San Diego County Divorce Records
What Are San Diego County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in San Diego County are official court documents that provide legal documentation of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego as part of the court's family law case files. Pursuant to California Family Code § 2300, a divorce judgment (legally termed "dissolution of marriage") officially terminates the marital relationship.
San Diego County divorce records typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (initial filing)
- Response from the other party
- Financial disclosures
- Child custody and support arrangements (if applicable)
- Property division agreements
- Final Judgment of Dissolution
These records document the legal process from the initial filing through the final judgment and are maintained as part of the public record system in accordance with California Government Code § 68150, which establishes requirements for court record preservation.
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego
Central Division, Central Courthouse
1100 Union Street
San Diego, CA 92101
619-450-5000
Superior Court of San Diego County
Are San Diego County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in San Diego County are generally considered public records in accordance with California Rules of Court, rule 2.550, which presumes court records are open to public inspection. Members of the public may access most divorce case files through the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego.
However, certain limitations apply to public access:
- Confidential personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver's license numbers are redacted from public documents pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.400-2.407
- Documents containing minors' information may have restricted access
- Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection
- Financial declarations and certain sensitive documents may be protected from general public access
The court maintains these access restrictions in accordance with California Family Code § 2024.6, which provides for the confidentiality of certain information in family law proceedings. Individuals seeking access to divorce records must comply with established court procedures and may be required to complete specific request forms depending on the nature of the records sought.
How To Find a Divorce Record In San Diego County in 2025
Members of the public seeking divorce records in San Diego County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego maintains divorce records and provides multiple access options.
To locate a divorce record in person:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse location where the case was filed
- Proceed to the Family Law Business Office or Records Department
- Complete a Records Search Request form
- Provide the case number if known, or names of parties and approximate date of filing
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees ($1.00 per page for copies, $15 for certification of documents)
For records from 1964 to present, individuals may visit:
San Diego Superior Court - Central Division
1100 Union Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
619-450-5000
For older records (prior to 1964), requestors may need to contact:
San Diego County Recorder's Office
1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260
San Diego, CA 92101
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
619-237-0502
Pursuant to California Government Code § 70627, fees are charged for search and reproduction of court records. Payment may be made by cash, credit card, or money order made payable to "Clerk of the Superior Court."
How To Look Up Divorce Records in San Diego County Online?
The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego provides an online case search system for locating divorce records electronically. This system allows users to search for cases filed from 1989 to present.
To conduct an online search for divorce records:
- Navigate to the San Diego Superior Court's official website
- Select "Case Search" from the available options
- Choose "Family" as the case type
- Enter search criteria (at least one is required):
- Case number (if known)
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Filing date range
- Review search results which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Case title (parties' names)
- Case type
- Status (active/inactive)
- Register of Actions (chronological list of filings)
The online system provides basic case information and the Register of Actions at no cost. However, pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.506, complete case documents are not available for download through the public portal. To obtain actual document copies, individuals must request them in person or by mail from the appropriate court location.
Users should note that the online system may experience periodic maintenance downtime, typically scheduled during non-business hours. Additionally, some older records may not be fully indexed in the electronic system.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In San Diego County?
Members of the public may access basic divorce record information in San Diego County without charge through several methods. The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego provides limited free access options in accordance with California Government Code § 68150(l).
Free access methods include:
- Using public access terminals located at courthouse locations during regular business hours
- Conducting basic case searches through the court's online case search portal
- Reviewing the Register of Actions (case docket) which lists all documents filed in a case
Public Access Terminal Locations:
Central Courthouse
1100 Union Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Terminal Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
East County Regional Center
250 East Main Street
El Cajon, CA 92020
Terminal Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
North County Regional Center
325 South Melrose Drive
Vista, CA 92081
Terminal Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
While basic case information is available without charge, fees apply for document copies ($1.00 per page) and certified copies ($15.00 per document) in accordance with California Government Code § 70627. Additionally, research fees may apply if court staff assistance is required for searches spanning multiple years or involving complex criteria.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In San Diego County
Divorce records maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego contain comprehensive documentation of the dissolution process. Pursuant to California Family Code § 2100-2113, these records include mandatory filings and supplemental documents submitted throughout the proceedings.
Standard components of San Diego County divorce records include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Response to Petition (FL-120), if filed
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140) and related financial documents
- Proof of Service documents
- Declaration Regarding Service of Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141)
- Marital Settlement Agreement, if applicable
- Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180)
- Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)
If children are involved, additional documents may include:
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (FL-105)
- Child Custody and Visitation Order Attachment (FL-341)
- Child Support Information and Order Attachment (FL-342)
The records also contain all motions, responses, and court orders issued during the proceedings. Financial information such as Income and Expense Declarations (FL-150) and Property Declarations (FL-160) are included but may have restricted public access pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.400-2.407.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In San Diego County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in San Diego County may obtain a certified copy of the Judgment of Dissolution from the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. This document serves as legal verification that a marriage has been terminated and is often required for name changes, remarriage, or immigration purposes.
To obtain certified proof of divorce:
- Complete a Records Search Request form (available at courthouse locations or downloadable from the court website)
- Provide the case number if known, or names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or through an authorized representative
- Include payment for certification fees ($15.00 per document) and copy fees ($1.00 per page)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
For mail requests, send completed forms to:
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego
Central Division, Family Business Office
1100 Union Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Processing times typically range from 5-10 business days for in-person requests and 2-4 weeks for mail requests. Expedited service is not available. Pursuant to California Evidence Code § 1530, certified copies of court records are self-authenticating and legally acceptable as proof of divorce in most situations requiring official documentation.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In San Diego County?
