Riverview City family court records are the public files from family law cases filed by people who live in the Riverview area of Hillsborough County, Florida. Many people type “Riverview City” into a search bar, but Riverview is not a city.
It is an unincorporated community south of Tampa, along the Alafia River. There is no city hall, no city clerk, and no local courthouse. Every family law case for Riverview residents goes through the Hillsborough County court system. This page explains where the records live, who keeps them, how to search them, what they cost, and what to do when a file is sealed.
What “Riverview City” Means for Court Records
The phrase “Riverview City” sends many searchers down the wrong path. Riverview sits inside Hillsborough County, but it has no city government. No mayor runs Riverview. No city council passes local rules. Hillsborough County handles every public function, including courts. Anyone looking for family court records must work with the county, not a city office.
Why There Is No Riverview City Clerk
A city clerk holds city-level records such as local laws, council minutes, and business licenses. Riverview has none of these because it has no city government. The community falls under county rules and county services. A search for a Riverview city clerk will not return a real office. The only record keeper for family court files is the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court.
How This Affects Your Search for Records
You cannot walk into a local Riverview office to ask for court files. You must travel to Tampa or use the county’s online tools. The Hillsborough County Clerk runs the only family court record system that covers Riverview. Knowing this one fact saves hours of searching for an office that does not exist.
The 13th Judicial Circuit Court System
Hillsborough County is part of the 13th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit hears every family case filed in the county, including those from Riverview. The circuit has three main divisions: Civil, Criminal, and Family. Family law cases move through the Family Division, which sits in downtown Tampa.
Geographic Coverage of the Circuit
The 13th Circuit covers all of Hillsborough County. Cities and towns inside the county include Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, Temple Terrace, and Riverview. Every family case filed by a Riverview resident enters this circuit. Judges who hear family cases sit in Tampa, where all hearings take place. The clerk’s office in Tampa is the only place where these files live.
Family Division Jurisdiction
The Family Division handles divorce, paternity, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence injunctions. It also handles adult name changes and some juvenile matters tied to families. Every paper created in these cases stays with the Hillsborough County Clerk. The clerk keeps the file open and searchable until a judge orders it sealed or destroyed.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Office
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for Riverview family court records. The clerk’s office stores files, runs the online search system, and issues certified copies. The clerk is an elected position, and the office serves every resident of Hillsborough County, including those in Riverview.
Office Location and Contact Details
The main clerk’s office sits at 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602. You can call the clerk at (813) 276-8100. The website is www.hillsclerk.com. The office is in downtown Tampa, roughly 15 miles north of Riverview. Free public parking is available in the county garage one block south of the building.
Office Hours and Public Access
The clerk’s office opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. It stays closed on county holidays. The lobby has public computers where anyone can search cases for free. Staff at the front desk help with copy requests, payment, and basic case questions. The lobby stays open during lunch hours, so you do not need to arrive at 8:00 AM to get help.
What the Clerk Does for Riverview Residents
The clerk files new cases, collects filing fees, schedules hearings, and keeps both paper and digital files after a case ends. The clerk also runs a family court self-help center. The center helps people who file without a lawyer. Self-help staff answer form questions, explain procedures, and review paperwork for completeness. They cannot give legal advice, but they can point you to the right form.
Types of Riverview FL Family Court Records
The Hillsborough County Clerk stores records for every kind of family law case filed in the 13th Circuit. Each case type has its own set of documents. Some files are short, and some run hundreds of pages. Knowing the file type helps you ask for the right records when you visit the clerk or search online.
Divorce Case Files
A divorce file holds the petition, financial forms, settlement papers, and final judgment. It may also include child support worksheets if the couple has minor children. Divorce records from 1942 to today stay on file with the clerk. Older cases live on microfilm, and newer cases are scanned into the digital system. The clerk can pull any of these for review or copying.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Custody files include parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and court orders. They also hold motions to modify custody after a case ends. Anyone can view these files unless a judge sealed the case. The clerk keeps a record of every hearing, every order, and every change to the parenting plan.
Child Support Orders
Child support records show the amount ordered, payment history, and any changes over time. The clerk keeps the orders, and the Florida Department of Revenue runs the payment system. Old and new orders stay on file. If a parent fell behind on payments, the file shows the arrears balance and any enforcement actions.
Paternity Case Files
Paternity files prove who the legal father is. They include DNA test results, court orders, and any related support orders. These files matter for inheritance, child support, and benefits. Paternity files are public unless a judge seals them for a good reason.
Adoption and Guardianship Records
Adoption files are often sealed by law. The clerk stores them but may not show them to the public without a court order. Guardianship files for minor children stay open unless a judge closes them. Stepparent adoption, relative adoption, and adult adoption all create different file types, but all stay with the clerk.
