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Placer County Divorce Records

What Are Placer County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Placer County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals within the jurisdiction of Placer County, California. These records are maintained pursuant to California Family Code § 2300, which governs the dissolution of marriage in the state. Divorce records consist of various court filings, judgments, and certificates that collectively document the legal termination of a marriage.

The Superior Court of California, County of Placer maintains the official court records related to divorce proceedings, while the Placer County Clerk-Recorder's Office maintains the divorce certificates. These records serve multiple important purposes:

  • Legal proof of marital status change
  • Documentation required for remarriage
  • Evidence for legal name changes following divorce
  • Supporting documentation for Social Security benefit adjustments
  • Verification for loan applications and financial matters
  • Required documentation for immigration proceedings
  • Historical and genealogical research

Divorce records in Placer County typically include the final judgment of dissolution, as well as various pleadings and orders issued throughout the divorce process. The California Department of Public Health also maintains a statewide index of divorce records for certain years.

Are Placer County Divorce Records Public?

Placer County divorce records have varying levels of public accessibility depending on the specific document type and the information contained therein. The public accessibility of divorce records is governed by California Government Code § 6250, also known as the California Public Records Act, as well as specific provisions in the California Family Code.

Court divorce case files are generally considered public records and may be accessed by any member of the public with the following important exceptions:

  • Documents containing sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth are typically redacted or placed under restricted access
  • Records involving minor children may have limited accessibility
  • Cases involving domestic violence may have protective orders restricting access
  • Documents sealed by court order are not available to the public

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have restricted access under California law. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 103526, only the following individuals may obtain authorized certified copies of divorce certificates:

  • The individuals named in the divorce record
  • Parents or legal guardians of the persons named in the record
  • Children, grandchildren, siblings, spouses, or domestic partners of the persons named
  • Attorneys representing the persons named or their estates
  • Law enforcement or government agencies conducting official business
  • Individuals with a court order authorizing access

All other requestors may only obtain informational copies, which are marked as such and cannot be used for official purposes.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Placer County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Placer County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain these documents. The appropriate method depends on the type of divorce record sought and the intended use of the document.

For divorce judgments and court records:

  1. Contact the Superior Court of California, County of Placer, Family Law Division:

Superior Court of California, County of Placer
10820 Justice Center Drive
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 408-6000
Placer County Superior Court

  1. Provide the clerk with the following information:

    • Full names of both parties to the divorce
    • Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
    • Case number (if known)

  2. Pay the applicable search and copy fees:

    • Record search fee: $15 per name
    • Copy fees: $0.50 per page
    • Certification fee: $25 per document

For divorce certificates (available for divorces finalized from 1962-June 1984):

  1. Submit a request to the California Department of Public Health - Vital Records:

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

  1. Complete the Application for Certified Copy of Marriage or Divorce Record
  2. Include a notarized sworn statement if requesting an authorized certified copy
  3. Submit the current fee of $15 per copy
  4. Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope

For divorces finalized after June 1984, contact the Placer County Superior Court directly, as the state no longer maintains centralized divorce certificates.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Placer County Online?

Placer County offers limited online access to divorce records through the Superior Court's case information system. The online system provides basic case information rather than complete document access. To conduct an online search for divorce records:

  1. Visit the Placer County Superior Court Case Information Portal
  2. Select "Family Law" as the case type
  3. Search using one of the following methods:
    • Case number (if known)
    • Party name (last name, first name)
    • Filing date range

The online system provides the following information:

  • Case number and filing date
  • Names of parties and attorneys
  • Register of actions (list of documents filed)
  • Hearing dates and times
  • Case status

For complete divorce records and actual document copies, individuals must still visit the courthouse in person or submit a written request, as full document images are not available through the online portal. The online system serves primarily as an index to identify cases rather than a comprehensive document repository.

Additionally, the California Courts Self-Help Center provides information about divorce proceedings and records but does not offer direct record access.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Placer County?

While obtaining official copies of divorce records in Placer County typically involves fees, there are several methods to access basic divorce record information at no cost:

  1. Public access terminals at the courthouse:

Superior Court of California, County of Placer
10820 Justice Center Drive
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 408-6000
Placer County Superior Court

The court provides public access computer terminals where visitors may search case indexes and view basic case information at no charge. While printing documents from these terminals incurs fees, viewing information on-screen is free.

  1. Online case index:

    • The court's online case information system allows free searches of basic case information
    • This resource provides case numbers, party names, and filing dates but not document images

  2. Public law libraries:

Placer County Law Library
10820 Justice Center Drive, 1st Floor
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 408-6011
Placer County Law Library

The law library provides public access to legal research materials and may assist with locating divorce case citations.

