Siskiyou County Family Court Records

Family law cases in Siskiyou County go through the Superior Court in Yreka. The court handles all types of family law matters including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, and parentage cases. You can search case information online using the court's portal system. Cases filed in Siskiyou County are public records unless a judge orders them sealed. The courthouse provides clerk services for filing papers and getting copies of documents. Self-help services assist people who are representing themselves without lawyers. These services include basic form assistance and procedure information for navigating family court.

Siskiyou Superior Court

The courthouse sits at 311 4th Street in Yreka. This is where all Siskiyou County family law cases are filed and heard. The clerk's office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM. Call (530) 842-8238 if you have questions about hours or need directions. Bring valid photo ID when visiting the courthouse. Security screening may be required at the entrance.

Family law cases are assigned to specific judges and courtrooms. The court calendar shows which department hears your case and when. You can view calendars online or at the courthouse. Each judge has local rules about how hearings run and what documents need to be filed in advance. Ask the clerk or check the court website at www.siskiyou.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law for information about your assigned department's procedures.

Yreka is in far northern California near the Oregon border. If you are traveling from out of the area, plan your trip carefully. Weather can affect travel in winter. The courthouse serves a large geographic area but has a smaller population than urban counties. This means fewer cases and potentially more personalized service from court staff. Staff can answer procedure questions but cannot provide legal advice.

Online Case Portal

Siskiyou County provides an online portal for case searches at caseportal.siskiyou.courts.ca.gov. You can search by party name or case number. The portal is free and does not require an account. Search results show basic information like case number, filing date, and case type. The register of actions displays all documents filed and hearings held in the case.

California law limits what family law documents appear online. You cannot view full documents remotely. The portal shows you what was filed but not the content of those filings. This protects privacy in sensitive family law matters. To see actual documents you must visit the courthouse. Bring your case number and photo ID when requesting documents from the clerk.

The portal updates regularly with new filings. There may be a delay of up to 24 hours before recent filings appear. Searches work best with exact name spelling. Common names return multiple results. Use middle initials or the case number if you have it to narrow your search. The system shows both open and closed cases.

Filing Family Law Documents

Start by obtaining the correct forms. California uses standard Judicial Council forms statewide. Download them from the California Courts website or pick them up at the courthouse. The clerk can tell you which forms you need for your case type. Dissolution cases begin with form FL-100. Other matters use different starting forms. Fill out all required information before filing.

Take your completed forms to the clerk's office during business hours. The filing fee for the first paper is $435. This covers petitions and responses. Later motions cost $60 each to file. Some documents have no filing fee. Ask the clerk if you are unsure whether a fee applies. If you cannot pay the fee, apply for a waiver using form FW-001. The court reviews your income and expenses to determine eligibility for a full or partial waiver.

After filing, you must serve the other party with copies of all filed papers. You cannot serve documents yourself in family law cases. Someone over 18 who is not a party must serve the papers. Use a process server, the sheriff, or certified mail depending on the document. The person who serves the papers fills out a proof of service form. File this proof with the court after service. Your case cannot move forward until proper service is completed and proof is on file.

Note: The clerk checks forms for completeness but cannot tell you what to write in them.

Self-Help Resources

Siskiyou County offers family law self-help services at the courthouse. Staff provide help with forms and procedures. They can review forms to make sure they are filled out correctly and explain the steps in the court process. They cannot give legal advice about your specific situation or tell you what actions to take. Help is available during courthouse hours. Call (530) 842-8238 for information about services.

Legal Services of Northern California provides free legal help to qualifying low-income residents of Siskiyou County. Call (916) 551-2150 or visit their website to apply. They handle family law cases including divorce, custody, and domestic violence restraining orders. Income limits determine eligibility. Cases involving domestic violence or urgent child safety issues receive priority. Wait times may exist for other matters due to demand.

The California Courts website has extensive self-help resources online. Visit www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp.htm for guides, videos, and form instructions. Many materials are available in Spanish and other languages. These online resources help you understand your case type and what forms to use. The statewide resources supplement local help available at the courthouse.

Getting Copies of Records

Court records are available at the clerk's office. You need the case number to request files. Parties to a case have the right to view their own files. Other people may need permission to see certain documents. Family law records often contain sensitive information. The clerk determines what you can access based on court rules. Bring photo ID when requesting records.

Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add a $40 fee. Certification is required when you submit copies to another court or government agency. Regular copies work for your own records. Small copy requests can be filled while you wait. Larger requests take more time. The clerk tells you when to return for your copies or offers to mail them.

You can request copies by mail. Include your case number, a list of documents needed, payment by check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail your request to the clerk's office at 311 4th Street, Yreka, CA 96097. Processing time for mail requests runs one to two weeks. For faster service, visit in person during business hours.

Communities in Siskiyou County

Siskiyou County has no cities with population over 100,000. All residents file family law cases at the Yreka courthouse.

Nearby Counties

Check jurisdiction if you live near county borders.