Elk Grove Family Law Cases
Elk Grove family court records are maintained by Sacramento County Superior Court. This city of about 178,000 residents is in the south part of Sacramento County. When you need to file for divorce, child custody, or support in Elk Grove, you go through the county court system. Records are kept at the main courthouse and are searchable online through a free public portal. Sacramento County provides free access to family law case indexes, calendars, and registers of actions. You can view these from home or visit the courthouse to see full case files in person. Most family court records for Elk Grove are public, but some are restricted by state law.
Elk Grove Quick Facts
Where Elk Grove Residents File Family Law Cases
Elk Grove is in Sacramento County, so all family law cases are filed at the Sacramento County Superior Court. The main family law division is at 3341 Power Inn Road in Sacramento. That is about 15 minutes north of Elk Grove. You can drive or take public transit to get there from Elk Grove.
The courthouse handles all family law matters for the county. This includes divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, and domestic violence restraining orders. You file new cases at the clerk window. You can also get copies of existing records and pick up blank forms in Elk Grove cases.
| Court | Sacramento County Superior Court - Family Law Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 3341 Power Inn Road Sacramento, CA 95826 |
| Phone | (916) 875-3400 |
| Self-Help | (916) 874-1421 |
| Website | saccourt.ca.gov/family |
Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Security checks all bags at the door. Bring a photo ID. Leave large bags and phones in your car if you can. Parking is free at the courthouse. Elk Grove residents can use this location for all family law needs.
Search Elk Grove Family Court Records Online
Sacramento County offers free online access to case records. Go to services.saccourt.ca.gov/PublicCaseAccess to start. You can search by name or case number. The system shows case summaries, hearing dates, and what motions have been filed. It covers all of Sacramento County, including Elk Grove.
The portal is free. There is no fee to search or to view basic case info. You can download some documents at no charge. This is different from most other California counties that charge fees for online access. Sacramento County chose to make it free for Elk Grove and all other residents.
Family law cases are subject to restrictions under state law. You can see the register of actions and the calendar online. But you cannot view all documents remotely. Under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503, family law records must be viewed at the courthouse if you need full access. The online system gives you enough info to track a case, but you may need to visit in person to read petitions, declarations, or court orders in Elk Grove cases.
If you need certified copies, you must go to the courthouse in Sacramento. Bring the case number. Ask the clerk for copies. Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certification adds $40. Most people use certified copies when they need proof for another legal matter. Plain copies work for your own files in Elk Grove family law cases.
Family Law Self-Help for Elk Grove Residents
The Sacramento County Family Law Self-Help Center is at the courthouse on Power Inn Road. It is free. You do not need an appointment. Walk in any weekday during business hours. Staff can help you fill out forms, explain court procedures, and answer questions about family law in Elk Grove.
The center does not give legal advice. They cannot tell you what to do in your case. But they can show you which forms to use and where to file them. They have workshops on divorce, custody, and support. Call (916) 874-1421 for the schedule. Some workshops are in English and Spanish. Ask when you call if you need another language for Elk Grove family law help.
You can get forms online at saccourt.ca.gov/family. Print them at home or pick up copies at the courthouse. Most forms are from the California Judicial Council. A few are local to Sacramento County. The self-help center can tell you which forms you need for your type of case in Elk Grove.
Free Legal Help in Elk Grove
Several groups serve Elk Grove residents who need help with family law cases. Most focus on people with low income. Some require you to meet income limits. Others offer the first meeting at a lower cost. These groups can help you understand your rights and prepare for court.
Legal Services of Northern California has an office in Sacramento. They help with divorce, custody, and restraining orders. Call (916) 551-2150 to see if you qualify. They serve all of Sacramento County, including Elk Grove. Their website is lsnc.net.
Capital Pro Bono is another option. They match low-income people with volunteer lawyers. The lawyers work for free or at a very low cost. Call (916) 551-2102 to get on the list. They can help with family law cases in Elk Grove if you meet their income rules.
The Family Justice Center in Sacramento helps people in cases that involve domestic violence. They work with police, legal aid, and social workers. Services are free. Call (916) 875-SAFE for more info. They can help you file for a restraining order or plan for safety if you are in danger in Elk Grove.
Steps to File a Family Law Case in Elk Grove
You must live in California for six months before you file for divorce or legal separation. You also need to live in Sacramento County for at least three months. If you moved to Elk Grove from another county, you must wait until you meet the three-month rule. Once you do, you can file at the Sacramento courthouse.
Start by picking the right forms. Divorce is called dissolution of marriage in California. The main form is FL-100. You also file a summons and other papers. The self-help center can give you a list of what you need. Fill out the forms. Sign them. Make copies. File the originals with the clerk and pay the $435 fee in Elk Grove family law cases.
You can ask for a fee waiver if you cannot afford to pay. Fill out form FW-001. Attach proof of income. The judge will decide if you qualify. Many Elk Grove residents get waivers approved. It depends on your income and how many people live in your home.
After you file, you must serve the other party. You cannot do it yourself. Ask a friend, hire a process server, or use the sheriff. Proof of service gets filed with the court in Sacramento. The other person has 30 days to respond. If they do not, you can ask for a default. If they do respond, you move to the next steps like hearings or settlement talks in Elk Grove cases.
Child custody and support cases use different forms but follow the same basic process. You file. You serve. You wait for a response. Then the court may set a hearing to make temporary orders. Final orders come at the end when you settle or the judge rules on all issues in Elk Grove.
Court Fees in Elk Grove Family Law Cases
The first filing fee is $435 for divorce, legal separation, or annulment. That is a state fee and applies to Elk Grove and all other California cities. If you file a motion or request for order after the case starts, you pay $60. That covers things like asking to change custody or support in Elk Grove cases.
Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 for the seal. If the clerk search takes more than 10 minutes, you may pay an extra $15 fee. Call (916) 875-3400 to ask about current fees before you go to the courthouse for Elk Grove records.
Sacramento County does not charge for online searches. That makes it easier to find case info without paying. But if you need physical copies or certified documents, you still pay the standard fees in Elk Grove family law cases.
Note: Fee waivers are available if you qualify based on income.
Other Sacramento County Cities
Elk Grove is one of many cities in Sacramento County. All use the same family law court and follow the same rules. If you live near Elk Grove or need info on a nearby city, these links may help.
Each city files at the same courthouse, so procedures and fees are the same as in Elk Grove.
Sacramento County Family Court Records
Elk Grove is part of Sacramento County. The county court serves over 1.5 million people across many cities and towns. All family law cases are handled at the same courthouse in Sacramento. For more details on county procedures, online portals, forms, and legal resources, visit the Sacramento County page.