Florida Family Court Records

Coral Springs City Family Court Records – Broward Lookup

Coral Springs City family court records cover all divorce, custody, support, paternity, and adoption cases filed by residents of Coral Springs, Florida. These records are stored at the Broward County Clerk of Courts office under the 17th Judicial Circuit.

Any person can view most of these records online or at the clerk’s office in Fort Lauderdale. The records show case history, party names, filing dates, and court orders. Coral Springs has over 140,000 people, and all family law matters for the city go through the county court system. This page explains how to search, request, and work with these public records in 2026.

How Coral Springs Family Court Records Work

Family court records in Coral Springs are public files kept by the county clerk. They contain every paper filed in a family case from start to finish. The clerk adds new papers each time a party files a motion, response, or order. Most records are open to the public, but some are sealed by a judge. The court system uses these records to track active cases and store closed ones for future reference.

What Family Court Records Cover

Family court records include petitions, summons, answers, motions, court orders, judgments, and settlement papers. They also contain parenting plans, child support worksheets, and financial affidavits. Every paper filed in a case becomes part of the official court file. These files stay with the clerk even after a case closes.

Which Court Handles Coral Springs Family Cases

The Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale handles all family cases for Coral Springs residents. The courthouse sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Family cases go before judges in the Family Division of the 17th Judicial Circuit. There is no separate family court building in Coral Springs itself.

The 17th Judicial Circuit Role

The 17th Judicial Circuit covers Broward County and all its cities, including Coral Springs. It runs the family court system for the entire county. The circuit employs family judges, case managers, mediators, and clerks who handle family law matters. This circuit also oversees child support enforcement and juvenile dependency cases that overlap with family law.

Where to Get Coral Springs Family Court Records

The Broward County Clerk of Courts holds all family court records for Coral Springs. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale, but the clerk also runs satellite offices across the county. You can visit the main office, go to a satellite branch, mail in a request, or search online. Each method has its own steps and fees.

Broward County Clerk Main Office

The main clerk’s office sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Phone: (954) 831-6565. Hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Brenda D. Forman serves as the current Clerk of Courts. The main office holds the largest collection of family case files and offers same-day service for most copy requests.

You can reach the clerk online at browardclerk.org. The website lists office hours, fee schedules, and search tools. Walk-in customers use the public terminal area on the first floor to look up case numbers before requesting copies.

Broward County Clerk serving Coral Springs family court records

Satellite Locations Near Coral Springs

The clerk runs branches in Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and other Broward cities. The closest branch to Coral Springs is the Coconut Creek satellite office. Satellite offices accept filings and copy requests for cases already in the system. Some satellite offices have shorter hours than the main office.

City of Coral Springs Clerk Office

The City of Coral Springs has a city clerk at 9551 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs, FL 33065. Phone: (954) 344-1005. This office handles city business only. It does not store or provide family court records. Residents who call this number for court records get transferred to the Broward County Clerk.

City of Coral Springs municipal building

Office Type Name Address Phone
Main Clerk Broward County Clerk of Courts 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 831-6565
City Clerk City of Coral Springs 9551 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs, FL 33065 (954) 344-1005
Satellite Coconut Creek Branch 5400 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073 (954) 831-6565

Online Search for Coral Springs Family Court Records

Three online systems let you search Coral Springs family court records from home. The Broward County portal, the statewide MyFloridaCourtAccess site, and the Florida e-filing portal all work 24 hours a day. Each system shows different data and requires different logins. Most basic case lookups are free, but viewing full documents costs a fee.

Broward County Public Records Portal

The Broward County Clerk runs a public records search at browardclerk.org. You can look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. The portal shows party names, case type, judge, and hearing dates. Document images appear after a small fee per page. The system works on phones, tablets, and computers.

To start a search, click the public records link on the home page. Type the full name of a party or the case number. Choose the family case type from the dropdown. Results load in seconds for recent cases and may take longer for older files.

Case search portal for Coral Springs family court records

MyFloridaCourtAccess Statewide System

MyFloridaCourtAccess.com is the Florida statewide court records portal. It covers all 67 Florida counties, including Broward. You can search the 17th Judicial Circuit from this site. The portal shows docket entries, hearing schedules, and party details. Some case types require a paid subscription for full document access.

The statewide system helps people who need records from multiple counties. A family lawyer working in both Broward and Miami-Dade can use one login for both. The site also offers email alerts when new papers are filed in a case.

Florida E-Filing Portal

Florida lawyers and self-represented filers use the e-filing portal at myflcourtaccess.com to submit new papers. The portal accepts PDF files and accepts credit card payments. After filing, the clerk stamps the papers and adds them to the case file. Filers get an email confirmation with the filing time and case number.

Florida e-filing portal for Coral Springs court records

What You Can See Online

Online systems show case summaries, docket entries, party names, and judge names. You can also see hearing dates, filing dates, and case status. Some systems show document images for a small fee. Sealed records never appear in online search results. Financial affidavits in divorce cases may be redacted online.