Domestic Violence Injunctions
Injunction files include the petition, hearing notes, and the final order. Active injunctions are public. The clerk flags them so law enforcement can see them fast. Both temporary and final injunctions go into the same file. Violations of an injunction can lead to new criminal charges, and those new cases are tracked in a separate file.
How to Search Riverview FL Family Court Records
You have four main ways to search family court records for Riverview. Each one works for a different need. Some cost money, and some are free. Most people start online and visit the clerk’s office only when they need certified copies or files that are not on the public portal.
Hillsborough Clerk Online Portal
The clerk’s website at www.hillsclerk.com has a free case search tool. You can search by name, case number, or citation. The tool shows case type, party names, judge, and hearing dates. Some documents are viewable online for a small fee. The portal works on phones and computers, and you do not need an account to run a basic search.
Florida E-Filing Portal
The statewide portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com covers all 67 Florida counties. Use it when you need to check a case filed in another county or confirm a Hillsborough case. The portal shows docket entries, party names, and the next court date. The portal is run by the Florida courts, not Hillsborough County, but it pulls data directly from the clerk’s office.
In-Person Records Request
Visit the clerk’s office at 419 Pierce Street, Tampa. Bring a photo ID and any case details you have. Staff will pull the file for you to review at a public terminal. You can make copies or buy certified copies on the spot. In-person visits work best for people who need full files or want to ask questions face to face.
Mail and Email Requests
You can mail a written request to the clerk’s office. Include the case number, party names, and what you want. Add a check or money order for the copy fees. The clerk mails the copies back to you. Email requests work for simple questions but not for certified copies. Mail requests take longer than in-person visits, so plan ahead.
Riverview FL Family Court Case Lookup
A case lookup gives you the basic facts about a file. You can do this without a court order. The clerk’s online portal and the statewide portal both let you run a case lookup. You need at least one search field, such as a name or case number, to start.
Searching by Party Name
Type the last name and first name of either party. The search shows all cases that match. Family cases will show “DR” for divorce, “CC” for custody, “CP” for paternity, and “AD” for adoption. If the name is common, you may see many results. Use the date of birth or case year to narrow them down.
Searching by Case Number
Every case has a unique number that looks like “2024-DR-005678.” Enter the full number in the search bar. This is the fastest way to find one specific file. The case number stays the same across all court systems, so you can use it on both the Hillsborough portal and the statewide portal.
Searching by Attorney Bar Number
If you know the lawyer’s Florida Bar number, you can see every case they filed. This helps when you need a full history of a legal fight. The search returns a list of cases tied to that bar number, sorted by year. The Florida Bar website can confirm a bar number before you search.
Fees and Certified Copies for Riverview Records
The clerk charges set fees for copies. You pay before the clerk hands over the papers. The fees come from Florida law and the Hillsborough County fee schedule. The clerk cannot waive copy fees, even for people who cannot afford them.
Standard Copy Fees
Plain copies cost a small fee per page. The clerk’s website lists the current rate. Self-service copiers in the lobby cost less per page than staff-made copies. Standard copies work for personal records but not for court filings, immigration, or name changes.
Certified Copy Fees
A certified copy has the clerk’s seal and a signature. Courts, agencies, and employers ask for certified copies. The fee is higher than a plain copy. Each certified page costs a set amount set by Florida law. A certified copy of a divorce judgment often takes 3 to 5 business days to prepare.
Payment Methods Accepted
The clerk takes cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. In-person visits can use all four. Mail requests need checks or money orders. Online orders need a credit card. The clerk does not accept personal checks over a set dollar amount without a photo ID on file.
Sealed and Restricted Records
Some family court records stay hidden from the public. Florida law and court orders can seal files. Sealed records do not show on the online portal. A sealed file shows only a case number and the word “SEALED” on the search screen.
What Records Get Sealed
Adoption files, juvenile dependency files, and some paternity files are sealed by law. A judge can also seal a divorce or custody file if privacy outweighs public interest. Mental health records and financial account numbers are removed from public view, even when the rest of the file stays open. Sealed files stay with the clerk but cannot be opened without a court order.
How to Request Unsealing
You must file a written motion with the court. A judge reviews the request and decides. The clerk cannot open a sealed file without a court order. Unsealing a record often requires a hearing, and the parties in the case get a chance to object. Most unsealing requests take 30 to 90 days to resolve.
Riverview Florida Family Court Forms
Most family court forms come from the Florida Supreme Court. They are free to download. The clerk’s office also stocks printed copies of common forms. Always use the latest version of a form, because the court rejects old versions.
Common Family Law Forms
The main forms include the Petition for Dissolution, Answer to a Petition, Financial Affidavit, Parenting Plan, and Child Support Worksheet. Each form has its own SCAO (Supreme Court Approved) number. Forms for domestic violence injunctions and paternity actions follow the same SCAO system. You can find a full list on the Florida Courts website.
