Union County family court records cover all legal cases handled by the family division of the county courthouse. These records include marriage dissolutions, child custody disputes, paternity actions, adoption files, and domestic violence injunctions.
People search these records for legal reasons, background checks, or personal reference. The Clerk of Court keeps every file in a safe system. Anyone can view most records. Some files stay sealed by court order. This page explains how the system works, where to search, and what you can see.
What Are Union County Family Court Records
Union County family court records are official documents created during family law cases in the county court system. The Clerk of Court stores these files in paper and electronic form. Each file holds every paper filed in a case from start to finish. Family cases deal with family relationships. The court handles these matters under Florida state law. Records show the history of each case. They include petitions, motions, orders, and final judgments. These records carry legal weight. They serve as proof of court decisions. They also help future cases use past rulings. The system covers all family matters that pass through the Union County courthouse in Lake Butler.
Types of Family Court Records
Union County keeps several types of family court records based on the kind of case. Each type has its own file category. The main types cover marriage endings, child-related matters, and protection orders. All types follow the same storage rules. Some types have stricter access rules than others. Knowing the type helps you locate the right file. The Clerk’s office labels each file by case type on the docket.
- Dissolution of marriage files
- Child custody and time-sharing files
- Child support order files
- Paternity establishment files
- Adoption finalization files
- Domestic violence injunction files
- Parental relocation request files
- Name change files for minors
Why These Records Matter
Family court records serve many real purposes. Lawyers use them to build cases. Parents use them to prove support payments. People use them to check backgrounds. Researchers use them to study family law trends. The records also protect the rights of children and spouses. Each file shows that a court made a legal decision. That decision carries the force of law. Records matter for child welfare checks. Records matter for property disputes. Records matter for remarriage cases. Records matter for immigration cases. Without proper records, the court system could not run fairly. Records make the system open and clear to everyone.
Legal Framework for Union County Records
Union County follows Florida state law for all family court records. The Florida Public Records Act gives the public the right to see most court files. The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration set access rules. Federal laws also apply in some cases. Adoption records stay sealed by law. Records involving minors have extra protections. The Clerk of Court follows all these rules every day. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes covers public records. Chapter 28 covers the Clerk’s duties. Chapter 39 covers dependency cases. Chapter 61 covers dissolution and support. Chapter 63 covers adoption. Chapter 741 covers domestic violence. The Clerk applies each rule based on the case type.
Office of the Union County Clerk of Court
The Union County Clerk of Court manages every family court file. The Clerk is an elected official. The current Clerk is Kellie Hendricks Rhoades, CPA. Her office runs the record system. Staff members help visitors locate files. The office processes new filings. The office also issues certified copies. All family court records pass through this office. The Clerk’s office works with circuit judges on record policy. The office keeps records safe from fire and flood damage. The office uses digital backups for all files. The office also runs the public access computers at the courthouse.
Location and Contact Details
The Clerk’s office sits at 55 W. Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054. This is the county seat. The office phone number is (386) 496-3711. The official website is unioncountyclerk.org. Visitors can reach the office by car or public road. The building has parking space. Security screening takes place at the entrance. The office is on the first floor. Visitors with mobility needs can use the accessible entrance. The courthouse has restrooms and water fountains. Visitors should plan for metal detector screening at the door.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Union County Clerk of Court |
| Current Clerk | Kellie Hendricks Rhoades, CPA |
| Street Address | 55 W. Main Street, Room 103 |
| City | Lake Butler |
| State | Florida |
| ZIP Code | 32054 |
| Phone Number | (386) 496-3711 |
| Website | unioncountyclerk.org |
| Judicial Circuit | 8th Judicial Circuit |
Office Hours and Public Access
The Clerk’s office opens Monday through Friday. Doors open at 8:00 AM. Doors close at 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends. The office closes on Florida state holidays. Visitors should arrive before 4:30 PM for same-day service. Public access computers run during all open hours. Staff members stay on duty to help with searches. Lunch hours do not affect service. The office stays open through the lunch period. Holiday closures follow the state court calendar. The office posts holiday lists on the website each year.
Clerk’s Role in Record Management
The Clerk of Court acts as the keeper of all court records. This role covers several duties. The Clerk receives new filings. The Clerk assigns case numbers. The Clerk stores old files. The Clerk issues copies to the public. The Clerk also maintains the online search system. All duties follow state law and court rules. The Clerk’s office trains staff on privacy rules. The office also trains staff on new procedures. The office audits files each year. The office reports to the Florida Department of State. The Clerk’s office works with state auditors on file checks.
