How to Find Divorce Records - Beverly Hills, CA

If you are going through a divorce, the last thing that you want to happen is for the minutiae and paperwork to get in the way between you and starting your new future. You may find yourself seeking divorce records due to remarriage, estate planning, enforcing court orders, modifications, or other legal matters. The experienced family law attorneys at S.L. Pitts can help you process your divorce, clarify the legal status of a divorce, and set you up for success in your next steps in life.

If you’re looking into how to find divorce records, you may seek the help of a Beverly Hills divorce lawyer from an experienced firm to stand by your side through the process. While divorce represents a stride towards a new independent future, it does not mean that you have to go it alone.

Reasons You May Need to Find Divorce Records

There are a variety of legal reasons you may need to find the paperwork and legal records to prove your divorce. The purpose for which you are seeking these records often decides what specific type of record you will need to pull. Here are some of the most common reasons you may need to find divorce records:

Remarriage: If you are applying for a new marriage license, you may have to prove that your previous marriage has been legally dissolved before moving forward.

Changing Your Name: As a part of reverting back to your name prior to your marriage, or any other name change situation, you may need to provide the divorce decree as the legal document required to change a name on documents such as driver’s licenses, passports, Social Security cards, or bank accounts.

Estate Planning and Property: To update estate documents like wills, trusts, and beneficiaries on life insurance policies and retirement accounts, you may need divorce records. Jointly owned property may require documentation to sell or refinance.

Court Orders and Decrees: If a spouse is not complying with the terms of a divorce, or if there is a significant change in the circumstances of either party, a divorce decree will be used as the main document to file a motion for the court to enforce orders or petition the court for a modification. For example, if you go through a significant change in income, job relocation, or a new custody arrangement, you may need to modify spousal support/alimony payments.

Proving Marital Status: In some life circumstances, you may be required to verify your marital status. This includes applying for government benefits, loans, or tax exemptions. Your divorce documentation will serve as legal proof.

Third-Party Research: If you are doing an investigation or participating in research for other reasons, you may wish to know how to find someone else’s divorce records. Some divorce records are public under California’s Public Records Act, allowing the general public to access the documents from a third-party website or directly through the Superior Court in the county in which the divorce was filed. Some divorce records may be sealed by the court, so they are not accessible to the public.

There are many reasons why you may be wondering how to find divorce records in California. If you are in the midst of a legal situation, lean on the support of a divorce lawyer who has experience with the court system of Beverly Hills, CA. They can help you determine what specific documentation you will need and how best to get the resolution you are seeking.

Types of Divorce Records

There are two main types of certified and legal divorce records in California: the divorce decree and the divorce certificate. The case file may also be necessary to obtain in specific situations. Here is a breakdown of the differences in the types of divorce records:

What Is a Divorce Decree?

Under California law, the divorce decree is the detailed, certified document that you need when proving your divorce for legal purposes. This includes all the legal terms of the divorce, such as the division of assets and debts, agreements over child custody and visitation, and details on any spousal or child support payments. This document can be obtained by the specific judicial branch in California in the county where the divorce was filed.

What Is a Divorce Certificate?

A much simpler document than a divorce decree, the divorce certificate is a short one-page record confirming the legality of your divorce. It includes basic information, such as the names of the divorcing parties, the court and county where the divorce was filed, and the official case number. Generally, this document is not used in situations requiring a certified legal document, since it is more of an informational copy.

Divorce Case File

The case file also includes the comprehensive record and all filed documents related to the divorce proceedings. This encompasses the initial petition to the court, all findings, financial disclosures, motions, and the final judgment. You may have to go to the courthouse to view these documents or get copies for your file.

Who Can Access or Obtain These Divorce Records?

Generally, anyone may obtain informational copies or view these divorce records, as most divorces are public records. However, these informational copies will not work as a legal document. If you require an authorized, official, and certified copy for use in legal matters, you will likely need to be one of the parties directly involved in the divorce or their current legal representative.

If you need help understanding the types of documents involved with divorce records, contact our Beverly Hills divorce attorneys to get your questions answered. We also have a helpful FAQs page about divorce, which may be able to answer some of your questions or concerns.

The Process of Locating Divorce Records

If your divorce occurred after June 1984, your best bet at locating your divorce records will be at the courthouse where you originally filed. Prior to that date, you may have to check with the California Department of Health (CDPH).

