Redding Family Court Records
Redding is the county seat of Shasta County in Northern California with about 93,000 residents. All family court records for Redding residents are filed at the Shasta County Superior Court. This includes divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, paternity, and domestic violence restraining order cases. The courthouse is in downtown Redding at 1515 Court Street. Shasta County maintains family law records at this location. You can search for basic case information by visiting the courthouse in person. The court has limited online access to case files due to state privacy rules that protect family law matters. Most documents can only be viewed at the courthouse with proper identification.
Redding Quick Facts
Shasta County Superior Court
The Shasta County Superior Court in Redding handles all family law matters for the county. The courthouse is at 1515 Court Street, Redding, CA 96001. This is the only full-service courthouse in Shasta County for family law cases. The family law division is in the main courthouse building. Call (530) 245-6789 for general information about filing family court cases in Redding.
The self-help center is also at the courthouse. Call (530) 245-6900 for self-help assistance. 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 4:00 PM. Arrive early if you plan to file documents or use the self-help center. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. Bring valid photo ID for security screening.
When you file a family law case in Redding, the clerk assigns a case number. Keep this number in a safe place. You need it every time you file new papers or search for your case. The court uses a case management system to track all filings and hearings for Redding family court cases.
Visit shasta.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law-division for more information about family law services in Redding. The court website has local forms, filing instructions, and contact information for various court departments.
File Family Court Cases in Redding
To file for divorce or legal separation in Redding, you must meet California residency requirements. At least one spouse must have lived in California for six months and in Shasta County for three months before filing. Other case types like paternity or restraining orders have different or no residency requirements.
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 Redding courthouse can help you figure out which forms apply to your case.
The filing fee for a first family law petition is $435. This is a statewide fee. 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 Redding 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. The Shasta County Sheriff can serve papers for a fee, or you can hire a private process server.
Legal Resources for Redding Residents
Legal Services of Northern California serves Redding and Shasta County. They provide free legal help to low-income residents with family law cases. Call (916) 551-2150 or visit their Redding office to see if you qualify. LSNC handles cases involving domestic violence, child custody, and child support. Services are available to those who meet income requirements. Their Redding office information is at lsnc.net/office/redding.
The self-help center at the Shasta County 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 or tell you what to write. But they can make sure you use the right forms and file them correctly for your Redding 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 Shasta County. Many attorneys offer reduced-fee initial consultations. This lets you discuss your case before deciding whether to hire a lawyer for your Redding family law matter.
Shasta County also has local resources for families going through divorce or custody disputes. The court may order mediation for contested custody issues. A mediator meets with both parents to try to reach an agreement before a court hearing. This service is available through the courthouse.
Child Custody and Support
Child custody in Redding 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 by either parent. 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 Redding families.
Child support uses a statewide formula 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 even if both parents want that. The court must approve any support amount for Redding cases.
Support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever comes later. If the child is still in high school at age 19, support continues until graduation. You can modify support if there is a substantial change in circumstances. File a motion to modify with the Shasta County court.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Redding residents can file for domestic violence restraining orders at the Shasta County 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 for domestic violence restraining order requests.
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. It can also order the person to move out of a shared home and grant you temporary custody.
Violating a restraining order is a crime. If the restrained person contacts you or comes near you in violation of the order, call police right away. Keep a copy of the order with you at all times.
Represent Yourself in Court
Many Redding 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. If you need help, ask the self-help center staff at the Redding courthouse.
When you go to court in Redding, dress appropriately and arrive early. Turn off your phone before entering the courtroom. Address the judge as "Your Honor." Speak only when asked a question. Bring copies of all documents you want the judge to consider. Answer questions honestly and briefly. Self-represented litigants must follow the same rules as lawyers.
Other Northern California Cities
Redding is the largest city in the far northern region of California. Nearby cities in other counties also file family court cases at their respective county courthouses.
Shasta County Family Court Records
Redding is the county seat of Shasta County. All family law filings for Redding and other Shasta County residents go through the Shasta County Superior Court. For more information about the county court system, visit the Shasta County page.