Family Law Records in Orange County

The Orange County Superior Court processes all family law cases for this large Southern California county. Family court proceedings include divorce filings, legal separation actions, annulment petitions, child custody and visitation disputes, child support orders, spousal support proceedings, domestic violence restraining orders, and parentage cases. The court operates multiple courthouse locations across the county. The main family court facility is the Lamoreaux Justice Center at 341 The City Drive in Orange, CA 92868. Other locations include the North Justice Center in Fullerton and the West Justice Center in Westminster. Orange County provides online access to family law case information dating back to 1990. The online system at www.occourts.org/online-services/case-access/family-law-case-access allows searches by party name or case number. You can view registers of actions showing what documents were filed and hearing dates. Full case documents cannot be viewed remotely per California privacy rules. Visit a courthouse to obtain document copies. Call (657) 622-8457 for family law self-help services.

Orange County Family Court System

Orange County operates one of the largest court systems in California. The Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange serves as the primary location for family law matters. This courthouse sits at 341 The City Drive, Orange, CA 92868. Family law cases are heard by judges assigned specifically to the family law department. These judges handle all aspects of dissolution, custody, support, and domestic violence proceedings.

Additional family court services are available at the North Justice Center in Fullerton and the West Justice Center in Westminster. Your case gets assigned to a specific courthouse based on where you live in the county. Check your initial filing documents to see which courthouse handles your case. You can transfer cases between locations in limited circumstances by filing a request with the court.

Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. All courthouses have security screening at entrances. Arrive early if you have a hearing. Parking is available at each location but can fill quickly during peak morning hours. The Lamoreaux Justice Center has structured parking adjacent to the courthouse. Follow signs for visitor parking.

The court website at www.occourts.org/divisions/family-law provides comprehensive information about family law services, forms, and procedures. The site includes videos, FAQs, and links to forms. Staff can answer procedural questions but cannot provide legal advice about your case.

Search Cases Online

Orange County provides online access to family law case information through the Family Law Case Access system. Visit www.occourts.org/online-services/case-access/family-law-case-access to search for cases. The system includes records from 1990 to present. You can search by party name or case number. No fees apply for basic searches.

The online system shows registers of actions listing all documents filed in a case. You can see filing dates, document types, and hearing schedules. This helps you track case progress and confirm upcoming court dates. The system updates regularly as new documents are filed and hearings are scheduled.

Full family law documents cannot be viewed remotely. California Rules of Court restrict remote access to detailed family law records to protect privacy. To view actual filed documents like petitions, financial declarations, custody evaluations, or court orders, you must visit the courthouse in person. Bring photo ID to request documents from the clerk's office.

How to File

Begin a new family law case by filing a petition with the clerk's office at the appropriate Orange 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.

Orange County accepts filings in person at any courthouse location. Electronic filing is available for some document types through the court's approved e-filing service providers. Check the court website for current e-filing options and instructions. First-time filers often find in-person filing easier to ensure all documents are complete and properly submitted.

Bring multiple copies when filing in person. The court keeps the original. You receive file-stamped copies. You need extra copies to serve on the other party. Most cases require three or four copies of initial documents. Use black ink if handwriting forms. Typing improves legibility. Sign all required signature lines.

The clerk date-stamps your petition and assigns a case number. This number identifies your case for all future filings. After filing, you must serve the other party according to California service rules. The Family Law Facilitator's office 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.

Self-Help Services

Orange County operates extensive self-help services for people representing themselves in family law cases. The Family Law Facilitator's office provides free assistance. Services include help identifying appropriate forms, explaining filing procedures, and answering questions about court processes. Staff cannot provide legal advice about your specific case or tell you what information to include on forms.

Call (657) 622-5500 to reach the self-help center. Services are available at the Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange. The North and West Justice Centers have self-service kiosks where you can access forms and information. Hours for self-help services are posted on the court website. Some services require appointments while others accept walk-ins.

The court offers workshops on various family law topics including divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence restraining orders. Workshops are free but may require advance registration. Check the court website for schedules and registration information. Space is limited, so sign up early if you plan to attend.

Form packets with detailed instructions are available online through the court website. These packets guide you step-by-step through common family law procedures. Many people find these materials helpful when preparing to file or respond to a case.

Legal Aid Organizations

Community Legal Aid SoCal serves low-income Orange County residents. CLASI provides free civil legal assistance including family law. Services depend on your situation and their available resources. Call (800) 834-5001 to request intake. Eligibility is based on income and household size. Priority goes to cases involving domestic violence, child safety, and elder abuse.

Public Law Center operates in Orange County to provide free legal services. PLC focuses on family law, immigration, consumer rights, and other civil matters. Call (714) 541-1010 for information about their programs. They offer brief advice clinics, full representation for qualifying cases, and self-help workshops.

The Orange County Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service connecting people with private attorneys. Call (714) 667-2265 for referrals. This is not free but offers an initial consultation at reduced rates, typically $25 for 30 minutes. Ask attorneys about payment plans or sliding scale fees if you cannot afford standard rates.

Dial 211 from any phone in Orange County to reach a comprehensive resource line. Operators can connect you with legal aid, domestic violence services, housing assistance, and other community resources. The service is available 24 hours a day in multiple languages.

Fees and Costs

Filing a new family law petition costs $435. The respondent pays $435 if they file a formal response. Additional motions during the case typically 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. 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 Orange County courthouses include cash, check, credit cards, and debit cards.

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

Major Cities in Orange County

Orange County includes many major cities. All family law cases are filed with Orange County Superior Court. Select a city below for local information.

Nearby Counties

Orange County borders several other Southern California counties. Verify jurisdiction before filing based on residence requirements.