Lee County family court records are official court documents kept by the Lee County Clerk of Court in Fort Myers, Florida. These records cover divorce filings, child custody cases, child support orders, paternity actions, adoption files, and domestic violence petitions.
Anyone can look up these records online through official state portals or by visiting the courthouse in person. The records fall under Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit, which serves Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties. This page explains how to look up case numbers, view docket entries, request certified copies, and understand what records remain sealed from public view.
Lee County Clerk of Court Office Details
The Lee County Clerk of Court serves as the official record keeper for all family law cases filed in the county. The office maintains paper files, microfilm archives, and electronic records dating back several decades. Staff process new filings, issue certified copies, and respond to public record requests every business day.
Office Address and Location
The main clerk’s office sits at 32075 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in Fort Myers, Florida 33901. This central location places the office within the county seat, making it reachable by bus routes and major highways. Free public parking is available on-site for visitors conducting record searches. The building features full security screening, so visitors should plan extra time during peak hours.
Family court hearings take place at this same Fort Myers courthouse. Some family law matters may be assigned to the satellite courthouse in Cape Coral or the Lee County Justice Center, depending on the case type and judge assignment. Always verify the specific courtroom location on your court summons or case docket before traveling.
Phone Number and Contact Methods
The clerk’s office main phone line is (239) 533-5000. Callers can reach the records department, marriage license office, and civil court divisions through this central switchboard. Phone support runs from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Callers should have a case number or party name ready before calling to speed up the search process.
Email inquiries can be sent through the contact form on the clerk’s official website. Response times for email requests average two to three business days. For urgent matters, phone calls or in-person visits produce faster results than written correspondence.
Current Clerk and Office Hours
Kevin C. Karnes serves as the current Lee County Clerk of Court. He was elected to the position and oversees all court record functions for the county. The clerk’s office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closing only on federal holidays and state-recognized court holidays.
| Office Detail | Specific Data |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Kevin C. Karnes |
| Street Address | 32075 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd |
| City, State, ZIP | Fort Myers, FL 33901 |
| Main Phone | (239) 533-5000 |
| Website | leeclerk.org |
| Operating Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Closed Days | Weekends, federal holidays |
Types of Lee County Family Court Records Available
Lee County family court records cover a wide range of legal matters involving families and domestic relations. Each case type produces different documents, orders, and filings. The clerk organizes these records by case category to make retrieval faster for staff and the public.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Dissolution of marriage records make up the largest category of family court filings. Each divorce case generates a complete file containing the original petition, response pleadings, financial affidavits, child support worksheets, and the final judgment. The final judgment legally ends the marriage and outlines property division, debt allocation, alimony awards, and custody arrangements when minor children are involved.
Simple divorces without children often resolve in three to six months. Contested divorces with property disputes or custody fights can run for one to three years. The complete file remains accessible to the public once the case closes, though financial affidavits may receive limited redaction in some circumstances.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Child custody records contain parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and detailed custody orders. Florida courts now use the term “time-sharing” instead of “custody” in most orders, though the concept remains the same. These records establish which parent has the child on specific days, how holidays rotate, and how parents make decisions about education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
Parenting plan records often include detailed provisions about pickup and drop-off locations, communication rules between parents, and procedures for resolving future disputes. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may also appear in the file when the court orders them.
Child Support Order Records
Child support case records document the financial obligations parents owe for their children’s care. Each file contains the child support guidelines worksheet, income documentation, health insurance details, and the final support order. The Florida Department of Revenue often participates as a party in cases where public assistance was provided.
Support payment histories, payment ledgers, and any contempt motions for unpaid support also appear in these files. Parents seeking to modify existing support orders must file a supplemental petition, which creates new docket entries in the same case file.
Paternity Court Records
Paternity records establish the legal father-child relationship. These cases often involve DNA testing results, court orders adjudicating paternity, and subsequent orders for child support or custody. Paternity cases frequently occur when parents were not married at the time of the child’s birth.
Once paternity is established, the court can order child support, grant custody rights to the father, or add the child to the father’s health insurance. Paternity records stay open to the public, though some medical testing details may receive limited access restrictions.
Adoption Court Records
Adoption records receive the highest level of confidentiality among family court files. Florida law seals adoption files once the adoption is finalized. Birth parents, adoptive parents, and adult adoptees must petition the court to access sealed adoption records.
The clerk’s office can confirm the existence of an adoption file but cannot release the contents without a court order. Stepparent adoptions, grandparent adoptions, and agency adoptions all fall under this sealed records rule.
Domestic Relations and Violence Records
Domestic violence records contain injunctions for protection, also called restraining orders. These cases move quickly through the court system, often within days of filing. Each file contains the original petition, any temporary orders, the final injunction, and proof of service on the respondent.
Domestic violence injunctions stay accessible to law enforcement, the petitioner, the respondent, and the court. Members of the general public may access these records through the clerk’s office with proper identification, though the clerk may limit access to certain sensitive details in some cases.
