Search Huntington Beach Family Records
Family court records for Huntington Beach are kept at the Orange County Superior Court. Huntington Beach has about 198,000 people and sits on the coast in Orange County. All family law cases like divorce, child custody, and support go through the county court system. You can search for case info online through a public portal or visit the West Justice Center in Westminster 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 Huntington Beach.
Huntington Beach Quick Facts
Huntington Beach Family Law Courthouse
Huntington Beach residents file family law cases at the West Justice Center. This courthouse is part of the Orange County Superior Court. The address is 8141 13th Street in Westminster. That is about 5 miles from Huntington Beach. You can drive there in under 15 minutes most days. Parking is free at the courthouse.
The West Justice Center handles all family law for western Orange County. This includes Huntington Beach, Westminster, Fountain Valley, and Seal Beach. You file new cases here. You get forms. You pick up copies of records. The courthouse has self-help kiosks if you need help. Call the main number for general info on family law cases in Huntington Beach.
| Court | Orange County Superior Court - West Justice Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 8141 13th Street Westminster, CA 92683 |
| Phone | (657) 622-5400 |
| 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 Huntington Beach family law cases.
Search Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach.
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 to ask how to find it. The search is free. You do not pay to look up case info for Huntington Beach 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 West Justice Center in person for Huntington Beach cases.
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 Huntington Beach.
Self-Help in Huntington Beach
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 West Justice Center and follow the prompts for Huntington Beach family law help.
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 Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach family law cases.
Legal Aid for Huntington Beach Residents
Several groups offer legal help to Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach. 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach. It is a free call and available 24 hours a day.
How to File in Huntington Beach
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 Huntington Beach from another county, you must wait until you meet the three-month rule. Once you do, you can file at the West 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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. 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach.
Huntington Beach Court Fees
The first filing fee is $435 for divorce, legal separation, or annulment. That is a state fee and applies to Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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) 622-5400 to ask about current fees before you go to the courthouse for Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach.
Note: Fees are set by the state and may change over time.
Other Orange County Cities
Huntington Beach is one of many cities in Orange County. All use the same county court system for family law cases. If you live near Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach.
Orange County Family Court Records
Huntington Beach is part of Orange County. The county serves over 3 million people and has courthouses in Westminster, Santa Ana, Fullerton, 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.