Riverside County Family Law Records

Riverside County Superior Court processes thousands of family law cases each year across multiple courthouse locations. Family law matters include dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, and parentage actions. The court operates family law departments at courthouses in Riverside, Indio, Palm Springs, Blythe, and other locations throughout the county. You can search for basic case information through the court's online portal. More detailed records require an in-person visit to the courthouse. Self-help services are available at multiple locations to assist people who file their own family law cases. The court website provides forms, guides, and contact information for all family law services throughout Riverside County.

Superior Court Locations

Riverside County operates multiple family court locations to serve its large geographic area. The main Riverside Family Law Courthouse is at 4175 Main Street in downtown Riverside. This location handles the majority of family law cases filed in the western part of the county. The Larson Justice Center in Indio serves the Coachella Valley and eastern desert areas. Other courthouses with family law departments include the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, the Historic Courthouse in Riverside, and facilities in Blythe and Palm Springs.

Where you file depends on where you live. The court assigns cases to specific courthouses based on your residence. Check the court website at riverside.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law to find the correct filing location for your address. Filing at the wrong courthouse can delay your case.

Each courthouse has a clerk's office that accepts new filings and provides copies of existing documents. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Some locations close for lunch. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting. Bring photo ID when you come to any courthouse. Security screening is required at all locations.

Online Case Access Portal

Riverside County provides an online public access portal for searching court cases. The portal is at epublic-access.riverside.courts.ca.gov/public-portal. You can search by party name or case number. The system shows basic case information like filing date, case type, and hearing dates.

Due to California Rules of Court restrictions on family law records, you cannot view full case documents remotely. The portal shows registers of action that list what documents were filed and when events occurred. To see actual petitions, declarations, financial disclosures, or court orders, you must visit the courthouse in person.

The portal does not require registration or payment for basic searches. You can access it from any computer or mobile device with internet. The system is updated regularly with new filings and court events. Information shown is public record, but privacy rules limit what appears online for family law cases.

How to File Family Law Cases

Filing a family law case starts with completing California Judicial Council forms. For divorce, you need form FL-100 (Petition), a summons, and several other documents. Self-help staff can provide a list of required forms for your case type. Forms are available on the court website or at any courthouse self-help center.

Take your completed forms to the clerk's office at the courthouse that serves your area. The first filing costs $435. This fee covers the petition or initial response. If you cannot pay, file form FW-001 to request a fee waiver. Bring proof of income and expenses. The court reviews waiver requests and decides whether to grant them based on financial need.

After filing, you must have the other party served with copies of all documents. Service must be done by someone over 18 who is not a party to the case. You can hire a process server or use the sheriff for service. Proof of service must be filed with the court. Your case cannot move forward until service is complete and proof is on file.

Later filings in your case may have additional fees. Motions cost $60 each. Some documents like income and expense declarations have no fee. Ask the clerk if you are unsure about fees for a specific filing.

Family Law Self-Help Centers

Riverside County operates Family Law Facilitator offices at multiple courthouse locations. These centers provide free help with family law forms and procedures. Staff can answer questions about court processes but cannot give legal advice about your specific situation. Services are available in English and Spanish at most locations.

The main Riverside location offers self-help services at 4175 Main Street. Call 951-274-4499 for hours and to check in. The Indio location at the Larson Justice Center serves desert communities. Call (760) 393-2617 for Indio services. The Murrieta courthouse also has self-help staff. Call (951) 704-7634 for Southwest Justice Center assistance.

Self-help centers provide computers, printers, and form packets. Many locations offer workshops on divorce, custody, child support, and restraining orders. Workshops may require advance registration. Check the court website for current schedules. Due to high demand, you may need to arrive early or make an appointment.

Legal aid organizations also serve Riverside County. Riverside Legal Aid provides free services to eligible low-income residents at (951) 682-7968. The Inland Counties Legal Services serves desert areas at (888) 245-4257. Both organizations prioritize cases involving domestic violence and urgent child custody matters. Income limits apply, and wait times can be several weeks or months.

Court Fees and Costs

The first filing in a family law case costs $435. Additional motions during the case cost $60 per filing. Copies of court documents cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 to the total cost. You need certified copies for official purposes like filing with other agencies or courts.

Service fees are separate from court fees. Process servers typically charge $75 to $150 per service depending on location and difficulty. The sheriff's office charges less but may take longer. Budget for service costs when planning to file.

Fee waivers cover only court filing fees. They do not cover service costs or attorney fees. If the court grants your fee waiver, you still need to pay for having papers served unless you qualify for sheriff service at no cost.

Note: Most Riverside County courthouses accept cash, check, and credit or debit cards for fees and copies.

Major Cities in Riverside County

Riverside County includes several large cities. Family law cases are filed at Superior Court locations based on where you live. Select a city for local courthouse information.

Nearby Counties

If you live near a county border, verify which county handles your case. Residency determines where you file.