Search Family Court Records in Monterey County

The Monterey County Superior Court manages all family law proceedings for county residents. Family court cases include divorce filings, legal separation petitions, annulment actions, child custody and visitation disputes, child support orders, spousal support proceedings, domestic violence restraining orders, and parentage cases. The main courthouse is in Monterey at 1200 Aguajito Road. The court also operates locations in Salinas and other parts of the county. Most family law hearings take place at the Monterey facility. You can search for case information through the court's online portal or in person at any courthouse location. The online system at portal.monterey.courts.ca.gov provides limited access to case indexes and calendars. Full family law documents cannot be viewed remotely due to California privacy restrictions. Visit the courthouse to obtain copies of specific documents from your case. Call (831) 775-5400 to reach the clerk's office.

Monterey County Family Division

The Superior Court of California, County of Monterey operates multiple courthouse locations. The main facility for family law sits at 1200 Aguajito Road in Monterey. Call (831) 775-5400 for general information. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The building has security screening at the entrance. Arrive early if you have a hearing scheduled.

Family law cases are heard by judges assigned to the family law department. Matters include all aspects of dissolution, custody, support, and domestic violence proceedings. The court website at www.monterey.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-child-custody provides details about family law services and procedures. Self-help services are available to assist people representing themselves.

Additional courthouse locations serve different parts of the county. The Salinas courthouse handles some family law matters. Your case gets assigned based on where you live and court availability. Check your hearing notice for the correct location. If you need to appear at a different courthouse than expected, contact the clerk's office to confirm the location before your hearing date.

Staff can answer procedural questions about filing requirements and court processes. They cannot provide legal advice about your specific case or tell you what information to include on forms. For legal guidance, consult with an attorney or seek help from legal aid organizations.

Online Portal Access

Monterey County offers an online case portal at portal.monterey.courts.ca.gov. This system lets you search for cases by party name or case number. You can view registers of actions showing what documents were filed and when hearings are scheduled. The portal provides access to case calendars and basic case information.

Full family law documents cannot be viewed through the online portal. California Rules of Court restrict remote access to detailed family law records. You can see case indexes, filing dates, and hearing schedules online. To view actual filed documents like petitions, declarations, or court orders, you must visit the courthouse in person. Bring photo ID when requesting documents from the clerk's office.

The portal works on computers, tablets, and smartphones. No registration is required for basic searches. Some features may require account creation. The system is free to use. It provides a convenient way to check hearing dates and filing statuses without traveling to the courthouse. For detailed document review, plan to visit in person.

Filing Family Law Documents

Start a new family law case by filing a petition with the clerk's office at any Monterey County courthouse. The filing fee is $435 for initial petitions. This covers divorce, legal separation, custody, and other family law matters. Request a fee waiver if you have low income or receive public benefits. Complete form FW-001 and attach proof of income or benefit enrollment.

Bring completed forms to the clerk's office during business hours. Make copies before you file. The court keeps the original. You get a stamped copy. You need extra copies to serve the other party. Most cases require three or four copies of initial documents. Use black ink if handwriting forms. Typing improves readability and reduces errors.

The clerk date-stamps your petition and assigns a case number. Keep this number for all future filings and inquiries. After filing, you must serve the other party according to California law. The clerk can explain service requirements. File proof of service within the deadline on your forms. Without proper service and proof, the case cannot proceed to hearing or trial.

Additional filings during your case have fees. Motions typically cost $60. Some documents like financial declarations or stipulations have no fee. Ask the clerk about fees for specific filings if unsure.

Note: Monterey County may accept electronic filing for some document types, check with the clerk's office for current e-filing options.

Self-Help Center Services

Monterey County operates a self-help center to assist people representing themselves in family law cases. The center provides form packets, instructions, and procedural guidance. Staff can direct you to appropriate forms and explain filing steps. They cannot give legal advice about your situation or tell you what to write on forms.

Services include help with divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence restraining orders. The center offers workshops on various family law topics. Workshop schedules are posted on the court website. Some workshops require advance registration. Workshops fill quickly, so sign up early if you plan to attend.

Contact the self-help center at (831) 647-5800 extension 3005 for assistance. Hours may vary, so call ahead to confirm availability. The center serves walk-in visitors during regular business hours. Wait times can be long during peak periods. Come prepared with your questions and any documents you have already completed.

Free Legal Services

California Rural Legal Assistance serves low-income residents in Monterey County. CRLA provides free legal help in civil matters including family law. Services depend on your situation and their available resources. Call (831) 757-5221 to request intake at the Salinas office. Eligibility is based on income and household size.

Priority goes to cases involving domestic violence, child safety, elder abuse, and other urgent matters. Not all applicants receive full representation. Some may get brief advice or form preparation help instead of ongoing attorney services. Wait times vary based on staff availability and demand for services in the region.

The Monterey County Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service connecting people with local attorneys. Call (831) 373-6876 for referrals. This is not free but offers an initial consultation at reduced rates. Ask attorneys about payment plans or sliding scale fees if you cannot afford standard rates. Some lawyers provide limited scope representation where they handle specific tasks while you complete other parts yourself.

Court Fees and Costs

The initial filing fee for a family law petition is $435. The responding party pays $435 if filing a formal response. Additional motions during the case cost $60 each. Some documents have no filing fee, including income and expense declarations, certain requests for orders, and stipulations signed by both parties.

Fee waivers are available to qualifying individuals. You may qualify based on receipt of public benefits like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SSI, or CalWORKS. Income-based waivers are available if your household income falls below state guidelines. File form FW-001 with supporting documentation. The court reviews your application and issues an order granting full waiver, partial waiver, or denial.

Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 for the certification. You need certified copies for official purposes like submitting to other courts or government agencies. Regular copies work for your personal records. Payment methods include cash, check, and cards at most Monterey County courthouses. Confirm accepted payment types before visiting.

Service of process costs are separate from court fees. Process servers charge $50 to $150 depending on distance and difficulty locating the person. Sheriff service may cost less but often takes longer. Budget these costs when planning to file a case. Fee waivers cover only court charges, not service expenses or attorney fees.

Major Cities in Monterey County

Monterey County includes several cities with populations over 50,000. Family law cases for all cities are filed with Monterey County Superior Court.

Nearby Counties

Monterey County borders several other California counties. Verify jurisdiction before filing your family law case based on residence requirements.