St Johns County County family court records include all official documents filed in family law cases within St. Johns County, Florida.
These records cover divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence cases. The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller holds and maintains every family court document. Brandon J. Patty serves as the current Clerk and oversees all record operations. Residents, attorneys, and other parties can search these records online or visit the office in person at 4010 Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine, Florida.
What St Johns County Family Court Records Include
St Johns County family court records cover a wide range of legal matters tied to family relationships. Each case type produces specific documents that become part of the public file. The Clerk’s office stores these documents based on Florida law and court rules. Most family court documents are public records, but some types stay sealed to protect children and other parties named in the case.
Main Case Types in Family Court
Family court in St Johns County handles several distinct case categories. Dissolution of marriage cases end a legal marriage and divide property, debts, and parental responsibilities. Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood for children born outside marriage. Adoption cases create new legal parent-child relationships. Domestic violence cases result in protective injunctions for victims. Each case type creates its own set of records with different access rules under Florida law.
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
- Child custody and time-sharing
- Child support orders
- Paternity actions
- Adoption proceedings
- Domestic violence injunctions
- Guardianship of minors
- Juvenile dependency cases
- Name change petitions for minors
Who Maintains Family Court Records
The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court acts as the official record keeper for all family court cases. The office receives, scans, and stores every document filed with the court. The same office issues certified copies when people need them for legal use. The 7th Judicial Circuit court also maintains case dockets and hearing schedules that link to the Clerk’s records. Both systems work together to give the public full access to family court files.
St Johns County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The St. Johns County Clerk’s office serves as the main hub for all family court record searches. The office runs regular business hours and offers multiple ways to reach staff. You can call, email, or visit in person during open hours. The new Public Service Center offers expanded services for the most common record requests.
Main Office Location and Map
The main Clerk’s office sits at 4010 Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine, Florida 32084. This address hosts the Clerk’s record operations and customer service counter. The new Public Service Center opened at this location on August 3, 2026 to make record services faster for residents. Visitors can park on site and enter through the main public entrance.
Phone and Email Support
Call the Customer Care Call Center at (904) 819-3600 for any record questions. Staff members answer calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also email clerk@stjohnsclerk.com for general record requests. The minutes and records division handles separate requests at minutesandrecords@stjohnsclerk.com. For direct help from the Clerk, Brandon J. Patty can be reached at BPatty@stjohnsclerk.com.
Office Hours and Service Options
The Clerk’s office operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office closes on weekends and all official Florida holidays. The new Public Service Center offers expanded services for family court record requests. Walk-in customers can use public access computers for free record searches during open hours. The office also accepts mail-in record requests for people who cannot visit in person.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Office | 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084 |
| Phone | (904) 819-3600 |
| General Email | clerk@stjohnsclerk.com |
| Clerk Direct Email | BPatty@stjohnsclerk.com |
| Records Division Email | minutesandrecords@stjohnsclerk.com |
| Website | stjohnsclerk.com |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
How to Search St Johns County Family Court Records Online
Online search tools let you locate St Johns County family court records from home. These tools cover most public case types and update with new filings. Free basic search functions work for most users. Paid options give you access to full document images.
Using the Clerk’s Online Portal
The St. Johns County Clerk’s website at stjohnsclerk.com offers direct links to the court records search system. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date. Results show case status, hearing dates, and final judgments. The Clerk updates case data regularly to reflect new filings and court actions. You can also check hearing schedules and view daily court calendars online.
My Florida Court Access System
My Florida Court Access at myflcourtaccess.com covers all 67 Florida counties, including St Johns County. This statewide system works for tracking family court cases across county lines. You enter a name or case number to see basic case details. Some documents appear in the system, while others need an in-person visit to view. The system shows party names, attorneys, charges or petitions, and hearing outcomes.
7th Judicial Circuit Resources
The 7th Judicial Circuit covers St Johns, Flagler, Putnam, and Volusia counties. The circuit website lists judges, courthouse locations, and local court rules. Family court hearings take place at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center in St. Augustine. The circuit also offers downloadable forms for family law filings. Local rules and administrative orders affect how family cases proceed in St Johns County.
