Solano County Family Court Records

The Solano County Superior Court handles all family law cases for county residents. This includes marriage dissolution, legal separation, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, and parentage actions. The main courthouse in Fairfield serves as the primary location for family law filings and hearings. Records are public unless sealed by court order for privacy reasons. You can request case information and copies of documents through the clerk's office. A Family Law Facilitator office provides free help with forms and procedures to people representing themselves. Self-help services include workshops and one-on-one assistance for common family law issues.

Solano Superior Court Family Law Division

The main courthouse is located at 600 Union Avenue in Fairfield. All family law cases for Solano County are filed 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 from noon to 1:00 PM. Call (707) 207-7340 for general information. Security screening is required to enter the courthouse. Arrive early if you have a hearing to allow time for security and finding your courtroom.

Family law judges hear cases in dedicated departments. Your case gets assigned to a specific department when you file. The assignment appears on court documents and the case calendar. Different judges have different procedures so check the local rules for your assigned department. The court website at solano.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law has information about family law services and procedures.

Solano County is part of the San Francisco Bay Area and includes the cities of Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville, and Benicia. All residents file at the Fairfield courthouse regardless of which city they live in. The courthouse is accessible by car and public transit. Parking is available near the courthouse but may be limited during busy times. Plan accordingly if you need to appear in court.

How to File Your Case

Get the right forms before filing. California uses standard Judicial Council forms for all family law cases. Download forms from the California Courts website or pick them up at the courthouse. The Family Law Facilitator office can help you determine which forms you need. Dissolution cases start with form FL-100. Child custody matters use different forms depending on whether dissolution is involved. Complete all required fields on each form.

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. Later motions cost $60 each to file. Some documents like declarations have no separate filing fee. If you cannot afford the fee, request a fee waiver using form FW-001. The court reviews your income and expenses to decide if you qualify. Bring proof of income when requesting a waiver.

After filing, you must serve the other party with copies of your filed documents. You cannot serve papers yourself in family law cases. Someone over 18 who is not involved in the case must serve the documents. Use a process server, the sheriff, or certified mail depending on the document type. After service, file proof of service with the court. Your case cannot proceed without proper service and filed proof.

Note: The clerk checks forms for completeness but cannot give legal advice about what to file.

Family Law Facilitator Services

Solano County provides a Family Law Facilitator office at the courthouse. Call (707) 207-7348 or email flf@solano.courts.ca.gov for help. The facilitator assists with child support and custody matters. Services are free. The office helps people understand forms and court procedures. They can review your paperwork and explain next steps. They cannot represent you in court or give advice about legal strategy.

The facilitator office offers workshops on common family law topics. Workshop schedules change so call or check the website for current offerings. Topics typically include dissolution basics, child custody, child support calculations, and modifying orders. Workshops are free but may require registration. Space can be limited so sign up early if registration is required.

Self-help services are also available through the court's self-help center. Staff provide form assistance and general procedure information. They cannot give legal advice. Services are available in English and Spanish. Computer access is provided so you can complete forms electronically. Printers are available to print your completed forms before filing with the clerk.

Accessing Court Records

Court records are maintained at the clerk's office. You need the case number to request files. Parties in a case have the right to view their own files. Others may need court permission for certain documents. Some family law records are confidential under California law. The clerk determines what you can access. Bring valid photo ID when requesting records.

Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add a $40 fee to the copy cost. You need certified copies when submitting documents to another court or government agency. Plain copies work for personal records. Small copy requests may be filled while you wait. Larger requests take more time. The clerk tells you when to return for copies or can mail them for an additional fee.

Solano County does not have a public online portal for case searches. You must contact the courthouse for case information. Call the clerk's office at (707) 207-7340 for basic case information. For detailed information or document copies, visit in person during business hours. Mail requests are accepted. Include your case number, list of documents needed, payment by check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Legal Aid Resources

Bay Area Legal Aid serves low-income Solano County residents. Call 1-800-551-5554 for intake. They provide free legal help in family law cases to people who qualify based on income. Services include advice, document preparation, and court representation in some cases. Priority goes to cases involving domestic violence and urgent child safety issues. Wait times exist for other matters due to high demand.

The Family Violence Law Center in Oakland provides services to Solano County domestic violence survivors. Call their 24-hour crisis line at (510) 208-0220. They offer legal help, counseling, and emergency shelter referrals. Services focus on helping people obtain restraining orders and navigate family court in domestic violence cases. All services are confidential and free.

The Solano County Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service. Call for information about low-cost consultations with private attorneys. This is not a free service but provides reduced rates for initial meetings. If you hire the attorney for ongoing representation, standard fees apply. The referral service connects you with attorneys who practice family law in Solano County.

Cities in Solano County

Solano County includes the city of Vallejo. All residents file family law cases at the Fairfield courthouse regardless of where they live in the county.

Nearby Counties

Jurisdiction is based on residence. Check if you live near county borders.