Chico Family Court Records Search
Chico family court records are maintained at Butte County Superior Court. All divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence restraining order cases filed by Chico residents go through the Butte County court system. Chico is the largest city in Butte County with more than 103,000 people and serves as the county seat. The main courthouse is right in Chico on Concord Avenue. All family law filings for the city and surrounding areas happen at this location. California law limits online access to family court documents to protect privacy. You can check basic case information at the courthouse, but full case files require an in-person visit. Court staff can help you locate your case and obtain copies when needed.
Chico Quick Facts
Where Chico Residents File Family Cases
Chico residents file family law cases at Butte County Superior Court. The courthouse sits at 1775 Concord Avenue in Chico. This is where you file new cases, attend hearings, and get copies of your records. The courthouse handles all types of family law matters including divorce, legal separation, paternity, custody, support, and domestic violence restraining orders.
The Self-Help and Resource Program, known as SHARP, is located at the courthouse. SHARP staff can help you with forms and answer questions about court procedures. They cannot give legal advice, but they can show you which forms to use and where to file them. Call the SHARP line at (530) 532-7015 for assistance with your family law case.
| Court | Butte County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 1775 Concord Avenue Chico, CA 95928 |
| Phone | (530) 532-7008 |
| SHARP Self-Help | (530) 532-7015 |
| Website | butte.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law |
The courthouse is in central Chico near downtown. Free parking is available in the lot next to the courthouse. Enter from Concord Avenue. Security checks all bags at the entrance. Bring valid photo ID when you visit. SHARP staff can direct you to the right department once you are inside the building.
Accessing Family Court Records in Chico
Family court records for Chico cases are stored at the Butte County courthouse. You can search for case information by visiting the courthouse in person. Full family law documents are not available online. California Rules of Court protect the privacy of family law cases by limiting remote access.
The clerk office can search for your case by name or case number. If you do not have the case number, bring both parties' names and the year the case was filed. The clerk pulls the file and tells you what documents are in it. You can order copies of public documents from the file. Some records may be sealed or confidential and cannot be released without a court order.
Copy fees are 50 cents per page for plain copies. Certified copies cost $25 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. If you need many pages, ask for an estimate before placing your order. Payments are accepted at the clerk window by cash, check, or card.
Filing for Divorce in Chico
To file for divorce in Chico, you must meet California residency requirements. One spouse must have lived in California for six months. That same spouse must have lived in Butte County for three months. If you meet these rules, you can file at Butte County Superior Court.
California is a no-fault divorce state. You do not need to prove wrongdoing. You simply state that you have irreconcilable differences. This means the marriage cannot be saved. The court does not ask why. Most divorces in Chico use this ground.
Start by filling out a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage on form FL-100. You also file a Summons, which is form FL-110. If you have minor children, you add form FL-105. File these forms at the courthouse on Concord Avenue in Chico. The filing fee is $435. After filing, you must serve your spouse with copies. You cannot serve them yourself. Hire a process server or use the sheriff. Proof of service must be filed with the court.
California requires a six-month waiting period. The court cannot finalize your divorce until six months pass from the date your spouse was served. During that time, you can file motions for temporary orders on custody, support, or use of property. If both spouses agree on all terms, you can file a stipulated judgment after the waiting period. If you disagree, the case goes to a hearing or trial.
Once the judge signs the final judgment, your divorce is complete. The judgment becomes part of the public record. You can get certified copies from the clerk at any time. The judgment includes all orders on property, custody, and support. These orders remain in effect unless you file a motion to modify them later.
Note: Simple divorces in Chico take six to nine months when both parties agree on all terms.
Butte County Family Court Fees
Family court fees for Chico cases are set by Butte County. The first filing fee for divorce or legal separation is $435. Motions to modify custody or support cost $60. Default judgment motions also cost $60. Check with the clerk for current fees, as amounts can change.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver. Fill out form FW-001 and file it with the court. The judge reviews your income and expenses. If you qualify, the court waives the filing fee and copy fees. You still must pay for service of process and other costs outside the court's control. Fee waiver forms are available at courts.ca.gov.
Legal Help for Chico Residents
Legal aid is available for Chico residents who need help with family court cases. Legal Services of Northern California serves Butte County and provides free legal help to people who qualify based on income. They handle divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence cases. Call (916) 551-2150 to see if you qualify. Their website is lsnc.net.
The Community Legal Information Center at California State University, Chico offers free legal information and resources. They can help you understand family law procedures and find the right forms. Visit csuchico.edu/clic for more information. The center is staffed by trained volunteers and law students who can point you to helpful resources.
The Butte County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. The California State Bar also has a statewide referral line at 1-800-392-5660. The SHARP self-help center at the courthouse can also answer questions about forms and procedures. They cannot give legal advice, but they can help you find the right forms and tell you where to file them.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Chico
You can file your own family court case without a lawyer. This is called filing pro se. Many Chico residents do this when both parties agree on all terms. It works best in simple cases with no disputes over property or children.
California Courts has a self-help website at courts.ca.gov/selfhelp. It has step-by-step guides for divorce, custody, and support cases. All state forms are free to download. The site also has videos that explain how to fill out each form. Butte County may have local forms you need as well. Check the court website for local rules and forms.
The SHARP self-help center at the Butte County courthouse can assist you. Staff cannot fill out forms for you, but they can show you which forms to use and review your completed forms for errors. The center is open during court hours. Walk-ins are welcome. Arrive early if you need help before filing your papers that day.
Butte County Family Court Records
Chico is the county seat of Butte County. All family law cases for Chico residents are filed at Butte County Superior Court. The county court serves the entire county including smaller cities and unincorporated areas. For more on Butte County family court locations, fee schedules, and legal resources, visit the Butte County family court records page.