How to Search Union County Family Court Records
Two main paths exist for searching Union County family court records. The first path is the online search system. The second path is an in-person visit. Each path has its own benefits. Online search works for quick checks. In-person search works for full file access. Some people use both paths together. Online search gives fast answers for simple questions. In-person search gives full paper files for deep research. The Clerk’s office helps with both methods. Phone support helps with general questions about searches.
Online Search Through My Florida Court Access
My Florida Court Access is the statewide system. The website address is myflcourtaccess.com. The system covers all Florida counties, Union County included. Users can search by party name. Users can search by case number. The system shows case status, hearing dates, party names, and final orders. Basic searches cost nothing. Some document images stay restricted to in-person viewing. The system updates each night with new filings. The system covers cases from 1970 to today. Older cases may need a manual search. The system works on all major web browsers. The system also has a mobile-friendly version.
In-Person Record Searches
Visitors to the Clerk’s office can use public access computers. Staff members help with searches. Visitors can search by name, case number, or filing date. In-person searches allow viewing of restricted document images. Certified copies come from in-person requests. Visitors need photo ID to enter the courthouse. Searches take more time for older files. Staff can pull paper files from storage. Paper files from before 1990 may need extra time. Visitors should call ahead for very old file searches. The office has a quiet room for private document review.
Search by Name Versus Case Number
Name searches work when you know the full legal name. The system shows all cases tied to that name. Case number searches give exact results. Each new case gets a unique number. The case number format uses the year and sequence. For example, a 2024 case looks like 2024-DR-000123. Case numbers appear on every court paper. Name searches may return many results. Users should add a date range to narrow results. Users can also add a middle name to narrow results. Case number searches always return one result. Users who know the case number get the fastest results.
What You Can See Online
The online system shows several pieces of case data. Users see the case type. Users see party names. Users see filing dates. Users see hearing schedules. Users see final judgments. Users see docket entries. Users do not see every document image. Sealed files do not show up at all. Some images need an in-person visit to view. The system also shows the judge assigned to the case. The system shows the case status as open or closed. The system shows the next hearing date. The system shows the attorney’s name if one filed an appearance.
Categories of Family Court Cases in Union County
Union County family court handles several case categories. Each category has its own filing steps. Each category produces its own record type. The categories follow Florida family law. Judges handle all categories at the Lake Butler courthouse. Some categories happen more often than others. Divorce cases are the most common. Custody cases are the second most common. Paternity cases are less common. Adoption cases are rare. Domestic violence cases happen each month. The Clerk’s office tracks case numbers by category each year.
Dissolution of Marriage Records
Dissolution of marriage records cover divorce cases. The file starts with the petition. The file ends with the final judgment. These records show property division. They show debt assignment. They show alimony awards. They show the date the marriage ended. Both spouses can request copies. The public can also view most parts of these files. Dissolution files include the marriage settlement agreement. They include financial affidavits. They include parenting plans if children are involved. They include the final judgment signed by the judge. Some financial details stay sealed by court order.
Child Custody and Support Records
Child custody records show parenting plans. They show time-sharing schedules. They show decision-making duties. Child support records show payment amounts. They show payment history. They show arrears balances. These records matter for enforcement. Parents need them to prove payments. The court updates these files when orders change. Custody records include the parenting plan form. They include the child support calculation worksheet. They include income information from both parents. Support records show every payment made through the state disbursement unit. The Clerk’s office gets payment reports each month.
Paternity Records
Paternity records start with a petition or a birth listing. The court orders DNA testing. The court issues an order of paternity. This order makes the man the legal father. The order creates support duties. The order creates custody rights. These files stay part of the public record. Sealing happens only by court order. Paternity files include the test results. They include the father’s name. They include the child’s name and date of birth. They include any support order. The mother and father both get copies of the final order.
Adoption Records
Adoption records stay sealed under Florida law. The original birth certificate stays sealed. The new birth certificate shows the adoptive parents. Only the adoptive parents, the adopted adult, and certain agencies can view adoption files. Court orders can open sealed files in rare cases. The Clerk’s office follows strict rules for adoption record access. Adult adopted persons can request their original birth certificate after turning 18. The state keeps a separate adoption registry. The registry helps birth parents and adopted children connect. All adoption files stay at the courthouse in a safe cabinet.
Domestic Violence Injunction Records
Domestic violence injunction records cover protection orders. Petitions, temporary orders, and final orders all stay in the file. The petitioner and respondent names appear. The terms of protection appear. Hearing dates appear. Some details stay sealed for safety. The Clerk’s office can explain which parts are open. The petitioner’s address stays sealed. The petitioner’s workplace stays sealed. The petitioner’s children’s schools stay sealed. Other parts of the file stay open to the public. Law enforcement gets a copy of every order.
