Port St. Lucie City Family Court Records are public files kept by the St.
Lucie County Clerk of Court, not the city clerk. These records cover divorce, custody, support, paternity, and adoption cases filed by Port St. Lucie residents. All family law cases in Port St. Lucie fall under the 19th Judicial Circuit Court in Florida. The county clerk stores these files in Fort Pierce, which is the county seat. Anyone can view most family court records online or at the clerk’s office during business hours.
Where Port St. Lucie Family Court Records Are Kept
Family court records for Port St. Lucie live at the county level. The city of Port St. Lucie does not store any court files. The St. Lucie County Clerk of Court holds every family case filed in the county. This setup means Port St. Lucie residents must use the county system for all court record needs.
St. Lucie County Clerk of Court Role
The St. Lucie County Clerk of Court is the main office for all family court files in Port St. Lucie. The current clerk is Michelle R. Miller, who was elected to this position. Her office manages records for the 19th Judicial Circuit, which covers St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. The clerk’s team handles filings, stores old records, and issues certified copies to the public.
You can reach the clerk’s office by phone at (772) 462-6900. The main office sits at 201 S. Indian River Drive in Fort Pierce, Florida 34950. Office hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Visitors need a valid photo ID to enter the building. Security screening is required at the front entrance.
Port St. Lucie City Clerk vs County Clerk
The Port St. Lucie City Clerk and the St. Lucie County Clerk handle very different types of files. The city clerk runs the city government office at 121 SW Port St. Lucie Boulevard. They keep city council meeting notes, local laws, business permits, and city contracts. The city clerk does not store any court records of any kind.
Family court records stay with the county clerk because Florida runs its court system at the county level. Port St. Lucie is part of St. Lucie County for all court matters. This means divorce records, custody files, and support orders all go to the county clerk in Fort Pierce, even when both parties live in Port St. Lucie city limits.
Types of Family Court Records Available
Port St. Lucie family courts process many types of cases. Each case type creates a different set of records. Most files stay open to the public, but some details get hidden for safety reasons.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce records rank as the most common family court files in Port St. Lucie. Each divorce case includes the original petition, financial papers, settlement deals, and the final judgment. The final judgment shows how the court split property, debts, and other marital items. These files also include any court orders about spousal support and name changes.
You can search for divorce records by the husband’s or wife’s name. You can also search by case number if you know it. Basic case details show up on the clerk’s website. Full document copies require a visit to the office or a written request.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Child custody cases create detailed parenting plans. These plans spell out how parents split time with their children. They also list which parent makes decisions about school, health care, and religion. Custody records often include home study reports from court experts.
Time-sharing schedules in these records show which days and holidays each parent has the kids. The court can change these schedules later through modification orders. All changes get added to the same case file. Parents and lawyers can pull these files to check past orders.
Child Support Records
Child support records show payment orders and income calculations. The court uses Florida’s child support guidelines to set payment amounts. These guidelines look at each parent’s income, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses. Support records also show payment history and any back-owed amounts.
The Florida Department of Revenue works with the court on some support cases. This happens when one parent gets state aid. Their payment records link to both the court file and the state system. The clerk’s office can help locate these records using either parent’s name.
Paternity and Adoption Records
Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood. These files include DNA test results, signed acknowledgments, and court orders. Once paternity is set, the father’s name goes on the birth certificate. The court can also order child support and custody as part of the paternity case.
Adoption records create new legal ties between parents and children. These files include the original birth certificate, home studies, and the final adoption order. Adoption files are often sealed after the case closes. Sealed adoption records can only be opened by court order for very specific reasons.
How to Search Port St. Lucie Family Court Records
You have three main ways to look up family court records in Port St. Lucie. Each method works for different needs. The online tools are fast but show limited details. The in-person visit gives you full access to all papers.
Online Search Tools
The St. Lucie County Clerk runs an online case search at www.stlucieclerk.org. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date. The search shows the case type, filing date, and current status. You can also see a list of filed papers for each case.
For statewide searches, use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com. This site covers all Florida counties. It works well when you need to check cases across different counties. Both sites are free to use and run on any web browser.
In-Person Records Requests
Going to the clerk’s office in Fort Pierce gives you full access to all files. Staff can help you find cases and pull physical folders. You can read files in the office and pay for copies on the spot. The office has public computers you can use for free searches.
Plan your visit during weekday business hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Arrive early because security screening takes time. Bring a valid photo ID and any case details you already know. The staff can find cases using just a name, but case numbers speed up the process.
Mail and Phone Requests
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit in person. Send a written request to the clerk’s office at 201 S. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. Include the case number, party names, and what records you need. Add a check or money order for copy fees. The office will mail copies back to you.
Phone requests work for simple case lookups. Call (772) 462-6900 during business hours. Staff can confirm if a case exists and give you basic details. They cannot read full file contents over the phone. You still need to visit or send a mail request for full copies.
Fees for Certified Copies and Printouts
The clerk’s office charges fees for paper copies and certified copies. These fees follow Florida state law. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most major credit cards.
Standard Copy Costs
Regular paper copies cost $1.00 per page. This rate applies to all family court documents. Color copies cost more than black and white copies. You can pay for copies at the office or add payment to your mail request.
The clerk charges extra for large files that need special handling. Some old records are stored off-site and need a few days to pull. The office will tell you about any extra fees before they process your request.
Certification and Authentication Fees
Certified copies cost $3.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each extra page. A certified copy has the clerk’s stamp and signature. Courts, government agencies, and most employers require certified copies. The clerk can also add an extra authentication called an apostille for use in other countries.
You must request certification at the time of copy. The clerk cannot certify a copy after the fact. Bring ID when you pick up certified copies in person. Mail requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return shipping.
