Jackson County family court records are official court files that document legal matters involving families in Jackson County, Florida. These records cover divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence cases handled by the 14th Judicial Circuit Court.
The Jackson County Clerk of Court office stores these records and makes most of them available to the public.
What Are Jackson County Family Court Records
Jackson County family court records are written documents created during family law cases heard in Jackson County, Florida. The Jackson County Clerk of Court office keeps these records at the courthouse on Lafayette Street in Marianna. Family law cases involve legal disputes between family members, including spouses, parents, and children.
Each family court case creates a file that contains petitions, motions, court orders, judgments, and other legal papers. These files show how a case moved through the court system. Most files stay open for public review, but a judge can order some files sealed for privacy reasons.
Who Files These Records
The Jackson County Clerk of Court creates and stores all family court records. When someone files a new family law case, the clerk assigns a case number and opens a file. The clerk then adds every new document filed in the case to that file. The clerk also records court orders and judgments from the judge.
Where the Records Are Kept
All Jackson County family court records sit at the clerk’s main office in Marianna. The office sits on Lafayette Street in the county seat. Some older records exist only in paper form, while newer records created after electronic filing began sit in a digital system. The clerk can help you locate records in either format.
Types of Family Court Cases in Jackson County
Jackson County family court handles many different types of cases. Each case type creates its own set of records. Knowing the case type helps you find the right records for your search.
Divorce Cases
Divorce cases, also called dissolution of marriage cases, make up a large part of family court work. These records include the petition that starts the divorce, financial documents, settlement agreements, and the final judgment that ends the marriage. Florida law under Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes governs divorce proceedings statewide.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing
Child custody cases create records about where children will live and how parents will share time with them. These files include parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and custody orders. The court always makes custody decisions based on the best interests of the child.
Child Support Cases
Child support records show how much money a parent must pay to support their child. These files include support orders, payment records, and income information. The Florida Department of Revenue helps enforce child support orders across the state.
Paternity Cases
Paternity cases establish who the legal father of a child is. These records include DNA test results, court orders, and any support or custody orders that follow the paternity ruling. Establishing paternity gives children legal rights to support and inheritance.
Adoption Cases
Adoption records are sealed by law in Florida. Only the people directly involved in the adoption can see these files. The clerk cannot show adoption records to the public, even on request. This rule protects the privacy of birth parents, adoptive parents, and adopted children.
Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence cases move through the courts quickly because of safety concerns. These records include protective orders, injunctions, and hearing transcripts. Florida Statute 741.30 governs how the courts handle these urgent matters.
How to Search Jackson County Family Court Records
You can search for Jackson County family court records in several ways. The method you pick depends on what you know about the case and what you need to see.
Search by Name
You can search Jackson County family court records by name using the clerk’s online search tool or by visiting the office in person. When searching online, enter the full legal name of the person involved in the case. The system will show cases that match the name you entered. For in-person name searches, staff at the clerk’s office can help you locate the right file.
Search by Case Number
If you know the case number, you can find the file quickly. Case numbers follow a specific format that includes the year and a sequence number. The clerk assigns this number when the case is first filed. You can use the case number to look up the file online or ask the clerk to pull it for you.
Phone Inquiries
You can call the clerk’s office at (850) 482-9552 to ask about a case. Staff can tell you if a case exists and what documents are in the file. Phone searches work well for simple questions like checking case status or confirming a court date.
| Search Method | What You Need | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Online Search | Full name or case number | Quick status checks |
| In-Person Visit | Valid photo ID, case details | Full file review |
| Phone Inquiry | Case number or party name | Simple questions |
| Written Request | Written request form, fee | Certified copies |
The Jackson County Clerk of Court Office
The Jackson County Clerk of Court office is the main place for family court records. The office runs under the rules of Florida’s public records laws and the Florida Constitution.
