Lassen County Family Court Records

Lassen County Superior Court processes all family law filings for this rural northeastern California county. The court handles divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, and parentage cases. The courthouse is located in Susanville at 2610 Riverside Drive. All family law matters for Susanville, Westwood, and surrounding communities are filed here. Judges who hear family law cases also handle other civil matters. Court staff provide basic procedural assistance and forms but cannot give legal advice about your case. Call (530) 251-8205 for general courthouse information. Family court records must be viewed at the courthouse due to California Rules of Court that restrict remote access to family law case documents.

Lassen Superior Court

Lassen County Superior Court is located at 2610 Riverside Drive in Susanville. This is the only courthouse in the county. All family law cases must be filed here. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clerk's office may close for lunch between noon and 1:00 PM. Call ahead to verify hours before visiting.

Family law filings are accepted at the civil clerk's window. Bring completed forms, all required copies, and your filing fee. The clerk stamps documents with a filed date and case number. You need photo ID for most clerk services. Make copies before arriving. The court keeps originals. You need copies for service and your own records. The court accepts cash and checks for fees. Ask about other payment methods.

The court website is at www.lassen.courts.ca.gov. The site has contact information and links to forms. California Judicial Council forms are used for all family law matters. Download them from the California Courts website or pick up copies at the courthouse. Court staff can provide information about which forms are commonly used but cannot help you fill them out.

How to File a Case

Filing a family law case starts with the right forms. Divorce requires form FL-100 and a summons. Legal separation uses the same forms. Custody modifications have different paperwork. Child support requests use their own forms. The California Courts website has all forms at www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm. Instructions come with each form.

Complete forms fully and accurately. Type or print in black ink. Make at least three copies of everything. One for the court, one for service, one for you. Take originals and copies to the clerk's office. The filing fee is $435 for the first paper in most family law cases. This covers your initial petition or response. Additional filings cost $60 each.

If you cannot pay the fee, file a fee waiver request using form FW-001. Include proof of your income and monthly expenses. Attach pay stubs, benefit letters, or tax returns. The court reviews applications and grants waivers to people who meet income guidelines under state law. A waiver covers filing fees but not service costs or attorney fees.

After filing, you must serve the other party. Service means delivering copies of all filed documents through proper channels. You cannot serve papers yourself. Use a process server, sheriff, or an adult friend or relative who is not involved in the case. Service must happen within 60 days of filing. The person who serves papers completes a proof of service form. File this form with the court. Your case cannot proceed until proof of service is on file.

Note: To file for divorce in Lassen County, one spouse must have lived in California for six months and in Lassen County for three months.

Self-Help Resources

Lassen County Superior Court provides basic self-help services. Court staff can answer questions about procedures and provide forms. They cannot give legal advice, tell you what to write on forms, or advise what action to take in your case. They help with process, not with deciding what to do.

The California Courts Self-Help Center at www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp.htm has extensive free resources. You can watch videos explaining procedures, read step-by-step instructions, and find answers to common questions. Materials are available in English and Spanish. Form instructions walk you through each document.

Legal aid may be available to Lassen County residents who qualify based on income. Legal Services of Northern California serves rural counties in this region. Call (916) 551-2150 to speak with an intake worker. They will ask about your income and legal issue to determine if you qualify for free services. Income limits are based on household size and federal poverty guidelines.

Viewing Court Records

Family law case records are maintained at the Lassen County courthouse in Susanville. California Rules of Court restrict online access to family law documents. Most records must be viewed in person at the courthouse. The court may have a searchable index on site. Ask the clerk about accessing case information.

You need the case number or party names to request records. The clerk can search by name if you do not have the case number. Provide first and last names for both parties. Some records are confidential or sealed. Adoption files, juvenile records, and documents sealed by court order cannot be viewed without permission. The clerk will inform you if a record is not available.

Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certification adds $40 to the total. Certified copies are needed for official purposes like proving divorce finalization or submitting custody orders to schools. Request copies at the clerk's window. Pay when you pick them up. The court accepts cash and checks for copy fees.

Legal Assistance Options

Legal Services of Northern California provides free legal help to low-income residents of Lassen County. LSNC handles family law cases involving domestic violence, child custody, and child support. Call (916) 551-2150 for intake. Staff will ask about your household income and legal issue. Income limits apply based on federal poverty guidelines. Priority goes to cases involving safety concerns or children.

The State Bar of California lawyer referral service can connect you with private attorneys at 1-866-442-2529. Initial consultations cost up to $50 for 30 minutes. Regular fees apply if you hire the attorney for ongoing representation. This service screens attorneys and matches you with lawyers who practice family law in your area.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. The hotline is available 24 hours a day. Staff provide crisis support, safety planning, and referrals to local services. All calls are confidential. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Nearby Counties

Residents near county borders should verify which county has jurisdiction based on residency requirements.