How to Get a Copy of Divorce Papers From California

It is relatively easy to obtain a copy of divorce papers for a divorce filed in California. The copy of a divorce decree can be obtained only from the Superior Court of the county in which the divorce case was filed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Visit the website for your county's Superior Court.

2. Call the Superior Court to find out how to order a certified copy of a divorce decree if this information is not available on the website.

3. Be prepared to either use a Mastercard or Visa credit card to pay for your order if online ordering is available, as it is in Los Angeles county. In case you can't fill your order online, you will most likely have to mail a check along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the address provided by the Superior Court. Provide your divorce case number, the names of the former spouses and the approximate date when the divorce case was filed.

Tips & Warnings

• It might take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks to receive your copy of the documents.
• This service is not free, so make sure you know how much you will be paying. On average, it costs $0.50 per page and an extra $15 to $20 for an officially certified document.

Resources

• California Department of Public Health - Obtaining Certified Copies of Marriage & Divorce Records

Who Can Help Sponsored