Palm Bay City family court records cover all family law cases filed by people who live in Palm Bay, Florida. These records include divorce files, child custody orders, child support payments, paternity cases, adoption papers, and domestic violence injunctions.
Palm Bay sits in Brevard County on Florida’s Space Coast. The county clerk holds every family court file for Palm Bay residents. You can see these records online, by mail, or at the clerk’s office. This page explains exactly where to look, what you can see, and how to get copies.
Who Keeps Palm Bay Family Court Records
Every family court case in Palm Bay is filed and stored at the Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The clerk acts as the official record keeper for the 18th Judicial Circuit. Scott Ellis serves as the Brevard County Clerk of Courts. His office runs the central records system for all cities inside Brevard County, including Palm Bay.
The Main Clerk Office in Titusville
The main clerk office sits in Titusville and serves as the central hub for all court records. You can go there in person to ask for copies, file new papers, or check case status. The office handles filings from every city in Brevard County, so Palm Bay cases are stored in the same system.
| Office Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
| Clerk | Scott Ellis |
| Street Address | 400 S. Street, Titusville, FL 32796 |
| Phone Number | (321) 637-5413 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Official Website | brevardclerk.us |
You can also visit the Palm Bay branch office for some services. The branch offices close between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Call ahead before you visit to check hours and service availability.
City Clerk vs Court Clerk
The City of Palm Bay has its own city clerk office at 120 Malabar Road SE. You can call the city clerk at (321) 952-3414. The city clerk handles city council papers, permits, and local business filings. The city clerk does not keep family court records. All family court papers are held only at the county level.
How to Search Palm Bay Family Court Records Online
The Brevard County Clerk runs a free online search tool on its website. You can look up family court cases from Palm Bay using a name or case number. The search shows basic case details, filing dates, party names, and the current status of each case. Some documents are viewable online for a small fee.
Steps for the Clerk Website Search
To start a search, go to the Brevard County Clerk website at brevardclerk.us. Click the online records link on the home page. Choose the case search option. Enter the full name of at least one party in the case. You can also enter a case number if you have it. Pick a date range to narrow the results. Review the list of cases that match your search. Click on a case to see its full docket and document list.
- Full legal name of one party in the case
- Case number, if known
- Year or date range for the case
- A credit or debit card to pay for document copies
Searches are free. You only pay when you want to see or download a specific document. Each page of a court document costs a small fee set by Florida law.
Using the MyFloridaCourtAccess Portal
The State of Florida runs a statewide court records portal called MyFloridaCourtAccess. This portal also shows family court cases from the 18th Judicial Circuit, which includes Palm Bay. The state portal lets you search cases from all Florida counties in one place. You can also use this portal to file new family court papers through the e-filing system. The site is at myflcourtaccess.com.
Types of Family Court Records in Palm Bay
The Brevard County Clerk stores many types of family court records for Palm Bay residents. Each type of case has its own file, docket, and document set. Some files are open to the public. Other files are sealed by court order and cannot be viewed without permission.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are the most common family court file. They include the petition, the response, financial affidavits, child custody papers if children are involved, and the final judgment of divorce. The final judgment ends the marriage and lists how property is split, who pays support, and the parenting plan if there are minor children. You can get a certified copy of the final judgment to prove the divorce is final.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Child custody cases create records that show the parenting plan, time-sharing schedule, and decision-making rules for each parent. These records also list any restrictions on travel, relocation, or third-party contact. Changes to custody after the original order create new filings called supplemental petitions. All of these papers are part of the same case file.
Child Support Records
Child support records include the original support order, payment history, income withholding orders, and any motions to change the support amount. The Florida Department of Revenue also keeps a separate payment record. You can ask the clerk for a payment history printout for a small fee.
Paternity Records
Paternity cases decide who the legal father of a child is. The records include the petition, DNA test results, and the final order that names the legal father. Once paternity is set, the case can move to support or custody. Paternity records are public once the case is closed.
Adoption Records
Adoption records in Florida are sealed by law. You cannot view adoption files without a court order. Even adult adoptees must ask the court for permission to see their original birth file. The clerk can only release adoption records when a judge signs an order allowing it.