Office Location and Contact
The clerk’s office sits at 4445 Lafayette Street, Marianna, FL 32446. You can reach the office by phone at (850) 482-9552 during business hours. The office handles walk-in visitors who want to look at records in person. Staff can answer questions about the records and help you locate the files you need.
Office Hours
The clerk’s office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Central Time. The office closes on weekends and on official state holidays. You should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time so you have enough time to look at the records you need.
Staff Help and Services
Clerk staff can help you search for cases, pull files for review, and make copies of documents. The staff knows the local court system well and can guide you through the records request process. For complex searches, you may want to call ahead and ask the staff to locate the file before you visit.
Online Access to Family Court Records
Online access lets you search for Jackson County family court records from your home or office. The clerk’s office runs a search tool through its website. Florida also offers a statewide court records portal that covers Jackson County cases.
Jackson County Clerk Online Search
The Jackson County Clerk website offers an online search tool for court records. You can search by name, case number, or filing date. The search shows basic case information like the case type, filing date, and current status. To see full documents, you may need to visit the clerk’s office in person.
MyFloridaCourtAccess Portal
MyFloridaCourtAccess.com is Florida’s statewide court records portal. This portal lets you search for cases in any Florida county, including Jackson County. The system shows case information from all 67 Florida counties. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney bar number.
What Online Records Show
Online records typically show the case number, party names, case type, filing date, and current status. Some systems also show the next court date and the assigned judge. The full text of court orders and other documents may not show up in the online system. For complete documents, you usually need to visit the clerk’s office.
In-Person Access to Family Court Records
Visiting the clerk’s office in person gives you the most complete access to family court records. You can see the full file and make copies of any documents in the file. In-person visits work best when you need certified copies or want to review the entire case file.
What to Bring
You need a valid photo ID to look at court records in person. Acceptable IDs include a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. You should also bring any case information you already have, such as the case number or party names. The clerk may ask you to fill out a request form before pulling the file.
Record Review Process
When you arrive at the clerk’s office, go to the public records counter. Tell the staff what case you want to see. The staff will pull the file and bring it to you. You can review the file in the designated area. Most offices have a copy machine you can use for a small fee.
Certified Copies
Certified copies of court records have the clerk’s stamp and signature. These copies are official documents you can use in court or for legal matters. The clerk charges a fee for each certified copy. You can request certified copies in person or by mail.
Fees for Family Court Records
The Jackson County Clerk of Court charges fees for copies and certified copies of family court records. Standard fees follow Florida law and apply to all county clerks in the state.
Copy Fees
Regular copies cost one dollar per page. The clerk makes these copies at your request while you wait. For larger copy jobs, the clerk may ask you to come back later to pick up the copies. You can also request copies by mail for an additional postage fee.
Certified Copy Fees
Certified copies cost more than regular copies. The fee covers the cost of the clerk’s certification, which makes the copy an official document. You must pay the certified copy fee for any document you plan to use in legal proceedings or government matters.
Sealed and Private Records
Some family court records are sealed by court order or by state law. Sealed records are not available to the public. The clerk cannot show you these records without a proper court order authorizing access.
Adoption Records
All adoption records in Florida are sealed by law. The clerk cannot show adoption files to the public. Only the adoptive parents, the adopted child (after turning 18), and certain other authorized people can access adoption records. A court order can sometimes grant access to sealed adoption records.
Cases Involving Minors
Records that contain information about minors may have sealed portions. The judge decides which parts of the file to seal based on the best interests of the child. Common sealed items include medical records, mental health evaluations, and information about abuse.
Protected Information
Florida law requires the clerk to keep certain information private. Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive data are redacted from public records. The clerk removes this information before showing files to the public.
14th Judicial Circuit Court Information
Jackson County sits within the 14th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers six counties in the Florida Panhandle. The circuit handles all family law cases in its member counties.
Circuit Counties
The 14th Judicial Circuit includes Jackson County, Bay County, Calhoun County, Gulf County, Holmes County, and Washington County. Each county has its own clerk’s office that keeps records for that county. The circuit court judges travel between counties to hold hearings and trials.
