California Divorce Records

By Ben Kingsley


It is easy for one to obtain a record of their divorce in California. Like other US states, the divorce record is considered as public record and as such the information is available for anybody. For those interested in obtaining a copy of the divorce decree, it is important to know whether they are eligible for an authorized copy or limited to informational copies of the divorce decree.

An authorized copy is one that is certified and can be used as supporting document for spousal or child support and other related things. People who are eligible for an authorized copy are those parties named in the decree, their parents/relatives, domestic partner, an attorney acting in behalf of the registrant, a licensed adoption agency, law enforcement agency and a person who requires such record in the performance of his job. An informational copy contains the same information that an authorized copy has. However, a statement is printed on the copy stating that the report is for informational purpose only and is not a valid document. An authorized copy holds more power than an informational copy.

For those who want to obtain a copy only, they can visit the California Department of Public Health or CDPH Vital Records section. The Vital records office does not issue marriage and divorce certified copies; they can however issue a Certificate of Record. The Certificate of Record contains a summary of the case, the parties involved and the county that granted the divorce. Certificates of Records do not include the decision with regards to the case. For those who need a certified copy, they can visit the California Superior Court or the Superior Court of the County where the divorce was granted. Available records from the CDPH range from 1962 to 1984; the rest of the records are available from the Superior court.

To request for Certificate of Records, a pamphlet is available for one to download at the States' Health department website. The pamphlet contains all the information on how to request for the Certificate as well as the form to be submitted. Payments are not refundable and in case the Office finds no record, it will issue a Certificate of No Record. Processing for the request takes about 6 months not including the shipping of the request. Money orders and US drawn checks are accepted.

For those who need a certified copy of the divorce decree, they can go to the California Superior court or the County's superior court to request for the record. It is important to check the fee schedule as each county has different fees. Divorce records search in Alameda County for example is available from the Superior Court of Alameda. Each record search costs about $15 for searches conducted longer than 15 minutes. Divorce records cost about $15 and some administrative or handling charges may apply. For those who are on a budget, they can visit the records division and do the search themselves free. The Court does not accept any phone request though they accept walk in and mail request. For those who want to get their certified copies without having to wait, they can also avail of public search sites that provide the information free or for a fee. One can easily get hold of the information they want without having to go to the county superior court to search for the records.




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