Fullerton Family Court Records
Family court records for Fullerton are maintained by the Orange County Superior Court. Fullerton has about 143,000 people and sits in the northern part of Orange County. All family law cases like divorce, custody, and support go through the county court system. You can search for case info online through a public portal or visit the North Justice Center in Fullerton to see files in person. The court keeps records of all family law filings from 1990 to the present and makes most of them open to the public. Some records are sealed or limited by law, but you can see case indexes and basic info for most family court cases in Fullerton.
Fullerton Quick Facts
Where Fullerton Family Cases Are Filed
Fullerton residents file family law cases at the North Justice Center. This courthouse is part of the Orange County Superior Court. The address is 1275 N. Berkeley Avenue in Fullerton. It is right in the city, so it is easy to reach from most parts of Fullerton. Parking is available at the courthouse.
The North Justice Center handles all family law for northern Orange County. This includes Fullerton, Brea, La Habra, and Placentia. You file new cases here. You get forms. You pick up copies of records. The clerk staff can direct you to self-help kiosks if you need help. Call (657) 622-5500 for general info on family law cases in Fullerton.
| Court | Orange County Superior Court - North Justice Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 1275 N. Berkeley Avenue Fullerton, CA 92832 |
| Phone | (657) 622-5500 |
| Self-Help | (657) 622-5500 |
| Website | occourts.org |
Security checks all bags at the door. Bring a photo ID. Leave large bags at home if you can. Hours are Monday through Friday, usually 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Check the website before you go in case hours change for Fullerton family law cases.
Search Fullerton Family Court Records Online
Orange County has an online portal for family law case access. Go to occourts.org/online-services/case-access/family-law-case-access to start. You can search by name or case number. The system shows case summaries and hearing dates. It covers all of Orange County, including Fullerton.
The portal shows records from 1990 to the present. Older cases may not be in the system. If you need a case from before 1990, call the clerk office at (657) 622-5500 to ask how to find it. The search is free. You do not pay to look up case info for Fullerton family law cases.
You cannot view all documents online. 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 North Justice Center in Fullerton.
If you need copies, bring the case number to the courthouse. Ask the clerk for the documents you want. Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 for the seal. Most people use certified copies when they need proof for another legal matter in Fullerton.
Self-Help Resources in Fullerton
Orange County has self-help kiosks at each courthouse. The kiosks are computers that help you fill out forms and find info about your case. They are free to use. You do not need an appointment. Just walk up to a kiosk at the North Justice Center in Fullerton and follow the prompts.
The kiosks can help with divorce, custody, support, and restraining orders. They show you which forms to use and help you fill them out. They do not give legal advice. They just guide you through the process. If you need more help, the kiosk can tell you where to find legal aid groups in Fullerton.
Forms are also online at occourts.org. You can print them at home or pick up copies at the courthouse. Most forms are in English. Some are in Spanish and Vietnamese. Call (657) 622-5500 to ask about other languages for Fullerton family law cases.
Legal Aid in Fullerton
Several groups offer legal help to Fullerton 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.
Community Legal Aid SoCal serves all of Orange County, including Fullerton. They help with divorce, custody, and restraining orders. Call (800) 834-5001 to see if you qualify. Their office is in Santa Ana, but they serve people across the county. Visit their website to learn about their services.
Public Law Center also helps low-income people with family law cases. Call (714) 541-1010 to get on their list. They are based in Santa Ana and serve all of Orange County. They focus on cases that involve domestic violence or children. Many Fullerton residents qualify for their services based on income.
You can also dial 211 from any phone in Orange County. This connects you to a help line that can refer you to legal aid, counseling, and other services in Fullerton. It is a free call and available 24 hours a day.
Filing a Family Law Case in Fullerton
You must live in California for six months before you file for divorce or legal separation. You also need to live in Orange County for at least three months. If you moved to Fullerton from another county, you must wait until you meet the three-month rule. Once you do, you can file at the North Justice Center.
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 kiosk 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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton. 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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton.
Court Fees in Fullerton
The first filing fee is $435 for divorce, legal separation, or annulment. That is a state fee and applies to Fullerton 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 Fullerton 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 (657) 622-5500 to ask about current fees before you go to the courthouse for Fullerton 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 Fullerton.
Note: All fees are set by the state and may change from time to time.
Other Orange County Cities
Fullerton is one of many cities in Orange County. All use the same county court system for family law cases. If you live near Fullerton or need info on a nearby city, these links may help.
Each city may file at a different courthouse, but all follow the same county rules and procedures as Fullerton.
Orange County Family Court Records
Fullerton is part of Orange County. The county serves over 3 million people and has courthouses in Fullerton, Santa Ana, Westminster, and Newport Beach. All family law cases go through the same county system. For full details on procedures, online portals, forms, and legal resources, visit the Orange County page.