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Where do I file for divorce in Santa Clara County?

Author

James Holden

Published Feb 27, 2026

Where do I file for divorce in Santa Clara County?

If you need to file for a divorce or annulment, please contact the Superior Court in the county where you reside. For more information on how to obtain copies of divorce records filed in this county, please contact the Santa Clara County Superior Court - Divorce Information?.

Then, how much does it cost to file for divorce in Santa Clara County?

Filing fees for divorce in Santa Clara County

The average initial filing fee is $435, but the exact amount of the filing fee, for each individual case, also depends on what additional court services are used.

Also, where do I go to file for divorce in California? The official California divorce forms may be obtained from the court clerk, various online sources, or from publications at your local library. You will need to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, as well as financial disclosure forms.

Simply so, how do I find my divorce records in Santa Clara County?

To get copies of divorce documents, go to the courthouse and ask for a copy, or send a request through the mail. To visit the courthouse or send a request by mail, see directions, addresses and business hours on the Family Justice Center Courthouse page.

Where do I file for divorce in Orange County?

* In Orange County, California, you should file your documents with the Superior Court of California located at 341 The City Drive, Orange, CA 92868.

What is the cheapest way of getting a divorce?

The cheapest way to get the divorce would be to fill out the papers together with your spouse, rather than having a lawyer fill out of the papers, and jointly ask for the divorce order. You can find the papers online, fill them out with your spouse and then bring them to the court to be filed.

How do I check the status of my divorce in California?

To obtain a Divorce Record (or Marriage Record) in the State of California, the first step is to visit the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or the Superior Court in the Superior Court of the county where the divorce was filed.

How do I file a default divorce in California?

In cases of a true default, the spouse who filed for divorce will need to complete forms including a request to enter default, as well as a declaration for default. Both a judgment form, and a notice of entry of judgment form, must also be completed.

How much are court fees in California?

Riverside County Fees
Superior CourtUnlimitedLimited up to $25,000
Answer – Unlawful Detainer$450.00$395.00
Complex case per party$1000.00
Probate$450.00
Family Law – Petition for Dissolution, Separation, or Nullify$450.00

Are divorce records public in California?

In California, divorces are public record and are accessible through the California Department of Public Health. Informational copies of divorce records are available to anyone upon request.

How do I look up court cases in California?

There are three ways to look at court records:
  1. Go to the courthouse and ask to look at paper records.
  2. Go to the courthouse and look at electronic court records.
  3. If your court offers it, look at electronic records over the internet. This is called “remote access.”

How do I change my name in Santa Clara County?

To change your name, you will need some or all of these forms:
  1. Form NC-100 Petition for Change of Name.
  2. Form NC-110 Attachment to NC-100 or NC-200.
  3. Form NC-120 Order to Show Cause for Change of Name.
  4. Form NC-130 Decree Changing Name.
  5. Form CM-010 Civil Case Cover Sheet.
  6. Form PB-4010 CLETS Background Information Form.

Where do I get a marriage license in California?

Overview. In order to be married anywhere in the State of California the couple must purchase a marriage license from any California County Clerk's office. A public license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.

How do I get a marriage certificate in Santa Clara County?

To Do
  1. Fill out VitalChek's online form. VitalChek is the only authorized online service for Santa Clara County marriage certificates.
  2. Submit your payment online.
  3. Print VitalChek's form and get it notarized.
  4. Fax or email the notarized form to the Clerk-Recorder's Office.

How do I order a California birth certificate?

You may be able to obtain a copy of the original birth certificate by filing a petition under California Health and Safety Code Section 102705 in the clerk's office of the county superior court where you reside (if you live in California), or the county where the adoption was finalized.

How do I get married in Santa Clara County?

Apply for a Marriage License
  1. Choose your married name, if you plan to change your name.
  2. Apply for a marriage license in person at the County Clerk-Recorder's Office.
  3. Give the marriage license to the person who will perform your marriage ceremony.
  4. Return the signed license to the Clerk-Recorder's Office.

Where can I get a birth certificate in Santa Clara County?

Birth and death certificates, dating back from 1873 to the present, are available from the County of Santa Clara Office of the Clerk-Recorder or call (408) 299-5688.

Where can I get a copy of my divorce decree in San Diego?

San Diego County Recorder Office - Birth, Death, Marriage & Divorce Records
  • San Diego County. PO Box 121750. San Diego, CA 92112.
  • Hours of Operation: 8AM-4PM PST.
  • Phone: 619-238-8158.
  • Fax: 619-557-4155.
  • Real Estate: 619-238-8158.
  • Assessor: 619-236-3771.
  • Treasurer: 619-236-3121.
  • Vital Records: 619-237-0502.

What should you not do during separation?