  1. Historical divorce records:

It is important to note that while basic information may be accessed without charge, obtaining certified copies or complete case files will require payment of established fees. Additionally, free access methods typically provide only limited information rather than complete divorce records.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Placer County

Divorce records in Placer County comprise multiple documents that collectively document the dissolution of marriage process. These records are maintained pursuant to California Family Code § 2335 and related statutes. A complete divorce file typically contains the following components:

  1. 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)

  2. Financial disclosures:

    • Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
    • Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
    • Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
    • Property Declaration (FL-160)

  3. Child-related documents (if applicable):

    • Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (FL-105)
    • Child Custody and Visitation Application (FL-311)
    • Child Support Information and Order Attachment (FL-342)

  4. Agreements and judgments:

    • Marital Settlement Agreement (if reached by parties)
    • Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180)
    • Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)

  5. Court orders:

    • Temporary orders issued during proceedings
    • Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement benefits
    • Wage assignment orders for support payments

  6. Miscellaneous filings:

    • Declarations and exhibits submitted by parties
    • Transcripts of hearings (if requested)
    • Correspondence filed with the court

The divorce certificate, which is a separate document from the court file, contains only basic information including:

  • Names of both parties
  • Date and place of marriage
  • Date of divorce finalization
  • Court case number
  • County where divorce was granted

The level of detail in divorce records varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, whether minor children were involved, and the complexity of property division issues.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Placer County?

Individuals seeking official proof of divorce in Placer County have several options depending on when the divorce was finalized and the level of documentation required. The following methods are available to obtain proof of divorce:

  1. For divorces finalized between 1962 and June 1984:
    • Request a certified copy of the divorce certificate from the California Department of Public Health - Vital Records:

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

  1. For divorces finalized after June 1984:
    • Request a certified copy of the Judgment of Dissolution from the Superior Court:

Superior Court of California, County of Placer
10820 Justice Center Drive
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 408-6000
Placer County Superior Court

  • Provide the case number or names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
  • Pay the certification fee of $25 plus copy fees ($0.50 per page)

  1. For expedited proof of divorce:

    • Request a Certificate of Record from the court clerk
    • This document certifies that a judgment of dissolution was entered on a specific date
    • The fee for a Certificate of Record is $15

  2. For international use:

    • Request an exemplified copy of the judgment (requires additional authentication)
    • The fee for exemplification is $50 plus copy fees
    • For use in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention, request an apostille from the California Secretary of State after obtaining the certified court document

Individuals should note that only parties to the divorce and other authorized persons (as defined in Health and Safety Code § 103526) may obtain authorized certified copies. All others may receive only informational copies marked "NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY."

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Placer County?

While divorce proceedings in Placer County are generally matters of public record, certain mechanisms exist under California law to maintain confidentiality for specific aspects of divorce cases. The following provisions may apply to divorce records in Placer County:

  1. Sealing of records:

    • Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, a court may order records sealed upon showing of an overriding interest that overcomes the right of public access
    • The court must find that sealing is narrowly tailored and no less restrictive means exist to protect the interest
    • Parties must file a motion to seal specific documents or the entire case file

  2. Confidential personal information:

    • Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver's license numbers are automatically redacted from public court filings
    • Parties should use the Confidential Reference List of Identifiers (form MC-120) when filing documents containing such information

  3. Domestic violence protections:

    • Under Family Code § 6218, victims of domestic violence may request confidential address programs
    • The Safe at Home program administered by the California Secretary of State provides confidential address services

  4. Minor children:

    • Records pertaining to minor children, including custody evaluations and psychological reports, receive heightened protection
    • These documents are typically placed in confidential court files accessible only to parties and their attorneys

  5. Financial records:

    • Tax returns are confidential pursuant to Family Code § 3552
    • Other financial records may be sealed upon showing good cause

  6. Alternative to public divorce:

    • Summary dissolution provides a simplified procedure with potentially less public documentation for qualifying couples
    • Private mediation and settlement agreements may limit the amount of sensitive information filed in public records

It is important to note that complete confidentiality of divorce proceedings is rare and generally not available absent extraordinary circumstances. The court balances the presumption of public access to court records against legitimate privacy concerns on a case-by-case basis.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Placer County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Placer County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseload, and statutory waiting periods. Under California law, all divorces are subject to a mandatory minimum waiting period of six months from the date of service of the petition before the divorce can be finalized, as established in Family Code § 2339.

Typical timeframes for divorces in Placer County include:

  1. Uncontested divorces with complete agreement:

    • 6-8 months from filing to judgment
    • Requires full agreement on all issues and timely submission of paperwork
    • May utilize summary dissolution for qualifying couples (no children, limited assets, marriage under 5 years)

  2. Contested divorces with partial agreements:

    • 12-18 months from filing to judgment
    • Involves negotiation and potential mediation
    • May require limited court hearings on specific disputed issues

  3. Highly contested divorces:

    • 18-36 months or longer
    • Involves multiple court appearances and potentially trial
    • May include disputes over child custody, complex property division, or business valuations
    • Often requires extensive discovery and expert witnesses

Factors that commonly affect divorce timelines in Placer County include:

  • Court congestion and scheduling availability
  • Complexity of property division, especially with businesses or retirement accounts
  • Child custody evaluations and recommendations
  • Disclosure compliance by both parties
  • Attorney availability and cooperation between counsel
  • Need for specialized experts (business valuators, forensic accountants, etc.)
  • Settlement negotiations and mediation attempts

According to the Judicial Council of California's Court Statistics Report, the average time to disposition for family law cases in California superior courts is approximately 15 months, though individual cases may vary significantly from this average.

