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Family Law

Family Court Services

Family Court Services is a department of the 4th Judicial Circuit's Court Administration that provides assistance in filing a family law case. Case Managers can assist in obtaining checklists of necessary items, providing access to various family law forms, and advising about case status and court date information.

Self Help Checklists can be found at Family Court Services Checklists

Self Help Forms can be found at flcourts.gov.
 

Filing A Family Law Case

By Florida law, the Clerk’s Office is prohibited from giving legal advice. The Family Law department is only empowered to accept the filing of your petition and/or forms and collecting filing and court fees. If you have questions or need assistance in filing your petition or forms, please contact the 4th Judicial Circuit’s Family Court Services or an attorney prior to coming to the Clerk's Office. You can also find additional resources that may be helpful at the bottom of this page.

When you are ready to file documents into a family law case, you have three options:

  1. Electronically at the Statewide E-Filing Portal:
  2. In Person at two locations:
    • Duval County Courthouse: 501 W. Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 - West Lobby Wing
    • Beaches Branch: 1543 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266
      • NOTE: Only certain types of family law cases can be filed at the Beaches Branch. A list of those case types can be found here: Beaches Branch
  3. By Mail to the following Address:
    • Duval County Clerk's Office
      Family Law Department
      501 W. Adams St
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

Family Law Case Types

The Family Law Department of the Clerk’s Office handles the following types of cases:

  • Adoption
  • Child Support
  • Custody
  • Dissolution of Marriage (divorce)
  • Emergency Pick Up
  • Name Change
  • Paternity
 

Designation of Email Address for a Party Not Represented by an Attorney

If you are not represented by an attorney, you can submit an email address for electronic service of all documents related to your case. This will allow you to be notified by email immediately of any documents filed into your case. The 4th Judicial Circuit has provided a system to allow you to submit this required form electronically. 

Instructions: To begin, please type your case number. DO NOT USE DASHES. Example: 162023DR123456XXXX

Click Here to Register Your Email For Electronic Service
 

Acceptable Payment Methods

By Mail: Money Order or Cashier Checks only (no personal checks accepted)

In Person: Cash, Credit Card, Money Order or Cashier Checks

Electronic filing: Credit Card only

*Please note there is a 3.5% nonrefundable charge to process on all Credit/Debit card payments.

*All checks and money orders should be made out to the Duval Clerk of Court.

Fees

Current fees for Clerk services can be found by visiting the Clerk's fee schedule page at the link below.

Fee Schedule Page

Additional Resources

Additional Resources

ADA Assistance

jud4.org/ADA.aspx or (904)255-1695
Alternative Dispute Resolution/Mediation jud4.org or (904) 255-1090
Bureau of Vital Statistics floridahealth.gov/certificates/certificates or (904) 359-6900
Court Interpreters jud4.org/Court-Interpreters.aspx or (904) 255-1010
CORE - Clerk Online Records E-portal core.duvalclerk.com or (904)255-2389

Duval County Clerk of Courts - Domestic Relations Depository (child support/alimony payment history and purge payments)

(904) 255-2121
Duval County Clerk of Courts - Official Records (for copies or certified copies of Orders) www.duvalclerk.com/departments/official-records or (904) 255-2025
Family Court Services jud4.org or (904) 255-1060
Family Nurturing Services fncflorida.org or (904) 389-4244
First Coast Behavior Solutions (Separate Yet Together Parenting Class) fcbsjax.org/parenting-class or (904) 200-7979
Florida Department of Revenue floridarevenue.com
Hope Haven (Children First Parenting Class) hope-haven.org or (904) 346-5100
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid jaxlegalaid.org
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office - Civil Process

jaxsheriff.org/Resources/civil-process.aspx or (904) 255-2470

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office - Public Records and Fees (fingerprint services) jaxsheriff.org/Resources/services.aspx or (904) 630-2220
LJD Jewish Family & Community Services (Great Kids through Great Co-Parenting Class)  fcsjax.org/coparenting or (904) 394-5706
Our Family Wizard ourfamilywizard.com
State of Florida E-filing Portal myflcourtaccess.com
Talking Parents talkingparents.com
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. trls.org
Family Law Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ's

How do I get a divorce without an attorney? Where can I get forms for dissolution?
How do I get a divorce without an attorney? Where can I get forms for dissolution?

You may file for a Dissolution of Marriage without an attorney. Self-help forms can be downloaded from Florida Courts Family Law Forms. You may wish to contact the 4th Judicial Circuit’s Family Court Services for assistance.