Here are five key tips on what not to do during a separation.
  • Do not get into a relationship immediately.
  • Never seek a separation without the consent of your partner.
  • Don't rush to sign divorce papers.
  • Don't bad mouth your partner in front of the kids.
  • Never deny your partner the right to co-parenting.

How much does it cost to file for divorce in CA?

The filing fee for a divorce in California is $435. If your spouse decides to respond to your complaint, then they must also pay $435. You should also note that there may be additional costs as the case progresses. If you can't afford to pay these costs, you have the option to ask for a fee waiver.
A legal separation occurs when a married couple makes a formal (legal) decision to live separate lives, often while considering or preparing for divorce. There are many reasons that a couple may prefer a legal separation instead of a divorce, including religious beliefs, tax issues, or other financial reasons.

Can you divorce yourself?

Procedure for Filing DIY Divorce Papers
  • Know which court to file in.
  • Check with the county clerk or with an attorney to see if you meet your state's residency requirements.
  • Fill out the divorce paperwork.
  • Some states allow you to fill out the forms on a computer and submit online divorce papers.

How does adultery affect divorce in California?

California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning the family court judge is not allowed to consider fault when making major determinations regarding property, custody and other divorce issues. Unfortunately, adultery alone will not result in direct legal consequences for the adulterous party in California.

How do I file for divorce when both parties agree in California?

The process of a simple uncontested divorce can be outlined as follows:
  1. File the Petition and pay court filing fee.
  2. Serve the other party.
  3. Serve and/or exchange information about property, debts and income.
  4. Execute a Marital Settlement Agreement (if the parties agree).
  5. File Request to Enter Default.

What are grounds for divorce in California?

California law has simplified the divorce process by establishing only two legal grounds for divorce: Irreconcilable differences, which have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage. Permanent legal incapacity to make decisions.

What forms are needed to file for divorce in California?

Forms to Start a Divorce or Legal Separation
Form NameForm Number
Petition — Marriage/Domestic PartnershipFL-100
Summons (Family Law)FL-110
Proof of Service of Summons (Family Law — Uniform Parentage — Custody and Support)FL-115

What is the divorce process in California?

While your situation is unique, there are certain steps everyone must take in order to move through the divorce process successfully. Step 1: Preparing to File for Divorce. Step 2: Filing for Divorce. Step 3: Serving the Divorce Papers. Step 4: Responding to the Divorce.

What happens if spouse does not respond to divorce papers California?

If you do not respond to your spouse or partner's petition for divorce or separation or you file a response but reach an agreement, your case will be considered either a "default" or an "uncontested case." In a “true default” case, you are giving up your right to have any say in your divorce or legal separation case.

How can I get a free divorce in California?

Requirements To Get a Divorce for FREE in California

To be able to get a divorce without a divorce attorney you must: Have an amicable relationship with your spouse. Be in mutual agreement about asset division and debts. Be in mutual agreement about child custody, child support and alimony.

What is the difference between summary dissolution and divorce?

Summary dissolution is the most cost-effective way to get divorced in California. There is less paperwork and only one filing fee. However, the couple must meet very specific requirements. Also, California requires a six-month waiting period to terminate any marriage, so summary dissolution does not expedite a divorce.

How long before a marriage is dissolved?

It will usually take 5-7 months from the start of the process to obtain the decree absolute – all depending upon how busy your local court is. The issue of finances will need to be dealt with if any still exist between you and your spouse. Generally, on separation, the finances have already been dealt with.

How do you fill out a dissolution packet?

How to Fill Out Form FL-100
  1. Put your name and address at the top.
  2. Name the Superior Court county in which you're filing.
  3. Fill in names of petitioner and respondent.
  4. In the column “Petition For," check Dissolution.
  5. Under line 1, enter that your legal relationship.
  6. Under 2a, note that you meet the residency requirements.

Can you file for divorce online in Orange County CA?

E-filing court documents significantly streamlines the case filing process and provides benefits to both the filer and the court. Beginning December 4, 2017, Orange County Family Law Division will open e-filing to all parties on a permissive (optional) basis.

Where do I file for divorce in Orlando?

Filing for Divorce

Dissolution of Marriage is the legal term for divorce. Forms and filing instructions may be purchased in room 320 of the Orange County Courthouse or a dissolution of marriage packet can be purchased online from our website. Customers may obtain individual forms by visiting

How do I file a dissolution of marriage in California?

How-To Guide for Summary Dissolution for a Married Couple
  1. Read the booklet called Summary Dissolution Information (Form FL-810 ).
  2. Find your court.
  3. Fill out your Joint Petition.
  4. Fill out your Judgment form.
  5. Fill out your worksheets and financial information and exchange it.

How much is a divorce packet in Florida?

It costs $409.00 to file your petition but you may qualify for a payment plan if you are indigent. You can get all of the forms online on the Florida Courts website. In addition to asking for a divorce, you may also ask the court to change your name back to what it was before you were married.