for helps you search the right files.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are the most common family court files in Collier County. Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes governs divorce. At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing. The records show the petition for dissolution of marriage, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and the final judgment that ends the marriage. The judgment also divides property, debts, and any spousal support.
You can look up a divorce case by the name of either spouse. The final judgment shows the exact date the marriage ended. Collier County sees hundreds of new divorce filings each year, and records go back many decades in the clerk’s archive.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Child custody cases in Collier County create records called parenting plans. Florida law uses the term “time-sharing” instead of custody. A parenting plan shows the schedule for when the child spends time with each parent. The plan also lists how the parents make decisions about the child’s school, health, and religion. Records include the petition, the parenting plan, and any court orders that change the plan later.
Judges in Collier County always look at the best interests of the child under Florida Statute 61.13. The court file shows the evidence each side brought forward and the reasons behind the judge’s decision. Parents can ask the clerk for copies of these records when they need them for a new court action or a move to another state.
Child Support Records
Child support records show the amount of support a judge ordered, the payment history, and any changes to the order. The Florida Department of Revenue runs the statewide child support program under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act. The Department files paperwork with the Collier County family court to set, change, or enforce support orders. Florida’s child support guidelines, found in Section 61.30 of the Florida Statutes, set the amount based on each parent’s income and the number of children.
Court files include the financial affidavit each parent filed, the child support worksheet, and the final order. If a parent stops paying, the clerk’s office can post a lien against that parent’s property. These liens also show up in public records searches.
Paternity Records
Paternity cases establish the legal father of a child born to unmarried parents. The mother, the alleged father, or the Florida Department of Revenue can file a paternity action. Records include the petition, DNA test results, and the final judgment of paternity. Once the court names a legal father, the case can move into a support order and a custody or time-sharing order.
Paternity cases filed through the Department of Revenue often run under a separate case number. These cases still appear in the same clerk database. People who need to prove paternity for benefits, custody, or immigration reasons can get certified copies of the final judgment.
Adoption Records
Adoption records create a new legal parent-child relationship. Collier County family court handles three main types: stepparent adoption, relative adoption, and adult adoption. Each type needs a different set of papers. The court file includes the petition for adoption, the home study report from a licensed agency, the consent of the birth parents, and the final adoption decree.
Florida law seals adoption records once the adoption is final. The original birth certificate stays sealed, and the court issues a new birth certificate showing the adoptive parents. Adult adoptees can request their original birth certificate and adoption file through the Florida Department of Health once they turn 18. Court records for adoption cases before 1991 have different access rules than later cases.
Domestic Violence Injunction Records
Domestic violence injunction records come from cases where someone asks the court for protection from abuse. Florida Statute 741.30 governs these petitions. A person can file a petition for protection against a spouse, former spouse, someone they share a child with, or a family member. The clerk’s office does not charge a filing fee for these cases.
The court can grant a temporary injunction the same day the petition is filed. A full hearing happens within 15 days, where the judge decides whether to grant a final injunction that can last up to one year. Records include the petition, the injunction order, and any orders for the respondent to surrender firearms. These records stay public so law enforcement and the courts can enforce them.
Name Change Records
Name change records come from family court cases where someone asks the court to change their legal name. Adults, parents on behalf of minors, and people restoring a former name after divorce all use this process. The petition, the court order, and the final judgment make up the record. Once the judge signs the order, the person takes the certified order to vital records offices to update their ID.
Name change records for minors stay part of the family file. Adults getting a name change for reasons unrelated to family law can file in circuit civil court, which the clerk also handles. Both kinds of records appear in the clerk’s public search system.
How to Search Family Court Records Online
The fastest way to look up Collier County family court records is through online portals. Two main systems cover the county. The first is the Collier County Clerk’s own website. The second is the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, which covers all 67 Florida counties.
Using the Collier County Clerk Website
The Collier County Clerk of Court runs a public records search on its website at collierclerk.com. The search tool lets you look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. You can narrow the search to family cases by selecting the family division under case type. The system shows case status, party names, filing dates, and a list of every document filed in the case.
Most basic case data is free to view. Document images cost $1.00 per page, the standard fee set by Florida Statute 28.24. You can pay with a credit card through the portal. Print-ready certified copies of judgments cost more and come with the clerk’s raised seal.
Using the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com covers all trial courts in the state. The portal shows case data from every circuit and county, including the 20th Judicial Circuit. You can search by party name, case number, citation number, or date range. The system shows hearing dates, judge assignment, and a list of filings.
The portal is best for people who need to look up a case from another county or track a case that moved between counties. It does not always show every document image from Collier County because the two systems update on different schedules. The clerk’s local website usually has the most complete view of Collier County files.
Information You Need to Search
You will get better search results when you know the full legal name of the person involved, the year the case was filed, and the case type. A case number gives you the most direct lookup. If you do not know the case number, name and year are enough to narrow the results.
- Full legal name of at least one party
- Approximate year the case was filed
- Type of family case (divorce, custody, support, paternity, adoption, or injunction)
- Case number (if known)
How to Request Records in Person or by Mail
Not all records sit online. Some older files and certain sealed documents need an in-person visit or a mailed request. The clerk’s office accepts both methods for certified copies and full file reviews.
