San Luis Obispo Family Court Records

San Luis Obispo County Superior Court handles family law cases for residents of California's Central Coast. The court processes dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, and parentage actions. Family law cases are filed at the main courthouse in San Luis Obispo at 1035 Palm Street. The court uses the re:SearchCA platform for online case access where you can search for basic case information. Self-help services are available at the Family Law Self-Help Center to assist people representing themselves in family law matters. California privacy rules limit what family law documents can be viewed online, so complete case files must be reviewed in person at the courthouse. The court website provides forms, guides, workshop schedules, and contact information for all family law services in the county.

Superior Court Family Division

San Luis Obispo County family law cases are heard at the main courthouse in San Luis Obispo. The courthouse sits at 1035 Palm Street. Family law courtrooms are on the second floor. The building houses courtrooms, clerk's offices, and self-help services. Judges hear family law matters along with other types of cases.

The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office may close for lunch or on court holidays. Call (805) 781-5706 to confirm hours before you visit. Bring photo ID when you come to the courthouse. Security screening is required for all visitors. Parking is available near the courthouse but can be limited during busy times.

The court website at slo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family provides detailed information on filing procedures, forms, and services. You can access online case search tools from the homepage. Forms can be downloaded from the website or picked up at the clerk's office or self-help center.

Online Case Search

San Luis Obispo County uses the re:SearchCA platform for online case access. The system allows you to search for cases by party name or case number. Searches are free and do not require registration or login. The portal shows basic case information like filing dates and case types.

The system displays registers of action showing what documents were filed and hearing dates. Due to California privacy rules for family law cases, full documents cannot be viewed remotely. To see actual petitions, declarations, financial disclosures, or court orders, you must visit the courthouse in person.

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 page count. You need certified copies for official purposes. Regular copies work for personal records. The clerk's office accepts cash, check, and most credit or debit cards for copy fees.

How to File

Filing a family law case in San Luis Obispo County starts with completing California Judicial Council forms. For a dissolution case, you need form FL-100 (Petition), a summons, and other forms depending on your circumstances. The self-help center can provide a checklist of required forms. Forms are available online or at the courthouse.

Take completed forms to the clerk's office on the second floor at 1035 Palm Street. The filing fee is $435 for the first paper. 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 situation.

After filing, you must serve the other party with copies of all filed 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. The case cannot move forward 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 whether a fee applies to a specific filing.

Family Law Self-Help Center

San Luis Obispo County operates a Family Law Self-Help Center at the courthouse. The center provides free help with family law forms and procedures. Call (805) 781-5706 for hours and services. Staff can answer questions about court processes but cannot give legal advice about your specific case.

The self-help center has computers, printers, and form packets for common family law matters. Staff can help you understand which forms you need and how to complete them. Services are available in English and Spanish. The center also offers workshops on divorce, custody, child support, and restraining orders. Check the court website for workshop schedules and registration information.

Legal Services of Northern California may assist eligible low-income residents. Call (800) 675-8001 for intake. The organization serves several counties including San Luis Obispo. 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 topics. Resources are available in multiple languages. The site covers divorce, custody, support, restraining orders, and more.

The State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Service connects you with private attorneys for reduced-cost consultations. Call 1-866-442-2529. Initial consultations typically cost up to $50 for 30 minutes. Normal attorney fees apply if you hire the lawyer for ongoing representation.

Fees and Costs

Court filing fees in San Luis Obispo County match statewide rates. The first filing costs $435. Additional motions cost $60 per filing. Some documents have no fee. The clerk can tell you if a fee applies to your filing.

Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 for the certification. Process servers in San Luis Obispo 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 or attorney fees. If your fee waiver is granted, you may qualify for free sheriff service. Ask the clerk about this option when filing your waiver application.

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.