How to Search Records Online
Online searches offer the fastest way to check basic case information. Three main portals serve Lee County family court records: the state portal, the local clerk portal, and the e-filing system. Each portal serves a different purpose and provides different levels of detail.
My Florida Court Access Portal
My Florida Court Access, often called the FLA portal, serves as the statewide case lookup system. Users can search Lee County family cases by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. The portal displays case status, party information, scheduled hearing dates, and the judge assigned to each case.
The FLA portal works well for checking whether a case was filed, identifying the assigned judge, and tracking hearing dates. Documents attached to the docket do not always appear in the free search results. Users must pay a fee or visit the courthouse to view most actual court documents.
Lee County Clerk Online Search Tools
The Lee County clerk’s website at leeclerk.org provides a direct search portal for local cases. Users can search by name, case number, or date range. The local portal often shows more detailed docket entries than the state portal, including specific document descriptions and filing dates.
Account registration is not required for basic searches. The system handles thousands of searches daily and rarely experiences downtime. Search results display in real time during normal business hours.
E-Filing Portal for Document Submission
The clerk’s e-filing portal allows attorneys and self-represented filers to submit family court documents electronically. Registered users can file new cases, submit motions, upload evidence, and serve documents on other parties through this system.
E-filing registration requires a valid email address, credit card for filing fees, and identity verification. Self-represented filers pay a small convenience fee on top of regular filing fees. The portal processes most filings within 24 to 48 hours during business days.
The Lee County Clerk of Court provides access to their e-filing portal for electronic document submission.
The e-filing portal allows attorneys and self-represented parties to file family court documents online.
How to Search Records In Person
In-person searches work best when you need complete file access or certified copies. The clerk’s public research terminals let visitors look up cases, view docket entries, and request document copies on the spot. Staff members stand ready to help with complex searches.
What to Bring to the Courthouse
Visitors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID. The ID helps staff confirm identity before releasing restricted documents. Visitors should also bring any case numbers, party names, or filing dates they have already gathered through online searches.
- Government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, passport, state ID)
- Case number or party name (printed when possible)
- Payment method (cash, credit card, money order, or certified check)
- Written authorization if requesting records on behalf of another person
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for mail delivery of certified copies
Personal items must pass through courthouse security screening. Visitors should leave large bags, sharp objects, and food containers at home or in their vehicles. The courthouse provides lockers for small personal items during visits.
Requesting Certified Copies
Certified copies carry the clerk’s official seal and serve as legal proof of the document’s contents. Banks, immigration offices, and other government agencies usually require certified copies rather than regular printouts. The clerk charges a fee for each certified copy requested.
Standard certified copies cost a set fee per document. Expedited requests cost more and reduce the wait time from several days to same-day service in some cases. Visitors can pay at the cashier window inside the clerk’s office.
20th Judicial Circuit Court System
Lee County belongs to Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit, which serves five southwest Florida counties. The circuit court system handles all major family law cases, including divorces, custody disputes, and adoptions. Circuit court judges travel between counties as their caseloads require.
Circuit Coverage and Counties
The 20th Judicial Circuit covers Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties. Each county has its own clerk of court, but the circuit’s administrative office coordinates policies and procedures across all five. Family court rules remain consistent throughout the circuit.
Lee County carries the largest caseload in the circuit because of its population size. The county seat in Fort Myers hosts the main family court division. Satellite courtrooms in other parts of the circuit handle overflow cases and specialized dockets.
Court Locations and Judge Assignments
Family court judges are assigned to specific courtrooms at the Fort Myers courthouse. Judge assignments can change every year based on administrative needs. The clerk’s office and the circuit’s official website list current judge assignments and courtroom numbers.
Some specialized dockets, such as those focusing on domestic violence or child support enforcement, use specific judges who handle only those case types. These specialized dockets help judges build expertise in complex family law areas.
Fees and Payment Options
The clerk’s office charges fees for various record-related services. Fee amounts change periodically based on Florida statutes and administrative rules. Visitors should verify current fee amounts before requesting services to avoid surprises at the cashier window.
Standard Copy and Certification Fees
Regular printed copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more because of the official seal and signature process. The clerk’s office posts the current fee schedule on its website and at the public service windows.
Payment methods include cash, credit cards, debit cards, money orders, and certified checks. Personal checks are not accepted for most services. Credit and debit card payments may include a small processing fee charged by the payment processor.
Online Search Subscription Costs
Basic case searches on the FLA portal and the Lee County clerk portal are free. Premium services, such as bulk document downloads or advanced search features, require paid subscriptions. Attorneys and title companies often purchase these subscriptions for high-volume research needs.
Subscription plans run monthly or annually. Pricing varies based on search volume and document access levels. Self-represented filers rarely need paid subscriptions for basic family court research.
