#Marriage papers how to

This divorce document contains all information in the divorce decree and certificate, as well as every case file and document from the divorce process. The California divorce record holds the most amount of information. Besides mail and in-person request methods, the superior court clerks (the custodians of divorce decrees in California) may allow eligible persons to order divorce decrees online. The divorcees will need to request this document to make changes to their divorce agreement. Similar to a divorce certificate, this document is typically only available to the people who filed divorce papers (i.e., the spouse who filed the original divorce petition or the respondent spouse) and their attorneys. The decree is signed by the judge involved and will include a court case number. This includes custody information, property allocations, and spousal payments such as child support and alimony payment amounts and scheduling. What is a Divorce Decree in California?Ī California divorce decree is a document containing the same information as the divorce certificate, but it also includes information about the divorce judgment. Although, some states allow others to obtain the record in specific circumstances. Typically, this divorce document is only accessible to the two ex-spouses and the lawyers who oversaw the divorce proceedings. For example, if one of the divorced parties wants to change the name on their driver’s license, they will need to have this document. A divorce certificate is usually requested when the parties to a divorce agreement wish to change their names or remarry. Essentially, it states that two people filed divorce papers in California, the county where they got divorced, and when the divorce was finalized. What is a California Divorce Certificate?Ī California divorce certificate is a divorce document that contains the least information but is also the most common. These sites usually search statewide for a divorce record, which allows the requester to identify the county of filing for a divorce record, at the very least. Other than the government agencies, the public may also use third-party public record websites to expedite the process of acquiring California divorce records online. To search such databases, an individual will usually require the following information: Interested persons can check the applicable court clerk’s website (the administrative office of the presiding divorce court) for an online database to order or retrieve divorce records. However, among government sources, online access to divorce records is available only from the courts.

Hence, individuals can obtain divorce records from government agencies like the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and superior court clerk’s offices, so long as no statute, common law, or court order restricts access. California law allows public access to marriage dissolution records created or maintained in the state. Yes, divorce records are public in California. Are Divorce Records Public in California? Simply put, divorce records are significantly harder to obtain and search for than other types of public records. A California divorce record, certificate, and decree availability is usually much lower than other types of public records because of the personal nature of divorces. Because of this, the availablity of a divorce record varies depending on the type and its components. However, these records can offer personal information on minors, finances, and sensitive criminal information like domestic abuse. They may be available to the public and searched on third-party public record websites. Understanding the differences between each divorce document and who has legal access can save one time when searching for divorce records in California.Ĭalifornia divorce records are considered court records. Others include a divorce certificate and divorce case file. Notably, a divorce decree is only one of the three types of dissolution of marriage records created by public agencies after a divorce proceeding. Among other duties, the superior court serves as the divorce court in California and has jurisdiction to issue divorce decrees (the final court judgment that ends marriages). Couples can initiate divorce proceedings in California by filing divorce papers in a California superior court. When two married people decide to reverse, annul, or otherwise invalidate that decision, it is known as a divorce.

#Marriage papers how to

How to Find a Divorce Record in California