Family Court Records in Glenn County

Glenn County Superior Court handles family law matters for all residents of Glenn County. This includes filing for divorce, legal separation, child custody modifications, spousal support orders, and domestic violence restraining orders. The court is based in Willows at the county seat. Family law cases are heard by the same judges who handle other civil matters. You can get forms and assistance from the Family Law Facilitator's office at the courthouse. Staff can help with paperwork but cannot give legal advice about your case. All filings go through the clerk's office on the first floor of the courthouse building.

Glenn County Superior Court

The Superior Court of Glenn County operates one courthouse in Willows. All family law cases must be filed at this location at 526 West Sycamore Street. The courthouse serves the entire county including Willows, Orland, and all unincorporated areas. Court hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clerk's office closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM.

Family law filings go to the civil clerk's window. Bring original documents plus copies for service and your own records. The clerk stamps all copies with a filed date and case number. Photo ID is required for most services at the clerk's office. The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders for filing fees and copies. Some services may require exact change.

Call the court at (530) 934-6446 for general information about filing procedures and courthouse access. The court's website at www.glenn.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law-facilitator provides forms, instructions, and contact details for the Family Law Facilitator. Staff can answer questions about procedures but cannot give advice on what to put in your forms.

Help from the Family Law Facilitator

Glenn County provides a Family Law Facilitator to assist self-represented parties. The facilitator is a free service funded by filing fees. Services include help completing court forms for divorce, custody, child support, and spousal support. The facilitator can review your paperwork before you file it. They can also explain what documents you need based on your situation.

The facilitator cannot represent you in court or give advice about whether you should take a certain action. They help with forms and procedures only. Schedule an appointment by calling the courthouse or stopping by the clerk's office. Walk-in hours may be limited. Bring any paperwork you already have plus information about your case like income, expenses, and children's details.

The facilitator office also provides information about other resources. This includes referrals to legal aid if you qualify based on income. They can tell you about local attorneys who handle family law matters. They have worksheets for calculating child support under California guidelines. All services are available in English and Spanish with advance notice for interpretation needs.

How to File Your Case

Start by completing the required forms for your type of case. Dissolution of marriage requires form FL-100 plus summons and other documents. The court website has links to all California Judicial Council forms. You can also pick up blank forms at the courthouse. Make at least three copies of everything. One for the court, one for the other party, and one for your records.

Take your completed forms to the clerk's office during business hours. The filing fee for the first paper in a family law case is $435. If you cannot pay the fee, file form FW-001 to request a fee waiver. Bring proof of your income and expenses like recent pay stubs, bank statements, and bills. The court reviews waiver applications and approves them if you qualify under state income guidelines.

After filing, you must serve the other party with copies of all documents. You cannot serve papers yourself. Use a friend, relative, process server, or the sheriff's office. Service must be completed within 60 days of filing in most cases. File proof of service form FL-115 after the other party receives the papers. Your case cannot move forward until service is complete and filed with the court.

Note: Glenn County requires at least one party to have lived in California for six months and in Glenn County for three months before filing for divorce.

Viewing Court Records

Family law case records are available for viewing at the courthouse during business hours. California Rules of Court limit remote access to family law records. You cannot view full case documents online. The court maintains an index of cases that may be searchable on site at the courthouse. Ask the clerk's office about accessing the public case index.

To view documents in a specific case, you need the case number or party names. The clerk can help you locate the file. Some documents may be sealed or confidential by law. These include certain financial records, medical information, and documents involving minor children's details. The clerk will inform you if a record is not available for public viewing.

Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies cost an additional $40 for the certification regardless of page count. You need certified copies for official purposes like filing with another court or agency. Request copies at the clerk's window. Large copy jobs may take a day or two to prepare. The court can mail copies if you provide payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Legal Help for Glenn County Residents

Legal Services of Northern California provides free legal aid to low-income residents of Glenn County. LSNC handles family law cases involving domestic violence, child custody, and support. Call (916) 551-2150 to speak with an intake worker. They will ask about your income and legal issue to see if you qualify for services. Income limits are based on federal poverty guidelines.

The State Bar of California operates a lawyer referral service at 1-866-442-2529. This service connects you with local attorneys for an initial consultation. The first 30 minutes costs up to $50. If you decide to hire the attorney, regular fees apply. The service screens participating lawyers and matches you with someone who handles your type of case.

California Courts Self-Help Center provides online resources at www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-courtresources.htm. The site has videos, instructions, and form instructions for common family law matters. All resources are free to use. Materials are available in English, Spanish, and several other languages. The site also links to local help in each county.

Nearby Counties

If you live near the Glenn County border, check which county has jurisdiction for your case based on residency requirements.