Privacy and Access Restrictions
Florida law protects certain family court records from full public access. These restrictions balance the public’s right to know with the privacy needs of children, victims, and other vulnerable parties. The clerk’s office applies access restrictions to specific document types, not entire case files.
Sealed Records and Confidential Files
Adoption records, juvenile dependency records, and certain paternity files receive automatic sealing. Court orders can also seal specific documents in other family cases. Sealed records cannot be viewed without a court order granting access.
Requests to seal records must show good cause and follow Florida Rules of Court. The judge assigned to the case reviews each request and decides whether the privacy interest outweighs the public’s right to access. Sealed records may be opened later under specific circumstances, such as adult adoptees seeking their original birth records.
Redacted Documents and Limited Access
Some documents in family cases receive partial redaction rather than full sealing. Financial affidavits, for example, may have bank account numbers and Social Security numbers blacked out. The redacted version stays public while the full version remains restricted.
Domestic violence injunction files may also have certain personal details redacted to protect victims. The clerk’s office handles all redaction work and ensures redacted versions stay accurate when records get copied or certified.
Lee County Family Court Records Contact
Use these official contact details to reach the Lee County Clerk of Court for family court record requests. The office handles all inquiries during normal business hours.
Official Website: leeclerk.org
Phone: (239) 533-5000
Address: 32075 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About Lee County Family Court Records
The following questions address common concerns about searching, accessing, and requesting Lee County family court records. These answers cover practical scenarios that researchers, parties to cases, and members of the public often face when working with the clerk’s office.
How Do I Look Up a Family Court Case Number in Lee County?
Case numbers can be found through the My Florida Court Access portal using a party name search. The portal lists all family cases with the matching name, including case numbers, filing dates, and judge assignments. Visitors without computer access can call the clerk’s office at (239) 533-5000 and provide the full legal name of either party. Staff can search the system and read case numbers over the phone during business hours. Attorneys and title companies often have direct access to the clerk’s database through professional accounts, which speeds up the lookup process for high-volume research needs.
Are Lee County Divorce Records Public?
Yes, Lee County divorce records are public once the court finalizes the case. The final judgment, petition, financial affidavits, and other filed documents become part of the public record. Some sensitive details may be redacted to protect Social Security numbers, minor children’s identities, or financial account numbers. Sealed divorce cases are rare and require a specific court order. Most researchers can view divorce records online through the clerk’s portal or request copies from the clerk’s office. Certified copies of the final judgment carry an official seal and serve as legal proof of the divorce for name changes, remarriage, and other legal matters.
Can I View Child Custody Records Online in Lee County?
Basic docket information for child custody cases appears on the FLA portal and the Lee County clerk portal. The portals show case status, hearing dates, and the names of parties and attorneys. Most actual custody documents, including parenting plans and detailed custody orders, require an in-person visit or a paid copy request. Privacy protections for minor children mean the clerk may limit access to certain document types. Parents who are parties to the case can view all documents in their file at no charge. Third parties requesting child custody records should contact the clerk’s office in advance to confirm access eligibility and required identification.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Certified Family Court Records in Lee County?
Certified copies in Lee County cost a set fee per document, plus a small per-page charge. The clerk’s office accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards, money orders, and certified checks. Credit card payments may include a small processing fee. Expedited requests cost more than standard processing. Visitors can call the clerk’s office for current fee amounts before requesting service. Fee waivers are available for parties who cannot afford the costs. The court reviews waiver applications and grants them based on financial need and case type.
What Family Court Records Are Sealed in Lee County?
Adoption records, juvenile dependency records, and certain paternity files are sealed by Florida law. Courts can also seal specific documents or entire cases in other family law matters when privacy concerns justify the restriction. Sealed records cannot be viewed without a court order. Adult adoptees can petition the court to access their original birth records. Victims of domestic violence can request additional sealing for sensitive personal details. The clerk’s office can confirm whether a specific case or document is sealed and explain the process for requesting access.
How Do I Find Lee County Family Court Hearing Schedules?
Hearing schedules appear on the FLA portal under each case detail. The schedule lists the date, time, courtroom, and judge for each upcoming hearing. Daily and weekly court calendars also appear on the clerk’s website. Visitors can call the clerk’s office or check the courthouse public boards on the day of the hearing. Hearing times sometimes change with little notice, so parties should confirm the schedule the day before. Attorneys receive electronic notifications when the court schedules or reschedules hearings in their cases.
Can I Request Lee County Family Court Records by Mail?
Yes, the clerk’s office accepts mail requests for family court records. Requesters should send a written letter that includes the case number, party names, specific documents needed, and a daytime phone number. The request must include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery and a check or money order for the copy and certification fees. The clerk’s office processes mail requests in the order received, usually within five to ten business days. Expedited mail processing is available for an extra fee. Callers can check on the status of mail requests by calling the clerk’s main phone line during business hours.