How long does it take to get a divorce?
How long does it take to get a divorce?

Section 61.19, Florida Statutes, states that no final judgment of dissolution may be entered until at least 20 days have elapsed from the date of filing the original petition. The Clerk’s Office cannot advise when a judge may enter an order in a particular case.

I live in another county. Can I file a divorce in Duval County?
I live in another county. Can I file a divorce in Duval County?

Yes, as long as you meet the residency requirement. Section 61.021 Florida Statutes states "To obtain a dissolution of marriage, one of the parties to the marriage must reside in the State of Florida for six months before the filing of the petition."

How can I obtain a copy of my Final Judgment?
How can I obtain a copy of my Final Judgment?

The Clerk’s Official Records and Research Department can assist.

Is there a legal-aid service available to me?
Is there a legal-aid service available to me?

Yes. The Legal Aid Service in Duval County is available by contacting:

Jacksonville Area Legal Aide (JALA)
126 West Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904)356-8371
Do you have a list of providers for the parent education class?
Do you have a list of providers for the parent education class?

Yes. Parenting classes are available through:

  • Hope Haven Children's Clinic and Family Center
    4600 Beach Blvd.
    Jacksonville, FL 32207
    Phone: (904) 346-5100

  • First Coast Behavior Solutions
    Email: parenting.fcsb@gmail.com
    Phone: (904) 200-7979

  • Jewish Family & Community Services
    Email: coparenting@jfcsjax.org
    Phone: (904) 394-5865
Email: erica@positive-development.org
Phone: (904) 516-0913
  • Positive Development LLC 
When do I get a court date?
When do I get a court date?
You will be assigned a court date once all of your papers have been completed and filed. If you have served the other party via Summons, the Family Law Department must have the Original Summons and the Return of Service filed. The person that was served the documents has a total of 20 calendars days (excluding holidays) to respond to the court in writing. This 20 day period begins the day after the party is served and lasts until 5:00 p.m. on the 20th day. If that person does not respond within the time frame, you will need to file a Non-Military Affidavit and a Motion for Default with the court, and you will then be able to request a court date.
Is there anyone that can help me fill out forms?
Is there anyone that can help me fill out forms?

No one can help you fill out the forms except for an Attorney or Paralegal. If you have questions about which forms need to be filed, you may contact Family Court Services at (904) 255-1060.

How can I attend a hearing by telephone?
How can I attend a hearing by telephone?

File a motion with the Court to appear by phone. That motion will be forwarded to the Judge who is hearing your case. The Court will issue an order either granting or denying your motion.

I do not have the money to file my case. Can the filing fee be waved?
I do not have the money to file my case. Can the filing fee be waved?

If you are unable to pay the filing fee(s) for the case, you may complete an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status, available in the Family Law Department. There is no fee for the form. If you are determined to be indigent, the filing fee(s) will be waived. However, the $12.00 administration fee is still applied.

Name Change FAQ's

How do I change my name when it is not related to a divorce action?
How do I change my name when it is not related to a divorce action?
  • You must file a Petition for Change of Name (Minors, Adult or Family)
  • INCLUDE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER ON EVERY DOCUMENT YOU FILE WITH THE COURT.
  • You may choose to hire an attorney.
  • You must pay a filling fee; see the Fees section, above, for the current amount.
  • Before the final court hearing, you are required to include a set of fingerprints taken by an authorized provider, which will then be used for a criminal history background check.
Where can I get my fingerprints completed for my name change?
Where can I get my fingerprints completed for my name change?

Name Change Fingerprint Information

Once a name change case has been filed with the Clerk of Courts, please contact the Sheriff's Office to schedule your fingerprint appointment.  There is a charge for fingerprinting with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office of $45.25.  The following ORI number will be required: FL92366OZ.

Once you receive your Fingerprint Card back from the Sheriff's Office, please bring it to the Clerk's Office for filing in your case.

Paternity FAQ's

What do I do to establish paternity and related relief?
What do I do to establish paternity and related relief?

You must file a petition to ask the court to establish paternity, a parenting plan, time-sharing schedule and/or support of a minor child. You may purchase the forms at any Clerk's office. Please contact us at the number below for more information.

Office Information

Family Law Department

Office Hours
Monday through Friday (excluding holidays): 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Mailing Address
Duval County Clerk of Courts
Attn: FAMILY LAW DEPARTMENT
501 West Adams Street, Room 1054
Jacksonville, FL 32202

Phone
(904) 255-2000

 
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