Access Sonoma County Family Court Records

All family law matters in Sonoma County are processed through the Superior Court system. The court handles dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, and parentage cases for residents throughout the county. The main courthouse in Santa Rosa serves as the primary location for family law filings and hearings. Court records are public unless a judge seals them for privacy or safety reasons. You can request case information and document copies through the clerk's office. Free self-help services assist people representing themselves without attorneys. These services include form help, procedure information, and workshops on common family law topics.

Sonoma Superior Court Family Division

The courthouse stands at 3055 Cleveland Avenue in Santa Rosa. This is where all Sonoma County family law cases are filed and heard. The clerk's office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office may close for lunch so call ahead at (707) 521-6630 to verify hours. Security screening is mandatory for all courthouse visitors. Bring valid photo ID to enter the building. Allow extra time before hearings for security and finding your courtroom.

Family law judges work in dedicated courtrooms handling only family law matters. Your case is assigned to a specific department when filed. The assignment shows on your court papers and the calendar. Each department has local rules about procedures and filing requirements. Check with the clerk or visit sonoma.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law for information about your assigned department's procedures.

Sonoma County is in California's wine country north of San Francisco. The main courthouse serves all cities and unincorporated areas in the county. Parking is available near the courthouse but can be limited during busy times. Public transit serves the area. Plan your visit to allow time for parking and security screening. Court staff can answer procedure questions but cannot provide legal advice about your case.

Filing Family Law Documents

Start with the correct forms. California uses standard Judicial Council forms. Download them from the California Courts website or get copies at the courthouse self-help center. The center has form packets for common case types. Dissolution cases begin with form FL-100. Child custody cases use different forms. The self-help center can tell you which forms apply to your situation. Fill out all required information before filing.

Take your completed forms to the clerk's office. The filing fee is $435 for the first paper filed. This includes petitions and responses. Additional motions cost $60 each. Some documents have no fee. Ask the clerk if unsure about fees. If you cannot afford the fee, apply for a waiver using form FW-001. The court decides waivers based on income and expenses. Bring proof of income like pay stubs or benefit statements when applying.

Service on the other party is required after filing. You cannot serve papers yourself in most family law cases. Someone over 18 who is not a party must serve the documents. Use a registered process server, the sheriff, or certified mail depending on the document type. The server files proof of service with the court after serving the papers. The case cannot move forward without proper service and filed proof.

Self-Help Center and Resources

The Family Law Self-Help Center operates at the Santa Rosa courthouse. Call (707) 521-6545 for information and hours. The center provides free help with family law forms and court procedures. Staff can review your paperwork for completeness and explain how the court process works. They cannot give legal advice about what actions you should take or how to present your case. Help is available in English and Spanish.

The center has computers for public use. You can access online forms and print them at the center. Staff are available to answer questions while you work on documents. Walk-in assistance is offered during posted hours. Some services may require appointments. Call ahead to learn about current procedures. The center also offers workshops on topics like divorce, custody, and support. Workshop schedules are available on the court website.

Legal Aid of Sonoma County provides free legal services to qualifying low-income residents. Visit legalaidsc.org/get-legal-help or call (707) 542-1290. They handle family law cases including divorce, custody, domestic violence, and restraining orders. Income limits apply. Cases involving domestic violence and child safety receive priority. Wait times exist for other matters due to demand. Call for an intake screening to determine if you qualify.

Getting Court Records and Copies

Court records are kept at the clerk's office. You need a case number to request files. Parties to a case can view their own files. Other people may have limited access to certain documents. Family law records often contain sensitive information about children and finances. The clerk determines access based on court rules and the document type. Always bring photo ID when requesting records.

Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add $40 to the copy charge. Certification is required when submitting copies to another court or government agency. Plain copies work for your personal records. Small copy requests can be filled while you wait. Larger requests take more time. The clerk tells you when to return or offers to mail copies for an additional postage fee.

Sonoma County does not offer online case search to the public. You must contact the courthouse for case information. Call the clerk's office at (707) 521-6630 for basic case status. For detailed information or documents, visit in person during business hours. You can also mail requests. Include your case number, list of documents needed, payment by check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks.

Note: Some records may be sealed or confidential and unavailable even to parties in some circumstances.

Court Fees and Related Costs

The initial filing fee is $435. This covers the first paper whether it is a petition or response. Later motions cost $60 to file. Some documents like income and expense declarations have no separate filing fee. Ask the clerk when filing if you are unsure about fees for specific documents. Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or card at most locations.

Service of process has separate costs from court filing fees. Professional process servers charge $75 to $150 typically. The sheriff charges less but may take longer to serve papers. Costs vary based on distance and difficulty finding the person. Plan for these expenses when filing a case. Fee waivers cover court filing fees only, not service costs or private attorney fees.

Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford court costs. Form FW-001 is the application. File it when you submit your first papers. The court reviews your income, expenses, and household size to decide if you qualify. A full waiver eliminates covered fees. A partial waiver reduces them. If denied, you must pay the full amount. You can reapply if your financial situation changes significantly.

Cities in Sonoma County

Sonoma County includes the city of Santa Rosa. All residents file family law cases at the Santa Rosa courthouse.

Nearby Counties

Check jurisdiction if you live near county borders.