Volusia County family court records are official court files that cover family law cases in this east central Florida county. These records include divorce papers, child custody orders, child support files, paternity actions, adoption files, and domestic violence injunctions.
The Volusia County Clerk of Court keeps these records at the main courthouse in DeLand. Anyone can look at most of these records online or in person during business hours. This page explains what these records contain, how to search them, who can see them, and where to get certified copies for legal use.
What Are Volusia County Family Court Records
Volusia County family court records are the complete set of court papers and electronic files created during family law cases. Family law cases involve legal issues between family members, such as spouses, parents, and children. These records document every step of a case from the first filing to the final court order. The records serve as the legal history of each family matter handled in the county.
Types of Family Court Cases
Volusia County family court handles several different case types. Each type creates its own set of records with specific documents. The most common case types include dissolution of marriage, which ends a marriage through divorce. Child custody cases decide where children live and how parents share time with them. Child support cases set monthly payments for the care of children. Paternity cases confirm the legal father of a child. Adoption cases create a new legal parent-child relationship. Domestic violence injunction cases issue protection orders for people in unsafe home situations.
Who Maintains These Records
The Volusia County Clerk of Court maintains all family court records for the county. Laura E. Roth, Esq. serves as the current Clerk of Court. The Clerk’s office stores paper files in the courthouse and electronic files in the county court database. Court staff create new files when a case starts and update them each time a judge signs a new order. The Clerk’s office also sends copies of court orders to the people named in the case and to other agencies that need the records.
Why People Search These Records
People search Volusia County family court records for many different reasons. Some people need to check the status of their own active case. Lawyers search records to prepare for hearings or to learn about past cases. Family members search for information about a relative’s divorce or custody case. Employers and landlords sometimes check records as part of background checks. New spouses search to confirm that a previous marriage ended. Journalists and researchers look at records to study family court trends. Adoption searchers look for biological family connections.
Volusia County Clerk of Court Office
The main Volusia County Clerk of Court office sits in DeLand, the county seat of Volusia County. This office serves as the central location for all family court records in the county. People can visit this office to look at records in person, ask questions, request certified copies, and file new family law cases. The office also handles passport applications, marriage licenses, and other public services.
Office Location and Hours
The Volusia County Clerk of Court office is located at 101 N. Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on all federal holidays and state holidays. Visitors must pass through a security screening at the courthouse entrance before reaching the clerk’s office. The building has wheelchair access and public parking nearby.
Contact Phone Number
The main phone number for the Volusia County Clerk of Court is (386) 822-5710. Staff members answer questions about family court records, search procedures, document availability, and copy fees. Callers can also ask about which records need proof of identity to view. Phone support is best for simple questions. Complex research questions are better handled in person with a public access computer.
Official Website
The Volusia County Clerk of Court maintains an official website at volusiaclerk.org. The website offers online search tools, downloadable forms, fee schedules, and contact details. Visitors can search for cases by name or case number through the website. The site also links to statewide court systems and provides information about the 7th Judicial Circuit. The website works on mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.
How to Search Volusia County Family Court Records
Searching for Volusia County family court records can be done online or in person. Each method has its own steps and benefits. Online searches work well for quick checks of basic case details. In-person searches allow access to the full file and the ability to ask staff for help. Most people start with an online search and visit the courthouse only if they need more details or certified copies.
Online Search Through My Florida Court Access
My Florida Court Access, also called the FLA Online Portal, covers Volusia County as part of a statewide system. To start a search, visit the portal and enter a person’s last name and first name. The system shows matching cases with case numbers, party names, filing dates, and case status. Users can view scheduled hearings, final judgments, and other public orders. The basic search is free. Some document images are free to view, while others require a small fee or an in-person visit.
In-Person Search at the Courthouse
Visitors can search family court records in person at the DeLand courthouse. Public access computers in the clerk’s office connect to the same search system used online. Staff members are available to help with difficult searches, such as old cases with incomplete records. Visitors can ask to see the full paper file for any open case. The clerk can print copies from electronic files or pull paper files from storage. In-person visits are required for certified copies used in legal proceedings.
What You Need Before You Search
Gathering some basic details before searching saves time and produces better results. The most helpful details include the full legal name of at least one person in the case, the approximate year the case started, and the type of case (divorce, custody, paternity, and so on). A case number makes the search much faster, but case numbers are not required. The more details you have, the easier it is to find the correct file among thousands of family court cases.
- Full legal name of a party
- Approximate year the case started
- Type of family law case
- Case number if known
- Date of birth if available
Volusia County Family Court Case Categories
Each family court case in Volusia County falls into a specific legal category. Knowing the category helps searchers locate the right file. The categories match the case type codes used by the Florida court system. Court staff can help identify the right category if you are unsure which one applies to your search.
Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage Records
Divorce records cover all dissolution of marriage cases filed in Volusia County. These files include the original petition, financial affidavits, marital settlement agreements, parenting plans for children, and the final judgment of dissolution. The final judgment is the official document that ends the marriage. Divorce records also include any post-judgment motions about alimony, property division, or name changes.