Domestic Violence Injunction Records
Domestic violence cases create injunction for protection records. These papers include the petition, the temporary injunction, and the final injunction after a full hearing. Some injunction records are sealed to protect the victim. The clerk can tell you which parts of the file are open and which are sealed.
How to Get Copies of Palm Bay Family Court Records
You have three main ways to get copies of family court records from Palm Bay. You can go to the clerk office in person, order by mail, or use the online system. Each method has its own cost and waiting time.
In-Person Requests
Visiting the clerk office gives you same-day service for most records. Bring a photo ID, the case number, and payment. The clerk will pull the file and make your copies while you wait. In-person visits work best for certified copies that you need right away.
Mail Requests
You can mail a written request to the clerk office for copies of specific documents. Include the case number, the names of the parties, the year the case was filed, and the exact documents you want. Send a check or money order for the copy fees plus postage. Mail requests take one to three weeks to process, based on how old the case is and how many files the clerk has to search.
Online Document Orders
The online system lets you view and print some documents right away. You can pay by credit card. The system charges a small fee per page. Some older documents are scanned images. Other documents are only in paper form and require a clerk to pull them. You will get a message in the system if a clerk needs to retrieve the file.
Copy and Certification Fees
Florida law sets the cost of court copies. Plain copies cost one dollar per page. Certified copies cost seven dollars for the first page and one dollar for each extra page. The certification stamp proves the copy is a true copy of the original court file. Many legal and government agencies require certified copies.
| Copy Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Plain Copy | $1.00 per page |
| Certified Copy (First Page) | $7.00 |
| Certified Copy (Each Extra Page) | $1.00 per page |
| Document Search Fee | $2.00 per name per year |
Filing a New Family Court Case in Palm Bay
Palm Bay residents file new family cases at the Brevard County Courthouse through the clerk office. The 18th Judicial Circuit has family court divisions with judges who only hear family law cases. You can file in person or use the e-filing portal.
Filing Fees for Family Cases
The filing fee for a divorce in Florida is set by state law and includes the base filing fee plus service of process costs. Additional fees apply for child custody modifications, name changes, and paternity actions. If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask the court for a fee waiver by filing an application for indigent status.
E-Filing Through the State Portal
Most family court papers can be filed online through the Florida E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. You create a free account, choose the 18th Judicial Circuit, and select the Brevard County filing location. You upload your forms in PDF format and pay by credit card. The system sends your filing to the clerk office. You get an email when the clerk accepts or rejects the filing.
Service of Process
After you file, you must serve the other party with a copy of the papers. Service can be done by the Brevard County Sheriff or by a private process server. The clerk can issue a summons for service. The other side has 20 days to respond to a family court petition in Florida.
Legal Help for Palm Bay Family Court Cases
Family court cases can be hard to handle alone. Palm Bay residents have several free or low-cost options for legal help. These services help with forms, court process, and sometimes full legal representation.
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service
The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service that connects you with family law attorneys in Brevard County. The service can match you with a lawyer who offers a free or low-cost first meeting. Call 1-800-561-2808 to get a referral. The Florida Bar also certifies legal specialists in marital and family law.
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida provides free legal aid to low-income residents in Brevard County. They help with divorce, custody, domestic violence, and other family law matters. Call (321) 723-9595 to apply for help. The office serves people who meet income guidelines set by the federal government.
Court Self-Help Center
The Brevard County Courthouse has a self-help center where staff help you fill out family court forms. The center does not give legal advice. Staff can explain court process, help you understand which forms you need, and check that your forms are filled out the right way. The self-help center is open during regular court hours.
Official Florida Family Law Forms
Florida law requires you to use official state forms for family court cases. The forms are free at the Florida Courts website. The family law forms use the 12.900 number series. Each form comes with step-by-step instructions. You should always use the most current form version when you file.
