El Dorado County Family Law Records

Family law cases in El Dorado County are heard at the Superior Court in Placerville. The court processes all types of family law matters including dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, and parentage actions. El Dorado County sits in the Sierra Nevada foothills between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. The courthouse handles cases for both the western slope communities and South Lake Tahoe area. Records for family law cases must be accessed at the courthouse due to California privacy rules that restrict remote viewing of family court documents. The clerk's office can help with filing procedures and provide copies of case documents. Basic case information may be available by phone, but full file review requires an in-person visit.

El Dorado Superior Court

The main courthouse for El Dorado County is located at 495 Main Street in Placerville. A second courthouse operates in South Lake Tahoe for cases filed in that area. Family law cases are typically heard at the Placerville location. Call (530) 621-5098 for general information about court procedures and filing requirements. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Confirm hours before visiting as schedules may vary.

Family law judges hear cases on scheduled calendar days. When you file a motion or request for orders, the clerk provides a hearing date based on the court's calendar. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for hearings to allow time for security screening. Bring photo ID when visiting the courthouse. Security screening is required to enter the building. Do not bring weapons, recording devices, or prohibited items.

The court website at www.eldorado.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law provides information about family law services and procedures. Forms are available through the California Courts website. Local forms specific to El Dorado County may be available at the clerk's office. Staff can answer questions about filing procedures but cannot give legal advice about your case.

Accessing Case Records

El Dorado County does not provide comprehensive online case search for family law matters. California Rules of Court restrict remote access to most family law documents. You can call the clerk's office to ask about basic case information like hearing dates or case status. For detailed information or copies of filed documents, you must visit the courthouse in person.

At the courthouse, ask the clerk's office for access to case files. Bring the case number if you know it. This speeds up file retrieval. Public case files can be reviewed at the courthouse during business hours. Some documents may be sealed or confidential by court order. The clerk will tell you if documents cannot be released. Copy fees are 50 cents per page. Certified copies cost an additional $40 regardless of document length.

Older case files may be archived off-site. Retrieving archived files can take several days. Call ahead if you need records from older cases. The clerk can tell you if the file is on-site or archived. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid multiple trips to the courthouse. Winter weather can sometimes affect access to the Placerville courthouse, so check road conditions before traveling during snow season.

How to File a Case

Starting a family law case requires completing the proper California Judicial Council forms. For divorce, you need form FL-100 (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage) along with summons, financial disclosures, and other documents. Download forms from www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm. You can also request forms from the clerk's office in person or by mail.

Take completed forms to the clerk's office at 495 Main Street in Placerville. 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 such as pay stubs or benefit statements. The court reviews fee waiver applications and decides whether to grant them based on financial need.

After filing, you must serve the other party with copies of all documents filed with the court. You cannot serve papers yourself. Use a process server, the sheriff, or registered mail for certain documents. The person who completes service fills out a proof of service form. File this proof with the court. Your case cannot proceed until service is completed and proof is filed. Service fees range from $50 to $150 depending on the method and provider.

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

Getting Legal Help

El Dorado County does not have a dedicated family law self-help center. The clerk's office can answer basic procedural questions about filing and court rules. They cannot give legal advice or help you complete forms. For legal assistance, contact Legal Services of Northern California. Their phone number is (916) 551-2150. They provide free legal aid to eligible low-income residents in family law cases.

Legal Services of Northern California serves multiple counties including El Dorado. They provide advice, brief services, and representation in some family law matters. Priority goes to cases involving domestic violence or child safety. Wait times for full representation can be several weeks or months depending on case volume and staff availability. Intake staff ask about your income and case type to determine if you qualify for services.

Private attorneys practice family law in El Dorado 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 payment plans or limited scope services where they help with only part of your case.

The California Courts website has self-help resources at www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp.htm. This site includes instructions for common family law procedures, video guides, and form completion tips. Resources are free and available 24 hours a day.

Court Fees and Costs

The first filing in a family law case costs $435. Motions filed during the case cost $60 each. Copy fees are 50 cents per page. Certification adds $40. Service fees depend on who you hire. Process servers typically charge $50 to $150. The sheriff may offer lower-cost service but takes longer.

Fee waivers cover court filing fees but not service or attorney fees. If your income changes during the case, the court may revoke your fee waiver and require you to pay fees for future filings. Budget for service costs even if you qualify for a court fee waiver.

Nearby Counties

El Dorado County borders several other counties. Confirm which county has jurisdiction if you live near a border area.