Sacramento County Divorce Records
What Are Sacramento County Divorce Records?
Sacramento County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the Sacramento County Superior Court that document the dissolution of marriage within the county. Pursuant to California Family Code § 2300, a judgment of dissolution of marriage restores the parties to the status of unmarried persons. These records constitute the authoritative documentation of marital dissolution proceedings and outcomes.
Divorce records in Sacramento County typically include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response to petition
- Financial disclosures
- Child custody and support agreements
- Property division settlements
- Judgment of dissolution
These documents serve multiple essential purposes for individuals and institutions, including:
- 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
The Sacramento County Superior Court maintains these records in accordance with state law and provides access to them under specific conditions as outlined in the California Public Records Act.
Are Sacramento County Divorce Records Public?
Sacramento County divorce records have a nuanced public access status. While court divorce case files are generally considered public records under the California Public Records Act, certain components may be restricted or redacted to protect privacy interests.
The accessibility of divorce records in Sacramento County is governed by several legal frameworks:
- Basic case information (parties' names, case numbers, filing dates) is publicly accessible
- Court proceedings are typically open to public observation
- Financial declarations, psychological evaluations, and certain custody information may be sealed or redacted
- Documents containing Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and children's identifying information are protected under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550
Certified divorce certificates and judgments have restricted access limited to:
- Parties to the divorce
- Their legal representatives
- Individuals with court orders authorizing access
- Government agencies performing official functions
The Sacramento County Superior Court balances the public's right to access government records with individual privacy protections as mandated by California Family Code § 2024.6, which specifically addresses confidentiality in family law proceedings.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Sacramento County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Sacramento County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The Sacramento County Superior Court maintains divorce records filed within the county and provides specific procedures for access.
To locate a divorce record:
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Gather essential information before initiating a search:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names)
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
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Visit the Sacramento County Superior Court Family Relations Courthouse:
Sacramento County Superior Court - Family Relations Courthouse
3341 Power Inn Road
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 875-3400
Sacramento County Superior Court
Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
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Complete a records search request form, available at the courthouse or downloadable from the court's official website.
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Pay the applicable search fee ($15 per name searched as of current fee schedule).
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For certified copies of divorce judgments, submit a written request with the case number and pay the certification fee ($25 per document plus $0.50 per page).
Individuals may also authorize an attorney or legal representative to obtain records on their behalf with proper documentation of authorization.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Sacramento County Online?
Sacramento County provides limited online access to divorce record information through the Superior Court's case index system. This digital resource allows for preliminary searches but does not provide complete document access.
To conduct an online search for divorce records:
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Visit the Sacramento County Superior Court Case Index portal.
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Select "Family Law Case Index" from the available options.
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Enter search criteria in at least one field:
- Case number (if known)
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Filing date range
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Review search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Party names
- Case type
- Current status
Important limitations of the online system include:
- The system provides only basic case information, not actual documents
- Records prior to 1989 may not be included in the digital database
- Confidential or sealed cases will not appear in search results
- Document viewing requires in-person courthouse visits
For comprehensive document access, individuals must visit the Family Relations Courthouse in person or submit written requests as outlined in the Sacramento County Superior Court's records access guidelines.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Sacramento County?
Sacramento County residents seeking no-cost access to divorce records have limited but viable options. While obtaining certified copies typically involves fees, basic information may be accessed without charge.
Free methods to access divorce record information include:
- Using public access terminals at the Family Relations Courthouse:
Sacramento County Superior Court - Family Relations Courthouse
3341 Power Inn Road
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 875-3400
Sacramento County Superior Court
These terminals allow free searches of the court's case management system during regular business hours.
- Utilizing the Sacramento County Public Law Library:
Sacramento County Public Law Library
609 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-6012
Sacramento County Public Law Library
The law library provides free access to legal research databases and assistance with court record searches.
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Reviewing public divorce proceedings in person, as court sessions are generally open to public observation unless specifically closed by judicial order.
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Accessing the basic online case index through the Sacramento County Superior Court website, which provides limited case information at no cost.
