Alameda County Family Court
Family law proceedings in Alameda County get heard at the Superior Court. The court handles cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, and paternity actions. Most family court hearings take place at the Hayward Hall of Justice. You can search for basic case details using the online portal or visit the courthouse in person to view complete files. Self-help services are available to people who cannot afford a lawyer. The self-help center provides forms, computer access, and staff to answer questions about procedures.
Alameda County Family Court
Family Law Division
The Alameda Superior Court family law division operates primarily from the Hayward location at 24405 Amador Street. Family law judges hear cases involving dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody disputes, support matters, and domestic violence restraining orders. The court maintains several departments dedicated to family law. Each case gets assigned to a specific department based on filing date and case type.
Court hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The clerk's office accepts new filings and provides copies of existing documents during these hours. Arrive early if you have a hearing scheduled. Security screening at the entrance can take time during busy morning hours. Bring valid photo identification when visiting the courthouse. You cannot bring weapons, recording devices, or food into the courtroom.
The court website at www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law provides forms, filing information, and instructions for common family law procedures. Most forms are also available at the clerk's office or self-help center. Staff cannot give legal advice but can explain court procedures and form requirements.
Searching for Cases Online
Alameda County provides an online case portal, though access has been temporarily limited. The portal typically allows searches by party name or case number. Basic case information like filing dates and case status appears in search results. Due to California Rules of Court restrictions on family law records, full documents cannot be viewed remotely. You can see registers of actions that list filed documents and hearing dates.
To view actual court documents like petitions, declarations, or orders, you must visit the courthouse in person. Bring the case number if you know it. The clerk's office can help locate files. Some older records may be stored off-site and require advance notice for retrieval. Ask the clerk about retrieval times for archived files if your case is more than several years old.
The court uses the Journal Technologies case management system. This system powers the online portal when available. Technical issues occasionally affect portal access. If the online system is down, call the court at 510-690-2700 for case information or visit in person. Courthouse terminals provide access to the same case information available online.
Note: Portal access may be intermittent, so plan ahead when searching for time-sensitive information.
Starting a New Case
Filing a family law case begins with completing the correct forms. For divorce, you need form FL-100 (Petition for Dissolution) plus summons, financial disclosure forms, and other required documents. The self-help center provides packets with all necessary forms for common case types. Forms are also available online through the California Courts website or at www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/self-help.
The filing fee for the first paper is $435. This covers the petition or initial response. If you cannot pay, file form FW-001 to request a fee waiver. The court reviews fee waiver requests based on income and family size. Bring proof of income like pay stubs or benefit statements. The clerk may approve waivers immediately or schedule a hearing if more information is needed.
After filing, you must serve the other party with copies of all filed documents. You cannot serve papers yourself. Use a process server, sheriff, or registered mail. The server must complete a proof of service form that you file with the court. The case cannot proceed until service is complete and proof is filed. Service fees typically range from $50 to $150 depending on the method used.
Legal Help and Resources
The Alameda County Self-Help Center provides free assistance with family law forms and procedures. The center is located at the Hayward courthouse. Staff can answer questions about filing requirements, court procedures, and form completion. They cannot give legal advice about strategy or what to do in your specific case. Services are available in multiple languages including Spanish and Chinese.
Call 510-272-1393 to reach the self-help center. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The center closes at 3:00 PM on Fridays. Computers, printers, and form packets are available for public use. You may need to sign in and wait for assistance during busy times. Arrive early for best service.
Legal Access Alameda offers free and low-cost legal services to eligible residents. Call (510) 302-2222 for intake. Bay Area Legal Aid also serves Alameda County residents. Their intake line is 1-800-551-5554. Both organizations prioritize cases involving domestic violence and urgent child safety issues. Wait times for full representation can be several weeks due to high demand.
The Family Violence Law Center provides legal help to victims of domestic violence. They offer free representation in restraining order cases and other family law matters involving abuse. Contact them at (510) 208-0220. The Alameda County Family Justice Center at acfjc.org coordinates services for families affected by domestic violence including legal aid, counseling, and safety planning.
Court Costs and Fees
Filing fees in Alameda County follow state guidelines. The first paper costs $435. Additional motions cost $60 each. Some filings have no fee, like income and expense declarations. Certified copies of documents cost $40 plus 50 cents per page. Regular copies cost only the per-page fee. Cash, check, and credit cards are accepted for most fees.
Fee waivers cover court filing fees but not service costs or attorney fees. If your financial situation changes during the case, you may need to reapply for the waiver or start paying fees. The court can revoke waivers if income increases or if you provide incorrect information on the application.
Major Cities in Alameda County
Several large cities are located in Alameda County. Residents of these cities file family law cases at the Alameda Superior Court in Hayward.
Nearby Counties
If you live near the county border, confirm which county has jurisdiction for your family law case.