Orange County Family Court Records are public court files kept by the Orange County Clerk of Courts in Orlando, Florida. These records cover divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence cases.
Anyone can search for these records online or visit the clerk office at 425 North Orange Avenue. The records are part of Florida’s 9th Judicial Circuit and include detailed case history for thousands of family law matters filed each year.
What Are Orange County Family Court Records
Orange County Family Court Records are official court documents that show every action taken in a family law case. These files are stored by the Orange County Clerk of Courts. They include petitions, court orders, judgments, financial papers, and hearing notes. Each case has a unique number that helps locate the exact file. Florida law makes most of these records open to the public. Sensitive details like Social Security numbers and minor children’s names are removed from public view to protect privacy.
Types of Family Cases Filed
Family court in Orange County handles many kinds of legal matters between family members. The most common cases are listed below.
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
- Child custody and time-sharing
- Child support payments and enforcement
- Paternity actions to establish legal fatherhood
- Adoption of minors and adults
- Domestic violence injunctions
- Name changes for adults and minors
- Guardianship of minors and incapacitated persons
Who Maintains the Records
The Orange County Clerk of Courts holds all family court records for the county. The current Clerk is Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq. Her office manages more than 4 million court files across all case types. The Clerk office works with the 9th Judicial Circuit Court to file, index, and store every family case. All public records are available through the clerk website or the downtown Orlando courthouse.
Orange County Clerk of Courts Office
The Orange County Clerk of Courts Office is the main place to get family court records. The office sits in downtown Orlando at 425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. The building is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors must pass through a security screening at the entrance. Staff at the front desk help people find case files, request copies, and use public computers for record searches.
Contact Details for the Clerk
The Clerk office can be reached by phone at (407) 836-2000. The main website is orangeclerk.com. Phone lines are open during regular business hours. Staff can answer questions about record searches, copy fees, and case status. The office also accepts mailed requests for certified copies of family court records.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq. |
| Address | 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 |
| Phone | (407) 836-2000 |
| Website | orangeclerk.com |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 9th Judicial Circuit of Florida |
Orange County Comptroller Office
The Orange County Comptroller Office works with the Clerk office. Phil Diamond, CPA, Esq. is the current Comptroller. His office handles official records, financial documents, and some property records. The Comptroller can be reached at (407) 836-5690. The office is at the same downtown address as the Clerk. Both offices work together to provide public access to county records.
How to Search Family Court Records Online
Searching for family court records online is the fastest way to get case details. The Clerk website offers a free case search tool. Users can search by party name, case number, or business name. The online system shows case status, hearing dates, and available documents. Most basic case details are free to view. Printed copies and certified copies cost extra.
Orange County Clerk Case Search Tool
The Orange County Clerk website has a case search tool on its homepage. Users click the case search link and enter a name or case number. The tool returns matching cases with party names, filing dates, and judge assignments. Users can view docket entries and download documents when available. The system updates every day with new filings.
- Search by full legal name of either party
- Search by case number for exact matches
- Filter by case type and date range
- View hearing schedule and court location
- Download available documents as PDF files
My Florida Court Access Portal
My Florida Court Access is a statewide system that covers Orange County. The portal works for users who need to search cases in multiple Florida counties. The website is myflcourtaccess.com. It shows the same case details as the local clerk site. This portal helps lawyers and the public track family cases across county lines.
Records Available Through Online Search
Online search tools show basic case information for free. These details include party names, case number, filing date, and case status. The system also shows scheduled hearings and the assigned judge. Some documents like petitions, motions, and orders are available as PDF files. Certified copies cannot be downloaded and must be ordered through the clerk office.
Family Court Record Types and Contents
Family court files contain many different papers based on the case type. Each kind of case has its own set of standard documents. The clerk organizes all filings by case number and party name. Records stay on file even after a case is closed. Older files may be stored in a different location and need extra time to retrieve.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce records show the full history of a marriage ending. These files include the original petition, financial affidavits, and the final judgment. Settlement agreements and parenting plans are also part of the file. Both simplified and regular divorce proceedings are documented. Florida requires all divorce files to be public unless a judge seals them.
Child Custody and Support Files
Custody records show time-sharing schedules and decision-making authority between parents. These files include parenting plans, holiday schedules, and school break arrangements. Child support files show the monthly amount, insurance coverage, and medical costs. Modifications to support orders are also filed in the same case. All support payments made through the Florida State Disbursement Unit appear in the record.
Domestic Violence Injunction Cases
Domestic violence records include petitions for protection and temporary orders. Final injunctions lasting a set time period are also filed. Violations of injunctions create new case entries. Some details in these cases are sealed to protect victims. The clerk follows strict rules about who can view restricted files.
Paternity and Adoption Records
Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood for children born to unmarried parents. These files include DNA test results and court orders. Adoption records are mostly sealed after finalization. Before finalization, adoption files show home studies, biological parent consent, and placement orders. Sealed adoption records can only be opened by court order.
Fees for Records and Copies
The Clerk office charges fees for copies of family court records. The cost depends on the type of copy needed. Standard copies work for personal use. Certified copies are needed for legal filings and government agencies. All fees are set by Florida law and can change each year.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $7.00 |
| Written confirmation of no record | $5.00 |
| Online document access | Free for most files |
How to Pay for Copies
The Clerk office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards at the counter. Online payments are available for some services through the website. Mail orders must include a check or money order. Fees are non-refundable even if the record is not found. Users should call ahead to confirm current fees before requesting records.
In-Person Records Search in Orlando
Some family court records can only be viewed in person at the Clerk office. Sealed files, adoption records, and certain sensitive documents require a visit. The downtown Orlando courthouse has public computers for record searches. Staff are available to help with complex searches. Visitors should bring a valid photo ID.