While these methods provide free access to basic information, fees remain applicable for:
- Document copies ($0.50 per page)
- Certified copies ($25 plus $0.50 per page)
- Research assistance ($15 per name searched)
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Sacramento County
Sacramento County divorce records comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire dissolution process. These records are maintained by the Superior Court and contain specific components as required by California family law.
A complete divorce record file typically contains:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form FL-100) - The initial filing that states grounds for divorce and requested relief
- Summons (Form FL-110) - Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
- Response to Petition (Form FL-120) - The other party's formal reply to divorce claims
- Declaration of Disclosure (Forms FL-140, FL-142, FL-150) - Financial information including:
- Schedule of assets and debts
- Income and expense declarations
- Property valuations
- Child custody documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plans
- Custody evaluations
- Child support calculations
- Marital Settlement Agreement - Negotiated terms for property division, support, and other issues
- Judgment of Dissolution (Form FL-180) - Final court order terminating the marriage and specifying all terms
Additional documents may include:
- Temporary orders issued during proceedings
- Transcripts of hearings or trials
- Declarations and witness statements
- Proof of service documents
- Fee waiver applications and orders
The Sacramento County Superior Court maintains these records in accordance with state retention requirements and provides access subject to applicable privacy protections.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Sacramento County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Sacramento County must obtain certified copies of their divorce judgment from the Superior Court. These documents serve as legal verification of marital dissolution for various personal and administrative purposes.
To obtain certified proof of divorce:
- Submit a written request to the Family Law Division:
Sacramento County Superior Court - Family Law Division
3341 Power Inn Road
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 875-3400
Sacramento County Superior Court
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Include in your request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names)
- Date of divorce judgment (month and year at minimum)
- Case number (if known)
- Number of certified copies requested
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail
- Contact information for questions
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Provide payment of required fees:
- $25.00 certification fee per document
- $0.50 per page copying fee
- Payment by check or money order made payable to "Sacramento Superior Court"
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Present valid government-issued photo identification if requesting in person.
For expedited service, individuals may visit the courthouse in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM).
Authorized representatives may request certified copies on behalf of parties to the divorce with proper documentation of authorization, such as a notarized letter or power of attorney.
The California Department of Public Health notes that only the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was granted can provide certified copies of divorce judgments.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Sacramento County?
Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and records in Sacramento County may be granted confidential status. California law provides specific provisions for protecting sensitive information in family law cases while balancing the public's right to access court records.
Mechanisms for confidentiality in divorce proceedings include:
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Sealing specific documents or entire case files pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, which requires demonstration that:
- There exists an overriding interest overcoming the right of public access
- The interest supports sealing the record
- A substantial probability exists that the interest will be prejudiced without sealing
- The proposed sealing is narrowly tailored
- No less restrictive means exist to protect the interest
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Redaction of sensitive information from public documents, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's identifying information
- Medical and psychological records
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Confidential Marriages under California Family Code § 511, which provides that records of confidential marriages remain sealed except to the parties or by court order.
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Domestic violence protections under California Family Code § 6218, which may include confidentiality provisions for victims.
Parties seeking confidentiality must file specific motions with the court demonstrating legitimate reasons for restricting public access. The Sacramento County Superior Court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying the legal standards established in California law.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Sacramento County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Sacramento County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court caseloads. California law establishes minimum timeframes, but actual resolution often extends beyond these statutory periods.
Key timeframe considerations include:
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Mandatory waiting period: California imposes a six-month waiting period from the date of service of the petition before a divorce can be finalized, as specified in California Family Code § 2339.
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Uncontested divorces with complete agreements typically require:
- 6-8 months from filing to judgment if all paperwork is properly completed
- Additional 1-2 months if corrections or amendments are needed
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Contested divorces involving disputes over assets, custody, or support may extend to:
- 12-18 months for cases requiring limited court intervention
- 18-36 months for complex litigation with multiple contested issues
- Longer durations for cases involving business valuations or complex property division
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Summary dissolution, available under limited circumstances per California Family Code § 2400, may be completed in the minimum six-month timeframe.