Visiting the Collier County Courthouse
You can visit the Collier County Clerk’s office at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and federal holidays. Bring a valid photo ID and any case details you have, like the case number or the party’s full name.
Once you arrive, go to the public records window on the first floor. Staff will pull the file for you and let you review it in a viewing room. You can ask for paper copies or certified copies while you wait. Most requests are ready the same day. Complex searches across multiple cases can take longer.
Mailing a Record Request
If you cannot visit in person, mail a written request to the Collier County Clerk of Court at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112. Your request must include the case number, the names of both parties, the type of record you need, and your contact details. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the fees.
Mail requests take five to ten business days to process. The clerk’s office cannot accept cash through the mail. Make checks payable to the Clerk of Courts. Some records are also available by fax request for an extra fee.
Fees and Payment Methods
The clerk charges set fees for copies under Florida Statute 28.24. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $7.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each extra page. The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards in person. Online orders use credit card payment only.
| Record Type | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 | Same day |
| Certified copy (first page) | $7.00 | Same day |
| Certified copy (each extra page) | $2.00 | Same day |
| Document search fee (per year) | $2.00 | Same day |
| Online document image | $1.00 per page | Instant |
Certified Copies vs. Regular Copies
A regular copy is a photocopy of the court document. It works for personal use, basic research, or a private file. A certified copy carries the clerk’s raised seal and the signature of the deputy clerk. A certified copy is what most agencies, banks, employers, and other courts want when you need to prove a fact like a divorce judgment or adoption decree.
Always order a certified copy for legal actions. The seal proves the document is a true copy of the official record. Courts in other states often refuse regular copies for any case that needs proof of a Florida judgment.
Collier County Clerk of Court Contact Details
You can reach the Collier County Clerk of Court in three ways: in person, by phone, or online. The clerk’s office is the only official source for certified family court records in the county.
Office Address and Hours
The clerk’s office sits at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112. The building is the main Collier County Government Center and courthouse. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Phone and Email Contact
Call the clerk’s main line at (239) 252-2646 for general questions about family court records. The office also staffs a public records line at (239) 252-2777 for record search help. You can email general questions through the contact form on collierclerk.com. Email is best for simple questions, not for certified copy orders, since those need signed payment.
Map and Directions to the Courthouse
The Collier County Courthouse sits on Tamiami Trail East in central Naples. From I-75, take Exit 105 for CR-951/SR-84 toward Naples. Drive south on Collier Boulevard, then turn east on Tamiami Trail East. The courthouse is on the right just past the intersection with Airport-Pulling Road. Public parking is available in the lot behind the building.
The 20th Judicial Circuit Family Division
Collier County sits in the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit court handles all family law matters across the five-county region. Judges rotate through the family division based on case needs and seniority.
What the Circuit Covers
The 20th Judicial Circuit serves Collier, Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte counties. The main courthouse for each county handles family cases filed there. The circuit’s chief judge assigns judges to each county’s family court. Court rules and procedures stay the same across the circuit, but local practices can differ by county.
Judges Who Hear Family Cases
Collier County has several circuit court judges assigned to the family division. Each judge hears a mix of divorce, custody, support, paternity, and adoption cases. The current clerk of court is Crystal K. Kinzel, who oversees the office that maintains the records. The clerk’s office assigns each new filing to a judge based on the docket and case type at the time of filing.
How Cases Move Through the Court
A family case starts with a petition filed with the clerk’s office. The clerk stamps the petition with a case number and assigns it to a judge. The other side gets served with the petition and has 20 days to respond under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.140. After the response, the court sets hearings for temporary relief, mediation, and the final trial or settlement.
Most family cases settle through mediation before trial. Collier County requires mediation in most contested family cases under Florida Family Law Rule 12.740. If the parties reach a settlement, the judge signs a final order. If not, the case goes to trial and the judge issues a final judgment after hearing the evidence.
Self-Help Resources for Family Court
Many people handle family court cases without a lawyer. Collier County has resources to help people who file on their own. These resources do not replace legal advice but they do help with forms, procedures, and court expectations.
Free Legal Forms
The Florida Courts website publishes approved family law forms at no cost. These forms meet all the legal requirements under Florida law. The forms cover petitions for divorce, custody, support, paternity, name change, and adoption. Each form has instructions written in plain language. You fill out the forms on your computer or print them and write your answers by hand.
Self-Help Program at the Courthouse
The Collier County Courthouse runs a Family Law Self-Help Program staffed by court employees. The staff cannot give you legal advice or tell you what to say in court. They can explain court procedures, help you fill out forms, and direct you to local resources. The self-help office sits on the first floor of the courthouse near the clerk’s office.
Legal Aid and Pro Bono Help
Legal Aid Service of Collier County offers free legal help to low-income residents who qualify. The program covers family law cases like divorce, custody, and domestic violence. Florida Rural Legal Services also serves parts of Collier County. The Collier County Bar Association runs a pro bono program that matches people with private lawyers who take cases for free.