Court Sessions in Jackson County
Family court hearings in Jackson County take place at the Jackson County Courthouse. Judges from the 14th Circuit travel to Marianna to hold court on scheduled days. The clerk’s office can tell you when family court sessions take place in Jackson County.
Requesting Records by Mail
You can request family court records by mail if you cannot visit the clerk’s office in person. Mail requests work well for simple copy requests and certified copies.
How to Submit a Mail Request
Write a letter to the clerk’s office that includes your name, contact information, and the case you want records from. Include the case number if you know it. State what documents you need and how many copies you want. Enclose a check or money order for the copy fees and return postage.
Processing Time
Mail requests typically take 5 to 10 business days to process. The clerk will mail the copies to the address you provide. For urgent requests, you should visit the office in person or call the clerk to ask about faster options.
Helpful Tips for Your Records Search
These tips can help you find Jackson County family court records faster and avoid common problems.
Know What You Need
Before you start your search, decide what documents you actually need. Do you need a certified copy of a divorce judgment, or do you just want to confirm a case exists? Knowing your goal helps you choose the right search method and avoid extra fees.
Have the Right Information
Full legal names work better than nicknames when searching court records. Case numbers give you the most accurate results. The more information you have about the case, the faster the search will go.
Call Before You Visit
Call the clerk’s office before you drive to Marianna. The staff can confirm the file exists and pull it for you before you arrive. This call saves you time if the file is already in use or stored at another location.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have questions about searching Jackson County family court records. These answers cover the most common questions. The answers reflect current Florida law and clerk office practices as of 2026.
Can I view Jackson County family court records online for free?
You can search the Jackson County Clerk online system and MyFloridaCourtAccess portal at no cost. These free searches show basic case data like party names, filing dates, and case status. The free search does not include full document images. To see full documents or get certified copies, you must pay the clerk’s copy fees. Many people use the free online search first to find the right case, then visit the clerk’s office to view the complete file.
How do I find a divorce record in Jackson County?
To find a divorce record in Jackson County, search by the full legal names of both spouses. The Jackson County Clerk online search tool shows divorce cases by name. You can also call the clerk at (850) 482-9552 with the names and approximate year of the divorce. The clerk will help you locate the case file. For a certified copy of the final divorce judgment, you must request it from the clerk’s office in person or by mail.
Are Jackson County child custody records public?
Most child custody records in Jackson County are public, but some portions may be sealed. The court seals sensitive information like medical records and details about abuse. The parenting plan, time-sharing schedule, and custody orders usually remain public. You can view non-sealed custody records through the clerk’s online system or by visiting the office in person. Adoption records are always sealed by Florida law.
What is the fee for a certified copy of a court order?
The fee for a certified copy of a court order in Jackson County follows the standard Florida fee schedule. Certified copies cost more than regular copies because the clerk must sign and stamp the document. Call the clerk’s office at (850) 482-9552 for the exact current fee. The clerk accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person requests, and checks or money orders for mail requests.
Can I access Jackson County family court records from another state?
You can access Jackson County family court records from anywhere using the online search portals. MyFloridaCourtAccess.com lets you search for cases from any location with internet access. For complete file access, you can mail a records request to the clerk’s office at 4445 Lafayette Street, Marianna, FL 32446. Some people hire a local attorney or records service to visit the office on their behalf. This option works well for people who live far from Florida.
How long does the clerk keep family court records?
Florida law requires clerks to keep family court records permanently. The Jackson County Clerk stores older records in the courthouse basement and off-site storage. Records created since electronic filing began stay in the digital system indefinitely. Paper records from before electronic filing also remain in storage. The clerk can retrieve older records for public review, though it may take a few extra days to pull files from off-site storage.
Jackson County Clerk of Court: 4445 Lafayette Street, Marianna, FL 32446. Phone: (850) 482-9552. Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time. Website: jacksoncountyclerk.com