Search Plumas County Family Court Records

Plumas County Superior Court handles all family court matters for residents of this mountain community. Cases include marriage dissolution, legal separation, paternity, child custody, child support, and domestic violence protective orders. The court sits in Quincy at 520 Main Street. Family law cases filed in Plumas County become part of the public record, though California law limits remote online access to these files. You can visit the courthouse to view case documents in person. The clerk's office can help you find case numbers and basic filing information. Most family law forms are available on the court website or at the courthouse. Self-help services assist people who represent themselves in family law proceedings.

Plumas County Superior Court

The Plumas County Superior Court serves a rural area in the northern Sierra Nevada. Family law cases get filed at the main courthouse in Quincy. The court sits at 520 Main Street in downtown Quincy. This location handles all case types for the county. Judges hear family law matters along with civil, criminal, and other proceedings.

Court clerks accept filings Monday through Friday. Hours run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM most days. The office may close for lunch or on court holidays. Call (530) 283-6232 before visiting to confirm the clerk's office is open. Bring photo ID when you come to the courthouse. Security screening is required to enter.

The court website at plumas.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law lists forms, filing procedures, and contact information for family law services. You can download state family law forms from the site or pick them up at the clerk's office. Local forms specific to Plumas County may also be required for some filings.

Finding Case Information

Plumas County does not offer public remote access to family law case documents online. California Rules of Court restrict online access to family law files. The court can provide basic case information over the phone if you know the case number. For detailed case information, you need to visit the courthouse.

At the courthouse, you can view registers of action showing what documents were filed and when hearings occurred. Full documents like petitions, responses, declarations, and orders must be reviewed in person. The clerk's office has computer terminals for public use. Staff can show you how to search for cases by party name or case number.

Copy services are available at the courthouse for 50 cents per page. Certified copies cost an additional $40 regardless of page count. You need certified copies for official purposes like filing with another agency. Regular copies work fine for your own records. The clerk's office accepts cash, check, and most credit or debit cards for copy fees.

Filing Family Law Cases

To file a new family law case in Plumas County, complete the required California Judicial Council forms. For a divorce, you need form FL-100 (Petition) plus a summons and other supporting forms. The clerk cannot tell you which forms to use but can check that your paperwork is complete enough to file. Self-help resources listed below can guide you on form selection.

Take your completed forms to the clerk's office at 520 Main Street in Quincy. The filing fee for the first paper is $435. If you cannot afford the fee, request a fee waiver using form FW-001. Bring proof of income like pay stubs or benefit statements when you request a waiver. The court reviews fee waiver applications and may grant them based on income and expenses.

After filing, you must serve the other party with copies of all documents you filed. You cannot serve papers yourself. Use a process server, the sheriff, or certified mail for service. Proof of service must be filed with the court after service is complete. Your case cannot proceed until service is done and proof is on file.

Additional filings during your case cost $60 per motion. Some documents have no fee, like income and expense declarations. Ask the clerk about fees if you are unsure whether a particular filing requires payment.

Legal Help Resources

Plumas County offers limited self-help services for family law cases. The court provides access to standard California family law forms and basic procedural information. Due to the county's small size, dedicated on-site self-help staff may not always be available. Call ahead to ask about current services.

Legal Services of Northern California operates in the region and may assist eligible low-income residents with family law matters. Call (530) 345-9491 to inquire about services. Income limits apply. Wait times for assistance can be long due to high demand and limited staff.

The California Courts Self-Help Center website at courts.ca.gov/selfhelp offers guides on divorce, custody, child support, and restraining orders. Video tutorials walk you through completing common family law forms. The site provides forms in both English and Spanish.

You may also contact the State Bar of California's Lawyer Referral Service at 1-866-442-2529 for a referral to a local attorney. The service is not free, but initial consultations typically cost no more than $50 for the first 30 minutes. Private attorney fees apply if you choose to hire representation.

Nearby Counties

If you live near the county border, verify which county has jurisdiction over your case. Family law cases are filed where you or your spouse reside.