Divorce records in California are essential legal documents that provide evidence and details of a divorce proceeding. Whether you're seeking a copy for legal, genealogical, or personal reasons, understanding the process, access restrictions, and where to find these records can help you navigate the system more efficiently. This guide explores everything from how to obtain a divorce certificate to court case lookups in Los Angeles.
Are Divorce Records Public in California?
Yes, divorce records in California are generally public. According to the California Public Records Act, most court documents, including divorce records, are accessible unless they have been sealed by a judge. However, specific sensitive details such as social security numbers, financial statements, or information about children may be redacted to protect privacy.
You can access basic information like:
- Names of parties involved
- Case number
- Filing date and case status
- Court in the county where the divorce was filed
Confidential divorce proceedings are rare and usually require a court order to seal records. For example, high-profile or domestic violence-related divorces may be partially or fully restricted from public access. In those cases, even case numbers may not be visible in online lookups.
It's important to note that while most case data is available, the documents themselves (like the divorce decree or settlement agreement) may not be accessible online. These must typically be requested in person or by mail.
How to Find Divorce Records in California
To find divorce records in California, you need to know at least one party's full name and preferably the county where the divorce was filed. Records are maintained by the Superior Court in the county where the divorce occurred. California has 58 counties, and each one manages its own court records independently.
Here's how you can start:
- Online Search: Some counties allow free online case lookups. For instance, the Los Angeles Superior Court provides a court case lookup tool.
- In-Person Visit: Visit the court clerk's office in the courthouse where the divorce was finalized. Public kiosks may be available.
- Mail Request: Submit a written or printed records request form to the appropriate county superior court with details like case number and party names.
Helpful Tip: Having the case number greatly speeds up the retrieval process. If you don't have it, you can search by party name and date range to narrow down the result.
If your case is very old (e.g., pre-1990), you may need to request the court to search archived records. This could take extra processing time and incur search fees.
Where to Obtain a Divorce Certificate in California
A divorce certificate is a summary of the final judgment in a divorce case, typically used for legal or identification purposes. To obtain an official certified copy of this document, you should contact the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Vital Records or the Superior Court where the divorce was granted.
Steps to obtain a divorce certificate:
- Download and complete the Application for Certified Copy of Divorce Record from the CDPH website.
- Include a notarized sworn statement, especially for authorized copies.
- Pay the required fee (generally around $16 per copy).
- Mail your request to:
California Department of Public Health
Vital Records Section MS: 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
Important: CDPH only holds a limited index for divorces between 1962 and June 1984. These are summary records and not full decrees. For comprehensive records, always contact the court in the county where the divorce was finalized.
Some counties, such as Santa Clara or San Diego, allow you to make requests online or download forms from their official websites.
California Superior Court and County Clerk Roles
In California, divorce cases are handled by the Superior Court, and the clerical support for these cases is managed by the court clerk, not the county clerk in most situations. The county clerk-recorder's office typically manages marriage licenses and birth or death certificates, but not divorce documents.
The superior court processes every step of the divorce including:
- Filing of the divorce petition
- Hearings and judgments
- Maintaining the official court case file
- Issuing court orders and final divorce decrees
When requesting divorce records, you will usually deal with the family law division of the superior court.
Divorce Records California: What They Include
A full divorce record in California can be a comprehensive case file with multiple legal documents:
- Divorce petition (initial filing)
- Response from the other spouse
- Final divorce decree (the official judgment)
- Custody and visitation orders (if children are involved)
- Spousal support (alimony) decisions
- Child support orders
- Court orders related to property division
- Marital settlement agreements
These documents are important in various legal scenarios such as proving marital status, enforcing financial support, changing your name, or updating marital history for immigration or remarriage.
If you are not a party in the case, you might still be able to view the record unless the case is sealed, though you may not be able to request certified copies.
Free Public Divorce Records California: Is It Possible?
While accessing basic information about a divorce case (names, court, dates, case number) is often free, certified copies of any divorce-related documents usually come with a fee.
Here are some free resources:
- Los Angeles Superior Court Case Access
- California Court Records Search
- On-site public access terminals at county courthouses
However, even when case details are publicly viewable, full documents like the divorce decree may not be downloadable online. You will often need to request these in person or by mail.
Additionally, some websites may advertise "free divorce records" but lead you to paid services or only show partial information.
How to Look Up Divorce Records in Los Angeles
Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the U.S., and its court system is vast. To access divorce records in Los Angeles, follow these steps:
Use the LA Superior Court's Online Services:
- Visit the LA Court Online Services Portal
- Choose "Family Law" and then "Case Access"
- Enter the party name or case number
To get certified copies:
- Visit the Stanley Mosk Courthouse: 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Or send a request by mail to the Family Law Division
Keep in mind:
- The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk does not manage divorce records
- Certified divorce decrees are only available from the Superior Court
FAQs
Check the final divorce decree issued by the court. You can also contact the superior court where the case was filed to confirm the status.
Yes, but only under certain circumstances. You must request that the court seal your records, and the judge must approve it.
Partially. Case summaries and status updates may be online, but full records typically must be obtained in person or via mail.
No. Divorce records are permanent once filed and finalized. They do not have an expiration date.
Yes, many counties allow online searches, though certified copies must still be requested through the county recorder.
A certificate is a summary. A decree is a full court order detailing the terms of the divorce.
Types of Divorce Records in California
There are multiple divorce-related documents that may be referred to collectively as "divorce records."
Main Types:
- Divorce Certificate: Contains basic info: names, court location, and final date
- Divorce Decree: Contains the full final judgment and all terms
- Case File: Contains all filings, court orders, motions, and agreements
Each type is used for different legal and administrative purposes. For example, immigration offices often require a full divorce decree, not just the certificate.
Step-by-Step Process to Get a California Divorce Record
- Identify the County: Know where the divorce was finalized.
- Search Online: Use the superior court's online case access tool.
- Gather Key Details: Names, approximate date, and ideally the case number.
- Choose Your Method:
- Visit the courthouse in person
- Submit a written request by mail
- Use an online form (if the county supports it)
- Include Payment: Certified copies require a fee. Checks or money orders are usually accepted.
- Provide Valid ID: Especially if requesting a certified document
- Wait for Processing: Timelines vary by county but may take 2-4 weeks
Some counties may allow you to track the status of your request online.
Special Cases: Sealed and Archived Divorce Records
Older records (especially those before 1990) may be stored in off-site archives or microfilm. These requests can take longer and may require additional steps.
Sealed Records:
Sealed divorce cases cannot be accessed by the public. Common reasons for sealed records include:
- Domestic violence
- Child abuse allegations
- Celebrity or high-profile cases
- Sensitive financial disclosures
To access sealed records, you must:
- File a motion with the court
- Justify why you need access
- Wait for the judge's decision
Sealed records require strong justification, and access is not guaranteed.
Legal Uses for Divorce Records
You might need divorce records in a variety of legal and personal situations:
- Remarriage applications (proving you're legally divorced)
- Immigration or visa applications
- Name change procedures
- Social Security updates
- Inheritance or estate planning
- Child custody and visitation disputes
Always ensure you are requesting the correct type of record (certificate vs. decree vs. full case file) based on the requirement of the organization or legal process you're dealing with.