Are Contra Costa County Divorce Records Public in California?

Yes, divorce records in Contra Costa County are generally considered public records under the California Public Records Act (CPRA). However, the level of access depends on the type of divorce record being requested. Divorce records are categorized into two types as follows:

• Divorce case files: These are held by the Superior Court of Contra Costa County and contain detailed information about the case, including custody agreements, financial settlements, and divorce decrees. Unless specifically sealed, most case files are accessible to the public.
• Divorce certificates: These are summary records of a divorce, often used for legal or personal purposes. Access to certified copies of divorce certificates is restricted to the parties involved, their legal representatives, or individuals with a legitimate interest, such as Immediate family members.

Divorce records may be sealed or partially reacted in cases involving sensitive issues such as:

• Minors or child custody disputes.
• Domestic violence or abuse allegations.
• High-profile individuals.

Sealed records are accessible without a court order, with the consent of the parties involved, or both.

Who Can Access Contra Costa County Public Records?

Access to divorce records depends on the type of record and the requester’s relationship to the case. Typically:

• Anyone can access non-confidential portions of the divorce case file. However, under judicial court rules, detailed information such as social security numbers, financial agreements, or medical records is typically redacted for privacy.
• Unless otherwise restricted, individuals directly involved in the divorce have full access to their records, including sealed portions.
• Legal representatives of either party can access comprehensive case files, including confidential information.
• Certain relatives, such as children or spouses, may request certified copies of a divorce certificate if they can prove a legitimate interest.
• Agencies conducting official investigations or background checks may access sensitive records, provided they follow proper legal channels.
• Researchers can also access public portions of divorce case files but cannot view confidential details without court approval.

Do I Need to State My Purpose and Use When Requesting Divorce Records in Contra Costa County?

Typically, you do not need to declare your purpose when requesting public portions of a divorce record. However, for restricted or sealed records, a valid reason must be provided, such as:

• Legal proceedings require access to confidential information.
• Genealogical research involving a direct family connection.
• Verification of marital status for personal or official purposes.

Stating your purpose helps the county determine your eligibility and expedite the process of your request.

How do you Request Divorce Records in Contra Costa County?

Step one: Determine the type of Record You need.

• Divorce case file: Request from the Costa County Superior Court.
• Divorce certificate: Request from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or Contra Costa County Recorder’s office.

Step 2: Gather Required information

To request divorce records, provide the following details:

• Full names of both parties involved in the divorce.
• Approximate date of the divorce.
• Case number, if available.
• Court where the divorce was finalized.

Step 3: Choose a Request Method

• Use the Contra Costa County Superior Court Website or CDPH’s Vital Records platform for online requests.
• Visit the court or county clerk's office for in-person visits.
• Submit a written request with required details and payment via mail.

Step 4: Submit your request at:

Superior Court of Contra Costa County
725 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: (925) 608-1000

OR

Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder
555 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: (925) 335-7900

Step 5: Pay the required fees as stipulated in the “Fees for Accessing Contra Costa County Divorce Records “ section below.

Step 6: Away processing, which usually varies based on the type of request and the request method used.

What Information is Included in a Contra Costa County Divorce Record?

Divorce records include the following information.

• Full names of the divorcing spouses.
• Unique identifier for the divorce case.
• Date the divorce petition was submitted.
• Filing decree including child custody arrangements, property division, spousal support, and any court-ordered provisions.
• Name and location of the court handling the case.

There is, however, confidential information on the Contra Costa County Divorce Records, which are only released to the parties involved or via court order for specific reasons. These records are mostly sealed or redacted. The records are:

• Financial statements or settlements.
• Social security numbers.
• Medical records or sensitive personal details.
• Information involving minors or protective orders.

Fees for Accessing Contra Costa County Divorce Records

Fees vary on the type of record and request method.

• Certified copies:$15-$20 per document.
• Non-Certified Copies:$5-$10 per document
• Search fees: $5-$30 if you do not have the vase number

Payment can be made through cash, money order, or credit card, depending on the request method.

Fee exemption or reductions may apply for:

• Low-income earning individuals with proof of financial hardship.
• Veterans or government agencies are requesting it for official purposes.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain Divorce Records in Contra Costa County?

• Online Requests are typically processed within 5-10 business days.
• For most records, in-person requests are processed on the same day.
• Mail requests take 10-20 business days, depending on mail delivery times and processing volume.

Expedited services providers that some records can be processed faster for an additional fee depending on the court or agency handling the request.

Can I Request Divorce Records Online in Contra Costa County?

Yes, you can request divorce records online through the following portals:

• Contra Costa County Superior Court Website for case files.
• California Department of Public Health for divorce certificates.
• Third-party websites like Californiacourtrecords.us.

Note: Third-party websites may not always provide accurate or up-to-date information.

Are There Any Exceptions to Accessing Contra Costa County Divorce Records?

Certain limitations may restrict access to divorce records in Contra Costa County. These limitations are:

• Sealed Records
  • Sealed divorce records are inaccessible without a court order. These records are typically sealed to protect:
    • Minors or sensitive custody arrangements.
    • Financial or medical privacy
    • High-profile figures.
• Redacted information
  • Information such as social security numbers, addresses, and financial accounts are redacted from the public's point of view to prevent identity theft or breaches of privacy.
• Ongoing Legal Proceedings.
  • Divorce records related to active or unresolved cases may be temporarily restricted.

To access these sealed or restricted portions of a divorce record, you must:

• File a motion with the court requesting access.
• Provide a valid reason for your request, supported by evidence or documentation.