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Riverside County Divorce Records

What Are Riverside County Divorce Records?

Riverside County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to California Family Code § 2300, which governs the legal termination of marital relationships within the state. Divorce records, also referred to as dissolution of marriage records, serve as the definitive legal documentation that a marriage has been legally terminated.

Divorce records in Riverside County typically consist of several components:

  • The initial petition for dissolution of marriage
  • Response from the respondent spouse
  • Financial disclosures from both parties
  • Child custody and support arrangements (if applicable)
  • Property division agreements
  • The final judgment of dissolution

These records serve multiple important functions for individuals and society, including:

  • Providing legal proof of marital status change
  • Enabling individuals to legally remarry
  • Supporting name change processes
  • Documenting eligibility for Social Security benefits
  • Verifying status for loan applications
  • Establishing legal status for immigration matters
  • Creating a permanent legal record of the marriage termination

The Riverside County Superior Court maintains these records as part of its official court case files, with certain components also being registered with the Riverside County Clerk-Recorder's Office and the California Department of Public Health.

Are Riverside County Divorce Records Public?

Riverside County divorce records have a nuanced public access status that varies by record type and information contained therein. The accessibility of these records is governed by California Government Code § 6250, the California Public Records Act, as well as specific provisions in the California Family Code.

Court divorce case files in Riverside County are generally considered public records with important exceptions:

  • Basic case information (parties' names, case number, filing date, and general case status) is publicly accessible
  • Financial disclosures, tax returns, and detailed financial settlements may be sealed or redacted
  • Records containing information about minor children are typically restricted
  • Cases involving domestic violence may have protective orders restricting access
  • Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive personal identifiers are redacted from public view

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce decree, have more restricted access. Under California Health and Safety Code § 103526, only the following individuals may obtain certified copies:

  • The parties to the divorce
  • Immediate family members (with proper identification)
  • Legal representatives of the parties
  • Law enforcement agencies
  • Individuals with court orders authorizing access

Members of the general public who do not qualify under these categories may obtain informational copies that are marked "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY." These informational copies contain the same information but cannot be used for official purposes.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Riverside County in 2026

Individuals seeking divorce records in Riverside County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the type of record needed and its intended use.

For court case files related to divorce proceedings:

  1. Visit the Riverside County Superior Court Family Law Division in person:

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside - Family Law Division
4175 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 777-3147
Riverside County Superior Court

  1. Provide the clerk with:

    • Full names of both parties to the divorce
    • Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
    • Case number (if known)
    • Valid government-issued photo identification

  2. Complete a records request form available at the clerk's office

  3. Pay the applicable search and copy fees (currently $15 for record search plus $0.50 per page for copies)

For certified copies of divorce certificates:

  1. Contact the Riverside County Clerk-Recorder's Office:

Riverside County Clerk-Recorder
2720 Gateway Drive
Riverside, CA 92507
(951) 486-7000
Riverside County Clerk-Recorder

  1. Submit a completed Application for Certified Copy of Marriage or Divorce Record
  2. Provide proper identification
  3. Pay the required fee (currently $17 per certified copy)
  4. If requesting by mail, include a notarized sworn statement

For divorces that occurred between 1962 and June 1984, records may also be available through:

California Department of Public Health - Vital Records
MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
(916) 445-2684
California Department of Public Health

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Riverside County Online?

Riverside County offers limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. These online resources provide a convenient starting point for locating divorce records without visiting government offices in person.

The primary online resource is the Riverside County Superior Court's case information portal:

  1. Visit the Riverside Superior Court Public Access website
  2. Select "Family Law Case Records" from the available options
  3. Search using one of the following methods:
    • Case number (if known)
    • Party name (last name, first name)
    • Filing date range (if approximate date is known)
  4. Review the search results for basic case information including:
    • Case number
    • Filing date
    • Parties involved
    • Case type
    • Current status
    • Scheduled hearings

Important limitations of the online system include:

  • Only basic case information is available online
  • Document images are not accessible through the public portal
  • Cases filed before 2000 may have limited online information
  • Confidential or sealed cases will not appear in search results

For more comprehensive online access, the court offers a subscription-based service for attorneys and frequent users:

Riverside Superior Court Electronic Access Program
Riverside Courts E-Access
(951) 777-3147

Additionally, third-party websites may offer divorce record searches, but these services typically aggregate public information and may not provide current or complete records. Official records should always be verified through the Riverside County Superior Court or Clerk-Recorder's Office.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Riverside County?

