Richmond Family Court Case Lookup
Richmond is a Bay Area city in Contra Costa County with about 116,000 residents. All family court records for Richmond are filed at the Contra Costa County Superior Court. This includes divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, paternity, and domestic violence restraining order cases. The court has multiple locations across the county, and Richmond residents typically file at the main courthouse in Martinez. Cases become part of the countywide system once filed. You can search for basic case information using the Contra Costa County online portal at the court website. The portal shows registers of action and hearing dates but not full documents due to California privacy rules for family law matters.
Richmond Quick Facts
Contra Costa County Court for Richmond
Richmond is part of Contra Costa County. The Contra Costa County Superior Court handles all family law matters for Richmond residents. The main courthouse for family law is at 751 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553. This location serves Richmond and other cities across the county. Call (925) 608-1000 for general court information about filing family court cases.
Court hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The courthouse is in downtown Martinez. Parking is available in nearby lots and on the street. Public transportation options include County Connection buses and BART with a bus connection. Bring valid photo ID for security screening at the entrance.
Contra Costa County uses Odyssey case management software. When you file a family law case from Richmond, the clerk assigns a case number. You need this number every time you file new papers or search for your case online. The county operates an online portal at odyportal.cc-courts.org/portal where you can search for case information and view registers of action for Richmond family court cases.
Visit contracosta.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-and-children for more information about family law services. The court website has filing instructions, local forms, and contact information for court departments.
Search Richmond Family Court Records Online
Contra Costa County provides an online case portal for searching Richmond family law cases. The portal is at odyportal.cc-courts.org/portal. 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 restrictions under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503.
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 direct access to one specific case.
The online portal shows 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 Richmond 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 (925) 608-1000 to ask about current copy fees for Richmond family court records. The clerk can also tell you which documents are in your case file.
File a Family Law Case
To file for divorce or legal separation in Richmond, you must meet California residency requirements. At least one spouse must have lived in California for six months and in Contra Costa 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 court self-help services can help Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond Residents
Bay Area Legal Aid serves Richmond and Contra Costa County. They provide free legal help to low-income residents with family law cases. Call 1-800-551-5554 to see if you qualify. BayLegal handles cases involving domestic violence, child custody, and child support. Services are available to those who meet income requirements.
Family Violence Law Center provides legal services to victims of domestic violence in Contra Costa County including Richmond. Call (510) 208-0220 for assistance. They help with restraining orders, custody, and other family law matters related to domestic violence.
The Contra Costa County court has self-help services available. 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 Richmond 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 Contra Costa County. Many attorneys offer reduced-fee initial consultations.
Child Custody and Support
Child custody in Richmond 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 Richmond 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. The court must approve any support amount for Richmond 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. File a motion to modify with the Contra Costa County court.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Richmond residents can file for domestic violence restraining orders at the Contra Costa 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.
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 Richmond 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.
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 Bay Area Cities in Contra Costa County
Other cities in Contra Costa County also file family court cases at the county Superior Court. Nearby cities use the same courthouse and follow the same procedures.
Contra Costa County Family Court Records
Richmond is in Contra Costa County. All family law filings for Richmond residents go through the Contra Costa County Superior Court. For more information about the county court system, visit the Contra Costa County page.