Search Alpine County Family Court Records

Alpine County has one courthouse that handles all family law matters. The Superior Court in Markleeville processes cases involving divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence restraining orders. This is California's smallest county by population, so the court operates with limited staff and hours. All family court records must be accessed at the courthouse in person. The court does not provide remote online access to case files. Call ahead before visiting to confirm court hours and document availability. Staff can perform case searches if you provide names or case numbers. Bring valid identification when visiting the courthouse for any records request.

Alpine Superior Court

The Alpine County Superior Court sits at 14777 State Route 89 in Markleeville. This single courthouse handles all case types including family law. One or two judges rotate through to hear cases. Family law hearings may be scheduled only on certain days due to limited judicial resources. The clerk's office can tell you when family law calendars run.

Court hours are typically Monday through Friday but may vary. Call (530) 694-2113 before visiting to confirm the court is open and staff are available to assist you. The courthouse is located in a rural mountain area. Winter weather can affect access. Snow and ice sometimes close roads leading to Markleeville. Check road conditions before traveling to the courthouse during winter months.

The court website at www.alpine.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law provides basic information about family law procedures. Forms must be obtained from the California Courts website or the clerk's office. The courthouse does not have a dedicated self-help center. Clerk staff can answer basic procedural questions but cannot give legal advice.

How to Find Case Information

Alpine County does not offer online case search. All record searches happen at the courthouse. Court staff can look up cases if you provide party names or a case number. Searches may take time depending on how busy the clerk's office is that day. The county uses paper files for many older cases. Locating archived files sometimes requires staff to search storage areas.

To view case documents, visit the clerk's office during business hours. You can request copies of most documents in public family law files. Some records may be sealed or confidential by court order or statute. Staff will tell you if a document cannot be released. Copy fees are 50 cents per page. Certified copies cost an additional $40 regardless of document length.

For current case status or upcoming hearing dates, call the clerk's office. Staff can provide basic information over the phone like next hearing date or whether a case is still active. They cannot discuss case details or legal issues by phone. You must visit in person or hire an attorney if you need detailed case review or legal analysis.

Note: Plan ahead when requesting records, as small court staff may need time to locate older files.

Filing a Family Law Case

To start a family law case in Alpine County, complete the required California Judicial Council forms. For divorce, you need form FL-100 (Petition) plus summons and other documents. Download forms from the California Courts website at www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm. You can also request forms from the clerk's office in person or by mail.

Bring completed forms to the courthouse during business hours. The filing fee is $435 for the first paper. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford to pay. File form FW-001 along with proof of income. The court reviews waiver requests based on financial need. Small counties like Alpine often process waivers quickly since there are fewer cases to review.

After filing, you must serve the other party. You cannot do this yourself. Use a process server or the sheriff. Given the rural nature of Alpine County, locate someone familiar with the area for service. Out-of-town servers may have difficulty finding addresses. The sheriff's office can help with service but may charge a fee and take longer than private servers.

File proof of service with the court after the other party has been served. The clerk will stamp your proof of service form and place it in the case file. Your case cannot proceed to hearings or orders until service is complete and proof is filed with the court.

Getting Legal Assistance

Alpine County does not have a family law self-help center. The clerk's office can answer basic procedural questions about filing and court rules. They cannot tell you what to do in your case or help you fill out forms. For help with forms and procedures, contact Legal Services of Northern California. Their intake line is (916) 551-2150. They serve rural counties including Alpine.

Private attorneys who practice family law in Alpine County are limited. You may need to hire an attorney from a neighboring county. Some attorneys in South Lake Tahoe or Carson City may accept Alpine County cases. Ask about travel fees and whether the attorney is familiar with Alpine County procedures and judges.

The State Bar of California operates a lawyer referral service at 1-866-442-2529. This service can connect you with attorneys who handle family law in rural areas. Initial consultations through the referral service typically cost around $50 for the first 30 minutes. If you hire the attorney for ongoing work, normal hourly rates apply.

Court Fees

Court filing fees in Alpine County follow state guidelines. The first paper filed costs $435. Subsequent motions cost $60 each unless exempt by statute. Fee waivers cover these costs if you qualify financially. Copy fees are 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 to the total cost.

Service fees depend on who you hire. Process servers may charge more for travel to remote areas of Alpine County. Expect to pay $100 or more for service in rural locations. The sheriff may offer lower rates but slower service. Budget for these costs when planning to file a case.

Nearby Counties

Alpine County borders several other counties. Verify which county has jurisdiction if you live near a county line.