Contra Costa Public Records /Contra Costa County Divorce Records

Contra Costa County Divorce Records

What Are Contra Costa County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Contra Costa County are official legal documents maintained by the county court system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to California Family Code § 2300, which governs the dissolution of marriage in the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce proceeding, including the initial petition, response, financial disclosures, and the final judgment.

The Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa serves as the official custodian of divorce records for proceedings that occur within county boundaries. These records serve multiple important purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical documentation for genealogical research

Divorce records in Contra Costa County are categorized as both court records and vital records, with different components maintained by different government entities. The court maintains the case files containing all filed documents, while the California Department of Public Health maintains the statistical records of divorces through its vital records system.

Are Contra Costa County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Contra Costa County have a complex public access status that varies by record type and content. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the California Public Records Act and California Rules of Court, rule 2.550, but with significant exceptions.

The public accessibility of divorce records is subject to the following conditions:

Basic case information (parties' names, case number, filing date) is generally public
Financial disclosures and information about minor children are typically restricted
Records may be sealed by court order if they contain sensitive information
Cases involving domestic violence may have restricted access under California Family Code § 6205
Certified divorce certificates (abstracts of final judgment) have restricted access limited to:
- The parties to the divorce
- Their legal representatives
- Individuals with court orders
- Government agencies for official purposes

Members of the public seeking divorce records must submit requests through the Contra Costa County Superior Court Records Division, which evaluates each request according to applicable laws and court rules regarding confidentiality and disclosure.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Contra Costa County in 2026

Finding divorce records in Contra Costa County requires following specific procedures established by the county court system. Members of the public may access these records through the following methods:

Visit the Contra Costa County Superior Court Records Office in person:

Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa - Records Division
1111 Ward Street
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 608-1000
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
Submit a written request for copies of divorce records by mail:
- Include case number (if known)
- Provide names of both parties
- Include approximate date of divorce filing
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees ($0.50 per page for copies, $40.00 for certification)
Complete a Court Records Request Form available on the court's website
For certified copies of divorce certificates (not the complete case file), contact:

California Department of Public Health - Vital Records
MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
(916) 445-2684
California Department of Public Health

Requestors must provide proper identification when requesting records in person. For mail requests, include a notarized statement verifying identity if requesting confidential records. Processing times typically range from 5-10 business days for standard requests.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Contra Costa County Online?

Contra Costa County offers limited online access to divorce record information through its court case information system. The online search capabilities provide basic case information but not complete document access. To look up divorce records online:

Visit the Contra Costa County Superior Court's Online Case Information Portal
Select "Civil Case Information" from the available options
Search using one of the following methods:
- Case number (if known)
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Filing date range (if approximate date is known)
For divorce cases specifically, select "Family Law" as the case type
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Names of parties
- Case type
- Current status
- Scheduled hearings

It is important to note that the online system provides only limited information about divorce cases. The system does not display:

Complete court documents or filings
Financial information
Details about minor children
Sealed or confidential records

For access to complete divorce case files or documents, requestors must still submit formal requests through the court records office as outlined in the previous section. The online system serves primarily as an index to identify cases rather than a comprehensive document repository.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Contra Costa County?

Members of the public may access certain divorce record information in Contra Costa County without payment, though complete document access typically involves fees. Free access options include:

In-person review of non-confidential divorce case files at the courthouse:

Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa - Records Division
1111 Ward Street
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 608-1000
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
- Visitors may review public divorce files at public terminals
- Valid government-issued photo ID required
- No appointment necessary, but wait times may vary
- Records must be requested using case number or party names
- No charge for viewing records, only for copies
Basic case information lookup through the court's public access terminals:
- Available at all Contra Costa County Superior Court locations
- Provides case number, filing date, party names, and hearing dates
- No charge for basic information searches
Limited online case information through the court's website:
- Basic case status and hearing information
- No document access
- Free to search and view basic information

While viewing records may be free, obtaining copies incurs fees:

$0.50 per page for standard copies
$40.00 for certification of documents
Additional fees may apply for research services if case number is unknown

Individuals with limited financial resources may apply for fee waivers through the court by submitting Judicial Council Form FW-001 if they meet income eligibility requirements.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Contra Costa County

Divorce records in Contra Costa County comprise multiple documents created throughout the dissolution process. A complete divorce file typically contains the following components:

Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Response to Petition (FL-120), if filed
- Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)
Financial Disclosures:
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
- Property Declaration (FL-160)
Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105)
- Child Custody and Visitation Application (FL-311)
- Child Support Information and Order Attachment (FL-342)
Resolution Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement (if reached by parties)
- Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180)
- Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)
- Child Support Case Registry Form (FL-191), if children involved
Court Orders:
- Temporary orders issued during proceedings
- Domestic violence restraining orders (if applicable)
- Orders after hearing on motions filed during case
Miscellaneous Documents:
- Court minutes from hearings
- Declarations and exhibits submitted as evidence
- Correspondence filed with the court
- Proof of completion of required parenting classes (if applicable)

The certified divorce certificate (abstract of judgment) contains only limited information:

Names of parties
Date and place of marriage
Date final judgment entered
Case number
Court of jurisdiction

Access to specific documents within the file may be restricted based on confidentiality laws and court orders as described in previous sections.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Contra Costa County?

Individuals seeking official proof of divorce in Contra Costa County have several options depending on their specific needs and the intended use of the documentation. The most commonly recognized proof of divorce is a certified copy of the divorce decree or judgment. To obtain this documentation:

Request a certified copy of the Judgment of Dissolution from the Superior Court:

Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa - Records Division
1111 Ward Street
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 608-1000
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
- Complete a Court Records Request Form
- Provide the case number (if known) or names of both parties and approximate date
- Pay the certification fee ($40.00 per document)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
Request a Certificate of Record of Divorce from the California Department of Public Health:

California Department of Public Health - Vital Records
MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
(916) 445-2684
California Department of Public Health
- Complete an Application for Certified Copy of Record of Divorce
- Include a notarized sworn statement of identity
- Provide the required fee ($15.00 per copy)
- Allow 4-6 weeks for processing

For expedited proof of divorce, individuals may request a "Certificate of Status" from the court, which confirms the current status of a marriage dissolution. This document can be obtained more quickly than a complete certified judgment and is accepted for many purposes requiring proof of divorce.

Authorized individuals who may request proof of divorce include:

Either party to the divorce
Legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals with court orders authorizing access
Government agencies for official purposes

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Contra Costa County?

While divorce proceedings in Contra Costa County are generally matters of public record, certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential under specific circumstances. California law provides several mechanisms for maintaining privacy in divorce proceedings:

Sealing of Records: Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.550, a court may order records sealed if:
- There exists an overriding interest that overcomes the right of public access
- The interest supports sealing the record
- A substantial probability exists that the interest will be prejudiced if not sealed
- The proposed sealing is narrowly tailored
- No less restrictive means exist to achieve the overriding interest
Confidential Marriage Licenses: Couples who obtained a confidential marriage license under California Family Code § 500 may have certain aspects of their divorce proceedings kept confidential.
Automatic Confidentiality for Certain Documents:
- Financial disclosures and tax returns
- Medical and psychological records
- Information about minor children
- Social security numbers and financial account numbers
Domestic Violence Protection: Cases involving domestic violence may have heightened confidentiality protections under California Family Code § 6205.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Couples utilizing mediation or collaborative divorce processes may maintain greater privacy as these proceedings typically generate fewer public court filings.

To request confidentiality or sealing of divorce records, parties must file a motion with the court demonstrating that their case meets the legal standards for confidentiality. The court evaluates each request on a case-by-case basis, balancing the public's right to access with legitimate privacy concerns.

It is important to note that even when records are sealed, basic case information (names of parties, case number, and filing date) typically remains accessible in the public index.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Contra Costa County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Contra Costa County varies significantly based on multiple factors. Under California law, specifically Family Code § 2339, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date of service of the petition before a divorce can be finalized. However, the total time to complete a divorce typically extends beyond this minimum period.

Factors affecting divorce timeframes include:

Case Complexity:
- Simple cases with no children, minimal assets, and full agreement: 6-8 months
- Moderate complexity with some contested issues: 12-18 months
- High-conflict cases with significant assets or custody disputes: 18-36+ months
Court Congestion:
- Contra Costa County Superior Court currently experiences average processing times of:
  - Uncontested judgments: 8-12 weeks for review
  - Contested hearings: 3-5 months to schedule
  - Trial settings: 9-12 months from request
Method of Resolution:
- Default (no response from other party): Minimum 6 months
- Uncontested with written agreement: 6-9 months
- Mediated settlement: 8-12 months
- Litigation requiring court hearings: 12-24+ months
Disclosure Completion:
- Preliminary disclosures must be exchanged within 60 days of filing
- Final disclosures must be completed before judgment
- Delays in disclosure exchange frequently extend timelines

According to statistics from the Judicial Council of California, the average time to disposition for family law cases in Contra Costa County is approximately 15 months from filing to judgment, with approximately 65% of cases resolving within 18 months.

