Davie City family court records are stored and managed by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Davie is a town in Broward County, Florida, and it sits inside the 17th Judicial Circuit.
The town has more than 105,000 residents, but it does not run its own family court. Every divorce, custody, child support, paternity, and adoption case that involves a Davie resident is filed at the county courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. This page shows you how to search those records, what you can find, and what steps you need to follow to get copies.
Where Davie Family Court Records Are Kept
All Davie family court records stay at the Broward County Courthouse. The clerk’s office keeps both paper and digital files for the entire county. You can go to the office in person, search online, or call for help. Davie residents use the same court system as people living in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and every other city in Broward County.
The Role of the Broward County Clerk of Courts
The clerk is the official record keeper for all court cases in the county. Brenda D. Forman serves as the current Clerk of Courts. Her office takes in new filings, stores old files, and gives the public access to court papers. The clerk’s office also issues certified copies of court orders, which are often needed for legal work, name changes, or government forms.
Why Davie Does Not Have Its Own Family Court
Florida runs its court system at the county level, not the city level. This means even large towns like Davie share a single court system with the rest of the county. The town of Davie has its own city clerk, but that office only handles local matters like permits, licenses, council minutes, and town codes. Family court records never go to the city clerk’s office.
17th Judicial Circuit Court Coverage
Broward County is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers all family, civil, criminal, and probate cases in the county. Family court judges in this circuit hear divorce cases, custody fights, child support orders, and petitions for adoption. The circuit also runs the family court self-help center, which assists people who file cases without a lawyer.
| Office | Details |
|---|---|
| Record Custodian | Broward County Clerk of Courts |
| Current Clerk | Brenda D. Forman |
| Street Address | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone Number | (954) 831-6565 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Official Website | www.browardclerk.org |
How to Search Davie Family Court Records Online
You can search Davie family court records online without going to the courthouse. The Broward County Clerk runs a free search portal on its website. The State of Florida also runs a separate portal called MyFloridaCourtAccess. Both portals let you look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. These tools work on phones, tablets, and computers with internet access.
Using the Broward County Clerk Website
Go to www.browardclerk.org and click on the case search link. You can type in a first and last name to see all matching cases. You do not need to make an account to do a basic search. The system shows the case number, the parties involved, the filing date, the case type, and the current status. Some documents can be viewed right on the screen. Other documents need a small fee to download or print.
Using the Florida State Court Portal
MyFloridaCourtAccess is the statewide portal. It covers all 67 Florida counties, including Broward. You can search for Davie cases by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. The state portal often shows hearing dates and future court events. It also flags cases that have been sealed or expunged, so you know right away if a record is open to the public.
What Information You Need to Start a Search
Having the right details makes a search much faster. The clerk’s system works best when you know the full legal name of at least one party. A case number gives you the most exact result. If you do not know the case number, the year of filing helps narrow down the list. Here is what you should have ready before you start.
- First and last name of the person named in the case
- Case number, if you already have it
- Approximate year the case was filed
- Type of case, such as divorce, custody, or support
Types of Family Court Records Available in Davie
The clerk’s office stores many kinds of family court records. Davie residents can request any of them, as long as the records are not sealed. Each case type has its own set of documents, and each one serves a different legal purpose. Knowing what you need helps you avoid extra fees and delays.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are the most common request at the clerk’s office. These files hold the petition for dissolution of marriage, the final judgment, and any settlement agreement. They may also include property division forms, spousal support orders, and any post-judgment motions filed after the divorce was final. Most divorce records are open to the public unless a judge orders them sealed.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Custody files include parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and decisions about who makes major choices for the child. These files show the court’s orders on legal custody and physical custody. They also contain mediation reports and any evaluations done by court-appointed experts. Custody orders stay on file even after the children turn 18, and most remain open to the public.
Child Support Records
Child support records show the amount of support ordered, payment history, and any wage withholding orders. The Florida Department of Revenue files many support cases in Broward County, and those records end up in the same clerk’s system. The clerk’s office can give you printouts of the payment record for use in court or for personal tracking.