Sealed and Confidential Family Court Records
Some family court records are sealed by Florida law. Sealed records cannot be viewed by the public without a court order. Adoption records are sealed by default. Some domestic violence files are sealed to protect victims. Financial affidavits filed in divorce cases may be sealed if the judge grants a motion to do so.
How to Ask for a Sealed Record
If you need a sealed record, you must file a written motion asking the judge to open the file. The motion must state the reason you need the records. The judge reviews the motion and decides whether to grant it. The other parties in the case can object to the motion. You cannot get a sealed record just because you ask for it.
Expungement of Family Court Records
Some family court records can be expunged or sealed after a set period. Eligibility for expungement depends on the type of case and the outcome. Domestic violence injunctions that were denied or dismissed can sometimes be expunged. The clerk office can tell you if your case qualifies for expungement under Florida law.
Palm Bay Family Court Hearings and Schedule
Family court hearings in Palm Bay take place at the Brevard County Courthouse in Titusville. Some hearings are held at branch court locations. The clerk office can tell you the time and place of any hearing. You can also check the court calendar online through the clerk website.
Hearing Types in Family Court
Family court hearings include case management conferences, mediation hearings, motion hearings, and final trials. Case management conferences help the court move the case forward. Mediation hearings try to settle the case without a trial. Motion hearings decide specific requests, like a change in child support. Final trials happen when the parties cannot agree.
How to Check a Court Date
You can check your court date through the clerk online case search. The case docket lists all scheduled hearings with the date, time, and courtroom. The docket also shows the name of the judge assigned to the case. If you miss a court date, the judge may issue a default order against you.
Common Family Court Filing Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make mistakes when filing family court papers without a lawyer. These mistakes can delay your case or cause the court to reject your filing. Here are common errors to avoid in Palm Bay family court cases.
Using the Wrong Form Version
Florida updates its family law forms on a regular basis. Always download the most current version from the Florida Courts website. Old forms may be missing required fields or have outdated instructions. The clerk will reject your filing if you use the wrong form version.
Skipping Required Attachments
Many family court forms require you to attach other documents. A financial affidavit must be filed with most divorce petitions. Child support cases require a child support guidelines worksheet. Missing attachments will get your filing rejected by the clerk.
Missing Service of Process
You must serve the other party with a copy of every document you file. The court will not move your case forward until it has proof that the other side was served. Proof of service must be filed with the clerk before the court can set a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Bay Family Court Records
This section answers common questions about Palm Bay family court records. The answers cover how to find records, get copies, and handle common issues. These answers are based on Florida law and Brevard County clerk policy as of 2026.
Can I see Palm Bay family court records for free?
Yes, you can search for Palm Bay family court cases for free on the Brevard County Clerk website. The search shows case details, party names, filing dates, and the docket. You only pay when you want to view or print a specific document. Certified copies always cost money.
How long does it take to get a certified copy by mail?
Mail requests for certified copies usually take one to three weeks. The exact time depends on how old the case is and how many files the clerk needs to search. Cases filed before 1990 may take longer because they may be in storage. You can call (321) 637-5413 to check the status of your mail request.
Are Palm Bay divorce records public?
Most divorce records are public once the case is closed. The final judgment of divorce is open to the public. Financial affidavits and some other papers may be sealed by court order. Adoption records are sealed by law and cannot be viewed without a court order.
Can I look up a family court case by name?
Yes, the Brevard County Clerk online search lets you look up cases by name. You need the full legal name of at least one party. The search also accepts case numbers, which give faster and more exact results. You can narrow the search by year range to make it easier.
What if I cannot afford the filing fee?
Florida courts let you ask for a fee waiver if you have low income. You file an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status with the clerk. The clerk reviews your income and assets. If you qualify, the court waives the filing fee for your case.
Where do I file a family court case in Palm Bay?
You file all family court cases at the Brevard County Clerk office. The main office is at 400 S. Street in Titusville. You can also file online through the Florida E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. Palm Bay does not have its own family court. All family cases for Palm Bay residents go through the county clerk.
Official Contact Information:
Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Phone: (321) 637-5413
Website: brevardclerk.us
Address: 400 S. Street, Titusville, FL 32796
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM