Escambia County family court records are public court files from family law cases in Pensacola, Florida. These records cover divorce, custody, support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence cases.
The Clerk of Court keeps all these files at the main courthouse. Anyone can look up case details using a name, case number, or party search. Most records are free to view online. Paper copies cost a small fee. This page shows you how to search, request, and read these records step by step.
What Are Escambia County Family Court Records
Escambia County family court records are written documents made by judges and court staff during family law cases. They show what happened in each case from start to finish. These records include petitions, motions, orders, judgments, and hearing notes. They are part of the public record under Florida law. The public can view most of them, but some private details may be hidden.
Who Creates These Records
The Clerk of Court creates and stores these records. Court clerks file new papers each day. Judges sign orders and judgments. Attorneys and self-represented people submit documents too. The clerk stamps each paper with a date and case number. This makes the file official and part of the court history.
Where Records Are Filed
All Escambia County family court records are filed at the Escambia County Courthouse. The main address is 190 West Government Street, Pensacola, Florida 32502. The Family Division handles these cases. The clerk’s office manages the files. Some older records sit in storage, but most are scanned and available online.
Why These Records Matter
People look up family court records for many reasons. Attorneys check past cases for legal research. Parents search for child support payment history. People verify a divorce before remarrying. Journalists and researchers use public records for stories and studies. These records keep the court system honest and open.
The Clerk of Court Office
The Escambia County Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for the 1st Judicial Circuit. The current Clerk is Pam Childers. The office files new cases, stores old records, and gives copies to the public. Staff answer questions about how to get records. They also help people file new court papers.
Office Location and Hours
The Clerk of Court office sits in the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Center at 190 West Government Street, Pensacola, Florida 32502. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Visitors should bring a photo ID and case details if they have them.
Contact Details
You can reach the Clerk’s office by phone, mail, or online. The main phone number is (850) 595-4310. The website is www.escambiaclerk.com. The office also accepts fax requests at (850) 595-4311. Mail should go to the same Government Street address with attention to the Records Department.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Office | Escambia County Clerk of Court |
| Clerk Name | Pam Childers |
| Address | 190 W. Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 |
| Phone | (850) 595-4310 |
| Fax | (850) 595-4311 |
| Website | www.escambiaclerk.com |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Services Offered
The clerk’s office offers many services beyond record searches. They file new lawsuits. They process marriage licenses. They issue certified copies of judgments. They handle passport applications. They also run the e-filing portal for online court submissions. Staff can help with form questions but cannot give legal advice.
Types of Family Court Records
Escambia County family courts handle many kinds of cases. Each type creates its own set of records. Knowing what each record contains helps you find the right file. Below are the main types of family court records you can search.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce records, also called dissolution of marriage records, are the most common family court files. They include the petition for divorce, financial affidavits, and the final judgment. The final judgment ends the marriage and splits property. Florida law requires at least one spouse to live in Florida for six months before filing. Chapter 61 of Florida Statutes governs all divorce cases in Escambia County.
Child Custody and Visitation Records
Child custody records cover time-sharing and parental responsibility. These files include parenting plans, custody evaluations, and visitation schedules. Judges make decisions based on the best interests of the child. Parents can ask for changes through a modification motion. All custody orders stay in the court file until the child turns 18.
Child Support Records
Child support records show payment amounts and due dates. The Florida Department of Revenue handles most support cases. The clerk’s office files the court orders. Parents can check payment history online through the state portal. Support amounts follow Florida’s child support guidelines based on income and needs.
Paternity and Adoption Records
Paternity cases prove who the legal father is. These records include DNA test results and court orders. Adoption records create new legal parent-child relationships. Adoption files have home studies, background checks, and final adoption decrees. Some adoption records are sealed by law, while paternity records are usually public.
Domestic Violence Injunction Records
Domestic violence records cover restraining orders and injunctions for protection. Florida Statute 741.30 governs these cases. Victims file petitions for protection. Judges can issue temporary injunctions the same day. These cases move fast through the court system. Filing is free for the person seeking protection.
Dependency Court Records
Dependency cases involve children removed from their parents due to abuse or neglect. The Florida Department of Children and Families files these cases. Records include shelter petitions, case plans, and review hearings. Some dependency files are sealed to protect the child. Attorneys and parents can request access through the court.
How to Search Family Court Records Online
Most family court records are available online through the clerk’s website. You can search from home at any time. Online access saves a trip to the courthouse. Two main portals help you search Escambia County family court cases.
Using the Clerk’s Online Portal
The Escambia County Clerk runs an online case search at www.escambiaclerk.com. You can search by party name, case number, or date range. Basic case details show up at no cost. You can see the case type, filing date, and judge assigned. Document images may cost a small fee per page to view or print.
The search results page lists all matching cases. Click on a case number to see full details. You can view the docket, which lists every paper filed. You can also see hearing dates and party names. The site works on phones, tablets, and computers.
Using Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com covers all 67 Florida counties. You can search Escambia County family court cases there too. The portal shows cases from 1972 to the present. You need to create a free account to file documents. Searching public records does not require an account.
The e-filing portal lets attorneys and self-represented people submit court papers online. You can file motions, petitions, and responses from your computer. The system sends you a confirmation email with a filing number. It saves time and postage costs. Most family law papers can be filed this way.
What You Can See Online
Online records show case numbers, names of parties, filing dates, and case types. You can see the names of the judge and attorneys. You can view the docket, which lists each paper filed. You can often see images of the actual court documents. Some private details, like Social Security numbers and children’s names, are hidden from public view.