Paternity and Adoption Records
Paternity cases establish who the legal father of a child is. These files can include DNA test results, voluntary acknowledgments, and court orders. Adoption records are sealed by Florida law to protect the privacy of the adoptive family. You cannot view an adoption file without a court order, even if you are one of the people named in the case.
Domestic Violence Injunctions
Injunctions for protection against domestic violence are part of the family court system. These records include the petition, the sworn statement from the person asking for protection, and the judge’s order. Active injunctions are public, and law enforcement agencies can pull them up at any time. Once an injunction ends, the file may still be available, but some details get redacted.
How to Request Certified Copies of Court Records
You can get copies of family court records in three ways. You can visit the clerk’s office, send a request by mail, or use the online portal. The method you pick depends on how fast you need the records and whether you want certified copies.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk’s Office
Go to the clerk’s office at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. Bring a valid photo ID with you. Staff at the public counter can pull the file, let you look at the documents, and make copies. The same-day service works for most files stored on site. Files stored off site may take a few business days to retrieve.
Requesting Records by Mail
You can mail a written request to the clerk’s office. Include the case number, the names of the parties, and a list of the documents you need. Add a check or money order for the correct fee, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mailing. Mail requests take longer than in-person visits because of processing and postal time.
Phone and Email Request Options
You can call the clerk at (954) 831-6565 to ask about a case or to check on the status of a mail request. Email requests are handled through the contact form on the clerk’s website. The clerk cannot release certified copies by email, but staff can answer basic questions about case type, filing date, and which records are available.
Fees and Payment for Family Court Records
There are fees for most copies of family court records. The fees cover the cost of pulling the file, making copies, and certifying the documents. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards at the public counter. Online orders require a credit or debit card.
Standard Copy Fees
Regular copies of court documents cost $1.00 per page. This rate applies to paper printouts at the clerk’s office and most digital downloads from the website. Some documents have a flat rate set by Florida law, so the price may differ for certain case types.
Certified Copy Fees
Certified copies cost $7.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. The certification seal proves that the copy is a true copy of the original record. Most legal filings, government agencies, and other courts require certified copies instead of regular copies.
Online Document Access Charges
The online portal charges a small fee for each document you view or download. The fee shows up before you open the file, so you know the cost ahead of time. You only pay for the documents you actually open, not for the search itself.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular copy, per page | $1.00 |
| Certified copy, first page | $7.00 |
| Certified copy, each extra page | $1.00 |
| Online document view or download | Varies by document |
Sealed and Restricted Records in Davie
Some family court records are sealed by law. A sealed record cannot be viewed by the public. Only the people named in the case, their lawyers, and certain government agencies can ask to see sealed files. A judge must approve any request to open a sealed record.
Adoption Record Privacy Rules
Florida law seals all adoption records. The adoptive parents, the birth parents, and the adopted child all have privacy rights. Adult adopted children can request a copy of their original birth certificate through the Florida Department of Health, but the full court file stays sealed without a court order.
Juvenile and Dependency Records
Juvenile court cases, including dependency and delinquency cases, are not open to the public. Only the parents, guardians, lawyers, and authorized agencies can see those files. A judge can unseal a juvenile record in rare cases, such as when the person wants to clear their record as an adult.
How to Ask the Court to Open a Sealed Record
To open a sealed record, you must file a motion with the court that issued the original order. The motion should explain why you need the records. A judge reviews the motion and decides whether to grant access. There is a filing fee for the motion, and the court may hold a short hearing before making a decision.
Davie City Clerk vs. Broward County Clerk
Many Davie residents confuse the town clerk with the county clerk. These are two different offices with two different jobs. Knowing which office to call saves you time and frustration.
What the Davie Town Clerk Handles
The Davie Town Clerk office is at 6591 Orange Drive, Davie, FL 33314. The phone number is (954) 797-1000. This office handles town business only. It keeps town council minutes, local ordinances, business tax receipts, and special event permits. The town clerk cannot help you with court records of any kind.
What Only the County Clerk Can Provide
The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the only office that can give you family court records for Davie. The county clerk also handles criminal cases, civil lawsuits, traffic tickets, and probate matters. If you are not sure where a document is filed, the county clerk’s office can point you in the right direction.
How to File a New Family Court Case from Davie
People who live in Davie can file new family cases through the Florida e-filing portal or in person at the courthouse. Most family filings are simple, but some cases need extra steps or paperwork. The clerk’s website has the forms you need, and the self-help center can answer basic questions about how to fill them out.
Florida E-Filing Portal Steps
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal lets you file new cases and submit documents from home. You need to create a free account, pick the 17th Judicial Circuit as your court, and select the right case type. Then you upload your PDF forms, pay the filing fee by credit card, and submit. The clerk reviews the filing and either accepts or rejects it within a few business days.
Required Documents for New Filings
Every family case type has its own list of required forms. Divorce cases need a petition, a financial affidavit, and a certificate of completion for a parenting class if children are involved. Custody cases need a petition, a proposed parenting plan, and a UCCJEA form listing other cases in other states. The clerk’s website has the full list for each case type.
Filing Fees for Common Family Cases
Filing fees depend on the type of case. Dissolution of marriage (divorce) has one fee, and petitions for custody or support have another. You can pay the fee online by card or in person at the clerk’s office. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for a fee waiver by filing an application and a financial affidavit with the court.
- Divorce filing: standard circuit court filing fee
- Custody or visitation petition: standard family court filing fee
- Child support petition: standard family court filing fee
- Name change petition: standard family court filing fee
- Motion to seal or unseal a record: separate motion fee
Contact Details and Location
Use the details below to reach the Broward County Clerk of Courts for Davie family court records. Always call ahead to confirm hours and fees before you visit or send a request.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Website: www.browardclerk.org
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Common Questions About Davie Family Court Records
Many people have similar questions when they look for family court records in Davie. The answers below cover the most common points. If your question is not here, call the clerk’s office for more help.
Can I view Davie family court records for free?
Yes. You can search the Broward County Clerk’s online portal and the MyFloridaCourtAccess portal without paying anything. The search itself is free. You only pay when you view or download specific documents. In-person visits are also free for looking at files at the public terminal, but printed copies cost $1.00 per page.
How long does it take to get a certified copy by mail?
Mail requests usually take 7 to 14 business days from the date the clerk’s office gets your letter. The time depends on postal service speed and how long it takes the clerk to pull the file. Files stored off site may take longer. If you need the copy faster, visit the office in person for same-day service.
What if I do not know the case number?
You can still search by name. The online system looks for matches based on the first and last name of a party. The year of filing helps narrow the results. If the system shows too many matches, try adding a middle name or initial, or call the clerk’s office for help with the search.
Are divorce records always public in Florida?
Most divorce records are public, but a judge can seal parts of a file in special cases. For example, a judge may seal financial records to protect trade secrets or sensitive personal data. If a file is sealed, only the people named in the case, their lawyers, and the court can see the sealed parts.
Can I remove my family court record from public view?
You can ask the court to seal or expunge a record in some cases. Sealing hides the file from public search. Expungement destroys the record so it cannot be viewed. Not every case qualifies for sealing or expungement. Florida law lists which cases are eligible. You can file a petition with the clerk’s office to start the process.
Do I need a lawyer to request family court records?
No. You do not need a lawyer to request or view family court records. The clerk’s staff helps with basic requests. A lawyer is only needed if you plan to file a motion, challenge a court order, or ask the court to open a sealed record. The clerk’s self-help center can guide you through the paperwork if you choose to file on your own.
What happens to old paper records from years ago?
The clerk’s office keeps older paper records in a secure storage area. Many older records have been scanned and uploaded to the online portal, but some files are only available in paper form. You can ask the clerk to pull a paper file for viewing, but it may take a few extra days to retrieve it from storage.