Requesting Certified Copies of Records
Certified copies carry the court’s seal. They prove a record is real. Many legal processes need certified copies. Drivers license offices need them. Other courts need them. Federal agencies need them. The Clerk’s office issues these copies. The steps take a short time for ready files. Certified copies include a raised seal. They include a signature from the Clerk. They include the date of certification. They include a certification number. Other courts accept only certified copies for evidence.
Documents Needed for Certified Copies
Applicants need photo ID. A driver’s license works. A state ID works. A passport works. Applicants also need the case number or full names. Payment covers the copy fee. The Clerk’s office can explain accepted payment forms. Visitors fill out a request form at the counter. The form asks for the requester’s name. The form asks for the relationship to the case. The form asks for the specific records needed. The form asks for the number of copies. The Clerk reviews the ID before issuing copies.
Fees and Payment Methods
Certified copy fees follow Florida state law. The standard fee is one dollar per page. Certification adds two dollars per document. Some record types have different fees. The Clerk’s office accepts cash, money orders, and most major cards. Personal checks have limits. The office provides receipts for every payment. The fee schedule sits on the office website. The fee schedule updates each year. The office posts fee changes on the public notice board. The office does not accept foreign currency. The office does not accept starter checks.
Processing Times for Copy Requests
Same-day service works for most requests. Older files take longer. Files stored off-site need extra time. The Clerk’s office gives a pickup date. Mail requests take longer. Phone requests for copies do not work. Visitors must come in person or use the mail-in form on the website. Mail requests need a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests need payment by check or money order. The office processes mail requests in the order received. The office sends a notice when copies are ready.
The 8th Judicial Circuit Family Court
Union County sits in Florida’s 8th Judicial Circuit. The circuit covers six counties. Circuit judges handle family cases. The Chief Judge sets court policy. The circuit office supports all counties. All family court rules stay the same across the circuit. Records follow the same format. Procedures follow the same steps. The circuit office trains judges and staff. The circuit office sets the court calendar. The circuit office handles budget matters. The circuit office works with the state court system.
Circuit Coverage and Counties
The 8th Judicial Circuit includes Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union counties. Each county has its own Clerk’s office. Records stay in the county of filing. Cross-county searches need each county’s system. The Alachua County Clerk handles the largest case load in the circuit. Baker County is the second smallest in the circuit. Bradford County sits east of Union. Gilchrist County sits west. Levy County sits south. The circuit courthouse sits in Gainesville.
Family Court Procedures and Hearings
Family court hearings take place at the Lake Butler courthouse. Most hearings are open to the public. Some hearings happen by video. Judges issue written orders. Orders get filed with the Clerk. Both parties get a copy. The Clerk’s office keeps the original. Appeals go to the Fifth District Court of Appeal. Family court uses simplified procedures for simple cases. Family court uses formal procedures for complex cases. Mediation happens in most custody cases. Mediation reports become part of the file. Settlement conferences happen in many divorce cases.
Online Services and Digital Access
Several online services help with Union County family court records. The services work together. Each one serves a different purpose. Users can access them from home. The services stay free for basic use. Some advanced features cost money. The services stay available 24 hours a day. The services work on phones and tablets. The services work on all major browsers. The services follow state cybersecurity rules.
Official Clerk Website Pages
The Clerk’s official website sits at unioncountyclerk.org. The site links to the search portal. The site has court forms. The site has fee schedules. The site has contact details. The site has office hours. The site also posts public notices. Visitors can download forms before visiting the office. The site has a calendar of court events. The site has a list of approved mediators. The site has a list of self-help pages. The site updates each week with new posts.
My Florida Court Access Portal Features
My Florida Court Access covers every Florida county. Users create a free account. Users save search names. Users get email alerts for case updates. Users can view docket sheets. Users can view party names. Users can view final judgments. The portal works on phones and computers. The portal has a help section. The portal has a user guide. The portal has a feedback form. The portal updates each night with new case data. The portal works with screen readers.
E-Filing System for New Cases
Lawyers and self-represented parties can file papers online. The e-filing system works 24 hours a day. The system accepts new petitions. The system accepts motions. The system accepts responses. Users pay filing fees by card. The Clerk reviews each filing. Accepted filings get a file stamp. Rejected filings get a reason for the rejection. Users get an email when the Clerk reviews the filing. The system accepts most file types. The system has a maximum file size. The system tracks all filings in a user’s account.
