Law enforcement agencies nationwide are seeing an increase in domestic violence calls during the COVID-19 public health emergency.  Clerk of Courts and Comptroller Crystal K. Kinzel would like to remind county residents that the Clerk’s office is open to assist victims of domestic violence to petition the court for an Injunction for Protection, commonly known as a restraining order.

An Injunction for Protection places restrictions on the abuser that are intended to protect the victim.  Injunctions for Protection are free of charge, and petitions are received and processed by staff in the Clerk’s Domestic Violence unit in partnership with an advocate from the Shelter for Abused Women and Children.  Once completed, the petition is immediately forwarded by the Clerk’s office to the assigned judge.

In addition to injunctions for domestic violence protection, the following in-person essential and critical court functions also remain available:

• Protective injunctions for the safety of vulnerable individuals;
• Protective Injunctions against violence, including domestic, sexual, repeat, dating and stalking;
• Emergency child pick-up orders;
• Temporary guardianship;
• Mental health services - processing paperwork for Baker Act and Marchman Act proceedings;
• Other emergency and urgent matters as determined by the court.

Essential and critical court services are processed at the Office of the Collier County Clerk of Courts - Courthouse Annex, 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL.

For more information, contact Mike Sheffield, Director of Community Relations and Outreach at (239) 252-6879 or visit our website, www.CollierClerk.com.

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Collier Clerk Offering Payment Plan Options to Individuals Struggling to Pay Fines and Fees During the Economic Crisis

During the COVID-19 economic crisis, Clerk of Courts and Comptroller Crystal K. Kinzel would like to remind residents who are struggling to pay court-ordered fines and fees that reasonable payment plans are available.

Individuals with outstanding court-ordered financial obligations may face extreme hardships during the shutdown of businesses during COVID-19.   It’s important to remain in good standing with the court and avoid further sanctions. The Collier Clerk’s office is committed to working with individuals to find a payment plan to fit their circumstances.  Fines and fees can be conveniently paid on-line at www.CollierClerk.com.

To learn more about a establishing a reasonable payment plan or to alter an existing plan, contact the Collier Clerk’s Court Division at (239) 252-2646.  

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Clerk Services and Employees Identified as Essential During the COVID-19 Response

Services provided by the Clerk’s office, and the employees performing those services, have been identified by state and federal authorities as essential to the public’s health, safety and well-being during the COVID-19 response.

The “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” advisory list, developed by the Department of Homeland Security - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), identifies essential workers who have a responsibility to provide services and functions that are necessary for community resilience during the pandemic response.

Clerk services identified by the CISA as necessary for community and national resilience include:

• Support to the operations of the judicial system;
• Performance of title, notary and recording services in support of mortgage and real estate services and transactions;
• Processing of financial transactions, services and payments.

Clerk employees, and all essential workers in our county, are working hard to provide the essential services necessary to keep our community running.  To learn more about the many ways the public can continue to conduct business with the Clerk’s office during the crisis, call us at (239) 252-2646, or visit our website, CollierClerk.com.