While obtaining certified copies of divorce records in Riverside County typically involves fees, several methods exist for accessing basic divorce record information at no cost:

  1. Use the Riverside County Superior Court's public access terminal:

Riverside County Superior Court - Public Access Terminals
4175 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(951) 777-3147

These terminals allow free searches of the court's case management system, providing basic case information including:

  • Case numbers
  • Party names
  • Filing dates
  • Case status
  • Hearing dates
  1. Visit the Riverside County Law Library:

Riverside County Law Library
3989 Lemon Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 368-0368
Riverside County Law Library

The law library provides:

  • Free access to legal research databases
  • Assistance from law librarians in locating public records
  • Reference materials on family law and court procedures
  1. Review the court calendar:

Court calendars are posted daily at the courthouse and provide information about scheduled divorce hearings. While not comprehensive records, these calendars can confirm active cases and hearing dates.

  1. Utilize the online case index:

The Riverside Superior Court Public Access website provides free basic case information searches, though detailed documents are not available without fees.

It's important to note that while basic information may be accessed for free, obtaining copies of actual court documents or certified records will incur fees as established by California Government Code and local court rules.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Riverside County

Divorce records in Riverside County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire dissolution process. These records are maintained pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.550, which governs court records and their contents.

A complete divorce case file typically contains:

  1. Initial Pleadings:

    • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100)
    • Summons (FL-110)
    • Response to Petition (FL-120)
    • Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)

  2. Financial Disclosures:

    • Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
    • Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
    • Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
    • Property Declaration (FL-160)

  3. Child-Related Documents (if applicable):

    • Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105)
    • Child Custody and Visitation Application (FL-311)
    • Child Support Information and Order Attachment (FL-342)

  4. Agreements and Orders:

    • Marital Settlement Agreement
    • Stipulated Judgment
    • Temporary Orders
    • Court Minutes from Hearings

  5. Final Judgment:

    • Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180)
    • Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)
    • Child Custody and Visitation Order (FL-341)
    • Child Support Order (FL-342)
    • Spousal Support Order (FL-343)
    • Property Order (FL-345)

The certified divorce certificate, available from the Riverside County Clerk-Recorder, contains more limited information:

  • Names of both parties
  • Date of marriage
  • Date of divorce finalization
  • County where divorce was granted
  • Case number
  • Court of jurisdiction

Certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed in public versions of these records, including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Financial account numbers
  • Driver's license numbers
  • Minor children's personal information
  • Victim information in cases involving domestic violence

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Riverside County?

Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Riverside County have several options for obtaining official documentation, depending on their specific needs and the intended use of the proof.

For a certified copy of the divorce decree (judgment):

  1. Visit the Riverside County Superior Court Family Law Division:

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside - Family Law Division
4175 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(951) 777-3147
Riverside County Superior Court

  1. Complete a "Request for Copies" form available at the clerk's office
  2. Provide the case number (if known) or names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
  3. Present valid government-issued photo identification
  4. Pay the required fee (currently $15 for search plus $0.50 per page, with an additional $40 for certification)

For a certified copy of the divorce certificate:

  1. Contact the Riverside County Clerk-Recorder:

Riverside County Clerk-Recorder
2720 Gateway Drive
Riverside, CA 92507
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(951) 486-7000
Riverside County Clerk-Recorder

  1. Complete an "Application for Certified Copy of Marriage or Divorce Record"
  2. Provide proper identification establishing your relationship to the parties
  3. Submit a sworn statement (notarized if requesting by mail)
  4. Pay the required fee (currently $17 per certified copy)

For divorces finalized between 1962 and June 1984, records may also be requested from:

California Department of Public Health - Vital Records
MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
(916) 445-2684
California Department of Public Health

For international use, certified copies may require additional authentication:

  1. Obtain a certified copy from the Riverside County Superior Court
  2. Request authentication from the California Secretary of State
  3. For countries requiring apostille, submit the document for apostille certification

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Riverside County?

