Are Riverside County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, Riverside County divorce records are generally considered non-confidential documents that may be accessed and obtained by members of the public. Requesters may access these records by filling out and submitting a records request form with related details, such as the names of the parties, case number, filing date, and attorneys on records.

Riverside County divorce records are available to the public by virtue of the California Public Records Act (CPRA). This Act contains laws that allow the public access to documents maintained by government bodies. It also provides for records that should be exempted from public access, such as medical records, addresses, Social Security Numbers, details about minors, and records sealed by court orders. Requesters may submit records requests in person, via the mail, and online.

Who Can Access Riverside County Public Records?

Riverside County has an open records policy that allows members of the public to access and obtain public records, including divorce records. The public may access divorce records with sensitive information redacted or sealed. There is no requirement for eligibility verification, but obtaining copies may require paying a fee and providing valid identification.

Additional parties that may access Riverside County divorce records include:

• Attorneys: These persons require divorce records to aid the representation of their clients in the divorce case. They are required to provide identification, which may be a copy of their Bar Card or any other professional identification.
• Researchers: This includes entities or individuals who require divorce records for study or research. If required, researchers may access these records by providing court approval and signing a confidentiality agreement.
• Government agencies: This includes agencies like law enforcement bodies and child protective services, which may require divorce records for investigations or child welfare procedures. These bodies must provide a legitimate official purpose for the request. Law enforcement agencies may also provide a public safety purpose for requesting divorce records.

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

Riverside County records law does not require requesters to state the specific purpose of the request. However, there may be procedural requirements for providing the purpose for requesting divorce records from the Riverside County Superior Court. The court clerk may request for the specific purpose of obtaining these records, which usually aids internal tracking. The complexity and volume of the request may also prompt the requirement to state the purpose. Requests for Riverside County divorce records may be for any of the following reasons:

• Genealogical research includes tracing family lineage or verifying familial relationships or ancestry.
• Legal research, family law research, and client representation.
• Academic research
• Journalism

How do you Request Divorce Records in Riverside County?

Riverside County divorce records may be obtained with records requests. These requests may be made in person, via the mail, or online at the Superior Court Clerk’s Office. Requesters may follow these steps to obtain copies of Riverside County divorce records:

• Select the preferred request method: You may choose between online, mail-in, or in-person requests. Each method has varying processing times and fees.
• Prepare your records request: Prepare your request by obtaining the request form or following the instructions on the county clerk’s online records portal. For in-person or mail-in requests, fill out the request form with details such as case number, names of the parties to the divorce, the nature of records, and your contact details. All accompanying documents should also be attached to the request form.
• Pay the required charges: Before submission, you must pay the required fees for processing the request or for the quantity of copies requested. You may pay the fees using any of the payment methods provided by the clerk’s office. Attach proof of payment to the records request before submission.
• File the request: You may submit the request using the selected request mode. After filing the request, wait for the records custodian to process it before obtaining copies of the records.

What Information is Included in a Riverside County Divorce Record?

Riverside County divorce records are generally publicly accessible. These records contain public information, such as details about the case and the parties to the case. Some examples of information in a Riverside County divorce record include:

• Case number
• Names of parties in the case
• The divorce date
• Filing date
• Child support or custody agreement
• Spousal support agreement
• Information about the court and presiding judge
• Property division agreement
• The grounds for divorce

The exemptions provided for in the Act include the following:

• Medical records
• Details about minor children
• Records sealed by court order
• Financial information such as bank account numbers, asset value, and details of parties’ income.
• Personally identifiable information, such as home addresses

Fees for Accessing Riverside County Divorce Records

Riverside County divorce records are available to requesters after submission of the records request and payment of the processing fees. Requests may also be required to pay for copies of the records. You may get a certified copy of a divorce record for $15. Copies of records may be obtained for $1 for the first five pages and $0.50 for each additional page. This fee is to be paid through the provided payment methods by the clerk’s office. You may also apply for waivers or fee reductions if you qualify for it. You may confirm the eligibility terms for the fee reduction or waivers available from the Circuit Clerk's Office.

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

The processing time varies depending on the mode of request used. Online requests are generally faster. The Circuit Clerk’s website offers a public access portal where Riverside Superior Court records may be searched using case number or name. Requests sent by mail usually take longer due to the mailing time involved. Mail-in requests are usually satisfied within 1 to 2 weeks from the request. Requesters should factor in the volume of the request and the nature of the request to estimate their records processing time. While the county offers expedited services, you may confirm with the Riverside Superior Court Clerk’s office if there are expedited services for records requests.

Can I Request Divorce Records Online in Riverside County?

Riverside County court records are available online through the Search Court Records website. This platform offers a Public Access portal where requesters may search records using names and case numbers. Third-party websites such as Californiacourtrecords.us may offer alternative access to divorce records. However, requesters must note that records from third-party websites may be less accurate than official records.

Are There Any Exceptions to Accessing Riverside County Divorce Records?

Yes, some restrictions and exemptions are contained in the California Public Records Act. These exceptions are aimed at protecting the privacy of records registrants and ensuring public safety and order. These exceptions include the following:

• Records sealed by court orders for the protection of victims and minors
• Redacted records such as financial details, medical records, details about minors, and personally identifiable information
• Information from ongoing legal proceedings