According to the Sacramento County Superior Court, factors that commonly extend divorce timelines include:
- Incomplete financial disclosures
- Custody evaluations and investigations
- Property appraisals and business valuations
- Court congestion and scheduling delays
- Settlement negotiations and mediation attempts
The court encourages alternative dispute resolution methods to expedite proceedings when possible, including mediation services available through Family Court Services.
How Long Does Sacramento County Keep Divorce Records?
Sacramento County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established by California law and judicial council guidelines. These records are preserved for varying durations based on document type and historical significance.
The retention periods for divorce records include:
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Judgment documents (final divorce decrees):
- Permanent retention as required by California Government Code § 68152(a)(3)
- Maintained indefinitely in both physical and electronic formats
- Never expunged or destroyed
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Case files for completed divorce proceedings:
- Minimum retention of 30 years from date of final disposition
- After 30 years, files may be transferred to microfilm or electronic storage
- Index information retained permanently
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Exhibits and evidence:
- Retained until 60 days after final disposition
- May be returned to parties upon request
- Unclaimed items destroyed after retention period
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Temporary orders and procedural documents:
- Retained for the duration of the case plus 30 years
- May be transferred to microfilm or electronic storage after case conclusion
The Sacramento County Superior Court Records Management Policy implements these retention requirements while ensuring continued accessibility of essential documents.
For historical divorce records (pre-1980), researchers may need to consult:
Sacramento Archives and Museum Collection Center
551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 264-7072
Sacramento Archives and Museum Collection Center
How To Get a Divorce In Sacramento County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Sacramento County must follow specific procedures established by California family law. The process varies depending on the circumstances of the marriage and the level of agreement between parties.
To initiate a divorce in Sacramento County:
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Determine eligibility: At least one spouse must have been a California resident for six months and a Sacramento County resident for three months immediately preceding the filing, per California Family Code § 2320.
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Select the appropriate process:
- Regular dissolution (standard divorce)
- Summary dissolution (simplified process for qualifying couples)
- Legal separation (if residency requirements aren't met or for religious reasons)
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Obtain and complete required forms:
- Petition for Dissolution (Form FL-100)
- Summons (Form FL-110)
- Property Declaration (Form FL-160) if needed
- Additional forms for child custody/support if applicable
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File documents at the Family Relations Courthouse:
Sacramento County Superior Court - Family Relations Courthouse
3341 Power Inn Road
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 875-3400
Sacramento County Superior Court
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Pay the filing fee ($435 as of current fee schedule) or request a fee waiver if eligible.
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Serve the divorce papers on your spouse following legal requirements.
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Complete financial disclosures as required by California Family Code § 2104.
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Resolve issues through:
- Written agreement between parties
- Mediation services
- Court hearings and trial if necessary
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Submit judgment documents for court approval after the six-month waiting period.
Free assistance is available through the Sacramento County Self-Help Center for individuals proceeding without attorneys.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Sacramento County
Sacramento County residents can obtain divorce forms through multiple channels. These standardized documents are required to initiate and complete the divorce process in accordance with California law.
To acquire divorce papers:
- Visit the Sacramento County Superior Court Self-Help Center:
Sacramento County Superior Court - Self-Help Center
3341 Power Inn Road, Room 113
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 875-3400
Sacramento County Superior Court Self-Help Center
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
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Download forms from the California Courts website, which provides all official Judicial Council forms required for divorce proceedings.
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Utilize the Sacramento County Law Library:
Sacramento County Public Law Library
609 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-6012
Sacramento County Public Law Library
The library offers form packets, reference materials, and research assistance.
- Access forms through the California Courts Online Self-Help Center, which provides guided assistance for completing required documents.
Essential divorce forms include:
- Petition for Dissolution (Form FL-100)
- Summons (Form FL-110)
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (Form FL-105) if children are involved
- Property Declaration (Form FL-160) for marriages with assets
- Income and Expense Declaration (Form FL-150)
- Declaration of Disclosure (Form FL-140)
For individuals with limited English proficiency, forms are available in multiple languages through the California Courts Translated Forms resource.