Fontana Family Court Records
Family court records for Fontana are kept at the San Bernardino County Superior Court. Fontana has about 214,000 people and is in the west part of San Bernardino County. All family law cases like divorce, child custody, and support are handled through the county court. You can search for case info online through a public portal or visit the Fontana courthouse to see files in person. The court keeps registers of actions and case indexes that you can view from home. Full documents require an in-person visit under California law. Most Fontana family court records are public, but some are sealed or restricted by statute.
Fontana Quick Facts
Fontana Family Law Courthouse
Fontana residents file family law cases at the Fontana District courthouse. This is part of the San Bernardino County Superior Court system. The address is 17780 Arrow Blvd in Fontana. It is easy to reach from the I-10 freeway. Parking is free at the courthouse.
The Fontana courthouse handles all family law for the west county area. 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 at the Fontana location.
| Court | San Bernardino County Superior Court - Fontana District |
|---|---|
| Address | 17780 Arrow Blvd Fontana, CA 92335 |
| Phone | (909) 521-3180 |
| Self-Help | (909) 269-8826 |
| Website | sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov |
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. The building has metal detectors at the entrance. Plan extra time for security when you visit for Fontana family law matters.
Search Fontana Family Court Records Online
San Bernardino County has an online portal to search case records. Go to cap.sb-court.org/search to start. You can search by name or case number. The system shows case summaries, hearing dates, and what filings have been made. It covers all of San Bernardino County, including Fontana.
The portal lets you see basic case info. 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. You can see the register of actions and calendar online. To read petitions, declarations, or court orders, you must visit the Fontana courthouse in person.
San Bernardino County also has a self-help portal called DASH. Go to dash.sb-court.org to find forms, instructions, and videos on how to handle your own case. You can also use DASH to prepare some documents online. This is a free service for Fontana residents and all other county residents.
If you need certified copies, bring the case number to the Fontana courthouse. Ask the clerk for the documents you want. Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certification adds $40. Most people use certified copies when they need proof for another legal matter in Fontana family law cases.
Self-Help for Fontana Residents
San Bernardino County runs a Family Law Facilitator program. The facilitator gives free help with child support and custody cases. They do not represent you in court, but they can show you which forms to use and explain procedures. Call (909) 269-8826 to ask about services at the Fontana courthouse.
The DASH portal at dash.sb-court.org has step-by-step guides for people who file without a lawyer. You can watch videos, read instructions, and prepare some documents online. The site covers divorce, custody, support, and restraining orders. It is free for all Fontana residents.
Forms are available online at sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov. You can print them at home or pick up copies at the Fontana courthouse. Most forms are in English. Some are in Spanish. Call the self-help line to ask about other languages for Fontana family law cases.
Legal Aid in Fontana
Several groups offer legal help to Fontana residents. Most serve people with low income. Some require you to meet income limits. These groups can help you understand your rights and prepare for court.
Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino helps with divorce, custody, and restraining orders. Call (909) 889-7328 to see if you qualify. Their office is in San Bernardino, but they serve all of the county, including Fontana. Visit their website to learn about their services.
Inland Counties Legal Services also helps low-income people with family law cases. Call (888) 245-4257 to get on their list. They have offices across the Inland Empire and serve Fontana residents who qualify based on income. They focus on cases that involve domestic violence or children.
The San Bernardino County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Call (909) 885-1986 to get a referral. The first meeting with a lawyer costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. After that, you can hire the lawyer at their normal rate or look for someone else to help with your Fontana family law case.
Filing a Family Law Case in Fontana
You must live in California for six months before you file for divorce or legal separation. You also need to live in San Bernardino County for at least three months. If you moved to Fontana from another county, you must wait until you meet the three-month rule. Once you do, you can file at the Fontana courthouse.
Start by picking the right forms. Dissolution of marriage is the legal term for divorce 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 Fontana 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 Fontana 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 Fontana. 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 Fontana 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 Fontana.
Fontana Family Court Fees
The first filing fee is $435 for divorce, legal separation, or annulment. That is a state fee and applies to Fontana 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 Fontana 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 (909) 521-3180 to ask about current fees before you go to the courthouse for Fontana records.
Fee waivers are available if you qualify based on income. Fill out form FW-001 and file it with your case. The judge will review your request and decide if you can proceed without paying fees in Fontana.
Note: Fees are set by the state and may change from time to time.
Nearby San Bernardino County Cities
Fontana is one of many cities in San Bernardino County. All use the same county court system for family law cases. If you live near Fontana or need info on a nearby city, these links may help.
Each city files at a different courthouse, but all follow the same county rules and procedures as Fontana.
San Bernardino County Family Court Records
Fontana is part of San Bernardino County. The county serves over 2 million people and has courthouses in Fontana, San Bernardino, Victorville, Rancho Cucamonga, and Joshua Tree. All family law cases go through the same county system. For full details on procedures, online portals, forms, and legal resources, visit the San Bernardino County page.