Under limited circumstances, divorce proceedings in San Diego County may be granted confidential status. California law provides specific provisions for maintaining privacy in dissolution cases, though complete confidentiality is rare and subject to strict legal requirements.
Mechanisms for confidentiality in divorce proceedings include:
- Sealing specific documents pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.550-2.551, which requires demonstration of an overriding interest that overcomes the right of public access
- Filing for a Summary Dissolution under California Family Code § 2400-2406 (for qualifying couples), which typically generates less public documentation
- Requesting redaction of sensitive personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account information, and driver's license numbers
- Obtaining protective orders for specific sensitive information pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure § 367.3
The court may grant confidentiality requests when there are legitimate concerns regarding:
- Domestic violence or safety issues
- Protection of minor children
- Trade secrets or proprietary business information
- Prevention of identity theft
Parties seeking confidentiality must file a motion with the court demonstrating good cause for restricting public access. The determination is made on a case-by-case basis by the presiding judicial officer in accordance with established court procedures.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In San Diego County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in San Diego County varies based on several factors, with California law establishing minimum timeframes. Pursuant to California Family Code § 2339, a judgment of dissolution cannot be entered until at least six months have passed from the date the Respondent was served with the Petition or appeared in the case.
Typical timeframes for San Diego County divorces:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreement on all issues: 6-8 months from filing
- Contested divorces with disputes requiring court intervention: 12-18 months
- Complex cases involving significant assets, business valuations, or custody disputes: 18-36 months
Factors affecting the timeline include:
- Court calendar congestion and scheduling availability
- Completion of mandatory disclosure requirements
- Cooperation between parties in exchanging information
- Need for expert witnesses or specialized evaluations
- Settlement negotiations and mediation attempts
- Judicial officer's caseload and availability for hearings
The San Diego Superior Court Family Division implements case management procedures in accordance with California Rules of Court, rule 5.83, which establishes timelines for case progression. Parties seeking to expedite proceedings may utilize the court's Family Law Case Management services to address procedural delays.
How Long Does San Diego County Keep Divorce Records?
San Diego County maintains divorce records in accordance with California Government Code § 68152, which establishes retention requirements for court documents. The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego preserves these records according to a structured schedule based on document type and significance.
Retention periods for divorce records:
- Final Judgments of Dissolution: Permanently maintained
- Register of Actions (case docket): Permanently maintained
- Court orders related to child custody, visitation, and support: Permanently maintained
- Financial disclosures and supporting documentation: Minimum of 5 years after final disposition
- Procedural filings and routine documents: Minimum of 5 years after final disposition
Records from 1964 to present are maintained by the Superior Court. Records prior to 1964 may be transferred to:
San Diego County Archives
4275 Caminito Tazar
San Diego, CA 92130
858-694-3498
After the required retention period, non-permanent records may be destroyed pursuant to court order. However, the court maintains a microfilm or electronic index of all cases, even after physical documents have been destroyed. The California Department of Public Health Vital Records also maintains a statewide index of all divorces granted in California.
How To Get a Divorce In San Diego County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in San Diego County must follow procedures established by the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego in accordance with California Family Code requirements. The dissolution process involves multiple steps and mandatory waiting periods.
To initiate a divorce in San Diego County:
-
Determine eligibility: At least one spouse must have been a California resident for six months and a San Diego County resident for three months immediately preceding the filing (California Family Code § 2320)
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Complete required forms:
- Petition for Dissolution (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Property Declaration (FL-160) if applicable
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105) if children are involved
-
File documents with the appropriate court location: Central Division, Family Court 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101 Filing Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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Pay filing fees ($435 for Petition, $435 for Response) or request a fee waiver if eligible
-
Serve the other party with copies of filed documents
-
Complete and exchange preliminary financial disclosures
-
Resolve issues through agreement or court proceedings
-
Submit final judgment documents for court approval
The court provides assistance through the Family Law Facilitator's Office:
Family Law Facilitator's Office 1100 Union Street, 4th Floor San Diego, CA 92101 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 619-450-5200
Additional information about the divorce process is available through the court's Divorce FAQ resource.
How To Get Divorce Papers In San Diego County
Individuals seeking divorce forms in San Diego County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary documentation. The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego provides standardized forms that comply with California Judicial Council requirements.
Divorce papers may be obtained through the following methods:
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In-person at the Family Law Business Office at any San Diego Superior Court location:
Central Courthouse 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
East County Regional Center 250 East Main Street El Cajon, CA 92020 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
North County Regional Center 325 South Melrose Drive Vista, CA 92081 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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Online through the California Courts website (forms may be downloaded and printed)
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Through the Family Law Facilitator's Office, which provides form packets with instructions:
Family Law Facilitator's Office 1100 Union Street, 4th Floor San Diego, CA 92101 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 619-450-5200
Basic divorce packets include:
- Petition for Dissolution (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105) if children are involved
- Property Declaration (FL-160) if needed
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 1.31, all forms must be completed in English. Assistance with form completion is available through the Family Law Facilitator's Office at no cost, though this service does not constitute legal representation.
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