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1. Can you assist me with the legal aspects of my Domestic Relations case?

We are not attorneys, nor are we licensed to practice law in the State of Florida. We cannot give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice. As Deputy Clerks of the Circuit Court, we may provide you with limited assistance regarding the procedural aspects of filing your case.

2. If I am disabled, and it is necessary for me to appear in court, whom should I contact to accommodate my special needs?

In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, persons with a disability needing special accommodations to participate in a proceeding should contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Martin County no later than 7 days prior to the proceeding at:
P.O. Box 9016
Stuart, FL 34995

or call 772-288-5576, 800-955-11730 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (V) via Florida Relay Service.

3. I am ready to file my case in the Domestic Relations Division, but need someone to witness or notarize my signature. Can you do this?

Yes, as Deputy Clerks we may witness your signature at a fee of $3.50 per signature, providing you have proper identification. Be sure to bring your I.D. with you to the Clerk’s Office.

4. I have an order from another state, but would like to have it recognized here in Florida for the purpose of enforcement. Is another state’s order enforceable here?

Florida authorities will only act on an order issued in Florida. Unless you are familiar with the procedure involved in having your order either registered or domesticated in Florida, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney, or, in child support cases, the Department of Revenue 850-488-KIDS (5437).

5. I have a dissolution case that was filed in Martin County and finalized in 1992. Can I get copies from my file?

Absolutely. Copies may be obtained at a cost of $1 per page. Should you require a certified copy, there is an additional $2 per document charge.

6. I would like a copy of my adoption case. Is this possible?

Adoptions and Dependencies are protected cases, and thus are not open for public inspection. If you are an adoptee, with proper identification, you may obtain a copy of your final judgment. With proper identification, your adoptive parents and attorney(s) of record may obtain copies of all documents filed in your adoption file. Biological parents must obtain a court order for access to adoption files.

7. How do I go about setting a court hearing in my Domestic Relations case?

The procedure for setting a court hearing varies, depending upon whether you are represented by an attorney, or you are a "pro se" or self-represented litigant. If you are represented by legal counsel, your attorney will set any necessary court hearings for you by contacting the judge's office. If you represent yourself in a domestic matter, all hearings will be scheduled through the Court's Self Help Coordinator. The procedure for scheduling a pro se hearing is outlined in the legal packets sold in the Domestic Relations Division.