Pasco County family court records cover all court cases about family matters filed in the 6th Judicial Circuit. The Clerk and Comptroller office in Dade City keeps these records.
People search for divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and adoption cases. This page explains how to find these records online and in person. You will learn the right tools for each type of search, what fees to expect, and how to read the docket once you find a case.
Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller Office
The Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller serves as the main record keeper for the 6th Judicial Circuit. Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Esq. leads the office. The clerk stores all family court filings, judgments, and payment records. Staff process new filings every business day. They scan older paper files into digital form for easier lookup. Public terminals let visitors view case files on site during office hours.
Office Role and Duties
The clerk handles many duties beyond simple record storage. Staff receive child support payments and send money to the right custodial parent. They issue official copies of court orders. They keep dockets for every active case. They send notices to people who miss payments. The clerk works with judges on scheduling hearings and trials. The office also records final judgments and tracks post-judgment motions.
Office Address and Hours
The main office sits at 38053 Live Oak Avenue, Suite 205, in Dade City. Visitors enter through a security checkpoint. Photo ID is required at the door. The office opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The office closes on state and federal holidays. A second service window operates in New Port Richey for west side residents. Both windows offer the same family court services.
Phone and Website Contact
Call (727) 847-8199 during regular business hours. Wait times run longer on Mondays and after holidays. The website at pascoclerk.com offers round-the-clock access. Email support is not available for case questions. Use the website contact form for general help. Court staff cannot give legal advice by phone or email. They can only direct you to forms and self-help resources.
How to Search Pasco County Family Court Records
The clerk offers three main ways to search family court records. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date. Each method works best for different needs. Name searches work when you know a full legal name. Case number searches give the fastest, most exact result. Date searches help when you only know the year a case started.
Search by Party Name
Enter the last name first, then add first and middle names. The system looks at all family cases tied to that person. Results show case type, filing date, and judge. Click any result to see the full docket. Use quotation marks around names with spaces or hyphens. Try different spellings if you cannot find what you need.
Search by Case Number
Every family case gets a unique number that looks like 51-2024-DR-012345. The format shows the year, case type, and sequence. You can find the number on past court papers or attorney letters. Enter the full number with dashes. The system will pull up only that one case. This method gives the fastest, cleanest result.
Search by Date Range
Date searches help when you only know the year a case was filed. Select a start and end date on the search form. Pick a case type from the drop-down list. The system shows all cases filed in that range. You can narrow the list by judge or party name. This method works well for background checks and research projects.
Types of Family Court Records in Pasco County
Pasco County keeps records for every type of family law case filed in the circuit. Each case type has its own docket and set of forms. The main types are divorce, custody, support, paternity, adoption, and injunction cases. The clerk stores all of these under one family division. You can search them through the same online portal.
Divorce and Dissolution Cases
Divorce records start with a petition for dissolution of marriage. The packet includes financial affidavits from both sides. It also includes settlement agreements and parenting plans for children. The final judgment ends the marriage. The clerk stamps and files each paper as the case moves through court. Older divorce files date back to the 1970s in paper form.
Child Custody and Parenting Plans
Custody records show how parents will share time with their children. The parenting plan lists the weekly schedule, holiday rotations, and vacation rules. It names who makes decisions on school, health, and religion. The plan also covers child support, medical insurance, and childcare costs. The court signs off on the plan before it becomes a binding order.
Child Support Orders and Records
Child support records show the amount owed, the payment schedule, and the payment history. The clerk processes each payment and tracks arrears. Parents can pull a full payment ledger any time. The order also names the State Disbursement Unit as the payment hub. Income deduction orders go straight to employers for wage withholding.
Paternity and Adoption Records
Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood. The petition names the mother, the alleged father, and the child. DNA test results get filed as evidence. A final judgment of paternity sets child support and custody. Adoption records merge a child into a new family. The clerk seals some adoption files by law. Sealed records need a court order to open.