Divorce proceedings in Riverside County are generally matters of public record; however, under specific circumstances, certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by California Rules of Court, rule 2.551, which establishes procedures for sealing court records.

Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:

  1. Confidential Marriage Licenses:

    • Couples who obtained a confidential marriage license under California Family Code § 500 may have certain aspects of their divorce proceedings kept confidential
    • The fact of the marriage itself remains confidential, though the divorce proceeding generally follows standard public access rules

  2. Sealed Records by Court Order:

    • Either party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file
    • The court must find that there is an "overriding interest" that overcomes the right of public access
    • The proposed sealing must be narrowly tailored and no less restrictive means exist to protect the interest

  3. Automatically Confidential Information:

    • Financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, and driver's license numbers
    • Medical records and psychological evaluations
    • Reports from court-appointed investigators in child custody matters
    • Income tax returns
    • Victim information in cases involving domestic violence

  4. Summary Dissolution:

    • While not fully confidential, summary dissolutions under California Family Code § 2400 involve simplified procedures with potentially less public information

To request confidentiality for divorce records, parties must:

  1. File a motion with the Riverside County Superior Court requesting sealing
  2. Demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the public interest in access
  3. Specify exactly which documents should be sealed and for what duration
  4. Obtain a court order from the presiding judge

Even when records are sealed, certain basic information typically remains public, including the names of the parties, case number, and the fact that a divorce was granted.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Riverside County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Riverside County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court caseload. Under California law, all divorces are subject to a mandatory waiting period established by California Family Code § 2339, which prohibits final judgment from being entered until at least six months after the respondent is served with the petition or appears in the case.

Typical timeframes for different types of divorces in Riverside County include:

  1. Summary Dissolution (simplified divorce):

    • Minimum: 6 months from filing
    • Average: 6-8 months
    • Requirements include: marriage of less than 5 years, no children, limited assets/debts, mutual agreement on all terms

  2. Uncontested Divorce (with agreement):

    • Minimum: 6 months from service
    • Average: 8-10 months
    • Parties agree on all issues but don't qualify for summary dissolution

  3. Default Divorce (no response from other party):

    • Minimum: 6 months from service
    • Average: 8-12 months
    • Depends on court processing times and completeness of paperwork

  4. Contested Divorce (disagreement on issues):

    • Minimum: 6 months from service
    • Average: 12-18 months
    • Complex cases: 2+ years
    • Factors affecting duration include property valuation disputes, child custody evaluations, and court availability

According to the Riverside County Superior Court, factors that commonly extend divorce timelines include:

  • High-conflict custody disputes requiring evaluations
  • Complex property division requiring forensic accounting
  • Business valuation issues
  • Retirement and pension division complications
  • Discovery disputes and motions
  • Continuances requested by either party
  • Court congestion and scheduling limitations

The court's current statistics indicate that approximately 65% of divorce cases in Riverside County are resolved within 12 months of filing, while about 20% extend beyond 18 months, particularly those involving significant assets or contested child custody matters.

How Long Does Riverside County Keep Divorce Records?

Riverside County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule that varies by record type and is governed by California Government Code and the Trial Court Records Manual established by the Judicial Council of California.

Court case files for divorces in Riverside County are retained according to the following schedule:

  1. Complete Case Files:

    • Permanent retention for cases filed before 1991
    • 30 years from date of final disposition for cases filed after 1991
    • This includes all pleadings, orders, and judgments

  2. Judgment and Decree Documents:

    • Permanent retention regardless of filing date
    • These key documents are never destroyed

  3. Exhibits and Evidence:

    • Retained for 60 days after final disposition if no appeal is filed
    • For appealed cases, retained until final disposition of appeal
    • Parties must request return of exhibits, or they may be destroyed after the retention period

  4. Court Recordings and Transcripts:

    • Digital recordings: 10 years from recording date
    • Paper transcripts: Same retention period as the case file

The Riverside County Clerk-Recorder maintains divorce certificates indefinitely, with records dating back to the county's formation in 1893. These records are preserved through:

  • Microfilm archives for older records
  • Digital preservation systems for more recent records
  • Secure off-site storage for original documents

The California Department of Public Health maintains a centralized index of divorces that occurred between 1962 and June 1984, as specified in California Health and Safety Code § 103200.

