Access Rancho Cucamonga Family Court Records
Rancho Cucamonga is a city in San Bernardino County with about 177,000 residents. All family court records for Rancho Cucamonga are handled by the San Bernardino County Superior Court. This court system processes divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, paternity, and domestic violence restraining order cases for the entire county. Rancho Cucamonga residents typically file family law cases at the main San Bernardino courthouse since there is no full-service family law courthouse in Rancho Cucamonga itself. Case records become part of the countywide system. You can search for basic case information using the San Bernardino County online portal. The county offers a public access website that shows registers of action and hearing dates but not full documents due to privacy rules.
Rancho Cucamonga Quick Facts
San Bernardino County Court for Rancho Cucamonga
Rancho Cucamonga is part of San Bernardino County. Family court cases are filed at the San Bernardino County Superior Court. The main courthouse for family law is at 351 North Arrowhead Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92415. This location serves Rancho Cucamonga and other cities in the western part of the county. Call (909) 269-8826 for information about filing procedures or questions about your family court case.
The self-help center at the San Bernardino courthouse is at the same address. Staff can help you figure out which forms you need and how to fill them out. Court hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Arrive early if you plan to file documents or use the self-help center because wait times can be long. Parking is available in nearby lots. Bring valid photo ID for security screening at the entrance.
San Bernardino County uses Odyssey case management software. When you file a family law case from Rancho Cucamonga, the clerk assigns a case number. That number starts with letters indicating the case type. You need your case number every time you file new papers or search for your case online. Keep it in a safe place.
The county also operates the DASH self-help portal at dash.sb-court.org. This online system lets you complete and file certain family law forms electronically. It can save you a trip to the courthouse for some filings. You can also use DASH to check your case status and view upcoming hearings for your Rancho Cucamonga family court case.
Search Rancho Cucamonga Family Court Records
San Bernardino County provides an online case search portal at cap.sb-court.org/search. You can search by party name or case number. The system shows the register of actions, which lists every document filed and every court hearing. But you cannot view or download actual documents due to privacy rules under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503 that restrict remote access to family law case files.
To search by name, enter the last name and first name of at least one party. The search is free. Results appear on screen. If many cases match the name, you may need to look through the list to find the right one. Searching by case number gives you one specific case right away if you have that number.
The online portal shows basic information like case filing date, case status, next hearing date, and a list of filed documents. But you cannot see the content of those documents remotely. To view or copy actual court papers from your Rancho Cucamonga family law case, you must visit the courthouse in person. Go to the clerk's office with photo ID and your case number. The clerk can let you view documents or provide printed copies.
Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Call ahead at (909) 269-8826 to ask about current copy fees for Rancho Cucamonga family court records. The clerk can also tell you which documents are in your case file and how long it will take to get copies made.
File a Family Law Case
To file for divorce or legal separation in Rancho Cucamonga, you must meet California residency requirements. At least one spouse must have lived in California for six months and in San Bernardino County for three months before filing. Other case types have different rules. Paternity cases and restraining orders have no residency requirement.
Get forms from the California Courts website at courts.ca.gov/forms. A dissolution petition is form FL-100. You also need form FL-110 for the summons, financial disclosure forms, and other supporting papers. The self-help center at the San Bernardino courthouse can help Rancho Cucamonga residents figure out which forms apply to their situation.
The filing fee for a first family law petition is $435 statewide. If you have low income, you can request a fee waiver using form FW-001. Provide proof of income and expenses. A judge reviews the request and decides if you qualify. If approved, you pay nothing to file your Rancho Cucamonga family court case.
After filing, you must serve the other party with copies of the petition and summons. California requires personal service by someone over 18 who is not involved in the case. You cannot serve papers yourself. The server must complete a proof of service form and file it with the court. This step is mandatory before your case can proceed.
Legal Resources for Rancho Cucamonga
Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino provides free legal help to low-income residents including those in Rancho Cucamonga. Call (909) 889-7328 to see if you qualify. They handle family law cases involving domestic violence, child custody, and child support. Services are available to those who meet income requirements.
Inland Counties Legal Services also serves San Bernardino County. Call (888) 245-4257 for intake. They provide legal assistance to low-income families with family law matters. Both organizations focus on cases where domestic violence is a factor or where children are at risk.
The self-help center at the San Bernardino courthouse offers free assistance with forms and procedures. Staff can help you complete forms, explain filing procedures, and answer questions about court rules. They cannot give legal advice. But they can make sure you use the right forms and file them correctly for your Rancho Cucamonga family court case.
The State Bar of California runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. You can get connected with a family law attorney who practices in San Bernardino County. Many attorneys offer reduced-fee initial consultations. This lets you discuss your case before deciding whether to hire a lawyer.
Child Custody and Support Matters
Child custody in Rancho Cucamonga follows California statewide standards. The court decides custody based on the best interest of the child. Factors include the child's health and safety, each parent's ability to care for the child, the child's ties to school and community, and any history of abuse. The judge has discretion to make orders that fit each family.
Legal custody is the right to make decisions about the child's health, education, and welfare. Physical custody is where the child lives. Parents can share both types or one parent can have sole custody. Joint legal custody is common even when one parent has primary physical custody. The court can order a parenting plan with a specific schedule for Rancho Cucamonga families.
Child support uses a statewide formula. The court calculates support based on both parents' income, time with the child, and other factors like health insurance costs. California courts use computer programs to calculate the guideline amount. You cannot agree to zero support. The court must approve any support amount for Rancho Cucamonga cases.
Support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever comes later. You can modify support if there is a substantial change in circumstances like job loss or income change. File a motion to modify with the San Bernardino County court.
Note: San Bernardino County child support services can help establish and enforce support orders through their local office.
Domestic Violence Protection
Rancho Cucamonga residents can file for domestic violence restraining orders at the San Bernardino courthouse. These orders protect against abuse or threats from a spouse, former spouse, dating partner, cohabitant, or parent of your child. There is no filing fee.
Fill out form DV-100 and related forms. Take them to the clerk's office. A judge reviews the request the same day or next business day. If the judge finds reasonable proof of abuse and danger, a temporary order issues immediately. It lasts until a hearing within 21 days.
You must have the other party served with the order and hearing notice before the hearing date. At the hearing, both sides can testify and present evidence. The judge decides whether to issue a restraining order for up to five years. The order can require the restrained person to stay away from you, your home, your work, and your children's schools.
Violating a restraining order is a crime. If the restrained person contacts you or comes near you in violation of the order, call police. Keep a copy of the order with you at all times.
Handle Your Case Without a Lawyer
Many Rancho Cucamonga residents handle family court cases without hiring a lawyer. This works best when both parties agree on all terms. The California Courts website at courts.ca.gov/selfhelp has guides for common family law cases. You can find step-by-step instructions for filing divorce, responding to petitions, and modifying orders.
All California court forms are free at courts.ca.gov/forms. Download forms and fill them out carefully. Read all instructions before you start. Mistakes can delay your case. The DASH portal at dash.sb-court.org also lets you complete and file certain forms electronically for your Rancho Cucamonga case.
When you go to court, dress appropriately and arrive early. Turn off your phone. Address the judge as "Your Honor." Speak only when asked. Bring copies of all documents. Answer questions honestly and briefly.
Other San Bernardino County Cities
Other cities in San Bernardino County also file family court cases at the county Superior Court. These cities use the same courthouse and follow the same procedures.
San Bernardino County Family Court Records
Rancho Cucamonga is in San Bernardino County. All family law filings for Rancho Cucamonga residents go through the San Bernardino County Superior Court. For more information about the county court system, visit the San Bernardino County page.