San Joaquin County Family Law Records

San Joaquin County Superior Court handles all family law matters for residents of this Central Valley county. The court processes dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, and parentage cases. Family law hearings take place at the main courthouse in Stockton at 180 E Weber Avenue on the fourth floor. The court provides an online case management system for searching basic case information by party name or case number. Self-help services are available to assist people who represent themselves in family law proceedings. The Family Law Facilitator helps with child support and custody issues. Full case documents must be viewed in person at the courthouse due to California restrictions on remote access to family law files. The court website provides forms, guides, and contact information for all family law services.

Superior Court Location

San Joaquin County family law cases are filed at the Superior Court in downtown Stockton. The courthouse is at 180 E Weber Avenue. Family law hearings take place on the fourth floor. The building has courtrooms, clerk's offices, and self-help services all in one location. Judges hear family law matters along with other case types.

The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office may close for lunch or on court holidays. Call (209) 992-5690 before visiting to confirm hours. Bring photo ID. All visitors go through security screening. Arrive early if you have a scheduled hearing because parking and security lines can take time.

The court website at sjcourts.org/divisions/family-law-support provides information on filing procedures, forms, and self-help services. You can access the online case management system from the homepage. Forms can be downloaded from the site or obtained at the clerk's office.

Case Management System

San Joaquin County provides online access to case information through the court's case management system at cms.sjcourts.org. You can search for cases by party name or case number. The system does not require registration. Searches are free.

The system shows basic case details including filing date, case type, and party names. You can view registers of action that list documents filed and hearing dates. California law restricts remote access to full family law documents. To see actual petitions, declarations, financial forms, or orders, you must visit the courthouse in person.

At the courthouse, the clerk can provide access to case files. You need the case number to request a file. Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 for the certification seal. You need certified copies for official purposes. Regular copies work for your own records. The clerk's office accepts cash, check, and credit or debit cards.

Filing Procedures

To file a family law case in San Joaquin County, complete the required California Judicial Council forms. For a divorce, you need form FL-100 (Petition for Dissolution), a summons, and other documents based on your situation. Self-help staff can provide a list of forms for your case type. Forms are available online or at the courthouse.

Bring completed forms to the clerk's office on the fourth floor at 180 E Weber Avenue. The filing fee is $435 for the first paper. If you cannot afford the fee, file form FW-001 to request a fee waiver. Bring proof of income and expenses like pay stubs or benefit statements. The court reviews fee waiver requests and decides based on financial need.

After filing, you must serve the other party with copies of all documents. Service must be done by someone over 18 who is not a party to the case. You cannot serve papers yourself. Use a process server or the sheriff. File proof of service with the court after service is complete. Your case cannot proceed until service is done and proof is filed.

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

Self-Help Services

San Joaquin County provides self-help services for family law at the Stockton courthouse. The Family Law Facilitator helps with child support and custody issues. Call (209) 992-5283 to reach the facilitator. The Self-Help Center assists with all types of family law cases including divorce, paternity, and restraining orders. Both services are free.

Self-help staff can answer questions about forms and court procedures. They cannot give legal advice about your specific case. The center provides computers, printers, and form packets. Staff can help you understand which forms to use and how to complete them. Services are available in English and Spanish.

The court offers workshops on divorce, custody, child support, and restraining orders. Most workshops are free. Some require advance registration. Check the court website for current schedules. Workshops fill quickly, so register early when required.

Central California Legal Services serves eligible low-income residents with free legal help. Call (800) 675-8001 for intake. The organization covers several Central Valley counties including San Joaquin. Income limits apply. The organization prioritizes cases involving domestic violence and urgent custody matters. Wait times for full representation can be long due to high demand.

The San Joaquin County Family Justice Center provides coordinated services for domestic violence cases. The center is located at 1315 Vine Street in Stockton. Call (209) 468-2600 for services. The center offers legal help, counseling, advocacy, and other support services under one roof.

Court Fees

Filing fees in San Joaquin County match statewide rates. The first filing costs $435. Motions cost $60 per filing. Some documents have no fee. The clerk can tell you if a fee applies.

Copy costs are 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 for certification. Process servers in San Joaquin County typically charge $75 to $125 per service. The sheriff offers service at lower rates. Budget for service costs when filing a case.

Fee waivers cover court filing fees only. They do not cover service fees or attorney fees. If your fee waiver is granted, you may qualify for free sheriff service. Ask the clerk about this when filing your waiver application.

Major Cities in San Joaquin County

San Joaquin County includes Stockton and surrounding communities. All family law cases are filed at the Superior Court in Stockton. Find local resources below.

Nearby Counties

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