How do I get a copy of my divorce decree in California?

To get a copy of your divorce decree (dissolution judgment), contact the Superior Court clerk in the county where the divorce was filed. You can also search online through many California county court portals using the case number or party names. The California Department of Public Health issues Certificates of Record for divorces from 1962 forward.

What is a divorce decree?

A divorce decree — formally called a dissolution judgment or judgment of dissolution of marriage in California — is the final court order that legally ends a marriage. It incorporates the marital settlement agreement or court's decisions on property division, spousal support, and custody, and restores both parties to single status.

Are Divorce Records Public in California? How to Find Them

Q: Are divorce records public in California?

Partially. Divorce certificates confirming that a dissolution occurred are public records available from the California Department of Public Health or county clerk. The underlying court file containing financial declarations and settlement agreements is generally accessible but certain documents may be sealed on a showing of good cause.

A divorce decree — the formal court judgment dissolving a marriage, also called a dissolution judgment — is the document that makes a divorce final. Many people searching for dissolution of marriage records California are looking for a copy of this decree. Divorce records in California are a mix of public and confidential information, and understanding what is accessible — and through what process — affects both privacy planning and practical research. Whether you are trying to verify your own divorce was finalized, researching a potential partner's marital history, or tracing a family history, this guide explains California's approach to divorce record access.

Are Divorce Records Public in California?

Partially. California divorce records are not fully public the way criminal records or property records are. The California vital records system treats divorce certificates — the official record that a divorce occurred — differently from the underlying divorce court files, which contain the actual pleadings, financial disclosures, custody orders, and settlement agreements.

Divorce certificates — California issues a Certificate of Record of Divorce or Nullity for dissolutions granted in California. These certificates confirm that a divorce occurred, the date it was finalized, the county, and the case number. They are available from the California Department of Public Health's Vital Records office or from the county clerk's office. These are public records but require identification and a fee to obtain.

Divorce court files — The actual court file — including the petition, financial declarations, custody evaluations, and settlement agreements — is held by the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was filed. These records are generally accessible to the public, but courts may seal specific portions of a file on a showing of good cause.

Are Divorce Filings Public Record?

Yes, with limitations. The initial petition for dissolution of marriage and the summons are filed with the court and become part of the public record. However, many documents filed in California family law proceedings contain sensitive financial and personal information. Courts can seal specific documents — such as confidential financial declarations, business records, or documents containing minor children's personal information — on a finding of good cause under California Rules of Court Rule 2.550.

Income and expense declarations filed in family court proceedings are generally confidential under Family Code §2024.6 and California Rules of Court, and are not automatically available to the general public even though the case file itself is accessible.

How to Look Up Divorce Records in California

There are several ways to access California divorce records:

County Superior Court — Most Complete Option

The Superior Court in the county where the divorce was filed maintains the complete court file. You can search court records online through many California county court websites using the case number or parties' names. Some courts allow remote access to case information; others require an in-person visit to the clerk's office. Orange County Superior Court and Riverside County Superior Court both have online case search portals. In-person review of the physical file may be arranged through the clerk's office.

California Department of Public Health — Vital Records

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) maintains records of divorces granted in California from 1962 forward. CDPH can issue a Certificate of Record of Divorce confirming that a divorce occurred, along with basic information about the date and county. These records do not include the details of the divorce — only confirmation that it occurred. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person. A fee is required.

County Clerk/Recorder

Some counties maintain local divorce record indices separate from the CDPH system. The county clerk where the divorce was filed may be able to confirm whether a divorce was granted and provide basic information about the case.

How to Find Out If Your Divorce Is Final

If you are unsure whether your own divorce was finalized, the most reliable approach is to contact the Superior Court in the county where the dissolution was filed and ask the clerk's office to check the status of your case. You will need the case number or the names of both parties and the approximate year of filing. The court can confirm whether a judgment was entered and when the status of the parties changed to divorced.

You can also look up your divorce status online through the Superior Court's case portal if your county offers online access. Your attorney — if you had one — would have received a file-stamped copy of the judgment and can confirm finalization.

California Divorce Records Online — Free Searches

Many California Superior Courts provide free online case search portals. The Orange County Superior Court (occourts.org) and the Riverside County Superior Court (riverside.courts.ca.gov) both offer online case search functionality that allows searches by party name or case number. These portals provide case status information, hearing dates, and sometimes documents, though the depth of access varies by county and by the type of document.

Third-party websites that aggregate court data also exist, but their data is often incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. For reliable information, always go to the official court website or clerk's office directly.

Privacy in California Divorce Proceedings

If you have concerns about privacy in your divorce proceeding — particularly regarding financial information, business interests, or sensitive personal matters — several options exist. Parties may agree to file financial declarations under seal. Courts may grant protective orders limiting access to certain records. Arbitration or private judging (through California's expedited jury trial procedures or a retired judge acting as a private temporary judge) can keep proceedings entirely out of the public court record.

Furubotten Law, APC can advise on privacy strategies for your specific situation.

Serving Orange County and Riverside County Clients

Call (714) 795-3862 to speak with our team about your family law matter. We serve Orange County, Temecula, Murrieta, and mid-county Riverside County, and can assist with all aspects of divorce proceedings from filing through finalization.