Putnam County family court records are official court files about marriage, divorce, children, and family matters. These records are kept by the Putnam County Clerk of Court in Palatka, Florida.
The clerk’s office is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit court system. Anyone can look at most family court records for free. Some records cost money to copy. This page explains how to search, view, and request these records.
About the Putnam County Clerk of Court Office
The Putnam County Clerk of Court keeps all family court records for the county. The current clerk is Matt Reynolds. The office sits in downtown Palatka along the St. Johns River. It serves people who live in Palatka, Interlachen, Crescent City, Pomona Park, Welaka, and nearby towns. The clerk’s office handles paper files and digital records. Both types are open for public viewing.
Office Location and Address
The clerk’s office is at 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177. This building is in the historic downtown area. Free parking is available near the building. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Visitors should bring a valid photo ID to enter the records area.
Phone and Online Contact
People can call the clerk’s office at (386) 326-7600. The phone line is open during business hours. Callers can ask about record searches, copy fees, and case status. The official website is putnamclerk.com. The website has search tools, forms, and court schedules. Email support is available through the contact form on the website.
Types of Family Court Records Available
Putnam County keeps many kinds of family court records. Each type covers a different legal matter. All records follow Florida public records law. Some records have limits on who can see them. Sealed records and protected information cannot be viewed by the public.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce records are also called dissolution of marriage records. These files start with the petition for divorce. They include financial papers that list income and assets. They also include settlement deals and the final judgment. The final judgment is the paper that ends the marriage. Each case gets its own file number. Old cases going back decades are still on file.
Child Custody and Support Records
Child custody records cover time-sharing plans. They show which parent has the child on which days. The plans include holiday schedules and school breaks. Child support records list the amount of money paid each month. They also show health insurance duties. If a parent asks to change the plan, that change is added to the file. The clerk keeps a full history of every change.
Paternity and Adoption Records
Paternity cases decide who the legal father is. These cases matter for child support and custody. Adoption files are often sealed by the court. Only certain people can view adoption records. Birth parents and adult adoptees may request access under Florida law. Name change cases for adults and children are also kept in the family division.
Domestic Violence and Injunction Records
Domestic violence cases include petitions for protection. A protection order keeps one person away from another. Temporary orders can be issued fast. Final injunctions last longer and have more rules. These cases are open to the public. Names of victims in sexual violence cases may be removed from public files.
How to Search Family Court Records
There are three ways to search for family court records in Putnam County. People can search online, visit the office, or call for help. Each method works for different needs. Online search is best for quick checks. In-person visits help with old records or large requests.
Online Search Tools
The Putnam County clerk’s website has a free case search tool. The tool is at putnamclerk.com under the Court Records menu. Users can search by name or case number. The statewide portal is MyFloridaCourtAccess.com. This site pulls data from all Florida counties, including Putnam. Both sites show case status, hearing dates, and party names. They do not show every document in the file.
In-Person Record Requests
Visitors can go to the clerk’s office in Palatka. Staff at the front desk help people find records. Self-service computers are available for public use. The computers connect to the same search tools as the website. Staff can also pull paper files from storage. Paper files may take a few hours to bring out. Same-day service is common for older files.
Phone and Mail Requests
Phone requests work for simple case status checks. Callers need the full name of a party or the case number. Mail requests require a written letter. The letter must include the case number or full names of both parties. The letter must also include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests can take 5 to 10 business days to process.
Search by Name or Case Number
Two main search methods work on the clerk’s website. The party name search and the case number search. Each one works better for different needs. Knowing both methods saves time. Some old cases may not show up online. Those require a clerk to search the paper index.
Party Name Search Steps
A party name search looks for cases by the person’s name. Users should enter the last name first, then the first name. Middle names help narrow the results. Date of birth can also help. The system will show all matching cases. Users should check the case type and year to find the right one. Clicking a case number opens the full case detail page.
Case Number Search Steps
A case number search is the fastest method. Each case has a unique number. The number starts with the year, like 2024. The next two letters show the case type. DR means divorce. CC means child custody. The last numbers are the sequence for that year. People can find the case number on past court papers or from a lawyer.
Fees and Processing Times
The clerk charges fees for copies and certified copies. Standard copies are cheaper. Certified copies cost more because they have an official stamp. Fees are set by Florida state law. Payment methods vary by location. Some online services charge extra processing fees.