Privacy Rules and Sealed Records
Florida law protects some family court records. Sealed records stay hidden from public view. The court orders the sealing. Common reasons include child safety and personal data. Adoption files stay sealed by default. Some domestic violence files have sealed parts. The Clerk’s office enforces all sealing orders. Sealed files sit in a safe cabinet. Sealed files get a special marking in the digital system. Sealed files need a court order to unseal. The Clerk’s office audits sealed files each year.
Public Versus Sealed Family Records
Most family court files stay open to the public. Sealed files need a court order to open. Parties to the case can see their own sealed files. Lawyers for parties can see sealed files. The public cannot see sealed files. The Clerk’s office checks ID before opening any file. The Clerk’s office logs every time someone opens a sealed file. The log stays for state audits. Violations of sealing orders carry penalties. The court can hold violators in contempt.
Access Restrictions for Minors
Records involving minors get extra protection. Names of minor children stay limited in some files. Custody evaluations stay sealed. Mental health records stay sealed. School records stay sealed. The court balances openness with child safety. These rules apply across all family case types. The court can also seal other records for good cause. The Clerk’s office can explain which parts of a file stay sealed. The Clerk’s office can help with requests to seal additional records.
Contact the Union County Clerk’s Office
You can reach the Union County Clerk’s office by phone, in person, or through the official website. The office staff helps with all family court record questions. The office stays open during regular business hours. The office handles walk-in visitors each weekday. Call before visiting if you need older files or sealed records.
Union County Clerk of Court
55 W. Main Street, Room 103
Lake Butler, FL 32054
Phone: (386) 496-3711
Website: unioncountyclerk.org
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common concerns from people searching Union County family court records. Each answer reflects current Florida law and Clerk’s office practice. The statewide portal answers general questions online. Visitors should call the Clerk’s office for case-specific questions. The answers below help with the most frequent needs.
Can I view Union County family court records for free?
Yes, basic searches through My Florida Court Access cost nothing. The system shows case status, party names, hearing dates, and final orders at no charge. Certified copies cost money. The fee follows Florida state law. In-person viewing of paper files also stays free. You only pay for copies and certifications. The public access computers at the courthouse stay free to use. Staff help with searches at no charge. The Clerk’s office never charges for help with locating files.
How long does the Clerk keep family court records?
Florida law sets retention rules for court records. Most family case files stay in the Clerk’s office for ten years after final judgment. Adoption files stay permanently. Child support files stay until the youngest child turns 18 plus extra time. The Clerk sends old files to state archives. Some files stay at the courthouse for fast access. Files stored off-site need a request to view. The state archives store older files for research. The archives have a separate request process.
Can I view a divorce record from 30 years ago?
Yes, older divorce records still exist. Very old files may sit at the Florida State Archives. The Clerk’s office can help locate the file. Some old files are on microfiche. Microfiche copies stay at the courthouse. The Clerk can order copies from state archives. Older searches may take more time. The state archives charge a small fee for old records. The Clerk’s office can tell you if your file moved to the archives. The search steps stay the same for any age of file.
What if a case does not show online?
Some cases do not show up in online searches. Sealed files stay hidden. Very old files may not have entered the digital system. Files with name spelling changes may not match. The Clerk’s office can run a manual search. Manual searches may need an in-person visit. Staff members use other databases too. Staff can search by date range. Staff can search by attorney’s name. Staff can search by judge. The Clerk’s office can pull paper files for closer review.
Can I get family court records from another Florida county?
Yes, My Florida Court Access covers all Florida counties. You can search any county’s family cases. Each county keeps its own records. You can also visit that county’s Clerk’s office. The fees follow the same state rules. Phone support works for general questions across counties. Cross-county cases are rare in family law. Most cases stay in one county. The Clerk’s office can transfer files between counties for active cases. The receiving county keeps the file after transfer.
Do I need a lawyer to request records?
No, you do not need a lawyer. Any member of the public can search. Any party to a case can request files. Certified copies go to anyone who pays the fee. Some restricted files need a court order. A lawyer helps only with complex requests. Self-represented parties can use the same systems. The Clerk’s office cannot give legal advice. The Clerk’s office can explain procedures only. For legal advice, contact a licensed Florida attorney.
What happens if a record has a mistake?
You can file a motion to correct the record. The court reviews the motion. A judge signs an order to fix the mistake. The Clerk’s office updates the file. Corrected certified copies get a new fee. Errors caught early cost less to fix. Always check your records soon after the court issues them. The Clerk’s office can help you get the right motion form. The form sits on the Clerk’s website. You can file the motion in person or by mail.