Search Daly City Family Court Records
Daly City family court records are maintained at San Mateo County Superior Court. All divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence cases filed by Daly City residents go through the San Mateo County court system. Daly City is the largest city in San Mateo County with about 104,000 people. It sits just south of San Francisco on the Peninsula. The main courthouse for family law is in Redwood City on County Center. All family law filings and hearings for Daly City take place at this location. California law restricts online access to family court documents to protect privacy in sensitive cases. You can check basic case information using the online MIDX portal, but full documents require an in-person visit to see the complete case file.
Daly City Quick Facts
Where Daly City Residents File Family Cases
Daly City residents file family law cases at San Mateo County Superior Court in Redwood City. The courthouse sits at 400 County Center in Redwood City. 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 self-help center is located at the courthouse. 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 self-help line at (650) 261-5010 for assistance with your family law case.
| Court | San Mateo County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 400 County Center Redwood City, CA 94063 |
| Phone | (650) 261-5100 |
| Self-Help | (650) 261-5010 |
| Website | sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law-division |
The Redwood City courthouse is south of Daly City on the Peninsula. You can drive there in about 20 minutes via I-280. BART serves the area via Millbrae and South San Francisco stations, with Caltrain continuing to Redwood City. SamTrans bus routes also serve 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.
Accessing Daly City Family Court Records
Family court records for Daly City cases are stored at the San Mateo County courthouse. You can search for basic case information online using the MIDX case index. Full family law documents are not available remotely. California Rules of Court protect the privacy of family law cases by limiting remote access.
The MIDX case index at web.sanmateocourt.org/midx 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 Redwood City 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.
How to File for Divorce in Daly City
To file for divorce in Daly City, you must meet California residency requirements. One spouse must have lived in California for six months. That same spouse must have lived in San Mateo County for three months. If you meet these rules, you can file at San Mateo 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 Daly City 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 Redwood City. 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 Daly City take six to nine months when both parties agree on all terms.
San Mateo County Family Court Fees
Family court fees for Daly City cases are set by San Mateo 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 Daly City Residents
Legal aid is available for Daly City residents who need help with family court cases. Bay Area Legal Aid serves San Mateo 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 San Mateo 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 Redwood City 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 Daly City
You can file your own family court case without a lawyer. This is called filing pro se. Many Daly City 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. San Mateo County may have local forms you need as well. Check the court website for local rules and forms.
The self-help center at the San Mateo 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.
San Mateo County Family Court Records
Daly City is part of San Mateo County. All family law cases for Daly City residents are filed at San Mateo County Superior Court. The county court serves 20 cities and over 760,000 people. For more on San Mateo County family court locations, fee schedules, and legal resources, visit the San Mateo County family court records page.