Standard Copy Costs
Regular paper copies cost $1.00 per page. This is the rate for most Florida counties. Larger paper sizes cost more. Color copies cost more than black and white. Self-service copiers at the clerk’s office charge $0.25 per page. These machines take cash or coins only.
Certified Copy Costs
Certified copies prove a document is real. They are needed for most legal filings. The cost is $3.00 per document. Extra fee applies for each additional page after the first. A certified copy of a divorce judgment often costs $3.00 to $5.00. Courts and agencies in other states accept Florida certified copies.
Payment Methods and Processing Times
The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit and debit cards are accepted for online orders. Card payments add a small processing fee. In-person orders are filled the same day. Mail orders take 5 to 10 business days. Online orders through the e-filing portal are usually ready within 24 hours.
Sealed and Restricted Records
Some family court records are not open to the public. Judges can seal a whole case or part of a case. Sealed records protect children, victims, and private family matters. Only people named in the case or their lawyers can see sealed files. Breaking a seal is a crime under Florida law.
Access Rules for Sealed Records
Sealed records have a special note in the court system. The clerk will not show them without a court order. Adoption records are sealed by law. Records that name a child in a custody fight may be limited. Financial records with bank numbers may be sealed. People who need a sealed file must ask a judge to open it.
Petition to Unseal Records
A person can file a motion to unseal a record. The motion must explain why the person needs the file. A judge reviews the motion and decides. The court may unseal part of the file or all of it. The process takes 30 to 90 days. A lawyer can help file the motion in the right way.
Self-Represented Party Resources
People without a lawyer can still file family court cases. These people are called pro se or self-represented filers. The clerk’s office has forms for pro se users. The forms are free to download. The clerk’s staff can answer questions about forms. They cannot give legal advice.
Pro Se Forms and Filing Help
The Florida Supreme Court has a list of approved family law forms. These forms are on the clerk’s website. They cover divorce, custody, support, and paternity. Each form has instructions. The Putnam clerk also has a self-help center. Staff there help people fill out forms. They do not tell people what to say in court.
Family Mediation Services
Many family cases need mediation before trial. Mediation helps people reach a deal. The 7th Judicial Circuit offers family mediation. The cost is based on a sliding scale. Low-income families pay less. Some cases qualify for free mediation. Mediation sessions last 2 to 3 hours.
7th Judicial Circuit Family Court
Putnam County is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit. The circuit covers several North Florida counties. These include Putnam, Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, and others. Family cases in Putnam are heard at the Putnam County Courthouse. The courthouse is in Palatka on St. Johns Avenue.
Court Locations and Hearing Schedule
Family court hearings are held on weekdays. Most hearings happen in the morning. Final divorce trials can take a full day. Child custody trials may take 2 to 3 days. Hearings are open to the public. Some hearings may be closed to protect a child. The court schedule is posted on the clerk’s website.
Judges and Court Staff
The 7th Circuit has several family court judges. Some judges travel between counties. Each judge has a judicial assistant. The assistant answers questions about cases. People can find the judge’s name on their case paperwork. The clerk’s office can also tell people which judge is assigned to a case.
E-Filing and Electronic Records
Florida courts use an electronic filing system. Lawyers must use e-filing. Self-represented filers can use it too. The system is called the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. It works for all case types, including family law. Electronic filing saves time and paper.
E-Filing Portal Access
The e-filing portal is at myflcourtaccess.com. Users must create an account. A valid email is needed. Credit cards are used for filing fees. The system works 24 hours a day. Most filings are reviewed within 24 hours. The clerk may reject a filing if it is not in the right format.
Electronic Viewing Options
People can view electronic court files through the same portal. Registered users can see filed papers. Some old cases only have paper files. Paper files can be viewed at the clerk’s office. The clerk can scan paper files for a fee. Scanned files are then added to the electronic system.
Common Search Problems and Solutions
Searches do not always work the first time. Many issues have simple fixes. Old records, name changes, and typos are common problems. The clerk’s office can help with hard searches. A small fee may apply for in-depth research.
Name Variations and Misspellings
People change names through marriage, divorce, or court order. A search for one name may miss a case under another name. Users should try all known names. Maiden names and married names both matter. A middle name or initial can also help. If the name is misspelled, try different spellings.
Old Records and Paper Files
Records from before 1990 may not be online. These records exist only on paper. The clerk stores them in a records room. Staff can pull the files. Pulling old files may take 1 to 3 days. Some very old files are stored off-site. Off-site files may take a week to get.
