Find Concord Family Court Records
Concord family court records are maintained at Contra Costa County Superior Court. All divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence cases filed by Concord residents go through the Contra Costa County court system. Concord is the largest city in Contra Costa County with about 129,000 people. The main courthouse serving Concord is in Martinez, the county seat, on Pine Street. All family law filings for Concord and the central county area happen at this location. California law limits what you can see online for family cases. You can check basic case status and hearing dates, but full documents require an in-person visit to the courthouse to protect privacy in sensitive family matters.
Concord Quick Facts
Where Concord Residents File Family Cases
Concord residents file family law cases at Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez. The courthouse sits at 751 Pine Street in Martinez. 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 family law division uses the Odyssey case management system. The court has an online portal for viewing basic case information. The self-help center is at the courthouse and can help you with forms and procedures. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they can show you which forms to use and where to file them. Call the main court number at (925) 608-1000 for assistance.
| Court | Contra Costa County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 751 Pine Street Martinez, CA 94553 |
| Phone | (925) 608-1000 |
| Portal | odyportal.cc-courts.org/portal |
| Website | contracosta.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-and-children |
The Martinez courthouse is southwest of Concord. You can drive there in about 15 minutes. BART Yellow Line serves Martinez station, which is about a mile from the courthouse. Parking is available in lots near the courthouse. Security checks all bags at the entrance. Bring valid photo ID when you visit. The self-help center can direct you to the right department once you are inside.
Searching Concord Family Court Records
Family court records for Concord cases are stored at the Contra Costa County courthouse. You can search for basic case information online using the Odyssey portal. Full family law documents are not available remotely. California Rules of Court protect the privacy of family law cases by limiting remote access.
The Odyssey portal at odyportal.cc-courts.org lets you search by case number or party name. Results show hearing dates, case type, and basic case status. The portal does not show documents. To see filings, orders, and other documents, you must visit the courthouse in person.
To get documents from your case file, visit the clerk office at the Martinez courthouse. Bring the case number if you have it. If you do not have the number, bring both parties' names and the year the case was filed. The clerk pulls the file and can make copies for you. Copy fees are 50 cents per page. Certified copies cost $25 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
Filing for Divorce in Concord
To file for divorce in Concord, you must meet California residency requirements. One spouse must have lived in California for six months. That same spouse must have lived in Contra Costa County for three months. If you meet these rules, you can file at Contra Costa 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 Concord 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 in Martinez. 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 Concord take six to nine months when both parties agree on all terms.
Contra Costa County Family Court Fees
Family court fees for Concord cases are set by Contra Costa 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 Concord Residents
Legal aid is available for Concord residents who need help with family court cases. Bay Area Legal Aid serves Contra Costa County and provides free legal help to people who qualify based on income. They handle divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence cases. Call 1-800-551-5554 to see if you qualify. Their website is baylegal.org.
The Contra Costa County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. The California State Bar also has a statewide referral line at 1-800-392-5660. The court self-help center at the Martinez 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 Concord
You can file your own family court case without a lawyer. This is called filing pro se. Many Concord 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. Contra Costa County may have local forms you need as well. Check the court website for local rules and forms.
The self-help center at the Contra Costa 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.
Contra Costa County Family Court Records
Concord is part of Contra Costa County. All family law cases for Concord residents are filed at Contra Costa County Superior Court. The county court serves 19 cities and over 1.1 million people. For more on Contra Costa County family court locations, fee schedules, and legal resources, visit the Contra Costa County family court records page.