Marin County Family Law Records

Marin County Superior Court handles all family law cases for residents of this Bay Area county. The court processes divorce, legal separation, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, and parentage matters. Located at the Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael at 3501 Civic Center Drive, the courthouse serves San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, and all other communities in Marin County. Family law judges hear cases in dedicated courtrooms. Self-help services are available for people without lawyers. Court staff can provide forms and answer procedural questions but cannot give legal advice. Call (415) 444-7020 for courthouse information. Family court records are maintained at the courthouse with limited online access per California Rules of Court that protect privacy in family law cases.

Marin Superior Court Family Division

The Superior Court of Marin County is located at the Marin County Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive in San Rafael. This is the main courthouse for all civil filings including family law. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The clerk's office closes at 4:00 PM sharp so arrive early if you need to file documents near closing time.

Family law cases are filed at the civil clerk's office. Bring completed forms, all necessary copies, and your filing fee. The clerk stamps documents with a filed date and case number. Photo ID is required for most transactions. Make copies before arriving. The court keeps originals. You need copies for service and your records. The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for most fees.

The court website at www.marin.courts.ca.gov provides information about court locations, hours, and procedures. All family law cases use California Judicial Council forms available through the state courts website. You can download forms or pick up copies at the courthouse. Court staff can provide general information about forms but cannot help you complete them or advise what to put on them.

Note: Parking at the Civic Center is available but can be limited during busy court days. Arrive early to find parking.

Filing Your Case

To file a family law case, start with the correct forms. Divorce requires form FL-100, a summons, and other documents depending on your situation. Legal separation uses similar paperwork. Custody modifications, support requests, and restraining orders each have specific forms. The California Courts website at www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm has all forms with detailed instructions.

Fill out all forms completely and accurately. Type or print clearly in black ink. Make at least three copies of everything. One set goes to the court, one for service on the other party, and one for your files. Take your originals and copies to the civil clerk's office during business hours. The filing fee is $435 for the first paper in most family law cases. Additional filings like motions cost $60 each.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, submit a fee waiver application using form FW-001. Attach proof of your income and monthly expenses. Include pay stubs, benefit statements, tax returns, or other financial documents. The court reviews applications and grants waivers to people who meet state income guidelines. Approved waivers cover court filing fees but not costs for service of process or private attorneys.

After filing, you must serve the other party with copies of all documents. Service means official delivery by someone other than you. Use a registered process server, the sheriff's office, or an adult friend or relative who is not involved in the case. Service must be completed 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 move forward until proof of service is properly filed.

Self-Help Services

Marin County Superior Court offers self-help services for people representing themselves in family law matters. Court staff can answer procedural questions, explain court requirements, and provide information about forms. They cannot give legal advice, tell you what to write on forms, or recommend what action to take in your case. They help with process, not legal strategy.

Self-help services include access to computers for typing forms, information about filing requirements, and help calculating child support under California guidelines. Staff can review paperwork for common errors before you file. Bring details about your case including names, dates, addresses, income, and assets. Services are available during weekday business hours.

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

Accessing Case Records

Family law case records for Marin County are stored at the San Rafael courthouse. California Rules of Court restrict online access to most family law documents. You can view some basic case information like registers of actions but full documents must be viewed in person. Visit the clerk's office to request access to case files.

You need the case number or names of both parties to request 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. This includes adoption records, certain juvenile matters, and documents the court has ordered sealed. The clerk will tell you if a document is not available for public viewing.

Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 for the certification regardless of page count. Certified copies are required when you need official proof of court orders or judgments for purposes like remarriage or school enrollment. Request copies at the clerk's window. Pay when you receive the copies. The court accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for copy fees.

Legal Assistance Resources

Bay Area Legal Aid serves Marin County residents who qualify based on income. BALA provides free legal help in family law cases involving domestic violence, child custody, and other urgent matters. Call 1-800-551-5554 to speak with an intake worker. They will ask about your household income and legal issue to determine if you qualify for services. Income limits are based on federal poverty guidelines and household size.

Legal Aid of Marin also provides free legal services to low-income residents. They handle family law matters including divorce, custody, and support. Call (415) 492-0230 for information. Priority goes to cases involving children, domestic violence, or housing stability. Wait times for services can be several weeks due to demand.

The Marin County Bar Association lawyer referral service can connect you with private attorneys who practice family law. Call for information about reduced-cost consultations. The State Bar of California also operates a statewide referral service 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.

Center for Domestic Peace serves domestic violence victims in Marin County. Call their 24-hour hotline at (415) 924-6616. Services include safety planning, restraining order assistance, counseling, and legal advocacy. All services are free and confidential. Advocates can accompany you to court hearings for support.

Nearby Counties

Check which county has jurisdiction if you live near the Marin County border. Residency requirements apply for divorce filings.