Missing or Destroyed Documents
Some documents are lost or destroyed over time. Flood, fire, or other events can damage files. The clerk can search for replacement records. Replacement records may come from other counties. Federal records can sometimes help. People who need a missing document can ask the clerk for help.
Official Contact and Location Details
The Putnam County Clerk of Court is the official source for family court records. The office is open to the public. Phone support is available during business hours. The website has search tools and forms. Visitors can use self-service computers at the office.
- Office Address: 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177
- Phone Number: (386) 326-7600
- Official Website: putnamclerk.com
- Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Clerk Name: Matt Reynolds
- Judicial Circuit: 7th Judicial Circuit of Florida
For mail requests, send letters to the office address. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment. Call the office before sending a mail request to confirm fees and processing time.
Putnam County Clerk Website Resources
The Putnam County Clerk website has many helpful pages. The main page shows links to court services. Users can find search tools on the homepage. The court services page has forms and filing tips. The 7th Judicial Circuit page has court rules and judge details. The e-filing portal lets users file papers online.
Clerk Homepage and Search Tools
The homepage of the clerk’s website gives fast access to records. The search box is at the top of the page. Users can click links for case search, court calendar, and forms. The site is mobile friendly. Phones and tablets can use all the tools.
Court Services and Forms
The court services page lists all available resources. The page has family law forms, filing guides, and fee schedules. Users can download forms for free. The page also has contact details for each court division.
7th Judicial Circuit Page
This page has details about the circuit court system. The page lists all judges in the circuit. The page also has court rules and procedure guides. Users can find the judge’s name for a specific case here.
E-Filing Portal Access
The e-filing portal is on the clerk’s website. The portal lets users file family court papers online. Users must register for an account. The portal is open 24 hours a day. Filing fees are paid by credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions About Putnam Family Court Records
People often have questions about family court records. The questions below cover the most common concerns. Each answer gives clear, simple facts. The answers use information from the Putnam County Clerk’s office and Florida public records law. The answers apply to most family court cases in Putnam County.
How do I find a divorce record in Putnam County?
Start with the Putnam County Clerk’s online search tool at putnamclerk.com. Enter the full name of either spouse. The case number will start with DR for divorce. Old divorce cases from before 1990 may not be online. For these cases, visit the clerk’s office in Palatka. Bring a photo ID. The clerk can pull the paper file. You can also search the statewide MyFloridaCourtAccess portal. The portal covers all Florida counties. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $3.00 per document. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Same-day service is available for in-person requests at the Palatka office.
Can I view child custody records online?
Yes, most child custody records are open to the public. Use the online search tool to find the case. The case number will start with CC. The case detail page shows parties, hearing dates, and case status. Full court documents are not always online. To see all papers, you may need to visit the clerk’s office. The clerk can show you the file. You can take notes or pay for copies. Some details may be sealed to protect the child. Sealed details need a court order to view.
What if I do not know the case number?
A name search can find the case number. Use the full legal name. Last name first works best. You can also call the clerk at (386) 326-7600. The clerk can look up the number for you. The clerk will need the full name and date of birth. Phone lookups are free. The search takes a few minutes. The clerk will read the case number back to you. Then you can search for the full case online.
Are adoption records public in Putnam County?
Most adoption records are sealed. Florida law seals adoption files to protect privacy. Adult adoptees can ask for their original birth records. Birth parents can also file a request. The process goes through the Florida Department of Health. The Putnam clerk’s office can help with forms. The process takes several months. Some court orders may open parts of an adoption file. A judge must approve the request.
How long does it take to get certified copies?
In-person requests for certified copies are filled the same day. Most requests take less than 30 minutes. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. Online requests through the e-filing portal take 1 to 2 business days. Rush service is not always available. Plan ahead for time-sensitive needs. The clerk’s office can answer timing questions by phone.
Can I remove my name from a public family court record?
You can ask a judge to seal the record. The request must be in writing. A motion to seal must explain why the seal is needed. The court will hold a hearing. The judge decides if the record should be sealed. Sealing is not automatic. It is rare in family law cases. Victims of domestic violence have a stronger case for sealing. A lawyer can help file the motion.
Do I need a lawyer to file a family court case?
No, you do not need a lawyer. Florida courts allow self-represented filers. These filers are called pro se users. The clerk’s office has forms for pro se users. The clerk’s staff can answer questions about forms. They cannot give legal advice. For complex cases, a lawyer is a good idea. Legal aid offices serve low-income families. The 7th Judicial Circuit also has a self-help center. The center offers free legal information. Mediation services are also available for family cases.