Shasta County Family Court Records

The Superior Court of Shasta County processes all family law cases for the area. Family law covers divorce, legal separation, child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and domestic violence restraining orders. The courthouse in Redding serves the entire county. Case records are public unless sealed by court order. You can search for basic case information by visiting the courthouse or contacting the clerk's office. Self-help services are available free of charge to assist people who do not have attorneys. These services include help with form completion and general information about court procedures and requirements for various family law matters.

Shasta Superior Court Family Law Division

The courthouse is located at 1515 Court Street in Redding. All family law cases for Shasta County are filed and heard at this location. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office closes for lunch between noon and 1:00 PM. Arrive during these hours to file papers or ask questions. Security screening is required for all visitors. Leave prohibited items at home. Bring valid photo identification to enter the courthouse.

Family law judges hear cases in dedicated courtrooms. Each judge has specific days for hearings and trials. Your case gets assigned to a department when you file. The assignment appears on your papers. Check the court calendar online or at the courthouse to see when your case is scheduled. Different judges may have different procedures so pay attention to local rules for your assigned department.

The court website at www.shasta.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law-division has information about family law services. You can find forms, filing requirements, and contact information. The site also lists workshop schedules and self-help center hours. Check the website before visiting to get current information about services and any changes to court operations.

How to File a Family Law Case

Start with the right forms. California uses standard Judicial Council forms statewide. Download forms from the California Courts website or get paper copies at the courthouse. The self-help center can help you figure out which forms you need. Dissolution cases start with form FL-100. Other case types like custody or support use different starting forms. Fill out all required fields before taking forms to the clerk.

Take your completed forms to the clerk's office during business hours. The filing fee is $435 for the first paper. This includes petitions and responses. If you cannot pay the fee, request a fee waiver using form FW-001. The court reviews your income and expenses to decide if you qualify for a full or partial waiver. Bring proof of income like pay stubs or benefit statements when asking for a waiver.

After filing, you must legally serve the other party with copies of all filed documents. You cannot serve papers yourself. Use a process server, the sheriff, or certified mail depending on what you are serving. The person serving papers must be over 18 and not a party to the case. After service, file proof of service with the court. Your case cannot proceed without proper service and proof on file.

Note: The clerk can tell you if your forms are complete but cannot give legal advice about your case.

Family Law Self-Help Center

Shasta County operates a Family Law Self-Help Center at the courthouse. Call (530) 245-6900 for information and current hours. The center provides free help with family law forms and court procedures. Staff can review your forms for completeness and explain how the court process works. They cannot give legal advice about what you should do or how to present your case. They help with the paperwork and procedure only.

The center has computers for public use. You can access online forms and print them at the center. Staff members are available to answer questions while you work on your documents. Walk-in service is available during posted hours. For more detailed help, you may need to schedule an appointment. Check with the center about current scheduling procedures.

Legal Services of Northern California provides free legal help to low-income Shasta County residents. Their Redding office can be reached through lsnc.net/office/redding. They handle family law cases including divorce, custody, and restraining orders. Income limits apply. Priority goes to cases involving domestic violence and urgent custody matters. Call for an intake screening to see if you qualify for their services.

Accessing Court Records and Documents

Court records are available at the clerk's office. You need a case number to request files. Parties in a case can view their own files. Others may need permission depending on the document type. Some family law documents are confidential by law. The clerk determines what you can access. Bring photo ID when requesting records.

Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add a $40 fee on top of page charges. You need certified copies for official purposes like filing with another agency or presenting to a different court. Regular copies work for personal use. Small requests may be filled while you wait. Larger copy orders take longer. The clerk can tell you when to return for your copies.

Shasta County does not have a public online portal for viewing case details. You must visit or call the courthouse for case information. The clerk's office can look up case numbers and provide basic information by phone at (530) 245-6789. For detailed information or documents, visit in person during business hours. Mail requests are accepted for copies. Include your case number, list of documents needed, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Court Fees and Other Costs

The first filing in a family law case costs $435. This covers the petition or response. Additional motions filed later cost $60 each. Some documents like declarations or stipulations may have no separate filing fee. Ask the clerk if you are unsure whether a fee applies to what you are filing. Payments can be made by cash, check, or money order. Some locations accept debit and credit cards.

Service of process has its own costs separate from filing fees. Process servers typically charge $75 to $125 per service. The sheriff charges less but service may take longer. Costs vary based on distance and how difficult it is to find the person. Budget for these expenses when planning to file a case. Fee waivers cover court filing fees only, not service costs or attorney fees.

If you cannot afford court fees, the fee waiver process can help. Form FW-001 is the application. The court looks at your income, expenses, and family size. Full waivers eliminate all covered fees. Partial waivers reduce fees. A denied waiver means you must pay the full amount. You can reapply if your financial situation changes. The clerk can provide information about the waiver process when you file.

Cities in Shasta County

Shasta County includes the city of Redding. All family law cases are filed at the Redding courthouse regardless of where you live in the county.

Nearby Counties

Verify jurisdiction if you live near a county border.