Common Questions About Family Records
People who look up family court records often have the same questions. These answers cover the points that come up most often in the clerk’s office and on the search portals.
Are Divorce Records Public in Florida?
Divorce records are public records in Florida under Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. Anyone can view the case file, read the final judgment, and ask for copies. The clerk’s office cannot deny access to a divorce record because the requester is not a party to the case. A judge can seal part of a divorce file in rare cases involving trade secrets, personal safety, or the privacy of minor children.
How Long Does It Take to Get Records?
Online records are available the moment you search. The clerk updates the digital system within a few business days of each new filing. In-person requests are ready the same day in most cases. Mail requests take five to ten business days. Bulk record requests for research or business use can take longer based on the size of the order and staff workload.
Can I Seal Family Court Records?
A judge can seal family court records on a case-by-case basis. The party asking for the seal must file a written motion and show good cause. Common reasons include protecting children from harm, keeping trade secrets private, or hiding personal financial data. The judge holds a hearing before ruling on the motion. If the judge grants the seal, the clerk marks the file as sealed and removes it from the public search system.
Are Adoption Records Sealed?
Yes. Florida law seals adoption records after the final decree. The court sends the original birth certificate to the Office of Vital Statistics, which seals that record too. An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate and the adoption file from the Florida Department of Health once they turn 18. The release follows the rules in Florida Statute 63.165.
What If I Cannot Find the Case?
Cases filed under a different name, with a spelling change, or in a different county may not show up in your first search. Try variations of the name, the maiden and married name, and the birth date. If the case was filed in another county in the 20th Judicial Circuit, search the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal across all five counties. If you still cannot locate the file, call the clerk’s office and ask for a manual search by staff for a small fee.
Can I View Records From My Phone?
Yes. The Collier County Clerk’s website and the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal both work on mobile browsers. The mobile view shows case data, party names, and document images. You can pay the per-page fee and download copies to your phone. The mobile experience works best on newer phones with up-to-date browsers.
Are Old Records Available Online?
Records from 1980 forward are mostly online. Some paper-only files from before 1990 are still being scanned. The clerk’s office runs an ongoing project to digitize older files. You can still request paper copies of older records by visiting the courthouse or sending a mail request. Some very old adoption and paternity files remain in paper form only.
Collier County Clerk of Court Quick Reference
The table below sums up the key contact points for anyone who needs Collier County family court records. Save this list for quick reference when you need to reach the clerk or visit the courthouse.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office | Collier County Clerk of Court |
| Address | 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112 |
| Phone (main) | (239) 252-2646 |
| Phone (records) | (239) 252-2777 |
| Website | collierclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Main Portal | myflcourtaccess.com |
| Circuit | 20th Judicial Circuit |
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common long-tail searches people run about Collier County family court records. Each answer pulls from Florida law, clerk policy, and the rules of the 20th Judicial Circuit. Use these answers to plan your next step, whether you need a quick lookup or a full certified file.
How do I look up a Collier County divorce case by name?
Go to collierclerk.com and open the public records search. Type the full legal name of either spouse into the name field. Add the year range if you know when the divorce was filed. Select Family Law under case type. The result list shows the case number, filing date, and judge. Click the case number to see the full docket and document list. You can view basic data for free and pay $1.00 per page for document images.
Where do I get a certified copy of a Collier County divorce decree?
Request a certified copy from the Collier County Clerk of Court at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112. The clerk charges $7.00 for the first certified page and $2.00 for each extra page. You can order in person, by mail, or online through the clerk’s website. A certified copy carries the clerk’s raised seal and works for use in other states, agencies, and courts.
Can I see child custody records in Collier County?
Yes. Child custody and time-sharing records sit in the family case file. The parenting plan, court orders, and hearing transcripts all fall under the public file. You can view them through the clerk’s online search or in person at the courthouse. Sensitive details about a child’s location may be redacted if a judge orders it for safety reasons.
How do I find a Collier County child support order?
Search the family court file by the name of either parent. The child support worksheet, the financial affidavit, and the final support order all sit in the same file. The Florida Department of Revenue also keeps payment records and can give you a payment history for any open or closed support case. You can reach the Department through myflorida.com/dor or by calling the local office.
Are Collier County paternity records public?
Paternity records are public once the court enters a final judgment. The judgment names the legal father and the child. Older paternity files may include DNA test results, the petition, and any support order. The clerk’s office can give you a certified copy of the final judgment for use in other court cases or for benefits applications.
What if a family case was filed in another 20th Circuit county?
Use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com to search by name across all five counties in the 20th Circuit. The portal shows cases from Collier, Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte counties in one search. Each county’s clerk handles certified copies for cases filed in that county only.
How do I seal a Collier County family court record?
File a written motion to seal with the clerk’s office. The motion must show good cause and explain why the record should be sealed. The court will set a hearing where you and the other side can present arguments. A judge decides whether to grant the seal based on the facts. If the judge grants the seal, the clerk removes the file from the public search system and keeps it under restricted access.