Public Computer Access
The clerk office has free public computers for record searches. These computers are on the first floor near the main entrance. Users can search the same online system available from home. Printers are available for a small fee. Computer time is limited during busy periods.
What to Bring for In-Person Search
Visitors need a valid photo ID like a driver license or passport. The name and date of birth of the person on record helps narrow the search. Any case numbers from old documents speed up the process. Cash or card is needed for copy fees. Large bags must pass through security screening.
9th Judicial Circuit Family Court
Orange County is part of the 9th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers Orange and Osceola counties. Family court cases are heard at the main courthouse on Orange Avenue. Some family matters may be handled at the Osceola County courthouse. The 9th Circuit provides mediation, parenting classes, and other family services.
Family Mediation Services
The 9th Judicial Circuit offers mediation for families in dispute. Mediation helps parents agree on custody and support without a trial. Mediators are trained family law professionals. Sessions are confidential and cost less than going to court. Many judges order mediation before a final hearing.
Mandatory Parenting Classes
Florida law requires parents in custody cases to take a parenting class. The 4-hour class covers the effects of divorce on children. Classes are offered online and in person. Parents must file a completion certificate with the court. Failure to complete the class can delay a final judgment.
Requesting Records by Mail or Email
Records can also be requested by mail or email. Mail requests should include the full name, case number if known, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Email requests work for simple searches but cannot be used for certified copies. The clerk office responds to mail requests within 5 to 10 business days.
Information Needed for Mail Requests
Mail requests need the full legal name of the person on record. The case number helps locate the file faster. The request should list each document needed. A check or money order for the copy fee must be included. The clerk office will mail copies to the address provided.
Sealed and Restricted Records
Some family court records are sealed by court order. Sealed records are not open to the public. Common sealed cases include adoption, juvenile dependency, and some paternity actions. Domestic violence records may have partial restrictions to protect victims. A judge must order the file to be opened.
How to Request a Sealed File
To open a sealed file, a person must file a motion with the court. The motion explains the reason for the request. A judge reviews the motion and decides whether to grant access. Birth parents in closed adoptions can request identifying details under certain conditions. The process takes several weeks to several months.
Common Questions About Record Searches
People often ask how far back records go and what is available online. The clerk office has records going back many decades. Old paper files from before 1980 may take longer to retrieve. Most cases filed after 2000 are available online with scanned images. Some older files only have basic docket entries online.
How Long Records Are Kept
Florida law requires the clerk to keep family court records permanently. Adoption files are kept forever in a secure location. Closed adoption files are sealed 30 days after finalization. Divorce and custody files stay on file even after the case is closed. Very old files are moved to an off-site storage facility.
Contact and Location Details
For direct help with Orange County family court records, contact the Clerk of Courts at 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801, phone (407) 836-2000, website orangeclerk.com, open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Comptroller Office is at the same address and can be reached at (407) 836-5690 for official records and financial documents. Both offices are located in downtown Orlando near the Lynx bus station and SunRail train stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers the most common questions about Orange County family court records. Each answer gives clear steps and current details. The clerk office updates these answers as laws and procedures change. For the latest details, call the clerk at (407) 836-2000 or visit orangeclerk.com.
How Do I Find a Divorce Record in Orange County FL?
You can find a divorce record in Orange County FL by using the online case search at orangeclerk.com. Enter the full legal name of either spouse in the search box. The system will show all matching divorce cases with case numbers and filing dates. You can view basic case details and download available documents. For a certified copy of the final judgment, visit the clerk office at 425 N. Orange Avenue or mail a request with a $7.00 fee. Mail requests should include both names, the case number if known, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Are Orange County Family Court Records Free to View?
Yes, Orange County family court records are free to view online. The clerk case search at orangeclerk.com shows case status, party names, hearing dates, and docket entries at no cost. Downloading and printing documents may have a small fee. Certified copies cost $7.00 per document. Standard paper copies cost $1.00 per page. In-person record searches at the courthouse are also free, but copies and printing have fees.
Can I Check Child Support Records in Orange County?
You can check child support records in Orange County through the clerk case search. Search by the parent or child name to find the support case. The case file shows the support order amount, payment history, and any modifications. The Florida Department of Revenue also tracks support payments through their statewide system. Parents can create an account at floridarevenue.com to see payment details. The clerk office does not handle child support payments directly.
What Is the Difference Between a Standard and Certified Copy?
A standard copy is a plain paper copy of a court document. It works for personal reference and informal use. A certified copy has an official clerk stamp and signature. It proves the document is a true copy of the court file. Banks, government agencies, and other courts often require certified copies. Certified copies of Orange County family court records cost $7.00 each. The same document as a standard copy costs $1.00 per page.
How Do I Get Paternity Records in Orange County?
Paternity records in Orange County are kept by the Clerk of Courts. You can search the case number at orangeclerk.com using the father’s or mother’s name. Paternity cases filed after 2000 usually have scanned documents available online. Older paternity files may require an in-person visit. Some paternity records are sealed to protect minors. A judge can order the file opened for good cause.
Can Adoption Records Be Searched in Orange County?
Adoption records in Orange County become sealed after finalization. Before the adoption is final, the case file is open. After finalization, only the adoptive parents and the adopted adult can access the file. Adult adoptees can request identifying details about birth parents under Florida law. The process requires a written request to the clerk and a court order in some cases.
How Long Does It Take to Get Copies by Mail?
Mail requests for Orange County family court records take 5 to 10 business days. The clerk office processes requests in the order received. Large orders or archived files may take longer. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request. Certified copies are mailed with tracking when requested. Email requests for basic searches are answered within 1 to 2 business days.