Are Los Angeles County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, divorce records in Los Angeles County are generally considered public records. Under California State law, divorce records are accessible to the public unless they have been sealed by a court order. The California Public Records Act (CPRA) governs the accessibility of public records, including divorce records, and ensures transparency while respecting certain privacy concerns. However, there are restrictions on access to sensitive parts of the record, such as financial settlements, child custody arrangements, or other personal information which may be redacted or sealed.

Relevant laws and regulations include:

1. California Public Records Act (CPRA) establishes public access to most governmental records, including court documents.
2. California Family Code: Provides provisions for sealing records under specific circumstances, such as protecting minors or victims of domestic violence.
3. Local Court Rules: Los Angeles County typically has specific procedural guidelines for accessing court records.

Sealed or Restricted Records:

• Cases involving minors or domestic violence are often sealed to protect privacy.
• Financial disclosures and private settlement details are typically redacted.
• Protective orders or ongoing legal disputes limit access until resolved.

Who Can Access Los Angeles County Public Records?

Access to Los Angeles County divorce records is categorized based on the requester's relationship to the case or the purpose of the request. Typically:

1. The public can request basic details, such as the divorce decree or case status unless the record is sealed. However, sensitive information like social security numbers or financial data is typically redacted.
2. Attorneys and legal representatives directly involved in the case can access unredacted records for legal purposes.
3. Government agencies may access divorce records for investigations, background checks, or official purposes without restrictions.
4. Immediate family members may be granted access to more detailed records upon providing profit of the relationship.
5. Researchers may also request records for academic or statistical purposes, although redacted versions are often provided.

To verify eligibility:

• Provide identification and, if required, proof of relationship to the case.
• Attorneys must present case-specific authorization and have a court order or power of attorney.

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

In Los Angeles County, individuals requesting divorce records do not typically need to declare their purpose. However, some situations may require a valid reason, including:

• Legal purposes such as appeals and enforcement of decrees.
• Personal use, such as verifying marital status or name change.
• Genealogical research
• Background checks or investigations.

For records that are sealed or partially redacted, you may need to state your purpose to obtain special permissions.

How do you Request Divorce Records in Los Angeles County?

To request divorce records in Los Angeles County, follow these steps.

Step 1: Identify the type of record

• Divorce decree is available from the Los Angeles Superior Court.
• A certificate of record is available from the California Department of Public Health(CDPH).

Step 2: Choose your request method.

1. For online access, visit the Los Angeles Superior Court’s online portal. For a certificate of record, visit the California CDPH Website.
2. For in-person requests, visit the Clerk of the Superior Court at the courthouse where the divorce was filed.
   Los Angeles Superior Court
   Stanley Mosk Courthouse
   111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
   Phone: (213) 830-0800
   Complete the request form and present valid identification
3. By mail, submit a written request to the appropriate agency with the required forms and fees.

Step 3: Pay Fees

• Fees range from $15-$50 depending on the type of record and method of request.
• Payments can be made by check, money order, or credit card.

Step 4: Processing and delivery.

• Processing times vary but typically take 2-4 weeks. Expedited services are available at an additional cost.

What Information is Included in a Los Angeles County Divorce Record?

A divorce record in Los Angeles County typically includes:

• Full names of both spouses involved.
• Case number, filing date, and court location.
• Details of the divorce judgment, including property division and alimony.
• Child custody and support arrangements, if applicable.
• Limited access to financial disclosures, in some cases, is redacted for privacy.

Redacted sections include:

• Social security numbers.
• Sensitive financial or medical information.
• Records sealed by court order.

Fees for Accessing Los Angeles County Divorce Records

Fees can be made in cash, credit card, or check, depending on the method of request. Fee waivers are available for low-income individuals upon submission of proof. The fee schedule is below:

• Divorce Decree copy:$15-$25.
• Certificate of Record: $14-$20.
• Expedited Services: Attracts additional fee.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain Divorce Records in Los Angeles County?

The timeline for receiving divorce records varies according to the record type.

• Online requests are processed within 5-10 business days.
• In-person requests grant the requestor immediate access to records that are readily available.
• Mail requests take 2-4 weeks, depending on the volume.
• Expedited services are available for an additional fee.

Can I Request Divorce Records Online in Los Angeles County?

Yes, divorce records can be requested online through:

• Los Angeles Superior Court portal for court documents
• The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for certificate of record.

Third party websites such as Californiacourtrecords.us also offer access to divorce records but may not guarantee accuracy. It is recommended to use official government platforms for reliable information.

Are There Any Exceptions to Accessing Los Angeles County Divorce Records?

Yes, Certain Circumstances limit access to divorce records, including:

• Sealed records where entire cases or sensitive portions such as financial settlements or domestic abuse details are restricted.
• Records involving custody or disputes that avoid minors may be redacted or sealed.
• Information may also be withheld for safety reasons.

To access restricted records:

• Submit a formal petition to the court to access sealed information.
• Provide proof of eligibility or legal interest in the case.