Stanislaus County Family Court Records

Family law cases in Stanislaus County are filed with the Superior Court in Modesto. The court processes all types of family law matters including divorce, legal separation, child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, and parentage actions. You can search for case information online through the court's portal system using a party name or case number. Cases are public record unless sealed by court order for privacy or safety reasons. The courthouse provides clerk services for filing documents and obtaining copies of court records. Free self-help services assist people who are representing themselves without an attorney. These services include help with forms, workshops on family law topics, and general information about court procedures and requirements.

Stanislaus Superior Court Family Law Division

The courthouse is located at 800 11th Street in Modesto. All family law cases for Stanislaus 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 from noon to 1:00 PM. Call (209) 548-6237 for general information. Security screening is required to enter the courthouse. Arrive early for hearings to allow time for security and finding your courtroom. Bring valid photo identification.

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

Stanislaus County is in California's Central Valley. The courthouse serves Modesto and surrounding areas including Turlock, Ceres, and Riverbank. Parking is available near the courthouse but may be limited during busy times. Public transit serves the courthouse area. The building is accessible for people with disabilities. Contact the clerk if you need special accommodations for court appearances.

Online Case Portal Access

Stanislaus County provides an online portal for case searches at stanportal.stanct.org. You can search by party name or case number. The portal is free and does not require registration. Search results show basic case information including case number, filing date, case type, and parties. The register of actions displays all documents filed and hearings held in the case with dates and descriptions.

California law restricts what family law documents can be viewed online. You cannot see full documents through the portal. The system shows what was filed but not the actual content. This protects sensitive information in custody, support, and domestic violence cases. To view complete documents you must visit the courthouse in person. Bring your case number and photo ID when requesting documents from the clerk.

The portal updates daily with new filings. Recent activity may not appear immediately. Allow up to 24 hours for new documents to show in the system. Searches work best with exact name spelling. Common names may return many results. Using middle names or initials helps narrow searches. Case numbers provide the most accurate results if you have one. The system shows both active and closed cases.

Note: Portal access may be temporarily unavailable during system maintenance, usually late at night.

How to File Family Law Cases

Start with the right forms. California uses standard Judicial Council forms statewide. Download forms from the California Courts website or pick them up at the courthouse self-help center. The center has form packets for common case types. Dissolution cases start with form FL-100. Other matters like custody or support use different starting forms. The self-help center can help you figure out which forms you need. Complete all required information before filing.

Take your completed forms to the clerk's office during business hours. The filing fee is $435 for the first paper. This covers petitions and responses. Later motions cost $60 each to file. Some documents like declarations have no filing fee. Ask the clerk if you are unsure about fees. 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 all filed documents. You cannot serve papers yourself in 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 person serving papers fills out a proof of service form after service. File this proof with the court. Your case cannot proceed without proper service and filed proof.

Self-Help Center Services

The Family Law Self-Help Center operates at the Modesto courthouse. Call (209) 548-6237 for information and hours. The center provides free help with family law forms and court procedures. Staff can review your forms for completeness and explain the court process. They cannot give legal advice about what you should do in your case or how to present evidence. 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 members are available to answer questions while you work on documents. Walk-in service is offered during posted hours. Some services may require appointments. Call ahead to learn current procedures. Workshops on common family law topics are offered regularly. Topics include divorce basics, child custody, child support, and modifying orders. Check the website for workshop schedules and registration.

Central California Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income Stanislaus County residents. Call (800) 675-8001 for intake. They handle family law cases including divorce, custody, domestic violence, and restraining orders. Income limits apply for eligibility. Priority goes to cases involving domestic violence and urgent child safety issues. Wait times exist for other matters due to demand. Call for a screening to see if you qualify for services.

Obtaining Court Records

Court records are maintained at the clerk's office. You need a case number to request files. Parties in a case have the right to view their own files. Other people may have limited access to certain documents. Some family law records are confidential by law. The clerk determines what you can access based on court rules. Bring valid photo ID when requesting records.

Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies add a $40 fee to the copy charge. Certification is required when submitting copies 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 additional postage.

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 800 11th Street, Modesto, CA 95354. Processing time for mail requests typically runs one to two weeks. For faster service, visit in person during business hours.

Cities in Stanislaus County

Stanislaus County includes the city of Modesto. All residents file family law cases at the Modesto courthouse.

Nearby Counties

Check jurisdiction if you live near county borders.