Nevada County Family Court Records

All family law proceedings in Nevada County are filed with the Superior Court in Nevada City. The courthouse handles divorce cases, legal separation petitions, annulment actions, child custody disputes, child support orders, spousal support proceedings, domestic violence restraining orders, and parentage cases for county residents. Located at 201 Church Street in Nevada City, CA 95959, this historic courthouse serves the entire county. Nevada County provides online access to case information through a public portal at nevada-portal.ecourt.com/public-portal. This system lets you search for cases and view basic information. Full family law documents cannot be viewed remotely due to California privacy restrictions under Rule 2.503 of the California Rules of Court. Visit the courthouse in person to obtain copies of specific case documents. The clerk's office can assist with record requests. Call (530) 265-1311 to reach court staff with questions about filings or record access.

Nevada County Superior Court

The courthouse sits at 201 Church Street in Nevada City. This historic building serves as the center for all court operations in Nevada County. Family law cases are heard by judges assigned to hear civil and family matters. The phone number for general court information is (530) 265-1311. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM with a closure for lunch.

Security screening occurs at the courthouse entrance. Leave prohibited items in your vehicle. Parking is available in nearby lots and on surrounding streets in downtown Nevada City. The courthouse is a short walk from local businesses and services. Arrive early if you have a hearing scheduled. The building has limited space, so courtrooms and waiting areas can fill quickly during busy times.

Family law hearings are scheduled on specific calendar days. Your hearing notice tells you the date, time, and courtroom assignment. Bring all documents related to your case. Dress appropriately in business or business casual attire. Address the judge as "Your Honor." Turn off cell phones and other electronic devices before entering the courtroom. The court expects professional and respectful behavior from all participants.

The court website at www.nevada.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law-division provides information about family law services, forms, and procedures. Links to statewide resources help you find additional materials and guidance. Staff can answer procedural questions but cannot provide legal advice about your specific case.

Case Portal and Search

Nevada County offers an online case portal at nevada-portal.ecourt.com/public-portal. This system allows you to 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 free access to case calendars and basic case information.

Full family law documents cannot be viewed through the online portal. California law restricts remote access to detailed family law records to protect privacy. You can see case indexes, filing dates, and hearing schedules online. To view actual filed documents like petitions, financial 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. The system provides a convenient way to check hearing dates and case status without traveling to Nevada City. For detailed document review or certified copies, plan to visit the courthouse during business hours.

Filing Procedures

Start a new family law case by filing a petition with the clerk's office at the Nevada City 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 courthouse during business hours. Make copies before filing. The court keeps the original. You receive a file-stamped copy. You need another copy to serve on the other party. Prepare at least three copies of all initial documents. Use black ink if handwriting forms. Typing improves readability and reduces errors. Sign all required signature lines.

The clerk date-stamps your petition and assigns a case number. Keep this number for all future filings and inquiries about your case. After filing, you must serve the other party according to California service rules. The clerk can explain service requirements. You must file proof of service within the deadline shown on your forms. Cases cannot proceed without proper service and proof on file.

Additional filings during your case also have fees. Motions typically cost $60. Some documents like income and expense declarations or stipulations have no filing fee. Ask the clerk about fees for specific forms if you are unsure.

Note: Nevada County may offer limited electronic filing options, check with the clerk's office for current e-filing availability.

Self-Help Services

Nevada County provides self-help services for people representing themselves in family law cases. Form packets with instructions are available at the courthouse or through the court website. These packets cover common matters like divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence restraining orders.

Clerk's office staff can direct you to appropriate forms and explain filing procedures. They cannot provide legal advice about your situation or tell you what information to include on forms. For legal guidance, consult with an attorney or seek help from legal aid organizations.

The California Courts website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov offers extensive self-help resources. These include videos explaining court processes, FAQs about family law topics, and downloadable forms with line-by-line instructions. Many people find these materials helpful when preparing to file or respond to a family law case.

Legal Aid Resources

Legal Services of Northern California serves low-income residents in Nevada County. LSNC provides free civil legal assistance including family law. Services depend on your situation and their available resources. Call (916) 551-2150 or toll-free 1-800-952-5253 to request intake. 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 due to limited staff and high demand for services. Some may get brief advice or help with forms instead of ongoing attorney services. Wait times vary based on available capacity in your area.

The Nevada County Bar Association can connect you with private attorneys practicing family law. This is not free but may offer reduced-rate initial consultations. Ask about payment plans or sliding scale fees if you cannot afford standard attorney rates. Some lawyers provide limited scope representation where they handle specific tasks while you complete other parts of the case yourself.

Domestic violence resources include the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalition serving Nevada County. They offer support, safety planning, and connections to legal services. Call their 24-hour crisis line at 1-888-600-2511 for immediate assistance.

Court Fees and Expenses

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

Fee waivers are available to qualifying individuals. You may qualify if you receive 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.

Copy fees are 50 cents per page throughout California. Certified copies add $40 for the certification. You need certified copies when submitting documents to other courts or government agencies. Regular copies work for your personal records. Payment methods at the Nevada County courthouse include cash, check, and credit or debit cards. Confirm accepted payment types before visiting if unsure.

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

Nearby Counties

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