Hayward Family Law Case Records
Hayward family court records are maintained by the Alameda County Superior Court. Hayward has about 162,000 people and is in the southern part of Alameda County. All family law cases like divorce, custody, and support go through the county court. You can search for case info online through a public portal or visit the Hayward Hall of Justice to see files in person. The courthouse is in Hayward, so it is very easy for local residents to access family law services and records. The court keeps files on all family law filings 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 Hayward.
Hayward Quick Facts
Hayward Family Law Courthouse
Hayward residents file family law cases at the Hayward Hall of Justice. This is part of the Alameda County Superior Court. The address is 24405 Amador Street in Hayward. It is in the center of the city. You can walk, drive, or take public transit to get there from most parts of Hayward. Parking is available near the courthouse.
The courthouse handles all family law for southern Alameda County. This includes Hayward, Fremont, Union City, Newark, and other nearby areas. You file new cases here. You get forms. You pick up copies of records. The clerk staff can direct you to self-help services if you need them. Call (510) 690-2700 for general info on family law cases in Hayward.
| Court | Alameda County Superior Court - Hayward Hall of Justice |
|---|---|
| Address | 24405 Amador Street Hayward, CA 94544 |
| Phone | (510) 690-2700 |
| Self-Help | (510) 272-1393 |
| Website | alameda.courts.ca.gov |
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 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Check the website before you go in case hours change for Hayward family law cases.
Search Hayward Family Court Records Online
Alameda County has an online portal for case searches. The system is called ePortal. Go to eportal.alameda.courts.ca.gov to search. You can type a name or case number. The portal shows case summaries and hearing dates. It covers all of Alameda County, including Hayward.
The search may require you to create an account. It is free to sign up. Once you log in, you can 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 Hayward Hall of Justice in person.
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 ask for certified copies if they need proof for a bank, employer, or another legal matter in Hayward.
Self-Help Services in Hayward
Alameda 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 (510) 272-1393 to ask about services at the Hayward office.
The county also has a self-help center at the Hayward courthouse. It is open Monday through Friday. You can walk in or call ahead. They have workshops on divorce, custody, and support. Staff can help you find the right forms and tell you where to file them. They also have a list of legal aid groups that serve Hayward. Visit alameda.courts.ca.gov/self-help for more info.
Forms are online at alameda.courts.ca.gov. You can print them at home or pick up copies at the Hayward courthouse. Most forms are in English. Some are in Spanish. Call the self-help line to ask about other languages for Hayward family law cases.
Legal Aid in Hayward
Several groups offer legal help to Hayward 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.
Bay Area Legal Aid serves all of Alameda County, including Hayward. They help with divorce, custody, restraining orders, and support cases. Call 1-800-551-5554 to see if you qualify. Their office is in Oakland, but they serve people across the county. Visit baylegal.org for details on how to apply.
Legal Access Alameda also helps low-income people with family law cases. Call (510) 302-2222 to get on their list. They have offices in Oakland and Hayward. They focus on cases that involve domestic violence or children. Many Hayward residents qualify for their services based on income.
The Family Violence Law Center helps people who face domestic violence. They work with police, legal aid, and social workers. Services are free. Call (510) 208-0220 if you need help with a restraining order or safety planning in Hayward. They also have a Family Justice Center at their Oakland location.
Filing a Family Law Case in Hayward
You must live in California for six months before you file for divorce or legal separation. You also need to live in Alameda County for at least three months. If you moved to Hayward from another county, you must wait until you meet the three-month rule. Once you do, you can file at the Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward. 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 Hayward 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 Hayward.
Hayward Family Court Fees
The first filing fee is $435 for divorce, legal separation, or annulment. That is a state fee and applies to Hayward 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 Hayward 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 (510) 690-2700 to ask about current fees before you go to the courthouse for Hayward 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 Hayward.
Note: All fees are set by the state and may change over time.
Other Alameda County Cities
Hayward is one of many cities in Alameda County. All use the same county court system for family law cases. If you live near Hayward 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 Hayward.
Alameda County Family Court Records
Hayward is part of Alameda County. The county serves over 1.6 million people and has courthouses in Hayward, Oakland, Fremont, Berkeley, and Pleasanton. All family law cases go through the same county system. For full details on procedures, online portals, forms, and legal resources, visit the Alameda County page.