What Records Stay Sealed or Private
Most family court records are public, but some files get sealed. Sealed files are not open to the public. The court can seal records to protect children, victims, and private financial details.
Sealed Court Files in Family Cases
A judge can seal a whole case file or just specific papers. Common reasons for sealing include protecting children from harm, keeping trade secrets, and hiding personal safety risks. Adoption records get sealed after the case ends. Paternity records stay open in most cases.
You can ask the court to seal your own records. You must file a written motion and show good cause. The other side can object to the sealing request. The judge makes the final call after hearing both sides.
Redacted Information on Public Files
The clerk removes certain details from all public files. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers get blacked out. Children’s full names may be shortened to initials in some documents. Home addresses of protected parties stay hidden in domestic violence cases.
The redaction happens before files go online. The clerk’s office follows Florida Supreme Court rules on what to hide. Anyone who needs unredacted copies must get a court order. This protects people from identity theft and other harm.
Port St. Lucie Family Court Location and Hours
The St. Lucie County Courthouse sits in Fort Pierce, which is about 25 minutes from Port St. Lucie. All family court hearings for Port St. Lucie cases happen at this location. The courthouse has separate sections for different case types.
Courthouse Address and Phone
The main courthouse address is 201 S. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. The main phone number is (772) 462-6900. Family court hearings happen in specific courtrooms on the second floor. The clerk’s office windows are on the first floor for record requests.
Parking is free at the courthouse. The lot has spaces for visitors and people with disabilities. Security screening happens at the front entrance. Leave weapons, sharp objects, and food in your car. The security line moves fast most days.
Website and Online Portal
The official website is www.stlucieclerk.org. This site has the case search tool, forms, fee schedules, and contact details. You can also find court dates and hearing schedules on the site. The website works on phones and tablets.
For statewide records, visit www.myflcourtaccess.com. This portal links to all 67 Florida counties. It works well for cross-county checks. Both sites are free and do not require an account to use.
Common Family Court Cases in Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie family courts handle thousands of cases each year. Most cases involve families with children. The court also handles cases about money, property, and personal safety.
Domestic Violence Injunctions
Domestic violence cases move fast in Florida. A person can ask for a temporary injunction the same day they file. The court holds a full hearing within 15 days. The injunction can order the abuser to stay away from the victim and their children.
These cases create public records unless the judge seals them. The injunction order shows on background checks. Violating an injunction is a crime that can lead to arrest. The clerk’s office keeps all injunction papers in the case file.
Paternity and Adoption Filings
Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood and parental rights. The court can order DNA tests, set support amounts, and decide custody. These cases affect birth certificates, inheritance rights, and child support. Most paternity cases settle without a trial.
Adoption cases create new parent-child relationships. The court reviews home studies, background checks, and parental consent. Stepparent adoptions are common in Port St. Lucie. These cases often run alongside divorce or custody cases. The final adoption order is a permanent legal record.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Port St. Lucie family court records. These questions come from real users who need to look up cases, check court dates, or get copies of legal papers. The answers below cover the most frequent needs and concerns.
How do I find Port St. Lucie divorce records online?
You can find Port St. Lucie divorce records on the St. Lucie County Clerk website at www.stlucieclerk.org. Use the case search tool and enter either spouse’s full name. The search results show the case number, filing date, and current status. You can also see a list of filed papers in the case. The Florida Courts portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com also works for statewide divorce record searches. Both sites show basic case details for free. Full document copies require a visit to the clerk’s office in Fort Pierce or a mail request with payment.
Are Port St. Lucie family court records public?
Yes, most Port St. Lucie family court records are public under Florida law. This includes divorce files, custody orders, child support records, and paternity cases. Anyone can search for these records by name or case number. Some records stay sealed by court order, such as adoption files and cases involving domestic violence. The clerk also redacts sensitive details like social security numbers from public files before posting them online. You can view most public records at the clerk’s office during business hours.
Can I access family court records from my home?
Yes, you can access Port St. Lucie family court records from home using the clerk’s online search tool. The website at www.stlucieclerk.org works on any computer with internet access. You can search by name or case number and see basic case details. You can also view the list of filed documents for each case. For full copies of documents, you need to visit the clerk’s office or send a mail request with payment. The online tool does not show every document in the file.
What does it cost to get a certified copy of a court order?
Certified copies of Port St. Lucie family court orders cost $3.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each extra page. The clerk adds a stamp and signature to verify the copy is real. Courts, government agencies, and most employers require certified copies for legal use. You can order certified copies in person at the Fort Pierce office or by mail. Mail orders must include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards.
How long does the clerk keep old family court records?
The St. Lucie County Clerk keeps family court records permanently under Florida law. Paper files move to off-site storage after a few years, but the records stay in the system. Older files may take a few extra days to pull from storage. Digital records stay available online through the clerk’s website. Adoption records get sealed after the case ends, but the clerk still keeps them in the system. Sealed records can be opened only by court order.
Can I remove my name from public family court records?
You can ask the court to seal your records by filing a written motion. You must show good cause for the sealing. Common reasons include safety risks, harm to children, and personal privacy. The other party can object to your request. The judge decides whether to seal the records after a hearing. Some details always stay public, such as the case number and basic case type. Full sealing is rare and only happens in specific situations.
Where do I go for family court hearings in Port St. Lucie?
All Port St. Lucie family court hearings happen at the St. Lucie County Courthouse in Fort Pierce. The address is 201 S. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. The courthouse is about 25 minutes from Port St. Lucie by car. Family court hearings take place on the second floor in specific courtrooms. You can find your court date and room on the clerk’s website or on your hearing notice. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to clear security.
Official Website: www.stlucieclerk.org
Phone Number: (772) 462-6900
Address: 201 S. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM