Daytona Beach city family court records cover all family law cases filed by people who live in Daytona Beach, Florida. These records include divorces, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence files.
The Volusia County Clerk of Court keeps these records. The city of Daytona Beach does not store court records at the city level. The county clerk’s office holds every family court case for Daytona Beach residents, dating back many decades. People search these records for legal reasons, personal reasons, or background checks. Knowing where to look and how to search saves time and avoids mistakes.
Where Daytona Beach Family Court Records Are Kept
Daytona Beach family court records sit in one main place: the Volusia County Clerk of Court office. This office handles all court papers for the 7th Judicial Circuit, which includes Daytona Beach. The current clerk, Laura E. Roth, was elected to lead this office. Her team files, scans, and stores every family law case that passes through the courts. The clerk’s office also issues certified copies of these records for legal use.
Volusia County Clerk Main Office
The main clerk’s office sits at 101 N. Alabama Avenue in DeLand, Florida 32724. This building holds the central records for the entire county, including Daytona Beach. People can visit this office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office stays closed on weekends and state holidays. Visitors must show a valid photo ID before entering. A security check happens at the front door.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Volusia County Clerk of Court |
| Clerk | Laura E. Roth |
| Address | 101 N. Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724 |
| Phone Number | (386) 736-5915 |
| Website | www.volusiaclerk.org |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Judicial Circuit | 7th Judicial Circuit |
Daytona Beach Courthouse Location
Daytona Beach has its own courthouse branch for family law hearings. This branch sits at 251 N. Ridgewood Avenue in Daytona Beach. People attend hearings here, but the official records still go to the DeLand office. The Daytona Beach branch handles in-person filings, hearings, and clerk services for local residents. Staff at this branch can help with form questions and basic case lookups.
How the 7th Judicial Circuit Handles Family Cases
Daytona Beach sits inside the 7th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers Volusia, Flagler, Putnam, and St. Johns counties. Family court cases in Daytona Beach follow the same Florida state laws as other counties in the circuit. Judges in this circuit hear divorces, custody fights, support cases, and other family matters. All rulings and filings become part of the public court record.
Types of Family Cases Filed in Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach family courts handle many kinds of cases. Each case type creates its own set of records. The most common case types include divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence injunctions. Each case starts with a petition filed by one party. The other party then responds. After that, the case moves through hearings, mediations, and sometimes trials. Every step creates a paper trail stored at the clerk’s office.
- Divorce cases with or without minor children
- Child custody and time-sharing arrangements
- Child support orders and payment records
- Paternity actions to establish legal fatherhood
- Adoption cases to create parent-child relationships
- Domestic violence injunctions for protection
- Guardianship cases for minors and adults
- Name changes tied to family matters
What Each Case File Contains
A family court case file holds many documents. The exact papers depend on the case type. Most files include the initial petition, the response, financial affidavits, parenting plans, and settlement agreements. Divorce files also include the final judgment. Custody files include time-sharing schedules. Support files include income sheets and payment orders. Court orders and hearing transcripts often appear in the file too. Some files also include emails, text messages, or photos filed as evidence.
Searching Daytona Beach Family Court Records Online
The fastest way to search Daytona Beach family court records is online. The Volusia County Clerk offers a free public search tool on the clerk’s website. This tool lets people look up cases by name, case number, or party role. The Florida E-Filing Portal also gives statewide access. Both tools work 24 hours a day from any computer or phone with internet access.
Using the Volusia County Clerk Case Search
To search the Volusia County system, go to www.volusiaclerk.org and click on the case search link. The search page asks for a name or case number. Enter the full last name and first name of the person involved. Narrow the search by adding a date of birth if known. The system then shows every case tied to that name. Click on a case number to see the full docket. The docket lists every filing and hearing date. Some documents can be viewed online. Others need to be requested in person.
Using the Florida E-Filing Portal
The Florida E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com covers all 67 Florida counties. This tool works well for statewide searches. People use it when they do not know which county holds the record. The portal also lets lawyers and self-represented parties file new cases. To search existing records, enter the party’s name and select Florida as the state. Pick the right county from the list. The portal then shows matching cases across the state.
Limits of Online Court Records
Online court records have some limits. Not every document is available online. Older files may only exist on paper. Sealed records never show up in public searches. Some sensitive data, like social security numbers, stays hidden. Bank account numbers also stay private. Court orders that seal a file can hide it from public view forever. To see sealed records, a court order from a judge is needed.