Child Custody and Parenting Plan Records
Child custody records document court orders about where children live, when they visit each parent, and how parents make major decisions. The parenting plan is the central document. It covers time-sharing schedules, holiday schedules, school decisions, medical decisions, and methods for resolving future disputes. These records are part of divorce cases when parents are married, or separate paternity or custody cases when parents are not married.
Child Support Court Records
Child support records contain the financial calculations and court orders for child support payments. The Florida Department of Revenue sometimes files these cases on behalf of parents receiving public assistance. The records include income information, health insurance details, daycare costs, and the final child support order. The clerk also keeps records of payments made and any contempt motions for unpaid support.
Paternity Court Records
Paternity records establish the legal father of a child born to unmarried parents. These cases often start when a mother files a petition to name the father, or when a man files to confirm or deny fatherhood. The records include DNA test results, sworn statements, and the final order of paternity. Once the court establishes paternity, the case may also include orders for child support, custody, and visitation.
Adoption Court Records
Adoption records create a new legal parent-child relationship. These cases include stepparent adoptions, relative adoptions, and adoptions through the foster care system. The records contain the petition for adoption, the home study report, the consent of birth parents or termination of parental rights, and the final adoption decree. Most adoption records are sealed by Florida law to protect the privacy of the adoptive family and the adopted child.
Domestic Violence Injunction Records
Domestic violence injunction records cover petitions for protection against domestic violence. The records include the petition, the temporary injunction, the final injunction after hearing, and any motions to modify or dissolve the order. Some petition documents may be sealed to protect the petitioner’s safety. The clerk follows strict rules about who can see these records. Only the petitioner, the respondent, attorneys of record, and certain law enforcement officers can view sealed portions.
How to Get Certified Copies of Court Records
Certified copies of Volusia County family court records carry the official court seal and the clerk’s signature. Banks, government agencies, employers, and other courts often require certified copies instead of regular photocopies. The clerk charges a small fee for each certified copy. Most certified copies are ready the same day, though complex searches or old paper files may take longer.
Required Identification
Anyone requesting certified copies must show valid photo identification at the clerk’s office. Acceptable forms of ID include a Florida driver’s license, a state-issued identification card, a United States passport, a military identification card, or a permanent resident card. The clerk will copy the ID and keep it with the request. Attorneys requesting records on behalf of clients can provide their bar number instead of personal ID.
Copy Fees and Payment Methods
The standard fee for a certified copy of a court record in Volusia County is $1.00 per page, plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. Additional fees may apply for exemplification or for searches that take more than 30 minutes. The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most major credit and debit cards. Online credit card payments carry a small processing fee charged by the payment vendor.
Processing Time for Certified Copies
Most certified copy requests are processed the same day if the file is already in the electronic system. Paper files stored in the courthouse vault may take one to three business days to pull. Old files stored at the county records center may take up to two weeks. The clerk provides a receipt with a pickup date. Certified copies can be mailed to the requester for an additional postage fee.
7th Judicial Circuit Court System
Volusia County belongs to the 7th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit is one of 20 judicial circuits in the state. Each circuit groups several counties under one administrative structure. The 7th Judicial Circuit handles all court matters for its member counties, including family court cases, criminal cases, civil cases, probate cases, and traffic cases.
Counties in the Circuit
The 7th Judicial Circuit includes four counties in northeast and east central Florida. Volusia County is the largest by population. Flagler County sits to the north. Putnam County lies to the west. St. Johns County lies to the northwest. Each county has its own clerk of court, but all share the same circuit court administration and the same appellate court in Tallahassee.
Family Court Judges
The 7th Judicial Circuit has a dedicated family court division in each county. Volusia County has several family court judges who hear only family law cases. Each judge handles a full docket of divorces, custody disputes, paternity actions, adoptions, and domestic violence petitions. The clerk’s office can tell you which judge is assigned to a specific case.
Courthouse Locations
Family court hearings in Volusia County take place at the main courthouse in DeLand at 101 N. Alabama Avenue. The county also has branch courthouses in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Orange City, but most family law hearings occur in DeLand. The clerk’s website lists the address and phone number for each courthouse. Branch offices can answer basic questions but may refer visitors to DeLand for full record searches.
Online Tools and Electronic Records
Modern technology gives Volusia County residents several online tools for working with family court records. These tools save time and reduce the need for courthouse visits. The main tools include the Clerk E-Filing Portal, the My Florida Court Access portal, and public access computer terminals at the courthouse.
Clerk E-Filing Portal
The Volusia County Clerk maintains an electronic filing portal for attorneys and self-represented people. The portal allows users to file new family court cases, submit motions, upload exhibits, and serve documents on other parties. Filing fees can be paid by credit card or e-check through the portal. Registered users receive email confirmations when the clerk accepts or rejects their filings. The portal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The clerk also maintains an e-filing portal for online case submissions.
This system allows attorneys and self-represented litigants to file family court documents electronically, reducing the need for in-person visits.
