Calaveras County Family Law Records

The Superior Court of Calaveras County handles all family law matters for county residents. Cases involving dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, and domestic violence restraining orders are filed and heard at the courthouse. The court uses the Odyssey case management system to track cases and maintain records. Self-help services are available by phone to assist people who cannot afford attorneys. Staff can answer basic procedural questions and provide information about forms and filing requirements. You cannot view full family law case documents online due to privacy restrictions under California court rules. Visit the courthouse to access complete case files and obtain copies of documents.

Superior Court Operations

Calaveras County Superior Court operates from the Government Center in San Andreas. The courthouse handles all case types including family law. Call (209) 754-9800 for general court information. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Hours may be reduced on certain days. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and staff are available to help you.

Family law cases are heard by judges assigned to civil and family matters. Calendar days for family law hearings are scheduled in advance. When you file a motion or request for order, the clerk will provide a hearing date. Arrive at the courthouse at least 15 minutes before your scheduled hearing time. Security screening is required to enter the building. Do not bring prohibited items like weapons or recording devices.

The court website at www.calaveras.courts.ca.gov provides general information about court services. Forms and filing instructions are available through the California Courts website. The clerk's office can answer questions about which forms to use and where to file them. Staff cannot give legal advice or tell you what arguments to make in your case.

Finding Case Information

Calaveras County uses the Odyssey case management system. This system maintains electronic records of all court cases. Public access to family law case details is limited. You can call the clerk's office to ask about basic case information like next hearing date or case status. For detailed information or copies of documents, visit the courthouse in person.

Bring photo ID when visiting the court to request case files. The clerk will retrieve the file if it is available on-site. Some older files may be archived at a separate location. Archived files require advance notice for retrieval. Call ahead if you need records from cases that closed several years ago. This saves you a trip if the file needs to be ordered from storage.

Copy fees are 50 cents per page. Certified copies cost an additional $40 per document regardless of length. You can pay with cash, check, or credit card at most courthouse locations. Ask the clerk about accepted payment methods before requesting large numbers of copies.

Filing a New Family Law Case

To start a family law case, you must file a petition with the court. Divorce cases use form FL-100. Child custody cases without divorce use form FL-300. Domestic violence restraining orders use different forms in the DV series. All California Judicial Council forms are available at www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm. Download forms and complete them before going to the courthouse.

Take completed forms to the clerk's office. Bring originals and at least two copies. The clerk files the original and returns stamped copies to you. The filing fee is $435 for the first document. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford the fee. File form FW-001 along with proof of income. The court reviews fee waiver applications and approves or denies them based on financial need.

After filing, you must serve the other party. Service must be completed by someone age 18 or older who is not involved in the case. Common service methods include process servers, the sheriff's office, or registered mail for certain documents. The person completing service fills out a proof of service form. You file this proof with the court. The case cannot move forward until service is complete and proof is on file.

Subsequent filings may require additional fees. Motions typically cost $60 to file. Some documents have no fee. Ask the clerk before filing if you are unsure whether a fee applies. Fee waivers cover most court fees if they are granted.

Self-Help Services

Calaveras County provides self-help services by phone. Call (209) 754-1443 to speak with self-help staff. They can answer questions about forms, procedures, and filing requirements. Self-help staff cannot give legal advice about your specific situation. They help you understand court processes and what forms to file. Services are free to all court users.

Legal Services of Northern California serves Calaveras County residents who qualify for free legal aid. Call (916) 551-2150 for intake. Staff ask about your income and case type to determine eligibility. They provide advice, brief services, and representation in some cases. Priority goes to urgent matters involving domestic violence or child safety. Wait times for services vary based on demand and staff availability.

Private attorneys in Calaveras County handle family law matters for a fee. The State Bar of California lawyer referral service can connect you with local attorneys. Call 1-866-442-2529. The first consultation costs around $50. If you hire the attorney, regular hourly rates apply. Rates vary by attorney experience and case complexity. Some attorneys offer payment plans or limited scope services where they help with only part of your case.

Court Fees

First paper filing costs $435. Motions cost $60. Copies are 50 cents per page. Certification adds $40. Service fees vary by provider. Process servers typically charge $50 to $150. The sheriff may charge less but takes longer. Fee waivers cover court fees but not service or attorney costs.

Nearby Counties

Calaveras County borders several other counties. Verify jurisdiction if you live near a border.