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Unified Family Court

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Offices Closed for All In-Person, Non-Essential Services

Our offices are closed for non-essential, in-person services. Clerks will continue to serve customers in person who have essential business with the courts, as outlined in Administrative Order 12.510, including:

Injunctions for cases of domestic violence, repeat violence, sexual violence, stalking or prevention of child abuse
Marchman and Baker Act proceedings
Judicial waivers

Representing Yourself in Court? Register to E-File or Mail in Documents

If you are representing yourself in court, you can choose to file documents electronically or by mail. Registering for the E-Filing portal allows you to file documents and pleadings online, as well as receive electronic communications from the courts about your cases. Learn how to get starting using the E-Filing portal, or see instructions for mailing documents to be filed.

Attorneys are required to E-File.

Unified Family Court handles all case types related to family issues. Although information is available about legal processes, you must hire an attorney for legal advice. Unified Family Court Services are available at all four Palm Beach County courthouse locations.

Cover Sheet for Family Court Cases and Instructions - Form 12.928

Self Service Center: Your Guide Through the Courts

The Clerk & Comptroller's Self Service Center offers assistance for those representing themselves in court. Available services include packets of legal forms and instructions that may be purchased; interactive forms for divorce, small claims and evictions; free navigator assistance with form preparation and more.

Some free family law forms are available at www.flcourts.org.

Notice of Confidential Information Within Court Filing

Any court filings made in a Florida court that contain confidential information must be accompanied by a Notice of Confidential Information – a form that lists exemptions to public records laws, including adoption records, Social Security or bank account numbers, HIV test results or information identifying victims of sexual offenses.

Resources for Attorneys and Other Legal Professionals

It is important to include your name, address and telephone number on every document you file with the court.

Suggestion of Bankruptcy

When filing a Suggestion of Bankruptcy over the counter, a Notice of Filing must be included.

Adoption

Guidelines for filing a Petition For Adoption.

Child Support

Information on child support payments and enforcement.

Divorce

Information about petitions for dissolution of marriage.

Domestic/Repeat/Sexual/Dating Violence/Stalking

Information about Injunctions for Protection Against Domestic Violence, Repeat Violence, Dating Violence or Sexual Violence.

Juvenile

This office handles juvenile delinquency cases (violations of criminal law) and juvenile dependency cases (cases of child abuse, neglect or abandonment).

Mental Health

Information about mental health case types such as Baker Act, Marchman Act, Adult Protective Services Act and more.

Name Change

Information about Petitions for Change of Name (individual, minor, adult, family), including instructions for the electronic fingerprinting process.

Paternity

Any woman who is pregnant or has a child, any man who has reason to believe that he is the father of a child, or any child may bring proceedings in the circuit court to determine the paternity of the child when paternity has not been established by law or otherwise.

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Contact

(561) 355-6511
Email Us

Fees & Costs

Unified Family Court Fees

FAQs

What is a Time-Sharing Schedule?

This is a time table included in the Parenting Plan that specifies the time, including overnights and holidays that a minor child will spend with each parent. It must be ordered by or approved by the Court.
What is Child Support?

Money paid from one parent to the other for the benefit of their children.
What is a Parenting Plan?

This is a document created to govern the relationship between the parties relating to the decisions that must be made regarding the minor child, ie: the child's care, health, education, physical, social and emotional well-being. It shall include a Time-Sharing Schedule.
Who is the non-custodial parent (also referred to as a non-residential parent, respondent or obligor)?

This is the term used for the parent who does NOT live with the child.
Who is the custodial parent (also referred to as primary residential parent, petitioner or obligee)?

This is the term used for the parent or person who lives with the child.
What is the Florida State Disbursement Unit (SDU)?

The SDU is required by Federal Law to collect and disburse child support payments ordered by the Court.
What is an Income Deduction Order (IDO)?

A court order that instructs the payor’s employer to withhold the child support payment from the payor’s income and forward it to the SDU or directly to the other parent.

More FAQs

Clerk & Comptroller, Palm Beach County

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