My Florida Court Access Portal
My Florida Court Access is the statewide portal for all of Florida’s 67 counties. Volusia County case information appears in this system. Users can search by name, case number, citation number, or party type. The portal shows case dockets, hearing schedules, party lists, and final judgments. Some document images are available for free, while others require payment or a courthouse visit. Email subscriptions notify users of new activity in cases they follow.
Public Access Computer Terminals
Public access computer terminals sit in the clerk’s office lobby at the DeLand courthouse. These terminals let visitors search the same databases available online at no charge. The terminals print selected documents for a small per-page fee. Staff members are nearby to help visitors who have trouble using the computers. The terminals are available during regular business hours only.
The Volusia County Clerk of Court provides information about the 7th Judicial Circuit and related resources.
This resource connects residents with circuit-wide court services and judicial information.
Privacy Rules and Sealed Records
Not all Volusia County family court records are open to the public. Florida law protects certain sensitive information from public view. Sealed records are kept in the clerk’s office but cannot be viewed without a court order. The clerk follows strict rules about what information can be released and to whom.
Records Open to the Public
Most divorce decrees, custody orders, child support orders, and paternity judgments are public records. The public can view the case docket, the final judgment, and most motions filed in the case. The names of the parties, the case number, the judge’s name, and the hearing dates are all public. Court hearings in family cases are generally open to the public, except in rare cases where the judge closes the courtroom.
Records That Are Sealed or Restricted
Adoption records are sealed by Florida law. Financial affidavits in divorce cases are sometimes sealed to protect personal financial details. Medical records and mental health evaluations filed in family cases are usually sealed. The home study reports in adoption cases are confidential. Information about minor children, including their dates of birth and school names, may be redacted from public records.
How to Request Sealed Records
People who need to see sealed records must file a written motion with the court. The motion explains the reason for the request and cites the legal basis for access. A judge reviews the motion and decides whether to grant access. Common reasons for granting access include adoption searches by adult adoptees, criminal investigations, and legitimate research purposes. The clerk cannot release sealed records without a signed court order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volusia Family Court
The following questions cover the most common issues people face when searching Volusia County family court records. Each answer includes specific steps, current fee amounts, and contact details. The answers are based on Florida public records law, the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, and the current policies of the Volusia County Clerk of Court.
How much does it cost to search Volusia County family court records online?
Searching Volusia County family court records online through the My Florida Court Access portal is free. Users can look up case dockets, view hearing schedules, and read most public orders at no charge. Viewing certain document images costs a small fee per page. Certified copies require a separate fee and must be ordered from the clerk’s office. There is no subscription fee for basic online access.
Can I view a Volusia County divorce file from 30 years ago?
Yes, you can view old Volusia County divorce files, but older paper files may take longer to retrieve. Divorce files more than 10 years old may sit in off-site storage and can take one to two weeks to pull. Files from the 1990s and earlier often have only the paper copy, with no electronic version. The clerk charges a search fee if the search takes more than 30 minutes.
Are Volusia County adoption records ever unsealed?
Florida adoption records are sealed under Florida Statute 63.162. Adult adoptees can request a copy of their original birth certificate through the Florida Department of Health after they turn 18. Some adoption records are unsealed through a court order for good cause. The adoption file itself remains sealed, but the original birth certificate provides the adoptee’s biological parents’ names if the parents filed a consent form allowing release.
What should I do if I cannot find a case in the online search?
If a case does not appear in the online search, try different name spellings and date ranges. Old cases may use different formatting for names. Cases filed under a maiden name or a former name may not appear if you search under the current name. If the online search still produces no results, call the clerk’s office at (386) 822-5710 or visit the DeLand courthouse in person for help from a clerk.
Can I get a copy of someone else’s Volusia County child custody order?
Child custody orders are public records, so you can request a copy from the clerk’s office. You will need to provide the case number or the full names of the parties involved. The clerk charges the standard copy fee for a regular photocopy or a higher fee for a certified copy. You will not need the permission of either parent to obtain a public custody order.
How do I request a name change through Volusia County family court?
Name changes for adults go through a separate legal process, not family court. Family court handles name changes only as part of a divorce case. If your divorce judgment includes a name change order, that order is filed in the same case as your divorce. The clerk’s office can give you a certified copy of the name change order, which you can use to update your name with the Social Security Administration and the DMV.
What happens if I miss a hearing in a Volusia County family case?
Missing a family court hearing can have serious consequences. The judge may enter a default order against you, grant the other party’s motion, or issue a bench warrant in some cases. If you know you will miss a hearing, contact your attorney or file a written motion to continue the hearing as soon as possible. You can check future hearing dates and past hearing results through the My Florida Court Access portal.
Contact Volusia County Clerk of Court
The main office of the Volusia County Clerk of Court handles all family court record requests. The office sits at 101 N. Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724. Business hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The phone number for general records questions is (386) 822-5710. The official website at volusiaclerk.org provides online search tools, downloadable forms, and fee schedules. Email support is available through the contact form on the clerk’s website.