Lake County Family Law Records

Lake County Superior Court handles all family law matters for residents of this Northern California county. The court processes cases for divorce, legal separation, child custody and visitation, child support, domestic violence restraining orders, and paternity. Located in Lakeport at 255 N. Forbes Street, the courthouse serves Clearlake, Lakeport, and surrounding communities. Family law cases are heard by judges who also handle other civil matters. Self-help services are available at the courthouse for people representing themselves. Court staff can provide forms and procedural information but cannot give legal advice. Call (707) 263-2374 for courthouse information. Family court records are stored at the courthouse and must be viewed on site with limited remote access per California court rules.

Lake County Superior Court

The Superior Court of Lake County operates one main courthouse in Lakeport at 255 N. Forbes Street. All family law filings for Lake County must be submitted at this location. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday, generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clerk's office may close for lunch. Call ahead to confirm hours if you plan to visit during midday.

Family law filings are processed at the civil clerk's window. Bring your completed forms, copies, and filing fee. The clerk stamps everything with a filed date and assigns a case number. Photo ID is required for most transactions. Make copies before you arrive. The court keeps the original, you need copies for service and for your records.

The court website at www.lake.courts.ca.gov provides general information about the court and links to resources. All California family law cases use Judicial Council forms which are available through the California Courts website. You can download and print forms or get them at the courthouse. Staff can tell you what forms are commonly filed but cannot complete them for you or advise what to put on them.

Note: Security screening is required to enter the courthouse so arrive early for hearings.

Filing Your Family Law Case

To file a family law case, start by completing the required forms. Divorce and legal separation require form FL-100 plus a summons and additional documents. Custody modifications, child support requests, and restraining orders use different forms. The California Courts website at www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm has all forms and instructions.

Complete all forms before visiting the courthouse. Type or print clearly in black ink. Make at least three copies of every document. Take your originals and copies to the clerk's office during business hours. The filing fee for the first paper in a family law case is $435. Additional filings cost $60 each. The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Ask about other payment options.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, request a fee waiver by filing form FW-001 with your case. Include proof of income and expenses. This can be pay stubs, benefit statements, or tax returns. The court reviews waiver applications and approves them for people who meet state income requirements. Approved waivers cover court filing fees but not costs for service or attorneys.

After filing, you must serve the other party with copies of all documents. Service is official delivery by someone other than you. Use a process server, the sheriff's office, or an adult friend. The person serving papers must be over 18 and not involved in your case. Service must be completed within 60 days of filing. File proof of service form FL-115 after the other party receives the papers. The case cannot move forward without filed proof of service.

Self-Help Resources

Lake County Superior Court provides self-help services for people without lawyers. Court staff can answer procedural questions and provide information about forms. They cannot give legal advice, tell you what to write on forms, or recommend what action to take. They help with process and requirements, not case strategy.

The court has computers available for accessing forms and typing information. Basic assistance is provided during courthouse hours. Call ahead to find out when self-help staff are available. Bring information about your case including names, dates, addresses, and financial details.

The California Courts Self-Help website offers extensive resources at www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp.htm. You can find instructional videos, step-by-step guides, and answers to common questions. All materials are free. Resources are available in English and Spanish plus several other languages.

Accessing Court Records

Family law case records for Lake County are maintained at the Lakeport courthouse. California law restricts online access to family court documents. You can view some basic case information but full documents must be viewed in person. Visit the clerk's office to request access to case files.

You need a case number or the names of both parties to locate records. The clerk can search by name if you do not have the case number. Some records are confidential by law or sealed by court order. These include adoption files, certain juvenile records, and documents the court has ordered sealed. The clerk will tell you if a document cannot be released for public viewing.

Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 for the certification. You need certified copies for official purposes like proving divorce completion or submitting custody orders to schools or other agencies. Request copies at the clerk's window. Payment is due when you receive the copies. The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders for copy fees.

Legal Aid and Resources

Legal Services of Northern California serves Lake County residents who qualify based on income. LSNC provides free legal help in family law cases involving domestic violence, custody disputes, and child support. Call (916) 551-2150 to speak with an intake worker. They will ask about your household income and legal issue to see if you qualify. 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 can connect you with private attorneys who handle family law cases in Lake County. Initial consultations cost up to $50 for 30 minutes. Regular attorney fees apply if you hire the lawyer for ongoing representation. This is not free legal aid but provides access to legal advice at reduced initial cost.

Lake Family Resource Center provides support for families dealing with domestic violence and family conflict. They can help with safety planning and provide information about community resources. Call (707) 994-5034 for assistance. Services are free and confidential. They can also provide referrals to legal aid programs.

Nearby Counties

Check which county has jurisdiction if you live near the Lake County border. You must meet residency requirements to file in a county.