Placer County Family Court Records

All family law proceedings in Placer County are filed with the Superior Court. The main courthouse facility sits in Roseville at 10820 Justice Center Drive. 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 court also operates locations in Auburn and Tahoe City to serve different parts of the county. Most family law hearings take place at the Roseville courthouse. You can access case information in person at any Placer County courthouse location during business hours. Public terminals allow searches for basic case details. California privacy rules prevent remote online access to full family law documents. Visit the clerk's office to obtain copies of records from your case. The family law division provides self-help services to assist people representing themselves. Call (916) 408-6000 to reach the main courthouse in Roseville.

Placer County Family Division

The Placer County Superior Court operates its main courthouse at 10820 Justice Center Drive in Roseville. This modern facility handles the majority of family law cases for the county. Family law judges hear all aspects of dissolution, custody, support, and domestic violence matters. The phone number for general court information is (916) 408-6000. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Additional courthouse locations serve Auburn and Tahoe City. The Auburn courthouse at 2 Court Street handles some family law matters for residents in the western part of the county. The North Lake Tahoe courthouse serves the mountain communities. Your case assignment depends on where you live in Placer County. Check your initial filing documents for the assigned courthouse. You can request a transfer between locations in limited circumstances.

Security screening occurs at all courthouse entrances. Leave prohibited items in your vehicle. Parking is available at each location. The Roseville courthouse has ample parking in adjacent lots. Arrive at least 15 minutes early if you have a hearing scheduled. Courtrooms and waiting areas can get crowded during peak morning hours.

The court website at www.placer.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family 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 situation.

Filing Family Law Cases

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

Accessing Case Records

Placer County does not provide remote online access to family law case documents. Visit any courthouse location to search for cases. Public computer terminals at the clerk's office allow searches by party name or case number. These systems show basic information like filing dates and hearing schedules. Detailed case documents are not available on these terminals due to California privacy rules under Rule 2.503.

Request copies of case documents from the clerk's office. Staff retrieve files and make copies as requested. Standard copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 for the certification. Payment methods include cash, check, credit cards, and debit cards. The court accepts most major cards at all locations.

Confidential family law records require verification that you are a party to the case. Bring photo ID. The clerk checks your connection to the case before releasing documents. Some records may be sealed by court order and cannot be released without additional authorization from the judge. Registers of actions showing what documents were filed are generally public information.

Self-Help Resources

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

Form packets with detailed instructions are available at all courthouse locations or through the court website. These packets guide you step-by-step through common family law procedures like divorce, custody modifications, and child support enforcement. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure your forms are complete and properly prepared.

The court offers workshops on various family law topics. Workshop schedules are posted on the court website. Some workshops require advance registration. Topics include divorce basics, custody and visitation, child support calculations, and domestic violence restraining orders. These free workshops provide valuable information for people handling their own cases.

Online resources complement in-person services. The California Courts self-help center at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov offers videos, FAQs, and downloadable forms with instructions. Many people find these materials helpful when preparing to file or respond to a family law case.

Legal Aid Services

Legal Services of Northern California serves low-income residents in Placer 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. 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 Placer 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 WEAVE serving Placer County. They offer crisis intervention, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and support groups. Call their 24-hour crisis line at (916) 920-2952 for immediate assistance. WEAVE can help with safety planning and connecting to legal services for restraining orders and family law matters involving abuse.

Court Fees

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. 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 Placer County courthouses include cash, check, and cards.

Service of process costs are separate from court fees. Process servers typically 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 a case. Fee waivers cover only court filing and copy fees, not service expenses or attorney fees.

Major Cities in Placer County

Placer County includes the city of Roseville and other communities. All family law cases for county residents are filed with Placer County Superior Court.

Nearby Counties

Placer County borders several other California counties. Verify jurisdiction before filing based on residence requirements for family law cases.