Are San Diego County Divorce Records Public in California?

Yes, divorce records in San Diego County, California are generally public records, access to specific details within these records are subject to restrictions. Under California law, most court records, including divorce records, are accessible to the public through the California Public Records Act (CPRA) and the rules governing court access. However, certain portions of the divorce records, such as financial information or custody agreements, are sealed or redacted to protect privacy.

Divorce records come in two types.

• Divorce certificates provide basic information such as names of the parties, the date of the divorce, and the court where it was finalized.
• Divorce decrees include detailed information about the divorce settlement, such as child custody, spousal support, and property division.

While divorce certificates are generally more accessible, accessing detailed decrees may require valid reason or court authorization. Cases involving minors, domestic violence, or sensitive personal information have additional privacy protections.

Who Can Access San Diego County Public Records?

The following categories of individuals are typically eligible for access to divorce records in San Diego County:

• Direct family members such as spouses or children can access records for legal or personal needs.
• Anyone can access basic divorce information but they may face limitations on accessing sensitive details like financial settlements or custody arrangements.
• Legal representatives of the parties involved can access detailed records for litigation or legal advice.
• Government agencies like child support enforcement or social services can access records for official purposes.
• Researchers and Genealogists can access records for historical and academic purposes, though sensitive information is typically redacted.

Third-party access is often restricted unless the requester can demonstrate a legitimate reason or has the consent of the parties involved. Eligibility verification requires presenting valid identification or a court order.

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

Yes, in some cases, you may need to state your purpose for requesting divorce records in San Diego County. For instance, when requesting detailed records or decrees containing sensitive details, the court may ask for a reason to ensure compliance with privacy regulations. Legitimate purposes for records requests include.

• Legal Proceedings such as appeals or enforcement of divorce terms.
• Genealogical research or establishing family history.
• Personal reasons such as verifying marital status for a new marriage.

Declaring your purpose may not be required to access basic divorce certificates but may be necessary for more detailed or sealed records.

How do you Request Divorce Records in San Diego County?

Members of the the public can request divorce records by following several general steps:

• Determine whether you need a divorce certificate, decree, or other court records.
• Choose a method.
  • For online access, use the San Diego Superior Court’s online portal for case information.
  • For in-person requests, visit the family law division of the San Diego Superior Court.
  • For mail requests, Submit a written request to the court or the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for certificates.
• Prepare Documentation
  • Provide names of the parties, date of divorce, and case number, if known.
  • Include identification, if required.
• Submit the Request
  • San Diego Superior Court Family Law Division
    1100 Union Street,
    San Diego, CA 92101
    Phone: (619) 844-2777
    For certificates, contact:
  • California Department of Public Health
    Vital Records -MS 5103
    P.O. Box 95899-7410
• Pay Fees, depending on the request type and method.
• Wait for processing as processing times can be arranged from a few days for online requests to weeks for mail or in-person requests.

What Information is Included in a San Diego County Divorce Record?

Divorce typically includes:

• Full names of the parties involved.
• Date and location of the divorce.
• Case number.
• Details of the final divorce decree, including
  • Custody arrangements
  • Property division.
  • Spousal and child support agreements.

Sensitive sections, such as financial disclosures or personal addresses, may be sealed or redacted.

Fees for Accessing San Diego County Divorce Records

Fees for accessing divorce records are as follows.

• Online Requests:$15-$20 per record (depending on platform).
• In-person requests typically cost $15 per copy.
• Mail requests: $14-$15 for certificates via the CDPH.

Fee waivers or reductions may be available for low-income applicants, veterans, or seniors. Payments can often be made via credit card, check, or Money order.

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

The timeline for receiving divorce records depends on the method of request.

• For online requests usually processed within 2-5 business days.
• In-person requests are often available on the same day.
• Mail requests can take 2-3 weeks.

High request volume or incomplete applications may cause delays. Expedited services may be available for an additional fee.

Can I Request Divorce Records Online in San Diego County?

Yes, you may request divorce records online through official sources like San Diego Superior Court's website or the California Department of Public Health. Third-party websites like Californiacourtrecords.us may also provide access, but their accuracy and reliability cannot be guaranteed. Always verify records through official government channels.

Are There Any Exceptions to Accessing San Diego County Divorce Records?

Yes, there are exceptions to accessing San Diego County divorce records. These exceptions include:

• Sensitive cases, such as those involving minors or domestic violence are usually sealed by the court.
• Confidential information such as financial disclosures, social security numbers, and medical records are typically redacted.
• Protective court orders limit access to certain records.