Locating Divorce Records at the County Courthouse

County courthouses are typically the keepers of any official records and the best place to go when you need a certified, legal copy of your actual divorce decree. There are a few ways you can obtain the necessary documents from the courthouse, however:

Walk In: If you are able to go to the courthouse where you obtained your divorce, you can request your divorce records in person. This is often the best and fastest way to get the paperwork you need.

Mail-In Request: If you are unable to make the trip to the courthouse, most Superior Courts will allow you to send in a written request form to the office of the clerk. To do this, you will need to include the names of both parties, the year of the divorce, and the court case number. A self-addressed stamped envelope is often required with a mail-in request.

Digital Access: Some courts may have public access terminals that allow you to view electronic copies of your divorce records. More rarely, some Superior Courts have online request options. Be sure to check the options online before making the trip.

Either way you choose to request your divorce records, expect to pay a small fee. The fee for an informational copy typically covers the printing costs, at around 50 cents per page for a regular copy or roughly $15 for a certified copy. Other fees may apply, and payment methods can vary, so it is best to check with the specific courthouse first before making any assumptions.

If you run into any issues, you can consult our divorce lawyers in Beverly Hills, CA. Our team is familiar with the local courts and their request processes.

Locating Divorce Records Through the California Department of Public Health

For certain California divorce records between 1962 and June 1984, the California Department of Health may be a good resource. Copies from CDPH are just certificates of divorce records containing the names of the parties involved, filing date, county, and case number.

If you are attempting to obtain divorce records for a legal matter, this may not fulfill the requirements you need. However, if this suffices, you can download and complete an application form, attach a check or money order, and send it to the CDPH Vital Records Department in Sacramento, CA.

If you are unsure of the date of your divorce or other factors, a Beverly Hills divorce attorney from S.L. Pitts may be able to help.

How Divorce Records Help in Family Law Disputes and Proceedings

Divorce records provide an invaluable document to show the dissolution of a marriage and the terms that were agreed upon. They help in family law disputes and proceedings by serving as a legal foundation for issues related to property and asset division, spousal and child support, and matters of custody. Our divorce lawyers can help you use records to help in situations such as:

Property and Asset Division: The divorce decree, outlining final judgment on the division of marital assets and debts, is critical for enforcing the terms of the original divorce settlement. If you are having issues with your ex failing to transfer a deed or distribute funds as they were ordered, this document provides primary evidence to petition the court for enforcement and a clear legal basis for subsequent financial transactions.

Spousal and Child Support: Divorce records establish the legal obligation to fulfill spousal support (also referred to as alimony) and child support. The divorce decree will specify the amount of support, duration, and frequency of payments, and can initiate enforcement actions, such as wage garnishments or liens against the party failing to pay as the court ordered. If your situation in life has changed dramatically since the support order was issued, you may also use the decree to request a modification of orders.

Child Custody and Visitation: A divorce record will contain the officially filed parenting plan, outlining child custody, visitation schedules, and parental responsibilities. It is a go-to reference for resolving disagreements between parents and can be used to seek court intervention as a way of ensuring the plan is followed and avoiding non-compliance.

If you are trying to learn how to find your divorce records, you may need to consult with one of our divorce lawyers. At S.L. Pitts, our attorneys understand the complexities that a divorce causes and even the lingering effects that can continue long after the divorce is secured. Get compassionate and strong legal support from our experienced team so you can make sure that your legal rights are protected.

How Do I Access Sealed Divorce Records?

Many divorce records are public, but some are sealed by the court to protect sensitive information. Situations where divorce records are sealed can include allegations of abuse, financial details of high-net-worth divorced couples, and to protect any minors involved. When records are sealed, access is restricted solely to the parties involved directly in the divorce, their current legal representatives, and others with proof of a legal need to view the documents.

Need Help on how to find divorce records? Contact Our Family Law Firm in Beverly Hills, CA

Engaging our Beverly Hills divorce attorneys can help streamline the process of finding your divorce records, especially in situations of complex or high-profile cases. We believe in putting our clients first, providing honest advice, showing respect for all involved in the divorce, and striving for our clients’ best interests. We take pride in our work and want to help you create the best possible future for yourself, whether you are starting the process of a divorce or continuing to move forward after one.

When you need help with your divorce records, our seasoned legal professionals can help. We will get your initial consultation scheduled so we can go over any questions or concerns you have before signing on as a client. You can trust our team to pursue your best interests as if they were our own. To schedule a confidential consultation, contact our family law firm today.