Santa Clara County, California Divorce Records

Divorce records in Santa Clara County refer to a range of court documents confirming a marriage's official dissolution. These documents vary, but typically include the divorce petition (FL-100), summons (FL-110), proof of service (FL-115), the divorce decree, and other filed documents.

Santa Clara County divorce records are often a subject of public interest for various reasons, such as the need to validate past marriages, trace one's family history, confirm an individual's eligibility for remarriage, or monitor the rate of divorces for public information.

Santa Clara County divorce rates: Between 2011 and 2021, the divorce rate at the state level decreased by 2.2 divorces per 1,000 women aged 15 and over, with Santa Clara recording the lowest number of divorces among counties in California.

Are Divorce Records Public in Santa Clara County?

Santa Clara County divorce records are open to the public pursuant to the California Rules of Court, particularly 2.400(a). Nevertheless, the rules impose certain restrictions on the degree of information open to the general public.

While the public may request informational copies of divorce records, authorized copies (like divorce decrees) are typically limited to the parties involved in the case and their attorneys.

Sensitive information and sealed cases are also generally exempt from public access. These include domestic violence-related related-claims, child custody arrangements, financial disclosures, spousal support details, and other similar information. Additionally, judges may partially or entirely seal a record upon the application of a petitioner who has shown sufficient cause to justify sealing.

How to Find Divorce Records in Santa Clara County

Divorce records are available online and in person at the Santa Clara County Superior Court. For online searches, visit the Santa Clara County Superior Court Case Information Portal. Individuals will need to provide any of the information listed below to prompt a database query:

• Names of the spouses
• Case number
• Approximate filing year

Online search results typically provide case summaries, but not the full judgment. For official businesses (like remarriage), inquirers must obtain a certified true copy from the court. This may be done in person by visiting the:

At the courthouse, individuals may make their request directly over the counter or locate the specific record using the public access terminal in the Clerk's Office lobby.

Residents typically have to send a written request to the Clerk for mail requests. The content of the written request should include:

• The case number (or full names of both parties and approximate year of divorce).
• A self-addressed stamped envelope
• A check or money order for copy fees

Those seeking divorce records for official endeavors (like remarriage, Social Security, or immigration) may need to get a certified true copy of the divorce decree. Only the Clerk's office issues certified copies, which are done either by mail or in person to the requesting individual.

Overview of the Santa Clara County Court System

Divorce cases in Santa Clara County are handled by the Family Division of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. This is the court that oversees family law matters such as divorce, legal separation, child custody, and support. If an individual is searching for Santa Clara County family court divorce filings, those records are stored with the family division of the Superior Court.

The address is:

This courthouse accepts divorce filings, manages hearings, and stores related documents as official divorce records. These records are maintained by the Clerk of the Court, who serves as the official custodian of divorce decrees and related documents.

Online Access to Santa Clara County Divorce Records

If an individual wishes to find Santa Clara County divorce records online, the Superior Court of California for Santa Clara County provides an online Case Information Portal for public searches. Unlike third-party sites, the Santa Clara County Case Information Portal is updated directly by the court, making it a more reliable option.

When performing a search on the portal, a researcher must provide at least one of the following:

• Case number
• Party name (first and last name of either spouse)
• Filing Year or approximate year

Once entered, the system will return case summaries including:

• Case number
• Case type (e.g., dissolution/divorce)
• Filing date
• Case status (open, closed, dismissed)
• Basic docket information

Note: Full case documents are not always available online (like the decree or judgment). To get certified or complete copies, request them in person or by mail through the Clerk of Court at the Family Justice Center Courthouse.

Third-Party Search Sites

Third-party websites may also be of service, offering "free online divorce lookup Santa Clara County". While these sites typically provide a more straightforward user interface, they do not guarantee that the available data is complete or up to date. Users are advised to ensure that the information obtained is consistent with any information that they might have.

What's Typically Included in a Santa Clara County Divorce Record

For publicly available records, the following details are typically included:

• Case number and filing date
• Names of both spouses (petitioner and respondent)
• Case type (dissolution of marriage, legal separation, annulment)
• Case status (pending, finalized, dismissed)
• Basic docket entries (motions filed, hearing dates, court orders)
• Final judgment/decree summary (confirmation that the divorce was granted)

Restricted or Sealed Information

The law strives to balance public interest with the parties' privacy rights. Therefore, access to specific details may be restricted to the parties and their attorneys. Such details include:

• Financial disclosures (income, bank accounts, debts, property division)
• Child custody and visitation agreements
• Child support and spousal support details
• Allegations of domestic violence or abuse
• Mediation reports and evaluations

An entire record may also be sealed if a party has demonstrated just cause.

How to Get Certified Copies of Santa Clara County Divorce Records

All certified copies are issued by the Santa Clara County Superior Court Family Division Clerk's Office.

Certified Divorce Decrees from the Clerk's Office are required for legal validations. Informational copies only serve casual or genealogical needs.

This table may help clarify:

Steps to Get a Certified Divorce Decree in Santa Clara County

• Gather Information

• Case number (if you don't have it, conduct a search on theCase Information Portal using the name of the parties)
• Names of both spouses
• Approximate year of filing or divorce finalization

• Complete the Request Form

• Visit the Clerk's Office in person or download the "Records Request Form" from the court's website.

• Provide Identification

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.) is required for certified copies.

• Pay the Fees

• Certified copy of divorce decree: $15-$25 per document (fees vary depending on page count).
• $40 + $0.50/page for other certified documents
• Payments may usually be made by cash, debit/credit card, or money order (check website for current policy).

• Choose Delivery Method

• In Person Pickup: Often same day or within a few business days.
• By Mail: Mail the applicable form, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Clerk's Office. Processing may take up to 4 weeks.

Why People Request Santa Clara County Divorce Records

There are many reasons to request divorce records in Santa Clara County. This determines whether a certified or informational copy is required. Some of the most common include:

• Name changes after divorce: Proof of divorce is often required to legally update your name on identification documents.
• Remarriage applications: A certified divorce decree may be necessary when applying for a new marriage license.
• Legal documentation for courts, benefits, or immigration: Courts, banks, and government agencies may request official proof of marital status for property division, inheritance, or benefits.
• Genealogy or family research: Informational copies may help trace family history and confirm past marriages.

In some cases, specific industries, employers, or screening companies may verify divorce history as part of a background review.

Santa Clara County Divorce Records Summary