For divorces occurring after June 1984, records are maintained at the county level only, with no centralized state repository. This decentralized system means that individuals seeking divorce records must contact the specific county where the divorce was granted.

How To Get a Divorce In Riverside County

Obtaining a divorce in Riverside County requires following specific legal procedures established under California Family Code. The process varies depending on the complexity of the case and level of agreement between parties.

To initiate a divorce in Riverside County:

  1. Determine eligibility:

    • Either spouse must have been a California resident for six months
    • Either spouse must have been a Riverside County resident for three months
    • These residency requirements are established by California Family Code § 2320

  2. Prepare initial documents:

    • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100)
    • Summons (FL-110)
    • Property Declaration (FL-160) if applicable
    • Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105) if children are involved

  3. File documents with the Riverside County Superior Court:

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside - Family Law Division
4175 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(951) 777-3147
Riverside County Superior Court

  1. Pay the filing fee (currently $435) or request a fee waiver if eligible

  2. Serve the divorce papers on your spouse:

    • Service must be performed by someone 18 or older who is not a party to the case
    • The server must complete a Proof of Service (FL-115)
    • File the completed Proof of Service with the court

  3. Complete financial disclosures:

    • Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
    • Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
    • Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
    • These must be exchanged between parties but not filed with the court

  4. Resolve issues through one of these methods:

  5. Prepare and file final judgment documents:

    • Judgment (FL-180)
    • Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)
    • Marital Settlement Agreement if applicable
    • Child custody, support, and visitation orders if applicable

  6. Wait for the mandatory six-month waiting period to elapse before the divorce becomes final

For assistance with the divorce process, Riverside County offers:

Riverside County Self-Help Center
4175 Main Street, 1st Floor
Riverside, CA 92501
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
(951) 777-3147
Riverside County Self-Help

How To Get Divorce Papers In Riverside County

Individuals seeking divorce papers in Riverside County have several options for obtaining the necessary forms to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings. These documents are standardized throughout California and are governed by the Judicial Council of California.

To obtain divorce papers in Riverside County:

  1. Visit the Riverside County Superior Court Self-Help Center:

Riverside County Self-Help Center
4175 Main Street, 1st Floor
Riverside, CA 92501
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
(951) 777-3147
Riverside County Self-Help

The Self-Help Center provides:

  • Free form packets for various divorce situations
  • Assistance in identifying which forms are needed
  • Instructions for completing forms
  • Information on filing procedures
  • Referrals to legal resources

  1. Download forms from the California Courts website:

    • Visit the California Courts Self-Help Divorce page
    • Select the appropriate forms based on your situation
    • Forms are available in fillable PDF format
    • Instructions are provided for each form

  2. Use the California Courts Online Self-Help Center:

  3. Visit the Riverside County Law Library:

Riverside County Law Library
3989 Lemon Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 368-0368
Riverside County Law Library

The law library provides:

  • Access to all required forms
  • Reference materials on divorce procedures
  • Computer access for downloading and completing forms
  • Assistance from law librarians (though not legal advice)
  1. Consult with the Family Law Facilitator:

Riverside County Family Law Facilitator
4175 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 777-3147
Family Law Facilitator

The Family Law Facilitator provides:

  • Guidance on which forms are needed
  • Assistance with form completion
  • Review of completed forms
  • Information about court procedures

Essential divorce forms include:

  • Petition for Dissolution (FL-100)
  • Summons (FL-110)
  • Property Declaration (FL-160)
  • Declaration Under UCCJEA (FL-105) if children are involved
  • Response to Petition (FL-120) for the responding party

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