Visiting the Courthouse in Person
Some records cannot be found online. In those cases, a trip to the courthouse works best. The Volusia County Clerk’s office in DeLand holds the full records archive. The drive from Daytona Beach to DeLand takes about 30 minutes. People can also visit the Daytona Beach courthouse branch for local help. Both locations offer public access terminals for searching case data.
What to Bring to the Courthouse
A valid photo ID is the first thing to bring. A driver’s license, state ID, or passport all work. The case number, if known, speeds up the search. Full legal names of the people involved also help. Dates of birth narrow the search even more. A small fee, paid by cash or card, covers copies and certified copies. Visitors should plan to arrive early, as security lines can take time.
Getting Certified Copies of Court Records
Certified copies carry the court seal and a clerk’s signature. These copies serve as legal proof in other courts or agencies. The clerk’s office charges a fee for each certified copy. The fee covers the copy, the seal, and the staff time. Most requests take just a few minutes to fill. Older records may take longer because the staff has to pull the file from storage. Call the clerk’s office ahead of time to check fees and wait times.
Types of Family Court Records Available
Daytona Beach family court records cover many different document types. Each type serves a different purpose. Knowing the document type helps people find what they need. Public records cover most cases. Some records stay sealed by court order.
Divorce Records and Judgments
Divorce records show every paper filed in a marriage dissolution case. These records include the petition, the response, financial disclosures, settlement agreements, and the final judgment. The final judgment ends the marriage. It also divides property, debts, and parental responsibilities. Divorce records stay public after the case closes. They can be searched by name at the clerk’s office or online.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Child custody cases produce parenting plans. These plans show how parents share time with their children. They also list decision-making powers for education, health, and religion. Custody records may include mediation reports, evaluator findings, and court orders. Modifications to custody create new filings. All of these documents become part of the public court file.
Child Support Records
Child support records include the petition, income information, and the support order. They also include payment history if the case went through the state disbursement unit. People search these records to check payment status or to file enforcement actions. Support orders can be modified when income changes. Each modification creates a new court document on file.
Paternity and Adoption Records
Paternity records establish legal fatherhood. These records include test results, petitions, and final judgments. Adoption records are often sealed after the case closes. Sealed adoption files protect the privacy of the birth parents and the adopted child. Some adoption records can be opened later through a court order for valid reasons, like medical history needs.
Domestic Violence Injunction Records
Domestic violence cases create temporary and permanent injunction records. These records include the petition, the hearing transcripts, and the final order. Injunction cases move fast, often within days. The records may be public, but some details stay sealed to protect the victim. People can request copies for personal safety or legal reasons.
Costs and Fees for Family Court Records
Records come with small fees in most cases. The fees pay for copies, certifications, and staff time. Costs vary based on the type of record and the request method. Online access to basic case data is free. Certified copies and full document copies cost more.
Standard Copy Fees
Regular copies of court documents cost a small fee per page. The fee covers the paper and the printing. Self-service copiers at the courthouse cost less than staff-assisted copies. Larger files cost more because of the page count. Call the clerk’s office for the exact current rates before visiting.
Certified Copy Fees
Certified copies cost more than regular copies. Each certified copy has the court seal and a clerk’s signature. These copies serve as legal proof in other cases. The fee covers the certification process. Some documents, like marriage certificates, have set state fees. Family court records follow the same state fee rules.
Requesting Records by Mail or Email
People who cannot visit the courthouse in person can request records by mail. The clerk’s office accepts written requests for copies and certified copies. The request must include the case number, the full names of the parties, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. A check or money order covers the fees. The office then mails the copies back.
Mail Request Steps
Writing a mail request is simple. Start with a letter that includes the case number, the names of the people in the case, and the documents needed. Add a daytime phone number in case staff have questions. Include a check for the correct fee amount. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mail. Mail the package to the Volusia County Clerk’s office at the DeLand address.
Email and Online Request Options
Some record requests can be made through the clerk’s website. The online request form asks for case details and contact information. Staff then process the request and send the records by email or mail. Email requests work best for simple, non-certified copies. Certified copies must come through the mail or in person.
Sealed and Confidential Records
Some family court records stay sealed by law. Sealed records do not show up in public searches. Only people with a court order can see them. Common sealed records include adoption files, juvenile cases, and some domestic violence files. Personal data like social security numbers and bank account numbers stay hidden in every file.