How to Request Records In Person or by Mail
Some people prefer to visit the courthouse or send a letter. In-person visits give you copies the same day. Mail requests work for people who live far away. Each method has its own steps and costs.
In-Person Visit Process
Go to the clerk’s office on the first floor of the courthouse. Bring a photo ID. Tell the clerk the case number or party name you need. Staff will pull the file for you. You can read the file in the office. Copies cost one dollar per page. Certified copies cost more and have a special seal.
Mail Request Steps
Send a written letter to the clerk’s office to request records by mail. Include the case number, party names, and specific documents you need. Add your name, address, and phone number. Include a check or money order for the copy fees. The clerk will mail the copies back to you. Allow two to four weeks for delivery.
- Write a letter with the case number and party names.
- List the specific documents you want.
- Add your contact information.
- Include payment for the copy fees.
- Mail the request to 190 W. Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502.
- Wait for the clerk to mail your copies back.
Record Fees and Copies
The clerk charges set fees for copies and certified documents. Regular copies cost one dollar per page. Certified copies cost more because they have the court seal. Many records are free to view at the courthouse. Payment by mail requires a check or money order. Online payments use credit cards through the portal.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular Copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified Copy (per page) | $2.00 |
| Document Search Fee | $5.00 |
| Online Document Image | $0.25 per page |
| Federal Tax Lien Search | $30.00 |
The 1st Judicial Circuit Family Division
Escambia County sits in Florida’s 1st Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. Family law cases are heard in the Family Division. The circuit sets rules for how cases move through the system. Local rules add details for Escambia County cases.
Court Location in Pensacola
The M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building holds most family court hearings. The address is 190 West Government Street, Pensacola, Florida 32502. Some hearings happen at satellite offices. Check your court notice for the exact room number. Arrive 30 minutes early for security screening.
Judges and Case Assignments
Family court judges hear divorce, custody, and support cases. Escambia County has several family court judges. Each case is assigned to one judge who handles it from start to finish. The clerk’s office can tell you which judge has your case. Judges are elected to six-year terms in Florida.
Hearing Schedules
Family court hearings run Monday through Friday. Morning hearings start at 8:30 AM. Afternoon hearings start at 1:30 PM. Some emergency hearings happen on weekends. Check the clerk’s website for the daily docket. Court holidays include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Self-Represented Litigant Resources
Many people handle family court cases without a lawyer. Escambia County offers help for self-represented people. These resources make the court system easier to use. They do not replace a lawyer, but they help with forms and procedures.
Florida Family Law Forms
The Florida Courts website posts free family law forms. These forms cover divorce, custody, support, and adoption. They meet all state legal requirements. You can fill them out on your computer or print them. The clerk’s office cannot help you fill out forms, but staff can answer basic questions about where to file them.
Local Self-Help Centers
The 1st Judicial Circuit runs a Self-Help Program for family law cases. Staff at the self-help center can review your forms for missing information. They can explain court procedures. They cannot give legal advice or tell you what to say in court. The self-help center sits inside the courthouse. Call (850) 595-4310 for hours.
Legal Aid and Referral Services
Legal aid groups help low-income residents with family law cases. Three Rivers Legal Services serves the Pensacola area. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service can suggest private attorneys. Court staff cannot recommend specific lawyers. Many attorneys offer free first meetings. Legal aid groups charge based on what you can pay.
Common Questions About Escambia County Family Court Records
People often have questions about family court records before they search. These answers cover the most common questions. They explain access rules, costs, and search methods. Read them to save time and avoid problems during your search.
Are Family Court Records Free to View?
Yes, most family court records are free to view in person at the courthouse. You can read the case file without paying. You only pay if you want paper copies or certified copies. Online searches for basic case details are also free. Document images on the online portal cost a small fee per page.
How Far Back Do the Records Go?
The Escambia County Clerk keeps family court records dating back to the 1970s in digital form. Paper files exist for older cases from the early 1900s. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal shows cases from 1972 to today. Older records may require a manual search by clerk staff for an extra fee.
Can I See Sealed Family Court Records?
Sealed records are not open to the public. Adoption records are often sealed by law. Some dependency cases are also sealed. You need a court order to view sealed records. Judges only unseal records for good cause. An attorney can help you file a motion to unseal a record if you have a legal reason.
What If I Cannot Find the Case Online?
Some older cases are not in the online system. Call the clerk’s office at (850) 595-4310 for help. Staff can search the paper files for you. They may charge a small search fee. You can also visit the courthouse in person and ask staff to help you locate the file.
Can I Remove My Name From Public Records?
Florida law does not let you remove your name from court records. Family court cases are public matters. You can ask the judge to seal specific sensitive records, like financial account numbers. Adoption records are sealed by law. Other records stay public to keep the court system open and fair.
How Do I Get a Certified Copy of a Divorce Record?
Visit the clerk’s office in person or mail a request. You need the case number or the names of both spouses and the year of divorce. Pay the certified copy fee. The clerk stamps the copy with the court seal. Certified copies are accepted by all government agencies and other courts.
Can I Search Records From My Phone?
Yes, the clerk’s online portal works on phones and tablets. Open www.escambiaclerk.com on your phone browser. Tap the case search link. Type the name or case number. Results show up the same as on a computer. You can view documents and pay fees from your phone too.