Search Contra Costa County Family Court Cases

Contra Costa County family law cases are handled by the Superior Court with the main family law division located in Martinez. The court processes dissolution, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, and parentage cases. An online portal powered by the Odyssey case management system allows limited access to case information. You can search by party name or case number to view basic case details and registers of actions. Full court documents cannot be viewed remotely under California privacy rules for family law. Visit the courthouse in person to review complete files and obtain copies of specific documents. Self-help services and legal aid resources are available to assist people who cannot afford private attorneys.

Contra Costa Superior Court Family Division

The family law division of Contra Costa Superior Court operates from the courthouse at 751 Pine Street in Martinez. This is the main location for filing and hearing family law cases in the county. Additional courthouse locations exist in other cities, but family law matters are primarily handled in Martinez. Call (925) 608-1000 for general court information.

The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Some services may have different hours. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and staff can assist with your specific needs. Security screening is required to enter the courthouse. Do not bring weapons, recording devices, or large bags. A list of prohibited items is posted at the entrance.

Family law judges hear cases on scheduled calendar days. When you file a request for order or motion, the clerk provides a hearing date. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for hearings. Bring all required documents and copies for the judge and other party. The court website at contracosta.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-and-children provides information about procedures, forms, and services.

Odyssey Case Portal

Contra Costa County uses the Odyssey case management system. The online portal is available at odyportal.cc-courts.org/portal. You can search for cases by party name, case number, or attorney name. The portal shows basic case information including filing date, case type, parties involved, and case status. You can view the register of actions which lists all filed documents and hearing dates.

Due to California Rules of Court restrictions on family law records, full documents cannot be viewed or downloaded through the portal. Only the register of actions and limited case data appear online. To view actual filed documents like petitions, declarations, financial disclosures, or court orders, you must visit the courthouse in person. The clerk's office can help you locate files and obtain copies.

The portal works best with current web browsers on desktop computers. Mobile devices may have limited functionality. If you experience technical issues, contact the court's technology help desk or visit the courthouse to use public terminals. Public computer terminals in the courthouse provide access to the same case information available through the remote portal.

How to File a Case

Starting a family law case requires completing California Judicial Council forms. For divorce, you need form FL-100 (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage) plus summons, financial disclosure forms, and other required documents. Download forms from www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm. The self-help center can provide form packets and instructions for common case types.

Take completed forms to the clerk's office at 751 Pine Street in Martinez. File the original and bring at least two copies. The clerk files the original and stamps your copies. The filing fee is $435 for the first document. If you cannot afford the fee, file form FW-001 to request a fee waiver. Include proof of income like pay stubs, benefit statements, or tax returns. The court reviews fee waiver requests and approves or denies them based on financial need.

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 for certain documents. The person completing service fills out a proof of service form. File this proof 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 method and provider.

Additional filings during the case may have separate fees. Motions cost $60 to file. Some documents like income and expense declarations have no filing fee. Ask the clerk about fees before filing if you are unsure whether a fee applies to your document.

Self-Help Services

Contra Costa County provides self-help services for family law litigants. Services include form assistance, procedural information, and referrals to legal aid resources. Staff can answer questions about what forms to use and how to file them correctly. They cannot give legal advice about strategy or what arguments to make in your case. Services are free to all court users.

The self-help center has computers and printers for preparing court documents. Staff review forms for completeness but cannot guarantee the court will accept your filings. Hours may vary, so call ahead to confirm the center is open. Some services may require appointments, especially during high-demand periods.

Bay Area Legal Aid serves Contra Costa County residents who qualify for free legal help. Call 1-800-551-5554 for intake. Staff ask about your income and case type to determine eligibility. They provide advice, brief services, and full representation in some cases. Priority goes to cases involving domestic violence or urgent child safety issues. Wait times for representation can be several weeks or months depending on case volume.

Additional Legal Help

Private attorneys practice family law throughout Contra Costa County. 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 for 30 minutes. If you hire the attorney for ongoing work, regular hourly rates apply. Rates vary based on attorney experience and case complexity.

Some attorneys offer unbundled or limited scope services. This means they help with only part of your case like a specific motion or hearing. Limited scope services cost less than full representation. Ask attorneys if they provide unbundled services and what they charge for specific tasks.

Domestic violence victims can contact local advocacy organizations for help. These groups often have referrals to attorneys who specialize in restraining orders and family law cases involving abuse. Some provide free legal clinics or workshops on protective orders and safety planning.

Court Fees

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

Major Cities in Contra Costa County

Several large cities are located in Contra Costa County. Residents file family law cases at the Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez.

Nearby Counties

Confirm which county has jurisdiction if you live near a county border.