Stockton Family Law Records
Family court records in Stockton are filed and stored at San Joaquin County Superior Court. The main courthouse is at 180 E Weber Avenue on the fourth floor. Stockton residents file divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence cases here. The court handles all family law matters for the county seat and surrounding communities. Court staff maintain case files and provide public access during business hours. California privacy rules limit remote access to most family law documents. You can view registers of actions online but must visit the courthouse to see full case files.
Stockton Quick Facts
Where to File Family Cases
San Joaquin County Superior Court handles all family law filings for Stockton. The courthouse is at 180 E Weber Avenue, fourth floor. All new cases start here. The clerk's office processes filings Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Self-help services are available on the same floor at room 4003. Phone the main line at (209) 992-5690 or the self-help center at (209) 992-5283 for questions about procedures or case status.
Family law hearings take place in several courtrooms on the fourth floor. Check the daily calendar posted near the clerk's office or online at www.sjcourts.org/divisions/family-law-support to find your courtroom assignment. Arrive early to allow time for security screening. Bring valid photo ID. Large bags and backpacks may be searched or held at the entrance. Phones are allowed but must be turned off in courtrooms. No recording is permitted.
The San Joaquin Family Justice Center provides coordinated help for families dealing with domestic violence. Located at 315 E Weber Avenue, the center offers legal aid, counseling, and safety planning under one roof. Services are free and confidential. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call (209) 468-9865 for more information or visit www.sjcfamilyjusticecenter.com.
Searching Cases Online
San Joaquin County offers an online case management system at cms.sjcourts.org. You can search by party name or case number. The system shows basic case information like filing dates, case status, and upcoming hearings. Registers of actions list all documents filed in the case. Due to California Rules of Court restrictions on family law records, you cannot view actual documents remotely. Full case files are only available at the courthouse.
To use the online portal, go to the site and select the case type. Enter at least one party's last name. The system returns matching cases. Click on a case number to see the register of actions. This register shows each document filed, the filing date, and any upcoming hearings. You cannot download or print documents from the online system. For copies, visit the clerk's office.
If the online system is down or you cannot find your case, call the clerk's office at (209) 992-5690. Staff can search by name or case number and provide basic information over the phone. For detailed case information or copies of documents, you must visit in person. The clerk's office can make copies while you wait. Copy fees are 50 cents per page.
How to Start a Case
Filing a new family law case in Stockton starts with getting the right forms. For divorce, you need form FL-100 (Petition for Dissolution). For custody without divorce, use form FL-300. For domestic violence restraining orders, use form DV-100. All forms are free and available at the self-help center, the clerk's office, or online at the California Courts website. Self-help staff can tell you which forms apply to your case.
The filing fee is $435 for most new family law cases. This includes divorce, legal separation, and custody petitions. Domestic violence restraining orders have no filing fee. If you cannot pay, file form FW-001 to ask for a fee waiver. Bring proof of income like pay stubs or benefit statements. The court reviews waiver requests based on your income and family size. Approved waivers cover filing fees but not service costs.
After filing, you must serve the other party with copies of your papers. California law requires personal service for most family cases. You cannot serve papers yourself. Use a private process server or the sheriff's office. Fees range from $50 to $100. The server completes a proof of service form after delivering the papers. You file this proof with the court. Your case cannot move forward until proof of service is on file.
Residency rules apply to divorce and legal separation. One spouse must have lived in California for six months and in San Joaquin County for three months before filing. Custody cases have different rules. If the child lives in California, you can file here even without six months of state residency. Restraining order cases have no residency requirement. You can file in any county where you or the other party lives or works.
Free and Low-Cost Legal Help
Several groups in Stockton offer legal help for family law cases. Central California Legal Services provides free assistance to people who meet income requirements. They handle divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence cases. Call 1-800-675-8001 to check if you qualify. Their Stockton office is at 20 E Main Street, Suite 1070. Walk-ins are limited, so calling for an appointment is best. More info is at centralcallegal.org.
The San Joaquin County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service at (209) 948-0125. They connect you with a local family law attorney. The first 30-minute consultation costs $35. After that, you and the attorney agree on fees for additional work. This service is good if you need advice but cannot afford full representation. All referred attorneys are screened for experience and good standing with the State Bar.
The self-help center at the courthouse offers free help with forms and procedures. Staff cannot give legal advice about what to do in your case. They can explain how to fill out forms, file papers, and serve the other party. The center has computers, printers, and form packets available at no charge. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Spanish language services are available. Call (209) 992-5283 before visiting.
The San Joaquin Family Justice Center at 315 E Weber Avenue provides comprehensive help for domestic violence cases. Services include free legal representation, counseling, safety planning, and help with restraining orders. You do not need an appointment. Walk in during business hours or call (209) 468-9865. All services are confidential. The center works with Legal Services of Northern California to provide free attorneys for qualifying cases.
Court Fees in Stockton
Filing fees follow California statewide standards. A new petition costs $435. Responses to petitions also cost $435. Motions filed after the case starts cost $60 each. Some filings have no fee, like income and expense declarations and certain emergency requests. Check with the clerk's office about fees for specific filings.
Copy fees are 50 cents per page for regular copies. Certified copies cost $40 for the certification plus 50 cents per page. If you need several certified copies of the same document, each copy requires its own certification fee. Payment methods include cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. The clerk's office does not accept debit cards at all locations, so bring an alternative payment method.
Fee waivers cover court filing fees only. You still need to pay for service of process unless you qualify for free service through a legal aid program. If your financial situation changes during your case, you may need to reapply for a waiver or start paying fees. The court can revoke a waiver if you provided incorrect financial information.
San Joaquin County Records
Stockton is the county seat of San Joaquin County. All family law cases for the county are filed at the Superior Court in Stockton. For more details on county procedures, fee schedules, and legal resources, visit the San Joaquin County page.