Types of Family Court Documents Available
Different family court cases produce different documents. Each document type has its own access level based on Florida law. Some files are open to the public, while others stay sealed by court order. Knowing the document type helps you plan your search.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce records show the full case from petition to final judgment. The petition starts the case and lists the reasons for divorce. Financial affidavits list income, assets, and debts. Marital settlement agreements cover property division and spousal support. Final judgments end the marriage and outline all final terms. Most divorce records are public once the case closes. Some financial details may be redacted in the public file.
Child Custody and Support Records
Child custody records include parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and decision-making rules. Child support records show income calculations, payment amounts, and arrears balances. The court uses Florida’s statutory guidelines to set support amounts. Custody and support records stay public unless a judge seals them for safety reasons. Parents can request changes to custody and support through the same court system.
Adoption and Paternity Records
Adoption records stay sealed by Florida law to protect all parties. Paternity records show genetic test results and court orders that name the legal father. Paternity actions often lead to child support orders and custody rights. Sealed adoption records can only be opened with a special court order. Adult adoptees may petition the court for access to their original birth records in some cases.
Domestic Violence Injunction Records
Domestic violence records include petitions, temporary orders, and final injunctions. Some injunction files stay restricted to protect victims from further harm. The court may seal victim addresses and contact data. The Clerk follows Florida law on which parts of these files stay public. Both petitioners and respondents can request copies of injunction orders through the Clerk’s office.
Juvenile Dependency Records
Dependency cases involve children removed from their parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. These records stay highly restricted under Florida law. Only the parties named in the case and approved agencies can access dependency files. The Department of Children and Families works with the court on these cases. Most dependency hearings stay closed to the public to protect the children involved.
Mediation and Hearing Records
Family court cases often go through mediation before trial. Mediation records stay private and do not become part of the public file. Hearing transcripts can be ordered through the Clerk’s office after a court reporter prepares them. Transcript costs depend on the length of the hearing. Appellate records from family cases stay at the Fifth District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach.
In-Person Record Requests at the Clerk’s Office
Some record requests need an in-person visit to the Clerk’s office. Certified copies and sealed records often require face-to-face service. The new Public Service Center offers faster service for walk-in customers. Plan your visit during regular business hours for the best service.
What to Bring for In-Person Visits
Bring a valid photo ID like a driver’s license or state ID card. Write down all case details you know, including full names and case numbers. Plan for security screening at the courthouse entrance. Arrive early to allow time for parking and entry procedures. The Clerk’s office cannot release most records without proper ID for the person requesting them.
Certified Copy Fees and Processing
Certified copies of family court documents cost a set fee per document. Standard copies cost less than certified copies. The Clerk accepts cash, checks, and most major credit cards. Processing time for certified copies is usually the same day for simple requests. Older records stored off-site may take longer to retrieve and copy.
| Service | Typical Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Copy | $1.00 per page | Same day |
| Certified Copy | $2.00 per document | Same day |
| Document Search Fee | $2.00 per name per year | Same day to 3 business days |
| Mail Request | Fees plus postage | 5 to 10 business days |
New Public Service Center Benefits
The new Public Service Center opened on August 3, 2026 at the Lewis Speedway location. This center expands services for the most common record requests. Residents can get certified copies, file new cases, and search records in one place. The center aims to cut wait times and improve customer service for family court users. The Clerk’s office expects this location to handle most walk-in traffic.
Sealed and Restricted Family Court Records
Florida law protects certain family court records from public view. These rules balance public access with personal safety and privacy. Knowing which records stay sealed helps you plan your search. Sealed records need a court order before the Clerk can release them.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida has strong public records laws known as the Sunshine Laws. These laws open most government documents to public view. Family court records follow these laws but include extra protections for sensitive data. The Clerk’s office applies state law to decide which records stay open and which stay restricted. Anyone can ask the Clerk about the access level of a specific case file.
Adoption Record Privacy Rules
Adoption records stay sealed under Florida Statute Chapter 63. Birth parents and adoptive parents both keep their identities private. Adult adoptees can request a court order to open their records in some cases. The Clerk cannot release adoption documents without proper court approval. Adoption files include the original birth certificate, which stays sealed until the adoptee meets specific conditions.