Where to Download Forms
Go to the Florida Courts website at www.flcourts.org. The forms are in PDF and Word. You can fill them by hand or type them. The clerk’s office also has printed copies at the front desk. Local rules in Hillsborough County may add requirements, so check the clerk’s website for any local form changes.
Common Questions Before You Search
Some questions come up often before people start their search. The answers can save you time and prevent common mistakes. Always call the clerk’s office if you are not sure which path to take.
Is There a Separate Riverview Court?
No. Riverview has no courthouse of its own. All Riverview family cases go to the Hillsborough County Courthouse in Tampa. Hearings happen in the Family Division courtrooms there. The courthouse at 800 East Twiggs Street is the main family court location.
How Long Are Records Kept?
The clerk keeps family case files forever. Older files from the 1940s and 1950s are on microfilm. Files from the 1990s and later are on paper and scanned into the system. All new files are digital first. Permanent retention is set by Florida law, and the clerk follows the state retention schedule.
What About Older Records?
Records older than 1942 are rare for Riverview because the area grew mostly after that. You can still ask the clerk to check microfilm rolls. The clerk staff can help you set up a viewing time. Some older records need a special request because they sit in off-site storage.
Official Contact Details at a Glance
Keep these details handy when you start your search. They are the fastest way to reach the right office. Save them on your phone or print this page before you go.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office | Hillsborough County Clerk of Court |
| Clerk | Cindy Stuart |
| Address | 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| Phone | (813) 276-8100 |
| Website | www.hillsclerk.com |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Statewide Portal | www.myflcourtaccess.com |
| Florida Courts | www.flcourts.org |
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions come from real search patterns in the Riverview area. Each answer points you to the right office or tool. Read the ones that match your need before you start your search. The clerk’s office can answer anything not covered here, but these answers cover the most common asks.
Can I look up Riverview family court records for free?
Yes. The Hillsborough County Clerk’s online search tool is free to use. You can also look at public files in the clerk’s lobby at no cost. You only pay when you want paper copies or certified copies. Many records show up on screen, so you can see basic facts without paying. For full documents, the clerk charges per page. The online Florida portal at myflcourtaccess.com also gives free basic case lookups across all 67 counties. Free searches are best for people who only need to confirm a case exists, check party names, or read a docket entry. If you need the full file for legal use, you will pay for copies.
Do I need a lawyer to get my own family court records?
No. You do not need a lawyer to get your own files. The clerk gives you access as a party to the case or as a member of the public. You only need a lawyer when you want to open a sealed file or fight a denial. For most people, the online portal or a clerk’s office visit is enough. A lawyer helps when the file is sealed or the clerk says you cannot see it. You can also use the self-help center at the clerk’s office for free form help. The center does not give legal advice, but it can explain procedures and review your paperwork.
How long does a Riverview family case take to close?
Florida law requires at least 60 days between filing and final judgment for a divorce with no children. With children, the wait is longer because of parenting classes and financial disclosures. Contested custody and support cases can take 6 to 18 months. Adoption cases vary based on the type, with relative adoption finishing faster than agency adoption. Domestic violence injunctions can be granted the same day in emergencies, but full hearings take 2 to 4 weeks. The clerk’s office can give you a general timeline for your case type.
Can I view Riverview child custody records online?
You can see the docket and basic orders online. The full parenting plan and other detailed documents may need an in-person visit or a paid online request. Some custody files have sensitive details that get removed before public view. Always use the official clerk site to avoid scams. Third-party sites that ask for payment to view public records are not official. The clerk’s online portal gives you the same data those sites do, but for free or a lower fee. Save your documents after you view them, because the system may rotate older files off the public site.
What if my case was filed in a different county?
Use the Florida statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com to search all counties. If the case is in another Florida county, you must contact that county’s clerk. The Hillsborough County Clerk can only help with cases in Hillsborough County. Out-of-state cases need a private record service or a direct request to that state’s court system. Family cases that move across county lines, such as a custody case that started in one county and moved to another, can be tracked through both county portals. The case number changes when a case transfers, so use the new number with the new county.
Are adoption records public in Florida?
No. Florida adoption records are sealed by law. Only the adoptive parents, the adult adoptee (after age 18), and certain agencies can see the file. A court order can open the file in special cases. The clerk cannot show adoption records without proof of legal right. Adult adoptees who want their original birth certificate or adoption file must follow a specific court process. The process is set by Florida statute, and the clerk’s office can give you the forms you need to start it.
Can I seal my own divorce file?
You can ask the court to seal parts of your file. A judge decides based on privacy and public interest. The clerk cannot seal a file without a court order. Sealing a record takes a written motion and a hearing in most cases. The judge weighs the harm of public access against the public’s right to know. Most motions to seal ask for specific pages to be removed, not the whole file. The clerk charges a filing fee for the motion, and the hearing takes about 15 minutes. You can do this without a lawyer, but a lawyer helps when the other party objects.