How to Request Access to Sealed Records
To open a sealed record, a person must file a motion with the court. The motion explains the reason for the request. A judge then decides whether to grant access. Valid reasons include medical needs, legal claims, or family research. The court may limit access to specific documents instead of opening the whole file. A lawyer can help with this process.
Common Reasons People Search Daytona Beach Family Court Records
People search family court records for many reasons. Each reason leads to a different type of search. Knowing the reason helps narrow the search and find the right records fast.
Background Checks and Pre-Marital Research
Some people search records before marriage or during dating. They want to know if a partner has a past divorce, a support order, or an injunction. Background checks through court records give a clear picture of someone’s family law history. These searches are legal and free through the clerk’s office.
Legal Cases and Court Filings
Lawyers search family court records to prepare for new cases. They look at past rulings, parenting plans, and support orders. This research helps them build a strong case. Self-represented parties also search records to learn about similar cases. Court records serve as the official source of legal facts.
Genealogy and Family Research
Some people search old family court records for genealogy research. Divorce records from decades ago show family history. Adoption records, though often sealed, can offer clues. Researchers use court records along with other sources to build family trees and learn about ancestors.
Daytona Beach City Clerk vs. County Clerk
Daytona Beach has two clerk offices. They serve very different roles. Knowing which office to contact saves time and effort.
What the City Clerk Handles
The Daytona Beach City Clerk sits at 301 S. Ridgewood Avenue. The phone number is (386) 671-8000. This office keeps city commission records, city contracts, and city permits. It does not keep any court records. People who need family court records should not visit the city clerk. They should contact the Volusia County Clerk instead.
What the County Clerk Handles
The Volusia County Clerk keeps all court records. This includes family court, civil court, criminal court, and traffic court. The county clerk’s office is the only place to find Daytona Beach family court records. The office also handles passport applications, marriage licenses, and other public services.
Contact Information and Office Hours
For the fastest help with Daytona Beach family court records, contact the Volusia County Clerk’s office. The office staff can answer questions about case lookups, fees, and request methods. They can also guide visitors to the right department for specific needs.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Office | Volusia County Clerk of Court |
| Address | 101 N. Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724 |
| Phone | (386) 736-5915 |
| Website | www.volusiaclerk.org |
| Statewide Portal | www.myflcourtaccess.com |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have questions about Daytona Beach family court records. The answers below cover the most common questions. These answers help users search records faster and avoid common mistakes. The information is based on current clerk office rules and Florida state law.
Can I search Daytona Beach family court records for free?
Yes, basic case searches are free through the Volusia County Clerk website. People can look up cases by name or case number without paying. The Florida E-Filing Portal also offers free searches. Viewing some documents online may require a small fee. Certified copies cost a separate fee. In-person record requests also have fees for copies and certifications.
How far back do Daytona Beach family court records go?
Daytona Beach family court records go back many decades. Older paper records are stored at the clerk’s archive in DeLand. Some very old files may have been digitized. To access records from many years ago, contact the clerk’s office ahead of time. Staff can pull older files from storage, though this may take extra time.
Are Daytona Beach family court records public?
Most family court records in Daytona Beach are public. Anyone can search them by name or case number. Some records are sealed by court order. Sealed records include adoption files, some juvenile cases, and certain domestic violence files. Personal data like social security numbers and bank account numbers stay private in every file, even in public records.
How do I find a divorce record in Daytona Beach?
To find a Daytona Beach divorce record, search the Volusia County Clerk case search by name. The search results show all cases tied to that name. Look for a case type marked as dissolution of marriage. Click the case number to see the docket and available documents. Certified copies of the final judgment can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at the clerk’s office.
Can I get child custody records in Daytona Beach?
Yes, child custody records are part of the public court file. People can search for these records by name through the clerk’s online system or in person. The records include parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and custody orders. Some sensitive details may be redacted. Sealed custody records, if any, need a court order to access.
What if I do not know the case number?
People can search Daytona Beach family court records by name even without a case number. The clerk’s online system and the Florida E-Filing Portal both allow name-based searches. Adding a date of birth helps narrow the results. In-person staff at the clerk’s office can also help locate a case by name. Having the full legal name makes the search easier and faster.
Can I remove my name from Daytona Beach family court records?
Florida law does not allow the removal of public court records in most cases. Court records stay public to keep the legal system open. A person can ask the court to seal a specific case file. The judge decides based on the facts and the reason for the request. Sealing a record is rare and only happens in specific situations.