Differences Between Sealing and Expungement
Sealing hides a record from public view but keeps it in the court system. Expungement destroys certain criminal records entirely. Family court records can be sealed but rarely get expunged. A judge must sign an order to seal any family court file. Sealed records stay available to certain government agencies and the parties named in the case. The Clerk’s office keeps a list of all sealed records in the court system.
E-Filing Family Court Documents in St Johns County
Florida courts accept electronic filing for most family court documents. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal connects to the St Johns County Clerk’s office. Attorneys and self-represented parties can use this system to file new cases and submit documents. E-filing speeds up processing and cuts mail delays.
How E-Filing Works
Create an account on the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal to start a filing. Select St Johns County as the filing location and the correct case category. Upload your documents in PDF format and pay the filing fee online. The Clerk’s office reviews the filing and either accepts or rejects it. You receive email updates on the filing status throughout the process.
E-Filing Requirements
All documents must be in PDF format and properly signed. Self-represented filers register as “Self-Represented Litigants” on the portal. Standard filing fees apply and can be paid by credit card or electronic check. Some document types require original signatures mailed to the Clerk’s office. The Clerk’s website has a list of documents that still need paper filing.
Recent Updates and New Search Tools
The St Johns County Clerk’s office launched new digital tools in 2026. These tools make it easier to request records and track case progress. Online access continues to grow across all family court case types. The Clerk reports steady growth in digital record requests each quarter.
New Public Records Request Portal
The Clerk’s office launched a new public records request portal in January 2026. This central portal lets users submit requests and track progress in real time. The portal covers all record types, not just family court files. Users can log in to see request status and download responses when ready. The portal also sends email alerts when the Clerk’s office responds to a request.
Digital Access Growth in 2026
Online record requests rose sharply across St Johns County in 2026. The Clerk reported increased activity on the online portal during the first part of the year. More residents now use digital tools instead of visiting the office. The Clerk expects this trend to continue as more case files get scanned and uploaded. New family court files appear in the system within days of filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
These common questions cover the most important details about St Johns County family court records. Each answer gives you the facts you need to plan your search. The Clerk’s office stays the best source for case-specific questions about your situation.
Are all St Johns County family court records public?
No, not all family court records are public. Adoption records stay sealed by Florida law to protect all parties named in the case. Some domestic violence files have restricted access for victim safety reasons. The Clerk’s office applies Florida law to decide which records stay open to the public. Most divorce, custody, and support records become public once the case closes. You can call the Clerk at (904) 819-3600 to ask about a specific case access level.
How much does it cost to get a certified copy of a family court record?
Certified copies of family court records cost a set fee per document under Florida law. The fee covers the certified copy itself and the Clerk’s certification seal. Standard copies cost less than certified copies. You pay at the Clerk’s office when you pick up the document. Call (904) 819-3600 to confirm the current fee before you visit the office.
Can I search St Johns County family court records for free?
Yes, basic case searches are free through the Clerk’s online portal and My Florida Court Access. You can search by name or case number without paying any fees. Full document images and certified copies do cost money. The public access computers at the Clerk’s office let you search for free during business hours. The library also offers free computer access for court record searches.
How long does it take to get family court records?
Simple online searches show results right away on the public portal. Certified copy requests take same-day processing in most cases. Complex record requests with old paper files may need extra time to pull from storage. The new public records portal lets you track your request status online at all times. Plan ahead if you need records for a court deadline or filing date.
What if I cannot search the family court record I need?
Contact the Clerk’s office at (904) 819-3600 for help with hard-to-locate records. Staff can search by name, date range, or case number for you. Old paper records may need extra time to pull from off-site storage. The office can also help with records from the 7th Judicial Circuit court system. Bring as much detail as you can to speed up the search.
Does the Clerk’s office seal family court records?
Only a judge can order records sealed, not the Clerk’s office staff. You must file a motion with the court to request sealing of a specific case file. The court holds a hearing and decides based on Florida law and the facts of the case. The Clerk’s office follows the judge’s order once it gets signed and filed. Sealed records stay available to certain agencies and case parties named in the order.
Can I access St Johns County family court records from another state?
Yes, the online portals work from anywhere with an internet connection. You can search case data and submit records requests from another state or country. Certified copies must be picked up in person or mailed to your address. The Clerk’s office can mail certified copies for an extra postage fee. Call (904) 819-3600 to set up mail delivery to your home address.