How Long Does Placer County Keep Divorce Records?

Placer County maintains divorce records according to California's records retention requirements, which establish different retention periods based on the type of record and its legal significance. The retention of court records is governed by Government Code § 68152, which specifies minimum retention periods for various court documents.

For divorce records, the following retention periods apply:

  1. Judgment of Dissolution and related final orders:

    • Permanent retention
    • These documents are never destroyed and remain available indefinitely
    • May be transferred to archival storage after a period of time

  2. Case files for dissolution proceedings:

    • Minimum retention of 30 years from date of final disposition
    • After this period, files may be purged of non-essential documents
    • Judgments and final orders are extracted and retained permanently

  3. Exhibits and evidence:

    • Retained for 60 days after final disposition if no appeal is filed
    • If appealed, retained until final determination of appeal
    • Parties may claim original exhibits after the retention period

  4. Recordings and transcripts:

    • Electronic recordings of proceedings: 10 years
    • Court reporter notes: 10 years
    • Official transcripts filed with the court: Same as the underlying case file

  5. Divorce certificates (1962-June 1984):

    • Maintained permanently by the California Department of Public Health
    • Available through the state vital records office

  6. Historical divorce records (pre-1962):

    • Maintained by the Placer County Archives and Research Center
    • Preserved as historical documents with permanent retention

It is important to note that while the physical paper records may be destroyed after the mandatory retention period, the court maintains a permanent index of all cases, including basic information about the parties and case disposition. Additionally, microfilm or digital versions of destroyed records may be maintained for longer periods or permanently, depending on their historical or legal significance.

How To Get a Divorce In Placer County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Placer County must follow California's established legal process for divorce (legally termed "dissolution of marriage"). The procedure involves several steps as outlined below:

  1. Establish residency requirements:

    • Either spouse must have been a California resident for six months
    • And a resident of Placer County for three months immediately preceding the filing
    • As required by Family Code § 2320

  2. File initial paperwork with the Superior Court:

Superior Court of California, County of Placer
10820 Justice Center Drive
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 408-6000
Placer County Superior Court

  • 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 are involved
  • Pay the current filing fee (approximately $435) or request a fee waiver

  1. Serve the divorce papers:

    • Have someone 18 or older (not the petitioner) personally deliver copies to the spouse
    • File Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115) with the court
    • Alternative service methods may be available if the spouse cannot be located

  2. Financial disclosures:

    • Complete and serve Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
    • Include Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
    • Include Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
    • File Declaration Regarding Service of Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141)

  3. Respondent's options:

    • File Response (FL-120) within 30 days and pay filing fee
    • Default with agreement (submit written agreement on all issues)
    • True default (take no action, allowing petitioner to proceed uncontested)

  4. Resolve issues through:

    • Direct negotiation between parties
    • Mediation (available through Placer County Family Court Services for custody matters)
    • Settlement conference
    • Trial (if agreement cannot be reached)

  5. Finalize the divorce:

    • Submit Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180) and Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)
    • Include Marital Settlement Agreement if reached
    • Include appropriate child custody, support, and visitation orders if applicable
    • Wait for court approval (may take several weeks)

  6. Mandatory waiting period:

    • The divorce cannot be finalized until at least six months have passed from the date of service
    • This waiting period applies even if all issues are resolved immediately

For assistance with the divorce process, individuals may contact the Placer County Self-Help Center for guidance on forms and procedures.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Placer County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Placer County have several options for obtaining the necessary divorce papers. The following methods are available for accessing divorce forms:

  1. In-person at the courthouse:

Superior Court of California, County of Placer
10820 Justice Center Drive
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 408-6000
Placer County Superior Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (excluding court holidays)

  • Visit the clerk's office or family law facilitator
  • Request divorce packets containing all required forms
  • Basic packets are available for a nominal fee

  1. Online through the court website:

  2. Through the California Courts website:

  3. Self-Help Center assistance:

Placer County Self-Help Center
10820 Justice Center Drive
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 408-6000
Placer County Self-Help Center

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (excluding court holidays)

  • Receive guidance on which forms are needed
  • Get assistance with form completion
  • Services are available at no cost, but no legal advice is provided
  1. Legal aid organizations:

The basic divorce packet typically includes:

  • Petition for Dissolution (FL-100)
  • Summons (FL-110)
  • Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)
  • Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105) if children are involved
  • Property Declaration (FL-160)
  • Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
  • Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
  • Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
  • Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180)
  • Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)

Additional specialized forms may be required depending on the specific circumstances of the divorce case, such as child custody, support issues, or complex property division.

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