  • Case number and type
  • Names of all parties
  • Filing and hearing dates
  • Assigned judge
  • Case status (open or closed)
  • List of filed documents

Types of Family Court Records in Coral Springs

The clerk’s office keeps many kinds of family records. Each type covers a different area of family law. Some record types are public, and others require a court order to view. The list below covers the most common record types for Coral Springs cases.

Divorce Records

Divorce records include the original petition, the response, financial papers, settlement agreements, and the final judgment. They also show property division, alimony orders, and attorney fees. Most divorce records are public, but financial details can be sealed by request. The clerk stores divorce records for at least 99 years under Florida law.

Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records

Custody records show parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and custody evaluations. They include motions to modify custody and orders from mediation. These records often list the names of children, schools, and doctors. Some custody evaluations are sealed to protect the children’s privacy.

Child Support Records

Child support files contain the support order, payment history, income withholding orders, and arrears balances. The Florida Department of Revenue handles most child support cases in Coral Springs. Their records link to the court file. Support payment data is public, but bank account numbers are private.

Paternity Records

Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood. Records show the petition, DNA test results, and the court order. Paternity records often lead to child support and custody orders. They stay public after the case closes, but test results may be sealed in some cases.

Domestic Violence Injunction Records

Domestic violence cases involve petitions for protection, sworn statements, and court orders. Some injunction records are sealed to protect victims. Public access depends on the judge’s order. The clerk can tell you which parts of an injunction file are open to view.

Adoption and Sealed Records

Adoption records are sealed in Florida. Adult adoptees can request a copy of their original birth certificate after they turn 18. Other people need a court order to view adoption files. Step-parent adoptions and agency adoptions follow different rules. The clerk’s office can explain the current process.

Name Change Records

Name change records show the petition, the order, and any objections. These records are public and easy to get. They often appear in background checks. A name change order from a Florida court applies across the state once filed with vital records.

Filing Costs and Fees

The clerk charges set fees for filing new cases and copying records. Florida law sets the base filing fee for divorce at $408. Other case types have different fees. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards in person. Online filings require a credit card or e-check.

Standard Filing Fees

The current filing fee for a new divorce case is $408. Paternity and custody cases cost $301 each. Adoption filings vary based on the type. Name change petitions cost $401. These fees cover the basic filing and do not include service costs or copies.

Copy and Certification Fees

Plain copies of court papers cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $7 for the first page and $1 for each extra page. Certification proves the copy is a true copy of the original. Many legal uses need certified copies, not plain ones. The clerk can certify a copy in person or by mail.

Service of Process Fees

The sheriff charges a fee to deliver papers to the other party in a case. In Broward County, the sheriff’s service fee is $40 for regular service. Private process servers charge between $50 and $100. Service is required in every family case so the other side knows about the court action.

Fee Waivers for Low-Income Filers

Florida offers fee waivers for people who cannot pay. The form is called an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status. You file it with the clerk along with your case papers. The clerk reviews your income and grants a full or partial waiver. Children, students, and people on public benefits often qualify.

Service Fee
Divorce filing $408
Paternity filing $301
Custody filing $301
Name change $401
Plain copy per page $1
Certified first page $7
Sheriff service $40

How to Request Certified Copies

You can get certified copies of family court records in three ways. Visit the clerk’s office for same-day service. Mail a written request for cases you do not need right away. Or order online through the clerk’s document portal. Each method needs the same basic case details.

In-Person Requests

Bring your photo ID to the clerk’s office in Fort Lauderdale. Go to the records counter and fill out a copy request form. The clerk pulls the file and makes the copies. Most requests finish in under 30 minutes. Pay by cash, card, check, or money order.

Mail-In Requests

Write a letter to the clerk that includes the case number, party names, and the documents you need. Add a check or money order for the copy fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mailing. Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days to process.

Online Document Orders

The Broward County portal lets you order copies online. Log in, search for the case, and pick the documents. Pay by credit card. The clerk mails paper copies or emails digital copies. Online orders work well for people who live outside the area.

Processing Times

Same-day service happens at the counter. Mail requests take 1 to 2 weeks. Online orders for digital copies often finish in 24 hours. Older cases from before 1990 may take longer because the clerk must pull files from storage. Call ahead to ask about old records.

Many Coral Springs residents need legal help with family matters. Free and low-cost options exist for people who cannot afford a private lawyer. Self-help centers, legal aid groups, and lawyer referral services all serve the Coral Springs area. These groups help with forms, filings, and court procedures.

Broward County Self-Help Center

The Self-Help Center sits inside the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Staff help people fill out family law forms, file papers, and prepare for hearings. They do not give legal advice or represent people in court. The center is free to use. Call (954) 831-7741 for hours and services.

Coast to Coast Legal Aid serves low-income residents of Broward County. They help with divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence cases. Their number is (954) 736-2400. Apply by phone or online at coasttocoastlegalaid.org. Services are free for people who meet income rules.

Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service

The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-561-2808. Call to get the name of a family law attorney in your area. The first 30-minute consultation costs $25. After that, you and the lawyer set your own fees. Many Coral Springs family lawyers take part in this program.

Family Mediation Services

The 17th Judicial Circuit requires mediation in most family cases before trial. Family mediators help both sides reach agreement on custody, support, and property. The court offers free mediation for low-income parties. Private mediators charge $150 to $300 per hour. Successful mediation often ends a case without trial.

