Find San Benito County Family Court Records

San Benito County Superior Court processes family law cases for this small Central California county. The court handles dissolution of marriage, legal separation, paternity, child custody, child support, spousal support, and domestic violence restraining orders. All family law matters are filed at the courthouse in Hollister at 450 Fourth Street. San Benito County offers an online case portal for searching basic case information. Full case documents require an in-person visit to the courthouse due to California privacy rules for family law files. The court provides self-help services and forms to assist people representing themselves. Resources include the Family Law Facilitator who helps with child support and custody issues. The court website lists hours, forms, and contact information for all family law services.

San Benito Superior Court

San Benito County has one courthouse that handles all case types. Family law cases are filed at 450 Fourth Street in Hollister. The building houses courtrooms, the clerk's office, and self-help services. Judges hear family law matters along with civil, criminal, and other types of cases.

The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The office may close for lunch or on court holidays. Call (831) 636-4057 to confirm hours before you visit. Bring photo ID when you come to the courthouse. Security screening is required to enter the building.

The court website at sanbenito.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law provides forms, filing instructions, and self-help information. You can access the online case portal from the homepage. Forms can be downloaded from the site or picked up at the clerk's office.

Online Case Portal

San Benito County offers public case access through an online portal at portal.sanbenito.courts.ca.gov/public-portal. You can search for cases by party name or case number. The portal does not require registration or login. Searches are free.

The portal shows basic case information like filing date, case type, and party names. You can view the register of actions which lists documents filed and hearing dates. Due to California privacy rules for family law cases, full documents are not available online. To see petitions, declarations, financial forms, or court orders, you must visit the courthouse.

At the courthouse, the clerk can provide access to case files for review. You need the case number to request a file. Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 regardless of how many pages. The clerk's office accepts cash, check, and most credit or debit cards for copy fees.

Filing a Family Law Case

To file a family law case, complete the required California Judicial Council forms. For a dissolution case, you need form FL-100 (Petition), a summons, and other documents depending on your situation. The court website has a list of forms for different case types. Self-help staff can help you understand which forms you need.

Take your completed forms to the clerk's office at 450 Fourth Street. The first filing costs $435. If you cannot pay, file form FW-001 to request a fee waiver. Bring proof of income like pay stubs or benefit statements. The court reviews waiver applications and decides based on your financial need.

After you file, the other party must be served with copies of all documents. You cannot serve papers yourself. Use a process server, friend over 18, or the sheriff to serve papers. Proof of service must be filed with the court. Your case cannot move forward until service is complete and proof is filed.

Motions filed during your case cost $60 each. Some documents have no fee. Ask the clerk about fees if you are unsure.

Self-Help and Legal Aid

San Benito County has a Family Law Facilitator who provides free help with child support and custody issues. Call (831) 636-4057 to reach the facilitator. The office can help you complete forms and understand procedures. Staff cannot give legal advice about your specific case.

The court self-help center offers information on all types of family law cases including divorce, paternity, and restraining orders. The center has computers and printers for public use. Staff can direct you to the correct forms and provide procedural information. Services are available in English and Spanish.

Central California Legal Services may assist eligible low-income residents. Call (800) 675-8001 for intake. The organization serves several counties including San Benito. Income limits apply. Due to high demand, wait times for services can be long. Domestic violence and urgent custody cases get priority.

The California Courts Self-Help website at courts.ca.gov/selfhelp offers guides, videos, and forms for all family law matters. The site covers divorce, custody, support, restraining orders, and more. Resources are available in multiple languages.

You can also contact the State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Service at 1-866-442-2529. This service is not free but offers reduced-cost consultations with private attorneys. Initial consultations typically cost up to $50 for 30 minutes. Normal attorney fees apply if you hire the lawyer for ongoing work.

Fees and Costs

Court filing fees in San Benito County are the same as statewide rates. The first filing costs $435. Additional motions cost $60 each. Some documents have no fee. The clerk can tell you if a fee applies to your filing.

Copy costs are 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 for the certification. You need certified copies for official purposes like filing with another agency. Regular copies work for your personal records.

Service fees are separate from court fees. Process servers in San Benito County typically charge $75 to $100 per service. The sheriff's office offers service at lower rates. Plan for service costs when filing a case. Fee waivers cover court filing fees but not service fees unless you qualify for free sheriff service.

Nearby Counties

If you live near the county border, make sure you file in the correct county. Family law cases must be filed where you or your spouse reside.