FAQ about the Clerk of Courts
Q: What is the function of the Clerk of Courts?
A: Your Clerk is an independently elected constitutional officer with responsibility for nearly 1,000 different constitutional and statutory functions or duties and considered the custodian of the court records and preserver of your county’s history.
Your Clerk ensures the smooth operation of the court system and provides the checks and balances in state and county government.
- Maintains the Court's records and provides access to those records
- Provides assistance to citizens in accessing the Courts
- Processes and maintains Court documents to ensure that litigant's Court cases are handled in a timely manner
- Collects and disburses Court ordered child support and alimony payments
- Collects and disburses numerous fees and assessments for the benefit of state trust funds
Q: Who uses the Clerk of Courts' services?
A: Citizens and attorneys either come to the Clerk's Office or go online to access information about filing a small claims case, request protection in cases of domestic violence, and to participate in a range of other important court activities.
Some of these activities include - paying traffic and criminal fines, initiating or contesting a civil case, pursuing probate issues, making child support payments, filing domestic violence injunctions or seeking help for someone with mental health or substance abuse issues.
Your Clerk's office processes passport applications and issues marriage licenses -- and even performs wedding ceremonies.
In Orange County, over 2.5 million records are filed, preserved and accessed for the Orange County Circuit and County Courts.
Q: Why do we need a Clerk of Court?
A: The Clerk of the Circuit Court, established by the Constitution in 1838, is a public trustee and establishes a system of "checks and balances" at the county level. This has proven to serve the public well for over 170 years. The concept of "checks and balances" is one of the major political doctrines that framed the American system of government.
To learn more go to: www.myfloridaclerks.com