Domestic Violence Injunctions
Injunction cases protect people from abuse, stalking, or threats. The petition lays out the facts and asks for protection. A judge can sign a temporary order the same day. A final hearing happens within 15 days for full relief. The clerk keeps the file with extra security. Some details stay hidden from public search to protect victims.
Online Family Court Records Access Tools
The Pasco Clerk website and the statewide portal handle most online searches. Both tools pull from the same database. The local site works best for Pasco-only cases. The statewide site helps when you need to search many counties. Both tools are free to use for basic lookups. You only pay when you download or print copies.
Pasco Clerk Official Website
The pascoclerk.com website hosts the case search tool. The home page links to family court, civil, criminal, and traffic records. Click the family court tab to start a search. The system shows open and closed cases. You can view the docket, hearing dates, and document list. Print or save any page as a PDF for your records.
MyFloridaCourtAccess Statewide Portal
The myflcourtaccess.com portal pulls from all 67 Florida counties. It works well for people who need to check cases in many places. The search fields match the local Pasco tool. Results show the county, case number, and judge. You can click through to the local clerk site for full documents. This portal is free to use and runs all day.
E-Filing Portal for New Submissions
Attorneys and self-represented filers use the e-filing portal to submit new papers. The system accepts petitions, motions, and proposed orders. You must register for an account first. Each filing needs a credit card payment. The clerk reviews the filing and either accepts or rejects it. Rejected filings come back with a reason for the fix.
Pasco County Child Support Records and Payments
The Pasco Clerk plays a key role in child support cases. The office processes every payment and keeps the full ledger. Parents can pull records any time through the website or by phone. Delinquent payments trigger a set of penalties under Florida law. The clerk works with the Department of Revenue on tough cases.
Payment Processing Steps
Payments come in by mail, online, or wage withholding. The clerk logs each payment in the system. Money goes to the State Disbursement Unit. The unit sends the funds to the custodial parent within two business days. The full payment history stays in the clerk database. Parents can print a 12-month or full-history ledger on request.
Delinquency and Liens
A payment becomes late after 15 days. The clerk sends a written notice to the paying parent. After 20 days, the clerk can record a judgment lien on real property. The lien must be paid off before the owner can sell or refinance. Liens also block the issuance of new licenses. The court can add interest, fees, and other penalties.
Income Deduction Orders
An income deduction order tells the employer to take support from each paycheck. The employer sends the money to the State Disbursement Unit. This method cuts down on missed payments. The order stays in place until the court ends it. Parents can ask the court to change the order if income changes by 15% or more.
6th Judicial Circuit Family Court System
Pasco County sits in the 6th Judicial Circuit with Pinellas County. The circuit court handles all family law matters through specialized divisions. Judges in these divisions focus only on family cases. The circuit also offers support services. These services help families settle issues without a long trial.
Court Divisions and Judges
Family court sits as a separate division in the circuit. Judges rotate through the family docket each year. Each judge has a dedicated case manager. The manager sets hearings, tracks deadlines, and helps with form issues. Hearings happen in Dade City and New Port Richey. Your court notice will show the exact location and time.
Family Mediation Programs
Mediation helps parents settle disputes outside of trial. A trained mediator runs the session. Each side shares their views and works on a plan. Most mediation sessions wrap up in a few hours. If both sides agree, the mediator writes up the deal. The judge signs the deal as a court order. Cases that settle save time and money.
Mandatory Parenting Class
Florida law requires divorcing parents to take a parenting class. The class covers child development, conflict control, and co-parenting skills. Parents can take the class online or in person. The court will not sign the final judgment without a completion certificate. The class costs about $30 and takes four hours to finish.
Fees for Copies and Documents
The clerk charges set fees for paper and certified copies. The fee schedule is posted on the website. Standard copies cost less than certified copies. Online access to view records is free. You only pay when you need a paper or stamped copy. The clerk accepts cash, check, and major credit cards.
Standard Copy Costs
A standard copy of a court document costs $1.00 per page. Copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 per page. You can ask for a printed docket sheet for $2.50. Payment is due at the time of request. The clerk will give you a receipt for every payment. Bulk copy jobs may qualify for a small discount on request.
