Access San Mateo County Family Court Records

San Mateo County Superior Court handles all family law matters for this Bay Area county. 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 Hall of Justice and Records in Redwood City at 400 County Center. The court provides online case access through the MIDX system where you can search for basic case information by party name or case number. Self-help services are available through the Family Law Self-Help Center which offers forms, computers, and staff assistance for people representing themselves. California privacy rules restrict remote viewing of full family law documents, so complete case files must be reviewed in person at the courthouse. The court website at sanmateo.courts.ca.gov provides forms, filing information, workshop schedules, and contact details for all family law services throughout the county.

San Mateo Superior Court

San Mateo County family law cases are filed at the Hall of Justice and Records in Redwood City. The courthouse is at 400 County Center. Family law courtrooms are on the third floor. The building houses 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 (650) 261-5100 to confirm hours before visiting. Bring photo ID. Security screening is required to enter the courthouse. Parking is available in nearby garages and metered street parking. Public transit serves the area with Caltrain and SamTrans stops within walking distance.

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

MIDX Case Index

San Mateo County offers the MIDX case index at web.sanmateocourt.org/midx for searching court cases online. You can search by party name or case number. The system is free to use and does not require registration. MIDX shows basic case information including filing dates and case types.

The index displays registers of action that list documents filed and hearing dates. California Rules of Court restrict remote access to full family law documents. To view actual petitions, responses, declarations, financial forms, 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 for the certification seal regardless of page count. You need certified copies for official purposes like filing with other agencies. Regular copies work for personal records. The clerk's office accepts cash, check, and credit or debit cards for copy fees.

Filing Family Law Cases

To file a family law case in San Mateo County, complete the necessary California Judicial Council forms. For a divorce, you need form FL-100 (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage), a summons, and additional forms based on your situation. The self-help center provides lists of required forms for each case type. Forms are available on the court website or at the courthouse.

Bring your completed forms to the clerk's office on the third floor at 400 County Center. The filing fee is $435 for the first paper. If you cannot afford the fee, you can request a fee waiver by filing form FW-001. Bring proof of income and expenses like pay stubs or benefit statements. The court reviews fee waiver applications and decides based on financial need.

After filing, you must serve the other party with copies of all documents you filed. 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 on file.

Additional filings during your case cost $60 per motion. Some documents have no filing fee. Ask the clerk about fees if you are unsure whether a specific filing requires payment.

Self-Help Legal Services

San Mateo County operates a Family Law Self-Help Center at the courthouse in Redwood City. The center provides free help with family law forms and procedures. Call (650) 261-5010 for hours and services. Staff can answer questions about court processes but cannot give legal advice about your specific case.

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

Bay Area Legal Aid serves eligible low-income residents with free legal help. Call 1-800-551-5554 for intake. The organization covers San Mateo County and surrounding areas. Income limits apply. Services prioritize cases involving domestic violence and urgent custody matters. Wait times for full representation can be several weeks or months due to high demand.

Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County provides additional services. Call (650) 558-0915 for information. The organization offers legal clinics, advice, and representation for eligible clients. Income and asset limits apply for services.

The State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a private attorney for a reduced-cost initial consultation. Call 1-866-442-2529. Initial consultations typically cost up to $50 for 30 minutes. Normal attorney fees apply if you choose to hire ongoing representation.

Note: San Mateo County is in the Bay Area and has relatively high costs of living, which may affect attorney fees and process server costs.

Court Fees and Costs

Filing fees in San Mateo County match statewide rates. The first filing costs $435. Motions cost $60 per filing. Some documents have no filing 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. Process servers in San Mateo County typically charge $100 to $150 per service due to the Bay Area location and parking challenges. The sheriff's office offers service at lower rates. Budget for service costs when planning to file 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 option when filing your waiver application.

Major Cities in San Mateo County

San Mateo County includes several Bay Area cities. All family law cases are filed at the Superior Court in Redwood City. Find local information below.

Nearby Counties

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