California Public Divorce Records
Records of divorce in California are easy to access as such records are considered public property. For those who want to request for a record of their divorce or obtain another person's divorce decree, it is imperative that one should know if one is eligible to access an authorized or an informational copy.
Authorized copies of divorce decrees contain the registrants, the date the case was filed as well as the county where the divorce was filed. Authorized copies can be used as supporting documents for those who need spousal support or child benefit(s). Those who are eligible to obtain an authorized copy include the registrant themselves, their kids, siblings or parents, their domestic partners, adoption agency (in case of adoptions), law enforcers as well as those individuals who are authorized to act on behalf of the parties. What sets the information copy apart from authorized copies is that informational copies cannot be used as a supporting document and is given for information purposes only.
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 a Certificate of Record, download the pamphlet available from the CDPH site. Follow the instruction guide and complete the requirements needed. Fees vary and are non-refundable. The Office will issue a certificate of No Public Records if there are no records found. Payments for the copy should be included with the request. Payments can be made via money order or checks that are drawn from a US bank. Money orders issued by the USPS are also accepted. Processing time can exceed six months depending on the request volume.
Those who want a certified copy of their divorce can do so by making a mail request to the California Superior Court. One can also make an in person request, as the court does not accept phone requests. Fees vary from one county to another. In Alameda County for example, a divorce record search of more than 15 minutes will cost one $15. Certified copies of the divorce report also cost $15. For those who are on a tight budget, they can do an in person search and check out the records themselves. For a more convenient and hassle-free record search, one can check out online sites that do offer public records searches. This is the most convenient way for one to get hold of records without having to wait for the processing time that requesting from the county court needs.
Authorized copies of divorce decrees contain the registrants, the date the case was filed as well as the county where the divorce was filed. Authorized copies can be used as supporting documents for those who need spousal support or child benefit(s). Those who are eligible to obtain an authorized copy include the registrant themselves, their kids, siblings or parents, their domestic partners, adoption agency (in case of adoptions), law enforcers as well as those individuals who are authorized to act on behalf of the parties. What sets the information copy apart from authorized copies is that informational copies cannot be used as a supporting document and is given for information purposes only.
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 a Certificate of Record, download the pamphlet available from the CDPH site. Follow the instruction guide and complete the requirements needed. Fees vary and are non-refundable. The Office will issue a certificate of No Public Records if there are no records found. Payments for the copy should be included with the request. Payments can be made via money order or checks that are drawn from a US bank. Money orders issued by the USPS are also accepted. Processing time can exceed six months depending on the request volume.
Those who want a certified copy of their divorce can do so by making a mail request to the California Superior Court. One can also make an in person request, as the court does not accept phone requests. Fees vary from one county to another. In Alameda County for example, a divorce record search of more than 15 minutes will cost one $15. Certified copies of the divorce report also cost $15. For those who are on a tight budget, they can do an in person search and check out the records themselves. For a more convenient and hassle-free record search, one can check out online sites that do offer public records searches. This is the most convenient way for one to get hold of records without having to wait for the processing time that requesting from the county court needs.
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