Certified Copy Charges
A certified copy has the clerk’s stamp and seal. The fee is $7.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each extra page. Certified copies prove the document is real. Courts, agencies, and employers often ask for certified copies. You can order them in person or by mail. Mail orders need a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Online Access Costs
Basic online searches are free. You can view dockets, hearing dates, and party names at no cost. Downloading a document costs $1.00 per page. Certified copies cannot be ordered online. You must call or visit the clerk for certified copies. The e-filing portal charges a small fee for credit card payments.
Contact Details and Office Location
The Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller office in Dade City serves as the main hub for family court records. Use the contact details below to reach the right department. Phone lines open at 8:00 AM each business day. The website offers 24/7 access to the case search tool and forms library.
Office: Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller
Address: 38053 Live Oak Avenue, Suite 205, Dade City, FL 33523
Phone: (727) 847-8199
Website: pascoclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Service Window: New Port Richey, west side residents
Court Location: 6th Judicial Circuit, Pasco County
Visit the office in person for full case files, certified copies, and help with searches. Call ahead to check wait times. Use the website for online docket lookups, forms, and payment records. Plan your visit during morning hours for the shortest wait. Bring a photo ID and any case numbers you have on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have detailed questions about Pasco County family court records. The answers below cover the most common requests. Each answer gives the facts you need to move forward. Use these answers as a starting point for your own research. Call the clerk office if you need help with a specific case.
How do I look up a family court case in Pasco County?
You can look up a family court case in Pasco County through the clerk website or the statewide portal. Open pascoclerk.com and click the case search link. Enter the last name, first name, and middle name of a party. You can also enter a case number if you have it. The system shows all matching family cases. Click any result to see the full docket. The docket lists filings, hearing dates, and judge names. You can print or save the page as a PDF. The statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com works the same way and covers all Florida counties.
Are Pasco County family court records public?
Most Pasco County family court records are public under Florida law. Divorce filings, custody orders, and support records can be viewed by anyone. Court dockets, hearing dates, and judgments stay open to public view. Some files stay sealed by law. Adoption records are sealed. Juvenile dependency records are sealed. Domestic violence injunction files may have parts sealed to protect victims. Financial affidavits filed in divorce cases are also public. You can view them at the clerk office or through the online search tool.
Can I access sealed family court records?
Sealed family court records need a court order before they can be opened. You must file a written motion with the court. The motion must show a good reason for the request. A judge reviews the motion and sets a hearing. The judge may grant or deny the request. Adoption records can only be opened by court order. Certain adult adoptees can request their original birth records. The clerk office can help you find the right form for these requests.
How long does it take to get certified copies?
Certified copies are ready the same day if you visit the office in person. Walk-up requests take about 15 to 30 minutes. Mail requests take 5 to 7 business days. The clerk mails the copies by regular mail. You can pay for faster shipping if you need the copies sooner. Online requests for certified copies are not available. You must call or visit the office to order them.
What family case types are filed in Pasco County?
Pasco County files many types of family cases. The main types are divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence injunctions. The court also handles name changes, guardianships, and emancipation petitions. Each case type has its own docket series. The case number prefix shows the case type. For example, DR stands for dissolution of marriage. You can search any of these case types through the clerk website.
Can I search Pasco family court records for free?
Yes. Basic searches on the Pasco Clerk website are free. You can look up cases by name, number, or date at no cost. You can view dockets, hearing dates, and party names for free. The statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com is also free to use. You only pay when you download or print a document. Certified copies cost extra. The fee schedule is posted on the website.
How do I find old or archived family court files?
Older family court files may sit in the clerk archives. You can request archived files through the clerk website or by phone. Some files have been scanned and are available online. Other files sit in paper form and need staff to pull them. The clerk can pull archived files within 1 to 3 business days. You can view the files at the office or order certified copies. There may be a small fee for staff retrieval time.