What Records Are Sealed or Restricted

Some family court records are sealed by law or by court order. Sealed records do not appear in online searches. You need a court order to view them. The clerk’s office can tell you if a record is sealed and how to ask for access. The list below covers common sealed record types in Coral Springs.

Adoption Records Access

Florida adoption records stay sealed under most conditions. Adult adoptees can request their original birth certificate after turning 18. The request goes through the Florida Department of Health. Other relatives need a court order to see adoption files. Step-parent adoptions may have different rules based on the case.

Juvenile Dependency Records

Juvenile dependency cases involve children removed from parents by the state. These files are sealed and not open to the public. Parents, lawyers, and approved agencies can view them. The Dependency Court Information line at (954) 831-7741 can help with questions about these records.

Mental Health Records in Family Cases

Mental health evaluations filed in family cases may be sealed. The judge decides if a mental health record stays open or sealed. The records often involve custody disputes where a parent’s mental state matters. Sealed records protect privacy but limit public access.

Confidential Financial Documents

Financial affidavits list income, assets, and debts. In divorce cases, these papers are public but sensitive information like bank numbers gets redacted. The clerk removes account numbers before posting papers online. A judge can seal the full financial file in special cases.

Recent Updates and 2026 Changes

The Florida court system made several updates that affect family records in 2026. New e-filing rules, updated fees, and expanded online access all took effect this year. Coral Springs residents who use the court system should know these changes. The list below shows the biggest updates.

New E-Filing Requirements

As of January 2026, all attorneys in family cases must e-file through the Florida portal. Self-represented parties can still file paper documents but e-filing speeds up the process. The portal now accepts filings 24 hours a day. Filings submitted after 11:59 PM get stamped the next business day.

Updated Fee Schedule

The clerk updated copy fees in March 2026. Plain copies now cost $1.25 per page. Certified first-page fees rose to $8.50. The clerk posts the current fee schedule on the website. Always call ahead to confirm fees before mailing a request.

Expanded Online Access

The Broward County portal added more document types to online viewing in 2026. Court orders, judgments, and hearing transcripts now appear online for a small fee. Financial papers still require a trip to the clerk’s office. The portal works better on mobile phones after a 2026 upgrade.

Contact Information for Broward County Clerk

The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the main office for all Coral Springs family court records. The main office address is 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The phone number is (954) 831-6565. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The website is browardclerk.org. Email questions go to publicrecords@browardclerk.org. The clerk’s office handles all family record requests, certified copies, and online search help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about Coral Springs family court records. These questions come from real people who use the Broward County court system. Each answer covers the basic rules and the latest 2026 changes. If your question is not here, call the clerk’s office for help.

How do I search for a divorce record in Coral Springs?

Go to the Broward County public records portal at browardclerk.org. Click the public records search link. Type the full name of either spouse. Choose divorce from the case type list. Click search. The system shows the case number, filing date, and judge. You can view the case summary for free. To see the actual divorce papers, pay the per-page fee. Older cases from before 1990 may need a trip to the clerk’s office or a mail request. The clerk’s office can help you find cases that do not show up online.

Are Coral Springs family court records free to view?

Basic case lookups are free on the Broward County portal and the MyFloridaCourtAccess site. You see party names, dates, and case status at no cost. To read the actual court papers, you pay a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. Sealed records never appear online and require a court order. The clerk does not charge for the search itself, only for copies and certified pages.

Can I get child custody records without a lawyer?

Yes. You can search for custody cases online through the Broward County portal. Use the parent’s name to find the case. You can see the case summary, hearing dates, and a list of filed papers. The full parenting plan and custody orders cost a small fee per page. Sealed evaluations do not show up online. The Self-Help Center in Fort Lauderdale can help you fill out request forms at no charge.

How long does it take to get certified copies by mail?

Mail requests for certified copies take 7 to 14 business days in most cases. The clerk needs time to pull the file, copy the papers, certify them, and mail them back. Add extra time for cases from before 1990. Mail delays can add another week. To speed things up, use a mail service with tracking. You can also order certified copies online for digital delivery in 24 hours.

What is the difference between sealed and public records?

Public records appear in online searches and at the clerk’s counter. Anyone can view or copy them. Sealed records are closed by a judge or by state law. They do not show up online. You need a court order to see them. Adoption records, some mental health records, and certain financial papers can be sealed. The clerk can tell you if a record is sealed and how to ask the judge for access.

Do I need to be a party in a case to view the records?

No. Most family court records are public in Florida. You do not need to be a party to view the case summary or copy the papers. You only need basic case details like a name or case number. Sealed records still require a court order, no matter who you are. Some judges seal parts of a case file, and those parts stay closed to everyone except the parties and their lawyers.

Can I access records from other Florida counties through Broward?

No. The Broward County portal only shows cases filed in Broward County. For other counties, use the MyFloridaCourtAccess statewide portal. Each county has its own clerk, fees, and rules. You can search the statewide system for cases across all 67 Florida counties. Some counties charge more for copies than Broward does. Check the county’s website before placing an order.