Expedited processing is available in limited circumstances, such as military deployment or medical emergencies, but the six-month waiting period cannot be waived except in extraordinary circumstances.

How Long Does Contra Costa County Keep Divorce Records?

Contra Costa County maintains divorce records according to a structured records retention schedule that complies with California Government Code § 68152, which governs court records retention. The retention periods vary based on the type of record and its content.

The current retention schedule for divorce records in Contra Costa County is as follows:

Case Files and Judgments:
- Permanent retention for judgments of dissolution
- Minimum 30-year retention for complete case files
- Electronic versions may be maintained indefinitely
Exhibits and Supporting Documents:
- Retained for 60 days after final disposition if not returned to parties
- May be retained longer upon court order or party request
- Destruction requires notice to parties
Temporary Orders and Procedural Documents:
- Minimum 5-year retention after case conclusion
- May be purged from file while maintaining judgment and critical documents
Financial Disclosures:
- Minimum 10-year retention
- May be sealed or separated from public portions of file
Statistical Records:
- Permanent retention by California Department of Public Health
- Indexes to divorce actions maintained permanently by the court

After the required retention period, non-permanent records may be destroyed according to court procedures. However, the court maintains a permanent index of all divorce cases that includes:

Names of parties
Case number
Filing date
Disposition date

Individuals seeking historical divorce records should note that while judgments are preserved permanently, supporting documentation may have been destroyed for cases older than the retention period. For divorces finalized before 1980, researchers may need to contact the California State Archives for assistance with locating records that are no longer maintained at the county level.

How To Get a Divorce In Contra Costa County

Obtaining a divorce in Contra Costa County requires following specific legal procedures established under California law. The process, formally known as "dissolution of marriage," involves several steps:

Establish Residency Requirements:
- Either spouse must have been a California resident for six months
- And a resident of Contra Costa County for three months immediately preceding filing
- As required by California Family Code § 2320
Prepare and File Initial Documents:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Property Declaration (FL-160) if applicable
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105) if children involved
- File at:
  
  Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa - Family Law Division
  751 Pine Street
  Martinez, CA 94553
  (925) 608-1000
  Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
Pay Filing Fees:
- Current filing fee: $435.00
- Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals
- Submit Judicial Council Form FW-001 to request fee waiver
Serve Documents on Spouse:
- Have someone 18 or older (not yourself) personally deliver copies to your spouse
- Or request spouse to sign a Voluntary Service Acknowledgment
- File Proof of Service with the court
Financial Disclosures:
- Complete and exchange Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Include Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- And Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
Resolution Options:
- Default: If spouse does not respond within 30 days
- Uncontested: If both parties agree on all issues
- Contested: Requires court intervention through hearings or trial
- Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation or collaborative divorce
Judgment:
- Submit proposed Judgment (FL-180) with all required attachments
- Wait for court approval (typically 8-12 weeks for processing)
- Divorce becomes final after the mandatory six-month waiting period

Contra Costa County offers Self-Help Services for individuals proceeding without attorneys, including workshops and document review assistance. These services are available by appointment at the Family Law Facilitator's Office.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Contra Costa County

Individuals seeking divorce papers in Contra Costa County have several options for obtaining the necessary forms to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings:

In-Person at the Courthouse:

Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa - Family Law Facilitator's Office
751 Pine Street, Room 355
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 608-1000
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Free forms packets available for dissolution proceedings
- Staff available to provide information about required forms
- No legal advice provided, but assistance with form completion
Online Resources:
- Contra Costa County Superior Court Website - Forms section
- California Courts Self-Help Website
- Judicial Council Forms - Searchable database of all official California court forms
By Mail:
- Submit written request to the Family Law Facilitator's Office
- Include self-addressed stamped envelope
- Specify which divorce packet is needed (with children, without children, response, etc.)
Essential Forms for Filing Divorce:
- Petition for Dissolution (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Property Declaration (FL-160) if applicable
- UCCJEA Declaration (FL-105) if children involved
- Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
For Responding to Divorce Papers:
- Response to Petition (FL-120)
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)

Contra Costa County also offers document preparation assistance through the Family Law Facilitator's Office for individuals who qualify based on income. This service provides help with completing forms correctly but does not constitute legal representation.

For complex cases, the court recommends consulting with an attorney. Those unable to afford legal representation may contact:

Bay Area Legal Aid - Contra Costa Office
1025 MacDonald Avenue
Richmond, CA 94801
(510) 233-9954
Bay Area Legal Aid

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