Sacramento Family Court Case Search
Sacramento is the state capital of California and the county seat of Sacramento County with nearly 525,000 residents. Family court records for Sacramento are filed at the Sacramento County Superior Court. This court handles all divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, paternity, and domestic violence restraining order cases for the county. The main courthouse for family law is at 3341 Power Inn Road in Sacramento. Sacramento County offers free online access to case information including registers of action and hearing dates. This is one of the few California counties that provides free public access to search and download certain court documents remotely. For full case file access, you can use the online portal or visit the courthouse in person with valid photo identification.
Sacramento Quick Facts
Sacramento County Family Court
The Sacramento County Superior Court operates a Family Court Services location at 3341 Power Inn Road, Sacramento, CA 95826. This location handles family law matters for Sacramento and other cities in the county. Call (916) 875-3400 for general information about filing family court cases in Sacramento.
The family law self-help center can be reached at (916) 874-1421. 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 because wait times can be long during peak times. Parking is available on site. Bring valid photo ID for security screening.
Sacramento County uses a case management system to track all family law filings. When you file a case in Sacramento, the clerk assigns a case number. You need this number for all future filings and searches. The county operates a free online portal at services.saccourt.ca.gov/PublicCaseAccess/ where you can search for case information and download certain documents at no cost.
Visit saccourt.ca.gov/family for more information about family law services in Sacramento. The court website has local forms, filing instructions, and contact information for various court departments.
Search Sacramento Family Court Records Online
Sacramento County provides free online access to family court case information. The portal is at services.saccourt.ca.gov/PublicCaseAccess/. You can search by party name or case number. The system shows registers of action with a list of every filed document and court hearing. Unlike most California counties, Sacramento County also lets you view and download certain documents at no charge. This is a unique benefit for Sacramento residents and others searching for case information.
To search by name, enter the last name and first name of at least one party. The search is completely free. Results appear on screen immediately. 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. You can click on certain documents to view and download them as PDF files at no cost. This makes Sacramento County one of the most accessible court systems in California for searching family court records online.
For documents not available online or for certified copies, you must visit the courthouse in person. Go to the clerk's office with photo ID and your case number. The clerk can provide certified copies for a fee. Call ahead at (916) 875-3400 to ask about current copy fees for Sacramento family court records.
Note: Sacramento County's free online access is an exception to the general California rule that limits remote access to family law case files.
File a Family Law Case in Sacramento
To file for divorce or legal separation in Sacramento, you must meet California residency requirements. At least one spouse must have lived in California for six months and in Sacramento 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 Sacramento courthouse can help you figure out which forms apply to your 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento County Sheriff can serve papers for a fee, or you can hire a private process server.
Legal Resources for Sacramento Residents
Legal Services of Northern California serves Sacramento County. They provide free legal help to low-income residents with family law cases. Call (916) 551-2150 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.
Capital Pro Bono provides free legal services in family law matters. Call (916) 551-2102 for assistance. They help low-income families with divorce, custody, and other family law issues in Sacramento County.
The self-help center at the Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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
Child custody in Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento County court.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Sacramento residents can file for domestic violence restraining orders at the Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento courthouse.
When you go to court in Sacramento, 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.
Other Sacramento County Cities
Several cities in Sacramento County also file family court cases at the Sacramento County Superior Court. These cities use the same county court system.
Sacramento County Family Court Records
Sacramento is the county seat of Sacramento County. All family law filings for Sacramento and other county residents go through the Sacramento County Superior Court. For more information about the county court system, visit the Sacramento County page.